UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
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| (Mark One) |
x | Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
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| For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 |
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o | Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
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Commission File Number 001-11967 |
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ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION |
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) |
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Delaware |
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| 11-3170868 |
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(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
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| (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
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One Astoria Federal Plaza, Lake Success, New York |
| 11042 |
| (516) 327-3000 |
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(Address of principal executive offices) |
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: | ||||
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Title of each class |
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| Name of each exchange on which registered |
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Common Stock, par value $.01 per share |
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| New York Stock Exchange |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
YESx NOo
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. YESo NOx
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act 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. YESx NOo
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
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Large accelerated filerx | Accelerated filero | Non-accelerated filero | Smaller reporting companyo |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
YESo NOx
The aggregate market value of Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2007, based on the closing price for a share of the registrant’s Common Stock on that date as reported by the New York Stock Exchange, was $2.34 billion.
The number of shares of the registrant’s Common Stock outstanding as of February 15, 2008 was 96,049,314 shares.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement to be utilized in connection with the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 21, 2008 and any adjournment thereof, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days from December 31, 2007, are incorporated by reference into Part III.
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION
2007 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT
This Annual Report on Form 10-K 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:
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| • | the timing and occurrence or non-occurrence of events may be subject to circumstances beyond our control; |
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| • | there may be increases in competitive pressure among financial institutions or from non-financial institutions; |
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| • | changes in the interest rate environment may reduce interest margins or affect the value of our investments; |
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| • | changes in deposit flows, loan demand or real estate values may adversely affect our business; |
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| • | changes in accounting principles, policies or guidelines may cause our financial condition to be perceived differently; |
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| • | general economic conditions, either nationally or locally in some or all areas in which we do business, or conditions in the real estate or securities markets or the banking industry may be less favorable than we currently anticipate; |
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| • | legislative or regulatory changes may adversely affect our business; |
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| • | technological changes may be more difficult or expensive than we anticipate; |
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| • | success or consummation of new business initiatives may be more difficult or expensive than we anticipate; or |
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| • | litigation or other matters before regulatory agencies, whether currently existing or commencing in the future, may be determined adverse to us or may delay the occurrence 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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As used in this Form 10-K, “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Astoria Financial Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries, principally Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association.
General
We are a Delaware corporation organized in 1993 as the unitary savings and loan association holding company of Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association and its consolidated subsidiaries, or Astoria Federal. We are headquartered in Lake Success, New York and our principal business is the operation of our wholly-owned subsidiary, Astoria Federal. Astoria Federal’s primary business is attracting retail deposits from the general public and investing those deposits, together with funds generated from operations, principal repayments on loans and securities and borrowings, primarily in one-to-four family mortgage loans, multi-family mortgage loans, commercial real estate loans and mortgage-backed securities. To a lesser degree, Astoria Federal also invests in construction loans and consumer and other loans, U.S. government, government agency and government-sponsored enterprise, or GSE, securities and other investments permitted by federal banking laws and regulations.
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 net income is also affected by our provision for loan losses, non-interest income, general and administrative expense and income tax expense. Non-interest income includes customer service fees; other loan fees; net gain on sales of securities; mortgage banking income, net; income from bank owned life insurance, or BOLI; and other non-interest income. General and administrative expense consists of compensation and benefits expense; occupancy, equipment and systems expense; federal deposit insurance premiums; advertising expense; and other operating expenses. Our earnings are 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.
In addition to Astoria Federal, Astoria Financial Corporation has two other subsidiaries, AF Insurance Agency, Inc. and Astoria Capital Trust I. AF Insurance Agency, Inc. is a licensed life insurance agency and property and casualty insurance broker. Through contractual agreements with various third party marketing organizations, AF Insurance Agency, Inc. makes insurance products available primarily to the customers of Astoria Federal. AF Insurance Agency, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary which is consolidated with Astoria Financial Corporation for financial reporting purposes. Our other subsidiary, Astoria Capital Trust I, 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,” or FIN 46(R). 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 the only voting securities of Astoria Capital Trust I), which are 100% owned by Astoria Financial Corporation, and using the proceeds to acquire Junior Subordinated Debentures issued by Astoria Financial Corporation. 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.
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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 Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. Such reports are also available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov/edgar/searchedgar/webusers.htm.
Lending Activities
General
Our loan portfolio is comprised primarily of mortgage loans, most of which are secured by one-to-four family properties and, to a lesser extent, multi-family properties and commercial real estate. The remainder of the loan portfolio consists of a variety of construction loans and consumer and other loans. At December 31, 2007, our net loan portfolio totaled $16.08 billion, or 74.0% of total assets.
We originate mortgage loans either directly through our banking and loan production offices in New York or indirectly through brokers and our third party loan origination program. Mortgage loan originations and purchases totaled $4.23 billion for the year ended December 31, 2007 and $3.43 billion for the year ended December 31, 2006. Mortgage loan originations include originations of loans held-for-sale totaling $203.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 and $232.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. Our retail loan origination program accounted for $1.01 billion of originations during 2007 and $1.29 billion of originations during 2006. We also have an extensive broker network covering twenty-two states and the District of Columbia. Our broker loan origination program consists of relationships with mortgage brokers and accounted for $2.81 billion of originations during 2007 and $1.76 billion of originations during 2006. Our third party loan origination program includes relationships with other financial institutions and mortgage bankers covering twenty-nine states and the District of Columbia and accounted for purchases of $407.3 million during 2007 and $385.6 million during 2006. Mortgage loans purchased through our third party loan origination program are subject to the same underwriting standards as our retail and broker originations. Our various loan origination programs provide efficient and diverse delivery channels for deployment of our cash flows. Additionally, our broker and third party loan origination programs provide geographic diversification, reducing our exposure to concentrations of credit risk. At December 31, 2007, $5.58 billion, or 35.6% of our total mortgage loan portfolio was secured by properties located in New York and $10.10 billion, or 64.4%, of our total mortgage loan portfolio was secured by properties located in 41 other states and the District of Columbia. Excluding New York, we have a concentration of greater than 5.0% of our total mortgage loan portfolio in seven states: 10.2% in California, 9.9% in New Jersey, 8.7% in Connecticut, 8.0% in Illinois, 6.2% in Virginia, 5.4% in Maryland and 5.1% in Massachusetts. See the “Loan Portfolio Composition” table on page 8 and the “Loan Maturity, Repricing and Activity” tables on pages 8 and 9.
We outsource the servicing of our mortgage loan portfolio, including our portfolio of mortgage loans serviced for other investors to an unrelated third party under a sub-servicing agreement.
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One-to-Four Family Mortgage Lending
Our primary lending emphasis is on the origination and purchase of first mortgage loans secured by one-to-four family properties that serve as the primary residence of the owner. To a much lesser degree, we make loans secured by non-owner occupied one-to-four family properties acquired as an investment by the borrower, although we discontinued originating such loans in January 2008. We also originate a limited number of second mortgage loans which are underwritten according to the same standards as first mortgage loans.
At December 31, 2007, $11.63 billion, or 72.5%, of our total loan portfolio consisted of one-to-four family mortgage loans, of which $11.23 billion, or 96.6%, were adjustable rate mortgage, or ARM, loans. Our ARM loan portfolio consists primarily of interest-only hybrid and hybrid ARM loans. We do not originate negative amortization loans, payment option loans or other loans with short-term interest-only periods. We offer interest-only hybrid ARM loans, generally with thirty year terms, which have an initial fixed rate for three, five or seven years and convert into one year interest-only ARM loans at the end of the initial fixed rate period. However, effective January 2008, we no longer offer interest-only hybrid ARM loans with an initial fixed rate period of three years. Our interest-only ARM 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. Our portfolio of one-to-four family interest-only ARM loans totaled $7.64 billion, or 65.7% of our one-to-four family mortgage loans, at December 31, 2007. We also offer hybrid ARM loans which initially have a fixed rate for three, five, seven or ten years and convert into one year ARM loans at the end of the initial fixed rate period. The three, five and seven year hybrid ARM loans have terms of up to forty years and the ten year hybrid ARM loans have terms of up to thirty years. Our hybrid ARM loans require the borrower to make principal and interest payments during the entire loan term.
Within our one-to-four family mortgage loan portfolio of interest-only hybrid ARM loans, hybrid ARM loans and fixed rate loans, we have reduced documentation loan products. Reduced documentation loans are comprised of stated income, full asset, or SIFA, loans; stated income, stated asset, or SISA, loans; and Super Streamline loans. SIFA and SISA loans require a prospective borrower to complete a standard mortgage loan application while the Super Streamline product requires the completion of an abbreviated application and is, in effect, considered a “no documentation” loan. At December 31, 2007 our portfolio of one-to-four family reduced documentation loans totaled $2.89 billion, or 24.9% of our one-to-four family mortgage loans, and was comprised primarily of SIFA loans. During the 2007 second quarter, we discontinued originating SISA and Super Streamline loans and during the 2007 fourth quarter, we discontinued originating SIFA loans.
All ARM loans we offer have annual and lifetime interest rate ceilings and floors. ARM loans may be offered with an initial interest rate which is less than the fully indexed rate for the loan at the time of origination. We determine the initial discounted rate in accordance with market and competitive factors. We underwrite ARM loans using the initial rate, which may be a discounted rate. To recognize the credit risks associated with interest-only hybrid ARM loans, during the 2006 second quarter, we began underwriting our interest-only hybrid ARM loans based on a fully amortizing thirty year loan. Additionally, effective in 2007, in accordance with federal banking regulatory guidelines, we began underwriting our interest-only hybrid ARM loans at the higher of the fully indexed rate or the initial note rate. We use the same underwriting standards for our retail, broker and third party mortgage loan originations.
Our policy on owner-occupied, one-to-four family loans is to lend up to 80% of the appraised value of the property securing the loan. Prior to the fourth quarter of 2007, for mortgage loans which had a loan-to-value ratio of greater than 80%, we required the mortgagor to obtain private mortgage insurance. In addition, we offered a variety of proprietary products which allowed the borrower to obtain financing of up to 90% loan-to-value without private mortgage insurance, through a combination of a first mortgage loan with an 80% loan-to-value and a home equity line of credit for the additional 10%. This type of financing does not comprise a significant portion of our lending portfolio. During the fourth quarter of 2007, we revised our policy on originations of owner-occupied, one-to-four family loans to discontinue
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lending amounts in excess of 80% of the appraised value of the property securing the loan, except in the case of loans originated under our affordable housing program, which is consistent with our program for compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act, or CRA, and in the case of loans originated for sale. See “Regulation and Supervision – Community Reinvestment” for a further discussion of the CRA.
ARM loans pose credit risks somewhat greater than the risks posed by fixed rate loans primarily because, as interest rates rise, the underlying payments of the borrower increase when the loan is beyond its initial fixed rate period, increasing the potential for default. Interest-only ARM loans have an additional potential risk element when the loan payments adjust after the tenth anniversary of the loan to include principal payments resulting in a further increase in the underlying payments. We continue to prudently manage the greater risk posed by ARM and interest-only ARM loans through the application of sound underwriting practices and strong risk management systems.
Our reduced documentation loans also have additional elements of risk since not all of the information provided by the borrower is verified and in the case of the Super Streamline product, the information provided by the borrower is limited. However, each of these products requires the receipt of an appraisal of the real estate used as collateral for the mortgage loan and a credit report on the prospective borrower. The loans are priced according to our internal risk assessment of the loan giving consideration to the loan-to-value ratio, the potential borrower’s credit scores and various other credit criteria. SIFA loans require the verification of a potential borrower’s asset information on the loan application, but not the income information provided. SIFA loans comprised approximately 13% of our one-to-four family loan originations in 2007 and had an average loan-to-value ratio at origination of 66%. The SISA and Super Streamline loans represented only 1% of our 2007 originations.
Generally, we originate fifteen year and thirty year fixed rate one-to-four family mortgage loans for sale to various GSEs or other investors with servicing either retained or released. The sale of such loans is generally arranged through a master commitment either on a mandatory delivery or best efforts basis. Loans serviced for others totaled $1.27 billion at December 31, 2007.
One-to-four family loan originations and purchases totaled $3.82 billion in 2007 and $2.73 billion in 2006. One-to-four family loan originations include originations of loans held-for-sale totaling $203.7 million in 2007 and $232.2 million in 2006.
Multi-Family and Commercial Real Estate Lending
While we are primarily a one-to-four family mortgage lender, we also originate multi-family and commercial real estate loans. At December 31, 2007, $2.95 billion, or 18.4%, of our total loan portfolio consisted of multi-family mortgage loans and $1.03 billion, or 6.4%, of our total loan portfolio consisted of commercial real estate loans. During 2007, we originated $410.4 million of multi-family, commercial real estate and mixed use loans compared to $664.4 million in 2006. Mixed use loans are secured by properties which are intended for both residential and business use and are classified as multi-family or commercial real estate based on the greater number of residential versus commercial units.
The multi-family and commercial real estate loans in our portfolio consist of both fixed rate and adjustable rate loans which were originated at prevailing market rates. Multi-family and commercial real estate loans are generally five to fifteen year term balloon loans amortized over fifteen to thirty years. We also originate interest-only multi-family and commercial real estate loans to qualified borrowers. Such loans are underwritten on the basis of a fully amortizing loan. Multi-family and commercial real estate interest-only loans differ from one-to-four family interest-only loans in that the interest-only period for multi-family and commercial real estate loans generally ranges from one to five years and such loans typically provide for balloon payments at maturity. Our portfolio of multi-family and commercial real estate interest-only loans totaled $639.7 million, or 16.1% of our multi-family and commercial real estate loans, at December 31, 2007, and was comprised primarily of multi-family loans. In making multi-family and commercial real estate loans, we primarily consider the ability of the net operating income generated by the real estate to support the debt service, the financial resources, income level and managerial expertise of the borrower, the marketability of the property and our lending experience with the borrower. Our current
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policy is to require a minimum debt service coverage ratio of 1.20 times for multi-family and commercial real estate loans. Additionally, on multi-family loans, our current policy is to finance up to 80% of the lesser of the purchase price or appraised value of the property securing the loan on purchases or 80% of the appraised value on refinances. On commercial real estate loans, our current policy is to finance up to 75% of the lesser of the purchase price or appraised value of the property securing the loan on purchases or 75% of the appraised value on refinances.
Our policy generally has been to originate multi-family and commercial real estate loans in the New York metropolitan area, which includes New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, although we have also originated loans in various other states, including Florida and Pennsylvania. Originations in states other than New York, New Jersey and Connecticut represented 12.0% of our total originations in 2007. 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, therefore, are currently only originating such loans in the New York metropolitan area.
The majority of the multi-family loans in our portfolio are secured by six- to fifty-unit apartment buildings and mixed use properties (more residential than business units). As of December 31, 2007, our single largest multi-family credit had an outstanding balance of $16.3 million and was current and secured by a 276-unit apartment complex in Staten Island, New York. At December 31, 2007, the average balance of loans in our multi-family portfolio was approximately $900,000.
Commercial real estate loans are typically secured by retail stores, office buildings and mixed use properties (more business than residential units). As of December 31, 2007, our single largest commercial real estate credit had an outstanding principal balance of $7.5 million and was current and secured by a one-story retail building with 10 retail units in Ozone Park, New York. At December 31, 2007, the average balance of loans in our commercial real estate portfolio was approximately $1.1 million.
Historically, multi-family and commercial real estate loans generally involve a greater degree of credit risk than one-to-four family loans because they typically have larger balances and may be affected to a greater degree by adverse conditions in the economy. As such, these loans require more ongoing evaluation and monitoring. Because payments on loans secured by multi-family properties and commercial real estate often depend upon the successful operation and management of the properties and the businesses which operate from within them, repayment of such loans may be affected by factors outside the borrower’s control, such as adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy or changes in government regulation.
Construction Loans
At December 31, 2007, $77.7 million, or 0.5%, of our total loan portfolio consisted of construction loans. We offer construction loans for all types of residential properties and certain commercial real estate properties. Generally, construction loan terms run between one and two years and are interest-only, adjustable rate loans indexed to the prime rate. We generally offer construction loans up to a maximum of $10.0 million. As of December 31, 2007, our average construction loan commitment was approximately $3.3 million and the average outstanding balance of loans in our construction loan portfolio was approximately $1.9 million.
Construction lending involves additional credit risk to the lender as compared with other types of mortgage lending. This additional credit risk is attributable to the fact that loan funds are advanced upon the security of the project under construction, predicated on the present value of the property and the anticipated future value of the property upon completion of construction or development. Construction loans are funded monthly, based on the work completed, and are generally monitored by a professional construction engineer and our commercial real estate lending department. To a lesser extent, qualified bank appraisers and certified home inspectors are utilized to monitor less complex projects. We are not pursuing these types of loans in the current real estate market.
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Consumer and Other Loans
At December 31, 2007, $356.8 million, or 2.2%, of our total loan portfolio consisted of consumer and other loans which were primarily home equity lines of credit. Our home equity lines of credit are originated on one-to-four family owner-occupied properties. Prior to the fourth quarter of 2007, these lines of credit were generally limited to aggregate outstanding indebtedness secured by up to 90% of the appraised value of the property. During the fourth quarter of 2007, we revised our policy on originations of home equity lines of credit to limit aggregate outstanding indebtedness to 75% of the appraised value of the property and only for loans where we hold the first lien mortgage on the property. Such lines of credit are underwritten based on our evaluation of the borrower’s ability to repay the debt. Home equity lines of credit are adjustable rate loans which are indexed to the prime rate and generally reset monthly.
We also offer overdraft protection, lines of credit, commercial loans, passbook loans and student loans. Consumer and other loans, with the exception of home equity and commercial lines of credit, are offered primarily on a fixed rate, short-term basis. The underwriting standards we employ for consumer and other loans include a determination of the borrower’s payment history on other debts and an assessment of the borrower’s ability to make payments on the proposed loan and other indebtedness. In addition to the creditworthiness of the borrower, the underwriting process also includes a review of the value of the collateral, if any, in relation to the proposed loan amount. Our consumer and other loans tend to have higher interest rates, shorter maturities and are considered to entail a greater risk of default than one-to-four family mortgage loans.
Included in consumer and other loans were $20.5 million of commercial business loans at December 31, 2007. These loans are underwritten based upon the cash flow and earnings of the borrower and the value of the collateral securing such loans, if any.
Loan Approval Procedures and Authority
Except for individual loans in excess of $15.0 million or when the overall lending relationship exceeds $60.0 million (unless the Board of Directors has set a higher limit with respect to a particular borrower), mortgage loan approval authority has been delegated by the Board of Directors to our underwriters and Loan Committee, which consists of certain members of executive management and other Astoria Federal officers. For loans between $10.0 million and $15.0 million, the approval of two non-officer directors is also required.
For mortgage loans secured by one-to-four family properties, upon receipt of a completed application from a prospective borrower, we generally order a credit report, verify income and other information and, if necessary, obtain additional financial or credit related information. As previously discussed, reduced documentation loans have varied verification and documentation requirements. For mortgage loans secured by multi-family properties and commercial real estate, we obtain financial information concerning the operation of the property. Personal guarantees are generally not obtained with respect to multi-family and commercial real estate loans. An appraisal of the real estate used as collateral for mortgage loans is also obtained as part of the underwriting process. All appraisals are performed by licensed or certified appraisers, the majority of which are licensed independent third party appraisers. We have an internal appraisal review process to monitor third party appraisals. The Board of Directors annually reviews and approves our appraisal policy.
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Loan Portfolio Composition
The following table sets forth the composition of our net loans receivable portfolio in dollar amounts and in percentages of the portfolio at the dates indicated.
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| At December 31, |
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(Dollars in Thousands) |
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Mortgage loans (gross): |
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One-to-four family |
| $ | 11,628,270 |
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| 72.51 | % | $ | 10,214,146 |
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| 68.67 | % | $ | 9,757,920 |
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| 68.24 | % | $ | 9,054,747 |
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| 68.68 | % | $ | 8,971,048 |
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| 71.13 | % |
Multi-family |
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| 2,945,546 |
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| 18.36 |
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| 2,987,531 |
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| 20.09 |
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| 2,826,807 |
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| 19.77 |
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| 2,558,935 |
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| 19.41 |
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| 2,230,414 |
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| 17.69 |
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Commercial real estate |
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| 1,031,812 |
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| 6.43 |
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| 1,100,218 |
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| 7.40 |
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| 1,075,914 |
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| 7.52 |
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| 944,859 |
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| 7.17 |
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| 880,296 |
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| 6.98 |
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Construction |
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| 77,723 |
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| 0.48 |
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| 140,182 |
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| 0.94 |
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| 137,012 |
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| 0.96 |
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| 117,766 |
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| 0.89 |
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| 99,046 |
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| 0.79 |
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Total mortgage loans |
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| 15,683,351 |
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| 97.78 |
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| 14,442,077 |
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| 97.10 |
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| 13,797,653 |
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| 96.49 |
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| 12,676,307 |
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| 96.15 |
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| 12,180,804 |
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| 96.59 |
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Consumer and other loans (gross): |
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Home equity |
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| 320,884 |
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| 1.99 |
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| 392,141 |
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| 2.64 |
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| 460,064 |
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| 3.22 |
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| 466,087 |
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| 3.53 |
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| 386,846 |
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| 3.07 |
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Commercial |
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| 20,494 |
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| 0.13 |
|
| 22,262 |
|
| 0.15 |
|
| 24,644 |
|
| 0.17 |
|
| 21,819 |
|
| 0.17 |
|
| 21,937 |
|
| 0.17 |
|
Other |
|
| 15,443 |
|
| 0.10 |
|
| 16,387 |
|
| 0.11 |
|
| 17,796 |
|
| 0.12 |
|
| 19,382 |
|
| 0.15 |
|
| 21,363 |
|
| 0.17 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total consumer and other loans |
|
| 356,821 |
|
| 2.22 |
|
| 430,790 |
|
| 2.90 |
|
| 502,504 |
|
| 3.51 |
|
| 507,288 |
|
| 3.85 |
|
| 430,146 |
|
| 3.41 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total loans (gross) |
|
| 16,040,172 |
|
| 100.00 | % |
| 14,872,867 |
|
| 100.00 | % |
| 14,300,157 |
|
| 100.00 | % |
| 13,183,595 |
|
| 100.00 | % |
| 12,610,950 |
|
| 100.00 | % |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net unamortized premiums and deferred loan costs |
|
| 114,842 |
|
|
|
|
| 98,824 |
|
|
|
|
| 92,136 |
|
|
|
|
| 79,684 |
|
|
|
|
| 76,037 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total loans |
|
| 16,155,014 |
|
|
|
|
| 14,971,691 |
|
|
|
|
| 14,392,293 |
|
|
|
|
| 13,263,279 |
|
|
|
|
| 12,686,987 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance for loan losses |
|
| (78,946 | ) |
|
|
|
| (79,942 | ) |
|
|
|
| (81,159 | ) |
|
|
|
| (82,758 | ) |
|
|
|
| (83,121 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total loans, net |
| $ | 16,076,068 |
|
|
|
| $ | 14,891,749 |
|
|
|
| $ | 14,311,134 |
|
|
|
| $ | 13,180,521 |
|
|
|
| $ | 12,603,866 |
|
|
|
|
Loan Maturity, Repricing and Activity
The following table shows the contractual maturities of our loans receivable at December 31, 2007 and does not reflect the effect of prepayments or scheduled principal amortization.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| At December 31, 2007 |
| ||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) |
| One-to- |
| Multi- |
| Commercial |
| Construction |
| Consumer |
| Total Loans |
| ||||||
Amount due: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Within one year |
| $ | 5,552 |
| $ | 5,446 |
| $ | 4,788 |
| $ | 69,947 |
| $ | 18,238 |
| $ | 103,971 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
After one year: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Over one to three years |
|
| 16,530 |
|
| 17,987 |
|
| 7,608 |
|
| 7,776 |
|
| 13,351 |
|
| 63,252 |
|
Over three to five years |
|
| 54,371 |
|
| 49,317 |
|
| 40,057 |
|
| — |
|
| 6,486 |
|
| 150,231 |
|
Over five to ten years |
|
| 260,569 |
|
| 1,733,620 |
|
| 661,257 |
|
| — |
|
| 4,330 |
|
| 2,659,776 |
|
Over ten to twenty years |
|
| 310,862 |
|
| 943,721 |
|
| 291,649 |
|
| — |
|
| 3,353 |
|
| 1,549,585 |
|
Over twenty years |
|
| 10,980,386 |
|
| 195,455 |
|
| 26,453 |
|
| — |
|
| 311,063 |
|
| 11,513,357 |
|
Total due after one year |
|
| 11,622,718 |
|
| 2,940,100 |
|
| 1,027,024 |
|
| 7,776 |
|
| 338,583 |
|
| 15,936,201 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total amount due |
| $ | 11,628,270 |
| $ | 2,945,546 |
| $ | 1,031,812 |
| $ | 77,723 |
| $ | 356,821 |
| $ | 16,040,172 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net unamortized premiums and deferred loan costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 114,842 |
|
Allowance for loan losses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| (78,946 | ) |
Loans receivable, net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $ | 16,076,068 |
|
8
The following table sets forth at December 31, 2007, the dollar amount of our loans receivable contractually maturing after December 31, 2008, and whether such loans have fixed interest rates or adjustable interest rates. Our interest-only hybrid and hybrid ARM loans are classified as adjustable rate loans.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Maturing After December 31, 2008 |
| |||||||
|
| |||||||||
(In Thousands) |
| Fixed |
| Adjustable |
| Total |
| |||
Mortgage loans: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
One-to-four family |
| $ | 389,887 |
| $ | 11,232,831 |
| $ | 11,622,718 |
|
Multi-family |
|
| 372,994 |
|
| 2,567,106 |
|
| 2,940,100 |
|
Commercial real estate |
|
| 102,100 |
|
| 924,924 |
|
| 1,027,024 |
|
Construction |
|
| — |
|
| 7,776 |
|
| 7,776 |
|
Consumer and other loans |
|
| 12,431 |
|
| 326,152 |
|
| 338,583 |
|
Total |
| $ | 877,412 |
| $ | 15,058,789 |
| $ | 15,936,201 |
|
The following table sets forth our loan originations, purchases, sales and principal repayments for the periods indicated, including loans held-for-sale.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| For the Year Ended December 31, |
| |||||||
|
| |||||||||
(In Thousands) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| 2005 |
| |||
Mortgage loans (gross) (1): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At beginning of year |
| $ | 14,457,975 |
| $ | 13,820,428 |
| $ | 12,698,725 |
|
Mortgage loans originated: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
One-to-four family |
|
| 3,412,315 |
|
| 2,346,056 |
|
| 2,380,388 |
|
Multi-family |
|
| 363,648 |
|
| 524,645 |
|
| 683,643 |
|
Commercial real estate |
|
| 46,777 |
|
| 139,723 |
|
| 269,269 |
|
Construction |
|
| 1,993 |
|
| 36,975 |
|
| 114,507 |
|
Total mortgage loans originated |
|
| 3,824,733 |
|
| 3,047,399 |
|
| 3,447,807 |
|
Purchases of mortgage loans (2) |
|
| 407,316 |
|
| 385,567 |
|
| 874,529 |
|
Principal repayments |
|
| (2,786,822 | ) |
| (2,579,143 | ) |
| (2,820,437 | ) |
Sales of mortgage loans |
|
| (224,428 | ) |
| (248,767 | ) |
| (361,579 | ) |
Advances on construction loans in excess of (less than) originations |
|
| 23,558 |
|
| 34,611 |
|
| (15,285 | ) |
Transfer of loans to real estate owned |
|
| (10,749 | ) |
| (897 | ) |
| (2,107 | ) |
Net loans charged off |
|
| (2,908 | ) |
| (1,223 | ) |
| (1,225 | ) |
At end of year |
| $ | 15,688,675 |
| $ | 14,457,975 |
| $ | 13,820,428 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consumer and other loans (gross) (3): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At beginning of year |
| $ | 431,466 |
| $ | 503,511 |
| $ | 508,691 |
|
Consumer and other loans originated |
|
| 153,715 |
|
| 216,373 |
|
| 295,495 |
|
Principal repayments |
|
| (225,536 | ) |
| (286,670 | ) |
| (297,843 | ) |
Sales of consumer and other loans |
|
| (1,243 | ) |
| (1,754 | ) |
| (2,458 | ) |
Net loans (charged off) recovered |
|
| (588 | ) |
| 6 |
|
| (374 | ) |
At end of year |
| $ | 357,814 |
| $ | 431,466 |
| $ | 503,511 |
|
|
|
(1) | Includes loans classified as held-for-sale totaling $5.3 million, $15.9 million and $22.8 million at December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. |
|
|
(2) | Purchases of mortgage loans represent third party loan originations and are secured by one-to-four family properties. |
|
|
(3) | Includes loans classified as held-for-sale totaling $993,000, $676,000 and $1.0 million at December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. |
Asset Quality
General
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
9
collection efforts and marketing of non-performing loans and foreclosed properties, we have been proactive in addressing problem and non-performing assets which, in turn, has helped maintain the strength of our financial condition.
The underlying credit quality of our loan portfolio is dependent primarily on each borrower’s ability to continue to make required loan payments and, in the event a borrower is unable to continue to do so, the value of the collateral securing the loan, if any. A borrower’s ability to pay typically is dependent, in the case of one-to-four family mortgage loans and consumer loans, primarily on employment and other sources of income, and in the case of multi-family and commercial real estate loans, on the cash flow generated by the property, which in turn is impacted by general economic conditions. Other factors, such as unanticipated expenditures or changes in the financial markets, may also impact a borrower’s ability to pay. Collateral values, particularly real estate values, are also impacted by a variety of factors including general economic conditions, demographics, maintenance and collection or foreclosure delays.
Non-performing Assets
Non-performing assets include non-accrual loans, mortgage loans delinquent 90 days or more and still accruing interest and real estate owned, or REO. Total non-performing assets increased $55.4 million to $115.4 million at December 31, 2007, from $60.0 million at December 31, 2006. Non-performing loans, the most significant component of non-performing assets, increased $46.9 million to $106.3 million at December 31, 2007, from $59.4 million at December 31, 2006. The increases in non-performing assets and non-performing loans were primarily due to an increase of $48.3 million in non-performing one-to-four family mortgage loans, of which $32.5 million were reduced documentation loans. The increase in non-performing loans and assets occurred primarily during the second half of 2007. We believe the increase is primarily due to the overall increase in our loan portfolio and the continued decline of the real estate and housing markets, as well as the overall economic environment. As a geographically diversified lender, we are not immune to negative consequences arising from overall economic weakness and, in particular, a sharp downturn in the housing industry nationally. We continue to closely monitor the local and national real estate markets and other factors related to risks inherent in our loan portfolio. Despite the increase in non-performing loans at December 31, 2007, our non-performing loans continue to remain at low levels in relation to the size of our loan portfolio. The ratio of non-performing loans to total loans increased to 0.66% at December 31, 2007, from 0.40% at December 31, 2006. Our ratio of non-performing assets to total assets increased to 0.53% at December 31, 2007, from 0.28% at December 31, 2006. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total non-performing loans decreased to 74.25% at December 31, 2007, from 134.55% at December 31, 2006. For a further discussion of our non-performing assets and non-performing loans and the allowance for loan losses, see Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” or “MD&A.”
During the year ended December 31, 2007, we sold $10.4 million of non-performing mortgage loans, primarily multi-family and commercial real estate loans. For further discussion of the sale of these loans, including the impact the sale may have had on our non-performing loans, non-performing assets and related ratios at December 31, 2007, see “Asset Quality” in Item 7, “MD&A.”
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 December 31, 2007, $38.3 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. In some circumstances, we continue to accrue interest on mortgage loans delinquent 90 days or more as to their maturity date, but not their interest due. Such loans totaled $474,000 at December 31, 2007 and $488,000 at December 31, 2006. In general, 90 days prior to a loan’s maturity, the borrower is reminded of the maturity date. Where the borrower has continued to make monthly payments to us and where we do not have a reason to believe
10
that any loss will be incurred on the loan, we have treated these loans as current and have continued to accrue interest.
REO represents real estate acquired as a result of foreclosure or by deed in lieu of foreclosure and is carried in other assets, net of allowances for losses, at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated selling costs. We maintain an allowance for losses representing decreases in value which are charged to income along with any additional expenses incurred on the property. Fair value is estimated through current appraisals, a drive-by inspection of the property or a market analysis of comparable homes in the area. Write-downs required at the time of acquisition are charged to the allowance for loan losses. The net carrying value of our REO totaled $9.1 million, net of an allowance for losses of $493,000, at December 31, 2007 and $627,000 at December 31, 2006 and consisted of one-to-four family properties. There was no allowance for losses on REO at December 31, 2006.
Classified Assets
Our Asset Review Department reviews and classifies our assets and independently reports the results of its reviews to our Board of Directors quarterly. Our Asset Classification Committee establishes policy relating to the internal classification of loans and also provides input to the Asset Review Department in its review of our assets.
Federal regulations and our policy require the classification of loans and other assets, such as debt and equity securities considered to be of lesser quality, as special mention, substandard, doubtful or loss. An asset classified as special mention has potential weaknesses, which, if uncorrected, may result in the deterioration of the repayment prospects or in our credit position at some future date. An asset classified as substandard is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or the collateral pledged, if any. Substandard assets include those characterized by the distinct possibility that we will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Assets classified as doubtful have all of the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make collection or liquidation in full satisfaction of the loan amount, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable. Assets classified as loss are those considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as assets without the establishment of a specific loss reserve is not warranted. Those assets classified as substandard, doubtful or loss are considered adversely classified. See the table on page 71 for additional information on our classified assets.
If a loan is individually classified, an updated estimate of collateral value is obtained through an appraisal, where practical. In instances where we have not taken possession of the property or do not otherwise have access to the premises and therefore cannot obtain a complete appraisal, an estimated value of the property is obtained based primarily on a drive-by inspection and a comparison of the property securing the loan with similar properties in the area, by either a licensed appraiser or real estate broker for one-to-four family properties. For multi-family and commercial real estate properties, our internal Asset Review personnel estimate the collateral value based on an internal cash flow analysis, coupled with, in most cases, a drive-by inspection of the property. In circumstances for which we have determined that repayment of the loan will be based solely on the collateral and the unpaid balance of the loan is greater than the estimated fair value of such collateral, a specific valuation allowance is established for the difference between the carrying value and the fair value less estimated selling costs.
Impaired Loans
A loan is normally deemed impaired when it is probable we will be unable to collect both principal and interest due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. A valuation allowance is established when the current estimated fair value of the property that collateralizes the impaired loan, if any, is less than the recorded investment in the loan. Our impaired loans at December 31, 2007, net of their related allowance for loan losses of $6.3 million, totaled $48.8 million. Interest income recognized on impaired loans amounted to $2.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. For further detail on
11
our impaired loans, see Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
Allowance for Loan Losses
For a discussion of our accounting policy related to the allowance for loan losses, see “Critical Accounting Policies-Allowance for Loan Losses” in Item 7, “MD&A.”
In addition to the requirements of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, related to loss contingencies, a federally chartered savings association’s determination as to the classification of its assets and the amount of its valuation allowances is subject to review by the Office of Thrift Supervision, or OTS. The OTS, in conjunction with the other federal banking agencies, provides guidance for financial institutions on both the responsibilities of management for the assessment and establishment of adequate allowances and guidance for banking agency examiners to use in determining the adequacy of valuation allowances. It is required that all institutions have effective systems and controls to identify, monitor and address asset quality problems, analyze all significant factors that affect the collectibility of the portfolio in a reasonable manner and establish acceptable allowance evaluation processes that meet the objectives of the federal regulatory agencies. While we believe that the allowance for loan losses has been established and maintained at adequate levels, future adjustments may be necessary if economic or other conditions differ substantially from the conditions used in making the initial determinations. In addition, there can be no assurance that the OTS or other regulators, as a result of reviewing our loan portfolio and/or allowance, will not request that we alter our allowance for loan losses, thereby affecting our financial condition and earnings.
Investment Activities
General
Our investment policy is designed to complement our lending activities, generate a favorable return without incurring undue interest rate and credit risk, enable us to manage the interest rate sensitivity of our overall assets and liabilities and provide and maintain liquidity, primarily through cash flow. In establishing our investment strategies, we consider our business and growth plans, the economic environment, our interest rate sensitivity position, the types of securities held and other factors. At December 31, 2007, our securities portfolio totaled $4.37 billion, or 20.1% of total assets.
Federally chartered savings associations have authority to invest in various types of assets, including U.S. Treasury obligations; securities of government agencies and GSEs; mortgage-backed securities, including collateralized mortgage obligations, or CMOs, and real estate mortgage investment conduits, or REMICs; certain certificates of deposit of insured banks and federally chartered savings associations; certain bankers acceptances; and, subject to certain limits, corporate securities, commercial paper and mutual funds. Our investment policy also permits us to invest in certain derivative financial instruments. We do not use derivatives for trading purposes. See Note 1 and Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” for further discussion of such derivative financial instruments.
Securities
Our securities portfolio is comprised primarily of mortgage-backed securities. At December 31, 2007,our mortgage-backed securities totaled $4.28 billion, or 97.9% of total securities, of which $4.23 billion, or 96.6% of total securities, were REMIC and CMO securities, substantially all of which had fixed rates. These securities provide liquidity, collateral for borrowings and minimal credit risk while providing appropriate returns and are an attractive alternative to other investments due to the wide variety of maturity and repayment options available. Of the REMIC and CMO securities portfolio, $3.96 billion, or 93.7%, are guaranteed by Fannie Mae, or FNMA, Freddie Mac, or FHLMC, or Ginnie Mae, or GNMA, as issuer. The balance of this portfolio is comprised of privately issued securities, substantially all of which have a credit rating of AAA. In addition to our REMIC and CMO securities, at December 31,
12
2007, we had $55.3 million, or 1.3% of total securities, in mortgage-backed pass-through certificates guaranteed by either FNMA, FHLMC or GNMA.
Mortgage-backed securities generally yield less than the loans that underlie such securities because of the cost of payment guarantees or credit enhancements that reduce credit risk. However, mortgage-backed securities are more liquid than individual mortgage loans and more easily used to collateralize our borrowings. In general, our mortgage-backed securities are weighted at no more than 20% for OTS risk-based capital purposes, compared to the 50% risk weighting assigned to most non-securitized one-to-four family mortgage loans. While mortgage-backed securities carry a reduced credit risk as compared to whole loans, they, along with whole loans, remain subject to the risk of a fluctuating interest rate environment. Changes in interest rates affect both the prepayment rate and estimated fair value of mortgage-backed securities and mortgage loans.
In addition to mortgage-backed securities, at December 31, 2007, we had $89.7 million of other securities, consisting primarily of FHLMC preferred stock, some of which, by their terms, may be called by the issuer, typically after the passage of a fixed period of time. At December 31, 2007, the amortized cost of callable securities totaled $83.5 million. Securities called during the year ended December 31, 2007 totaled $20.0 million.
At December 31, 2007, our securities available-for-sale totaled $1.31 billion and our securities held-to-maturity totaled $3.06 billion. For a further discussion of our securities portfolio, see the tables on pages 14, 15 and 16, Item 7, “MD&A,” and Note 1 and Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
As a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank, or FHLB, of New York, or FHLB-NY, Astoria Federal is required to maintain a specified investment in the capital stock of the FHLB-NY. See “Regulation and Supervision - Federal Home Loan Bank System.”
Repurchase Agreements
We invest in various money market instruments, including repurchase agreements (securities purchased under agreements to resell) and overnight and term federal funds, although at December 31, 2007 and 2006 we had no investments in federal funds sold. Money market instruments are used to invest our available funds resulting from cash flow and to help satisfy liquidity needs. For a further discussion of our repurchase agreements, see Item 7, “MD&A” and Note 1 and Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
13
Securities Portfolio
The following table sets forth the composition of our available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities portfolios at their respective carrying values in dollar amounts and in percentages of the portfolios at the dates indicated. Our available-for-sale securities portfolio is carried at estimated fair value and our held-to-maturity securities portfolio is carried at amortized cost.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| At December 31, |
| ||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
|
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| 2005 |
| ||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) |
| Amount |
| Percent |
| Amount |
| Percent |
| Amount |
| Percent |
| ||||||
Securities available-for-sale: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mortgage-backed securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
REMICs and CMOs: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GSE issuance |
| $ | 1,138,139 |
| 86.67 | % |
| $ | 1,315,254 |
| 84.29 | % |
| $ | 1,567,312 |
| 85.12 | % |
|
Non-GSE issuance |
|
| 38,381 |
| 2.92 |
|
|
| 47,905 |
| 3.07 |
|
|
| 57,938 |
| 3.15 |
|
|
GSE pass-through certificates |
|
| 53,202 |
| 4.05 |
|
|
| 65,956 |
| 4.23 |
|
|
| 93,124 |
| 5.06 |
|
|
FHLMC preferred and FNMA common stock |
|
| 83,034 |
| 6.32 |
|
|
| 130,217 |
| 8.35 |
|
|
| 120,495 |
| 6.54 |
|
|
Other securities |
|
| 550 |
| 0.04 |
|
|
| 993 |
| 0.06 |
|
|
| 2,482 |
| 0.13 |
|
|
Total securities available-for-sale |
| $ | 1,313,306 |
| 100.00 | % |
| $ | 1,560,325 |
| 100.00 | % |
| $ | 1,841,351 |
| 100.00 | % |
|
Securities held-to-maturity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mortgage-backed securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
REMICs and CMOs: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GSE issuance |
| $ | 2,822,089 |
| 92.30 | % |
| $ | 3,474,662 |
| 91.94 | % |
| $ | 4,346,631 |
| 91.88 | % |
|
Non-GSE issuance |
|
| 227,278 |
| 7.43 |
|
|
| 283,017 |
| 7.49 |
|
|
| 354,395 |
| 7.49 |
|
|
GSE pass-through certificates |
|
| 2,108 |
| 0.07 |
|
|
| 3,484 |
| 0.09 |
|
|
| 5,737 |
| 0.12 |
|
|
Obligations of states and political subdivisions and corporate debt securities |
|
| 6,069 |
| 0.20 |
|
|
| 18,193 |
| 0.48 |
|
|
| 24,190 |
| 0.51 |
|
|
Total securities held-to-maturity |
| $ | 3,057,544 |
| 100.00 | % |
| $ | 3,779,356 |
| 100.00 | % |
| $ | 4,730,953 |
| 100.00 | % |
|
14
The table below sets forth certain information regarding the amortized costs, estimated fair values, weighted average yields and contractual maturities of our repurchase agreements, FHLB-NY stock, securities available-for-sale and securities held-to-maturity at December 31, 2007 and does not reflect the effect of prepayments or scheduled principal amortization on our REMICs, CMOs and pass-through certificates.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Within |
| One to |
| Five to |
| Over |
| Total Securities |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) |
| Amortized |
| Weighted |
| Amortized |
| Weighted |
| Amortized |
| Weighted |
| Amortized |
| Weighted |
| Amortized |
| Estimated |
| Weighted |
| |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Repurchase agreements |
| $ | 24,218 |
| 4.40 | % |
| $ | — |
| — | % |
| $ | — |
| — | % |
| $ | — |
| — | % |
| $ | 24,218 |
| $ | 24,218 |
| 4.40 | % |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FHLB-NY stock (1)(2) |
| $ | — |
| — | % |
| $ | — |
| — | % |
| $ | — |
| — | % |
| $ | 201,490 |
| 8.40 | % |
| $ | 201,490 |
| $ | 201,490 |
| 8.40 | % |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities available-for-sale: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
REMICs and CMOs: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GSE issuance |
| $ | 14 |
| 6.55 | % |
| $ | — |
| — | % |
| $ | — |
| — | % |
| $ | 1,184,615 |
| 3.96 | % |
| $ | 1,184,629 |
| $ | 1,138,139 |
| 3.96 | % |
|
Non-GSE issuance |
|
| — |
| — |
|
|
| — |
| — |
|
|
| 120 |
| 5.68 |
|
|
| 40,606 |
| 3.71 |
|
|
| 40,726 |
|
| 38,381 |
| 3.71 |
|
|
GSE pass-through certificates |
|
| — |
| — |
|
|
| 439 |
| 7.90 |
|
|
| 13,045 |
| 6.97 |
|
|
| 38,508 |
| 7.07 |
|
|
| 51,992 |
|
| 53,202 |
| 7.05 |
|
|
FHLMC preferred and FNMA common stock (1) |
|
| — |
| — |
|
|
| — |
| — |
|
|
| — |
| — |
|
|
| 83,011 |
| 7.01 |
|
|
| 83,011 |
|
| 83,034 |
| 7.01 |
|
|
Other securities |
|
| 25 |
| 5.25 |
|
|
| 525 |
| 4.51 |
|
|
| — |
| — |
|
|
| — |
| — |
|
|
| 550 |
|
| 550 |
| 4.54 |
|
|
Total securities available-for-sale |
| $ | 39 |
| 5.72 | % |
| $ | 964 |
| 6.05 | % |
| $ | 13,165 |
| 6.96 | % |
| $ | 1,346,740 |
| 4.23 | % |
| $ | 1,360,908 |
| $ | 1,313,306 |
| 4.26 | % |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities held-to-maturity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
REMICs and CMOs: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GSE issuance |
| $ | — |
| — | % |
| $ | — |
| — | % |
| $ | 169,434 |
| 4.65 | % |
| $ | 2,652,655 |
| 4.49 | % |
| $ | 2,822,089 |
| $ | 2,784,400 |
| 4.50 | % |
|
Non-GSE issuance |
|
| — |
| — |
|
|
| — |
| — |
|
|
| 24 |
| 9.14 |
|
|
| 227,254 |
| 4.40 |
|
|
| 227,278 |
|
| 220,353 |
| 4.40 |
|
|
GSE pass-through certificates |
|
| 33 |
| 8.46 |
|
|
| 93 |
| 9.51 |
|
|
| 1,884 |
| 7.22 |
|
|
| 98 |
| 9.54 |
|
|
| 2,108 |
|
| 2,192 |
| 7.45 |
|
|
Obligations of states and political subdivisions |
|
| — |
| — |
|
|
| — |
| — |
|
|
| 915 |
| 6.50 |
|
|
| 5,154 |
| 6.50 |
|
|
| 6,069 |
|
| 6,069 |
| 6.50 |
|
|
Total securities held-to-maturity |
| $ | 33 |
| 8.46 | % |
| $ | 93 |
| 9.51 | % |
| $ | 172,257 |
| 4.69 | % |
| $ | 2,885,161 |
| 4.49 | % |
| $ | 3,057,544 |
| $ | 3,013,014 |
| 4.50 | % |
|
|
|
(1) | As equity securities have no maturities, they are classified in the over ten years category. |
|
|
(2) | The carrying amount of FHLB-NY stock equals cost. The weighted average yield represents the 2007 fourth quarter dividend rate declared by the FHLB-NY in January 2008. |
15
The following table sets forth the aggregate amortized cost and estimated fair value of our securities, substantially all of which are mortgage-backed securities, where the aggregate amortized cost of securities from a single issuer exceeds ten percent of our stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2007.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In Thousands) |
| Amortized |
| Estimated |
| ||
| |||||||
FHLMC |
| $ | 2,573,985 |
| $ | 2,532,661 |
|
FNMA |
|
| 1,441,045 |
|
| 1,401,762 |
|
FHLB-NY stock |
|
| 201,490 |
|
| 201,490 |
|
Sources of Funds
General
Our primary source of funds is the cash flow provided by our investing activities, including principal and interest payments on loans and securities. Our other sources of funds are provided by operating activities (primarily net income) and financing activities, including deposits and borrowings.
Deposits
We offer a variety of deposit accounts with a range of interest rates and terms. We presently offer passbook and statement savings accounts, money market accounts, NOW and demand deposit accounts, Liquid certificates of deposit, or Liquid CDs, and certificates of deposit, which include all time deposits other than Liquid CDs. Liquid CDs have maturities of three months, require the maintenance of a minimum balance and allow depositors the ability to make periodic deposits to and withdrawals from their account. We consider Liquid CDs as part of our core deposits, along with savings accounts, money market accounts and NOW and demand deposit accounts, due to their depositor flexibility. At December 31, 2007, our deposits totaled $13.05 billion. Of the total deposit balance, $1.56 billion, or 11.9%, represent Individual Retirement Accounts. We held no brokered deposits at December 31, 2007.
The flow of deposits is influenced significantly by general economic conditions, changes in prevailing interest rates, pricing of deposits and competition. Our deposits are primarily obtained from areas surrounding our banking offices. We rely primarily on our sales and marketing efforts, including print advertising, competitive rates, quality service, our PEAK Process, new products and long-standing customer relationships to attract and retain these deposits. When we determine the levels of our deposit rates, consideration is given to local competition, yields of U.S. Treasury securities and the rates charged for other sources of funds. We continue to experience intense competition for deposits. However, we continue to maintain a strong level of core deposits, which has contributed to our low cost of funds. Core deposits represented 39.5% of total deposits at December 31, 2007.
For a further discussion of our deposits, see the following tables, Item 7, “MD&A,” and Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
The following table presents our deposit activity for the years indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| For the Year Ended December 31, |
| |||||||
|
| |||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| 2005 |
| |||
Opening balance |
| $ | 13,224,024 |
| $ | 12,810,455 |
| $ | 12,323,257 |
|
Net (withdrawals) deposits |
|
| (630,625 | ) |
| 28,799 |
|
| 205,799 |
|
Interest credited |
|
| 456,039 |
|
| 384,770 |
|
| 281,399 |
|
Ending balance |
| $ | 13,049,438 |
| $ | 13,224,024 |
| $ | 12,810,455 |
|
Net (decrease) increase |
| $ | (174,586 | ) | $ | 413,569 |
| $ | 487,198 |
|
Percentage (decrease) increase |
|
| (1.32 | )% |
| 3.23 | % |
| 3.95 | % |
16
The following table sets forth the maturity periods of our certificates of deposit and Liquid CDs in amounts of $100,000 or more at December 31, 2007.
|
|
|
|
|
(In Thousands) |
| Amount |
| |
Within three months |
| $ | 1,379,561 |
|
Three to six months |
|
| 731,479 |
|
Six to twelve months |
|
| 686,856 |
|
Over twelve months |
|
| 442,236 |
|
| ||||
Total |
| $ | 3,240,132 |
|
|
The following table sets forth the distribution of our average deposit balances for the periods indicated and the weighted average nominal interest rates for each category of deposit presented.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| For the Year Ended December 31, |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| 2005 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) |
| Average |
| Percent |
| Weighted |
| Average |
| Percent |
| Weighted |
| Average |
| Percent |
| Weighted |
| |||||||||
Savings |
| $ | 2,014,253 |
|
| 15.22 | % |
| 0.40 | % | $ | 2,325,346 |
|
| 17.90 | % |
| 0.40 | % | $ | 2,742,417 |
|
| 21.74 | % |
| 0.40 | % |
Money market |
|
| 379,634 |
|
| 2.87 |
|
| 0.99 |
|
| 536,549 |
|
| 4.13 |
|
| 0.98 |
|
| 804,855 |
|
| 6.38 |
|
| 0.93 |
|
NOW |
|
| 863,679 |
|
| 6.53 |
|
| 0.11 |
|
| 885,456 |
|
| 6.81 |
|
| 0.10 |
|
| 936,848 |
|
| 7.43 |
|
| 0.10 |
|
Non-interest bearing NOW and demand deposit |
|
| 601,784 |
|
| 4.55 |
|
| — |
|
| 614,675 |
|
| 4.73 |
|
| — |
|
| 632,571 |
|
| 5.01 |
|
| — |
|
Liquid CDs |
|
| 1,549,774 |
|
| 11.71 |
|
| 4.62 |
|
| 1,092,533 |
|
| 8.41 |
|
| 4.52 |
|
| 350,923 |
|
| 2.78 |
|
| 3.01 |
|
Total |
|
| 5,409,124 |
|
| 40.88 |
|
| 1.56 |
|
| 5,454,559 |
|
| 41.98 |
|
| 1.19 |
|
| 5,467,614 |
|
| 43.34 |
|
| 0.55 |
|
Certificates of deposit (1): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Within one year |
|
| 2,064,884 |
|
| 15.60 |
|
| 4.72 |
|
| 1,624,868 |
|
| 12.50 |
|
| 4.28 |
|
| 809,136 |
|
| 6.41 |
|
| 2.35 |
|
One to three years |
|
| 2,621,207 |
|
| 19.81 |
|
| 4.70 |
|
| 2,633,517 |
|
| 20.26 |
|
| 3.83 |
|
| 3,191,691 |
|
| 25.32 |
|
| 2.98 |
|
Three to five years |
|
| 1,905,804 |
|
| 14.40 |
|
| 4.23 |
|
| 2,466,044 |
|
| 18.98 |
|
| 4.22 |
|
| 2,760,364 |
|
| 21.88 |
|
| 4.32 |
|
Over five years |
|
| 14,306 |
|
| 0.11 |
|
| 4.19 |
|
| 22,043 |
|
| 0.17 |
|
| 4.18 |
|
| 54,856 |
|
| 0.43 |
|
| 4.53 |
|
Jumbo |
|
| 1,217,566 |
|
| 9.20 |
|
| 4.90 |
|
| 793,368 |
|
| 6.11 |
|
| 4.63 |
|
| 330,617 |
|
| 2.62 |
|
| 3.25 |
|
Total |
|
| 7,823,767 |
|
| 59.12 |
|
| 4.62 |
|
| 7,539,840 |
|
| 58.02 |
|
| 4.14 |
|
| 7,146,664 |
|
| 56.66 |
|
| 3.45 |
|
Total deposits |
| $ | 13,232,891 |
|
| 100.00 | % |
| 3.37 | % | $ | 12,994,399 |
|
| 100.00 | % |
| 2.90 | % | $ | 12,614,278 |
|
| 100.00 | % |
| 2.19 | % |
(1) Terms indicated are original, not term remaining to maturity.
The following table presents, by rate categories, the remaining periods to maturity of our certificates of deposit and Liquid CDs outstanding at December 31, 2007 and the balances of our certificates of deposit and Liquid CDs outstanding at December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| Period to maturity from December 31, 2007 |
| At December 31, |
| ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) |
| Within |
| One to two |
| Two to three |
| Over three |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| 2005 |
| ||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||
Certificates of deposit and Liquid CDs: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
2.99% or less |
| $ | 112,640 |
| $ | 2,788 |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | 115,428 |
| $ | 145,721 |
| $ | 1,608,132 |
| |
3.00% to 3.99% |
|
| 682,488 |
|
| 113,865 |
|
| 23,397 |
|
| 9,478 |
|
| 829,228 |
|
| 1,612,583 |
|
| 4,076,948 |
| |
4.00% to 4.99% |
|
| 3,535,229 |
|
| 488,155 |
|
| 173,842 |
|
| 235,661 |
|
| 4,432,887 |
|
| 4,301,542 |
|
| 1,810,857 |
| |
5.00% and over |
|
| 3,118,438 |
|
| 402,524 |
|
| 251,452 |
|
| 195,587 |
|
| 3,968,001 |
|
| 3,102,119 |
|
| 585,032 |
| |
Total |
| $ | 7,448,795 |
| $ | 1,007,332 |
| $ | 448,691 |
| $ | 440,726 |
| $ | 9,345,544 |
| $ | 9,161,965 |
| $ | 8,080,969 |
| |
Borrowings
Borrowings are used as a complement to deposit generation as a funding source for asset growth and are an integral part of our interest rate risk management strategy. We enter into reverse repurchase agreements (securities sold under agreements to repurchase) with nationally recognized primary securities dealers and the FHLB-NY. Reverse repurchase agreements are accounted for as borrowings and are secured by the securities sold under the agreements. We also obtain advances from the FHLB-NY which are generally secured by a blanket lien against, among other things, our one-to-four family mortgage loan portfolio and our investment in FHLB-NY stock. The maximum amount that the FHLB-NY will advance, for purposes other than for meeting withdrawals, fluctuates from time to time in accordance with the policies of the FHLB-NY. See “Regulation and Supervision - Federal Home Loan Bank System.” Occasionally, we will
17
obtain funds through the issuance of unsecured debt obligations. These obligations are classified as other borrowings in our consolidated statement of financial condition. At December 31, 2007, borrowings totaled $7.18 billion.
In addition, at December 31, 2007, we had a 12-month commitment for overnight and one month lines of credit with the FHLB-NY totaling $300.0 million, of which $113.0 million was outstanding under the overnight line of credit, which is included in total borrowings. The lines of credit expire on July 31, 2008 and are renewable annually. Both lines of credit are priced at the federal funds rate plus a spread and reprice daily.
Included in our borrowings are various obligations which, by their terms, may be called by the securities dealers and the FHLB-NY. At December 31, 2007, we had $1.13 billion of borrowings which are callable within one year and at various times thereafter, of which $1.00 billion have contractual remaining maturities of over five years. We also have $2.10 billion of borrowings which are callable in 2009 and at various times thereafter, of which $300.0 million are due in 2010, $850.0 million are due in 2012 and $950.0 million are due in 2017.
For further information regarding our borrowings, including our borrowings outstanding, average borrowings, maximum borrowings and weighted average interest rates at and for each of the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, see Item 7, “MD&A” and Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
Market Area and Competition
Astoria Federal has been, and continues to be, a community-oriented federally chartered savings association offering a variety of financial services to meet the needs of the communities it serves. Our retail banking network includes multiple delivery channels including full service banking offices, automated teller machines and telephone and internet banking capabilities. We consider our strong retail banking network, together with our reputation for financial strength and customer service, as well as our competitive pricing, as our major strengths in attracting and retaining customers in our market areas.
Astoria Federal’s deposit gathering sources are primarily concentrated in the communities surrounding Astoria Federal’s banking offices in Queens, Kings (Brooklyn), Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester counties of New York. Astoria Federal ranked fourth in deposit market share, with an 8.4% market share, in the Long Island market, which includes the counties of Queens, Kings (Brooklyn), Nassau and Suffolk, based on the annual Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC, “Summary of Deposits - Market Share Report” dated June 30, 2007.
Astoria Federal originates mortgage loans through its banking and loan production offices in New York, through an extensive broker network covering twenty-two states and the District of Columbia and through a third party loan origination program covering twenty-nine states and the District of Columbia. Our various loan origination programs provide efficient and diverse delivery channels for deployment of our cash flows. Additionally, our broker and third party loan origination programs provide geographic diversification, reducing our exposure to concentrations of credit risk. During 2007, we reduced the number of states in which we originate and purchase one-to-four family loans due to the advanced economic declines in those markets.
The New York metropolitan area has a high density of financial institutions, a number of which are significantly larger and have greater financial resources than we have. Additionally, over the past several years, various large out-of-state financial institutions have entered the New York metropolitan area market. All are our competitors to varying degrees. Our competition for loans, both locally and nationally, comes principally from mortgage banking companies, commercial banks, savings banks and savings and loan associations. However, turmoil in the marketplace has resulted in a number of mortgage companies exiting the market and, therefore, dislocations in the secondary residential mortgage market. These dislocations have led to fewer participants, and thus, less competition in mortgage originations, stricter underwriting standards and wider pricing spreads. We have experienced continued intense competition for deposits. Our most direct competition for deposits comes from commercial banks, savings banks, savings
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and loan associations and credit unions. We also face competition for deposits from money market mutual funds and other corporate and government securities funds as well as from other financial intermediaries such as brokerage firms and insurance companies. During the second half of 2007, we faced a greater intensity of competition from certain larger financial institutions that have attempted to sustain their liquidity by offering retail deposits with rates above the market.
Subsidiary Activities
We have two direct wholly-owned subsidiaries, Astoria Federal and AF Insurance Agency, Inc., which are reported on a consolidated basis. AF Insurance Agency, Inc. is a licensed life insurance agency and property and casualty insurance broker. Through contractual agreements with various third party marketing organizations, AF Insurance Agency, Inc. makes insurance products available primarily to the customers of Astoria Federal.
We have one other direct subsidiary, Astoria Capital Trust I, which is not consolidated with Astoria Financial Corporation for financial reporting purposes in accordance with FIN 46(R). Astoria Capital Trust I was formed in 1999 for the purpose of issuing $125.0 million of Capital Securities and $3.9 million of common securities and using the proceeds to acquire $128.9 million of Junior Subordinated Debentures issued by us. The Junior Subordinated Debentures 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. See Note 1 and Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for further discussion of Astoria Capital Trust I, the Capital Securities and the Junior Subordinated Debentures.
At December 31, 2007, the following were wholly-owned subsidiaries of Astoria Federal and are reported on a consolidated basis.
AF Agency, Inc. was formed in 1990 and makes tax-deferred annuities and a variety of mutual funds available to the customers of Astoria Federal through an unaffiliated third party vendor. Astoria Federal is reimbursed for expenses and administrative services it provides to AF Agency, Inc. Fees generated by AF Agency, Inc. totaled $9.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, which represented 11.9% of non-interest income.
Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association Revocable Grantor Trust was formed in November 2000 in connection with the establishment of a BOLI program by Astoria Federal. Premiums paid to purchase BOLI in 2000 and 2002 totaled $350.0 million. The carrying amount of our investment in BOLI was $398.3 million, or 1.8% of total assets, at December 31, 2007. See Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for further discussion of BOLI.
Astoria Federal Mortgage Corp. is an operating subsidiary through which Astoria Federal engages in lending activities outside the State of New York.
Fidata Service Corp., or Fidata, was incorporated in the State of New York in November 1982. Fidata qualifies as a Connecticut passive investment company, or PIC, and for alternative tax treatment under Article 9A of the New York State Tax Law. Fidata maintains offices in Norwalk, Connecticut and invests in loans secured by real property which qualify as intangible investments permitted to be held by a Connecticut PIC. Fidata mortgage loans totaled $6.84 billion at December 31, 2007.
Suffco Service Corporation, or Suffco, serves as document custodian for the loans of Astoria Federal and Fidata and certain loans being serviced for FNMA and other investors.
Marcus I Inc. was incorporated in the State of New York in April 2006 and was formed to serve as assignee of certain commercial loans in default. Marcus I Inc. had no assets or operations during 2007.
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Astoria Federal has nine additional subsidiaries, one of which is a single purpose entity that has an interest in a real estate investment, which is not material to our financial condition, and seven of which are inactive and have no assets. The ninth such subsidiary serves as a holding company for one of the other eight.
Personnel
As of December 31, 2007, we had 1,494 full-time employees and 241 part-time employees, or 1,615 full time equivalents. The employees are not represented by a collective bargaining unit and we consider our relationship with our employees to be good.
Regulation and Supervision
General
Astoria Federal is subject to extensive regulation, examination and supervision by the OTS, as its chartering agency, and by the FDIC, as its deposit insurer. We, as a unitary savings and loan holding company, are regulated, examined and supervised by the OTS. Astoria Federal is a member of the FHLB-NY and its deposit accounts are insured up to applicable limits by the FDIC under the Deposit Insurance Fund, or DIF. We and Astoria Federal must file reports with the OTS concerning our activities and financial condition in addition to obtaining regulatory approvals prior to entering into certain transactions, such as mergers with, or acquisitions of, other financial institutions. The OTS periodically performs safety and soundness examinations of Astoria Federal and us and tests our compliance with various regulatory requirements. The FDIC reserves the right to do so as well. The OTS has primary enforcement responsibility over federally chartered savings associations and has substantial discretion to impose enforcement action on an institution that fails to comply with applicable regulatory requirements, particularly with respect to its capital requirements. In addition, the FDIC has the authority to recommend to the Director of the OTS that enforcement action be taken with respect to a particular federally chartered savings association and, if action is not taken by the Director, the FDIC has authority to take such action under certain circumstances.
This regulation and supervision establishes a comprehensive framework to regulate and control the activities in which we can engage and is intended primarily for the protection of the DIF and depositors. The regulatory structure also gives the regulatory authorities extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies, including policies with respect to the classification of assets and the establishment of adequate loan loss reserves for regulatory purposes. Any change in such regulation, whether by the OTS, FDIC or Congress, could have a material adverse impact on Astoria Federal and us and our respective operations.
The description of statutory provisions and regulations applicable to federally chartered savings associations and their holding companies and of tax matters set forth in this document does not purport to be a complete description of all such statutes and regulations and their effects on Astoria Federal and us.
Federally Chartered Savings Association Regulation
Business Activities
Astoria Federal derives its lending and investment powers from the Home Owners’ Loan Act, as amended, or HOLA, and the regulations of the OTS thereunder. Under these laws and regulations, Astoria Federal may invest in mortgage loans secured by residential and non-residential real estate, commercial and consumer loans, certain types of debt securities and certain other assets. Astoria Federal may also establish service corporations that may engage in activities not otherwise permissible for Astoria Federal, including certain real estate equity investments and securities and insurance brokerage activities. These investment powers are subject to various limitations, including (1) a prohibition against the acquisition of any corporate debt security that is not rated in one of the four highest rating categories, (2) a limit of 400% of an association’s capital on the aggregate amount of loans secured by non-residential real estate property, (3) a limit of 20% of an association’s assets on commercial loans, with the amount of commercial loans in excess of 10% of assets being limited to small business loans, (4) a limit of 35% of an association’s assets
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on the aggregate amount of consumer loans and acquisitions of certain debt securities, (5) a limit of 5% of assets on non-conforming loans (loans in excess of the specific limitations of HOLA), and (6) a limit of the greater of 5% of assets or an association’s capital on certain construction loans made for the purpose of financing what is or is expected to become residential property.
On October 4, 2006, the OTS and other federal bank regulatory authorities published the Interagency Guidance on Nontraditional Mortgage Product Risks, or the Guidance. The Guidance describes sound practices for managing risk, as well as marketing, originating and servicing nontraditional mortgage products, which include, among other things, interest-only loans. The Guidance sets forth supervisory expectations with respect to loan terms and underwriting standards, portfolio and risk management practices and consumer protection. For example, the Guidance indicates that originating interest-only loans with reduced documentation is considered a layering of risk and that institutions are expected to demonstrate mitigating factors to support their underwriting decision and the borrower’s repayment capacity. Specifically, the Guidance indicates that a lender may accept a borrower’s statement as to the borrower’s income without obtaining verification only if there are mitigating factors that clearly minimize the need for direct verification of repayment capacity and that, for many borrowers, institutions should be able to readily document income.
On December 14, 2006, the OTS published guidance entitled “Concentrations in Commercial Real Estate Lending, Sound Risk Management Practices,” or the CRE Guidance, to address concentrations of commercial real estate loans in savings associations. The CRE Guidance reinforces and enhances the OTS’s existing regulations and guidelines for real estate lending and loan portfolio management, but does not establish specific commercial real estate lending limits.
On June 29, 2007, the OTS and other federal bank regulatory agencies issued a final Statement on Subprime Mortgage Lending, or the Statement, to address the growing concerns facing the subprime mortgage market, particularly with respect to rapidly rising subprime default rates that may indicate borrowers do not have the ability to repay adjustable rate subprime loans originated by financial institutions. In particular, the agencies expressed concern in the Statement that current underwriting practices do not take into account that many subprime borrowers are not prepared for “payment shock” and that the current subprime lending practices compound risk for financial institutions. The Statement describes the prudent safety and soundness and consumer protection standards that financial institutions should follow to ensure borrowers obtain loans that they can afford to repay. These standards include a fully indexed, fully amortized qualification for borrowers and cautions on risk-layering features, including an expectation that stated income and reduced documentation should be accepted only if there are documented mitigating factors that clearly minimize the need for verification of a borrower’s repayment capacity. Consumer protection standards include clear and balanced product disclosures to customers and limits on prepayment penalties that allow for a reasonable period of time, typically at least 60 days, for borrowers to refinance prior to the expiration of the initial fixed interest rate period without penalty. The Statement also reinforces the April 17, 2007 Interagency Statement on Working with Mortgage Borrowers, in which the federal bank regulatory agencies encouraged institutions to work constructively with residential borrowers who are financially unable or reasonably expected to be unable to meet their contractual payment obligations on their home loans.
We have evaluated the Guidance, the CRE Guidance and the Statement to determine our compliance and, as necessary, modified our risk management practices, underwriting guidelines and consumer protection standards. See “Lending Activities – One-to-Four Family Mortgage Lending and Multi-Family and Commercial Real Estate Lending” for a discussion of our loan product offerings and related underwriting standards and “Asset Quality” in Item 7, “MD&A” for information regarding our interest-only and reduced documentation loan portfolio composition.
Capital Requirements
The OTS capital regulations require federally chartered savings associations to meet three minimum capital ratios: a 1.5% tangible capital ratio, a 4% leverage (core) capital ratio and an 8% total risk-based capital ratio. In assessing an institution’s capital adequacy, the OTS takes into consideration not only these numeric factors but also qualitative factors as well, and has the authority to establish higher capital
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requirements for individual institutions where necessary. Astoria Federal, as a matter of prudent management, targets as its goal the maintenance of capital ratios which exceed these minimum requirements and that are consistent with Astoria Federal’s risk profile. At December 31, 2007, Astoria Federal exceeded each of its capital requirements with a tangible capital ratio of 6.58%, leverage capital ratio of 6.58% and total risk-based capital ratio of 12.04%.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act, or FDICIA, requires that the OTS and other federal banking agencies revise their risk-based capital standards, with appropriate transition rules, to ensure that they take into account interest rate risk, or IRR, concentration of risk and the risks of non-traditional activities. The OTS regulations do not include a specific IRR component of the risk-based capital requirement. However, the OTS monitors the IRR of individual institutions through a variety of means, including an analysis of the change in net portfolio value, or NPV. NPV is defined as the net present value of the expected future cash flows of an entity’s assets and liabilities and, therefore, hypothetically represents the value of an institution’s net worth. The OTS has also used this NPV analysis as part of its evaluation of certain applications or notices submitted by thrift institutions. In addition, OTS Thrift Bulletin 13a provides guidance on the management of IRR and the responsibility of boards of directors in that area. The OTS, through its general oversight of the safety and soundness of savings associations, retains the right to impose minimum capital requirements on individual institutions to the extent the institution is not in compliance with certain written guidelines established by the OTS regarding NPV analysis. The OTS has not imposed any such requirements on Astoria Federal.
Prompt Corrective Regulatory Action
FDICIA established a system of prompt corrective action to resolve the problems of undercapitalized institutions. Under this system, the banking regulators are required to take certain, and authorized to take other, supervisory actions against undercapitalized institutions, based upon five categories of capitalization which FDICIA created: “well capitalized,” “adequately capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized,” and “critically undercapitalized,” the severity of which depends upon the institution’s degree of capitalization. Generally, a capital restoration plan must be filed with the OTS within 45 days of the date an association receives notice that it is “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized” or “critically undercapitalized,” and the plan must be guaranteed by any parent holding company. In addition, various mandatory supervisory actions become immediately applicable to the institution, including restrictions on growth of assets and other forms of expansion. Under the OTS regulations, generally, a federally chartered savings association is treated as well capitalized if its total risk-based capital ratio is 10% or greater, its Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio is 6% or greater and its leverage ratio is 5% or greater, and it is not subject to any order or directive by the OTS to meet a specific capital level. As of December 31, 2007, Astoria Federal was considered “well capitalized” by the OTS, with a total risk-based capital ratio of 12.04%, Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 11.41% and leverage ratio of 6.58%.
Insurance of Deposit Accounts
The FDIC merged the Savings Association Insurance Fund and the Bank Insurance Fund to create the DIF on March 31, 2006. Astoria Federal is a member of the DIF and pays its deposit insurance assessments to the DIF.
Effective January 1, 2007, the FDIC established a new risk-based assessment system for determining the deposit insurance assessments to be paid by insured depository institutions. Under this new assessment system, the FDIC assigns an institution to one of four risk categories, with the first category having two sub-categories, based on the institution’s most recent supervisory ratings and capital ratios. Base assessment rates range from two to four basis points for Risk Category I institutions and are seven basis points for Risk Category II institutions, twenty-five basis points for Risk Category III institutions and forty basis points for Risk Category IV institutions. For institutions within Risk Category I, assessment rates generally depend upon a combination of CAMELS (capital adequacy, asset quality, management, earnings, liquidity, sensitivity to market risk) component ratings and financial ratios, or for large institutions with long-term debt issuer ratings, such as Astoria Federal, assessment rates depend on a combination of long-term debt issuer ratings and CAMELS component ratings. The FDIC has the flexibility to adjust rates, without further notice-and-comment rulemaking, provided that no such adjustment can be greater than
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three basis points from one quarter to the next, that adjustments cannot result in rates more than three basis points above or below the base rates and that rates cannot be negative. Effective January 1, 2007, the FDIC set the assessment rates at three basis points above the base rates. Therefore, assessment rates currently range from five to forty-three basis points of deposits. As of September 30, 2007, Astoria Federal had an assessment rate of 5.16 basis points. From 1997 through 2006, under the previous risk-based assessment system, Astoria Federal had an assessment rate of 0 basis points.
The deposit insurance assessment rates are in addition to the assessments for payments on the bonds issued in the late 1980s by the Financing Corporation, or FICO, to recapitalize the now defunct Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation. The FICO payments will continue until the FICO bonds mature in 2017 through 2019. Our total expense for the assessment for the FICO payments was $1.6 million in 2007 and $1.7 million in 2006. The FDIC also established 1.25% of estimated insured deposits as the designated reserve ratio of the DIF. The FDIC is authorized to change the assessment rates as necessary, subject to the previously discussed limitations, to maintain the required reserve ratio of 1.25%.
The FDIC also approved a One-Time Assessment Credit to institutions that were in existence on December 31, 1996 and paid deposit insurance assessments prior to that date, or are a successor to such an institution. Astoria Federal received a $14.0 million One-Time Assessment Credit which was used to offset 100% of the 2007 deposit insurance assessment, excluding the FICO payments. The remaining credit can be used to offset up to 90% of the deposit insurance assessments in future years. We estimate that our remaining credit will offset 90% of our 2008 deposit insurance assessment as well as a portion of our 2009 deposit insurance assessment.
Loans to One Borrower
Under the HOLA, savings associations are generally subject to the national bank limits on loans to one borrower. Generally, savings associations may not make a loan or extend credit to a single or related group of borrowers in excess of 15% of the institution’s unimpaired capital and surplus. Additional amounts may be loaned, not in excess of 10% of unimpaired capital and surplus, if such loans or extensions of credit are secured by readily-marketable collateral. Astoria Federal is in compliance with applicable loans to one borrower limitations. At December 31, 2007, Astoria Federal’s largest aggregate amount of loans to one borrower totaled $100.0 million. All of the loans for the largest borrower were performing in accordance with their terms and the borrower had no affiliation with Astoria Federal.
Qualified Thrift Lender Test
The HOLA requires savings associations to meet a Qualified Thrift Lender, or QTL, test. Under the QTL test, a savings association is required to maintain at least 65% of its “portfolio assets” (total assets less (1) specified liquid assets up to 20% of total assets, (2) intangibles, including goodwill, and (3) the value of property used to conduct business) in certain “qualified thrift investments” (primarily residential mortgages and related investments, including certain mortgage-backed securities, credit card loans, student loans, and small business loans) on a monthly basis during at least 9 out of every 12 months. As of December 31, 2007, Astoria Federal maintained in excess of 92% of its portfolio assets in qualified thrift investments and had more than 65% of its portfolio assets in qualified thrift investments for each of the 12 months in the year ended December 31, 2007. Therefore, Astoria Federal qualified under the QTL test.
A savings association that fails the QTL test and does not convert to a bank charter generally will be prohibited from: (1) engaging in any new activity not permissible for a national bank, (2) paying dividends not permissible under national bank regulations, and (3) establishing any new branch office in a location not permissible for a national bank in the association’s home state. In addition, if the association does not requalify under the QTL test within three years after failing the test, the association would be prohibited from engaging in any activity not permissible for a national bank.
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Limitation on Capital Distributions
The OTS regulations impose limitations upon certain capital distributions by savings associations, such as certain cash dividends, payments to repurchase or otherwise acquire its shares, payments to shareholders of another institution in a cash-out merger and other distributions charged against capital.
The OTS regulates all capital distributions by Astoria Federal directly or indirectly to us, including dividend payments. As the subsidiary of a savings and loan holding company, Astoria Federal must file a notice with the OTS at least 30 days prior to each capital distribution. However, if the total amount of all capital distributions (including each proposed capital distribution) for the applicable calendar year exceeds net income for that year to date plus the retained net income for the preceding two years, then Astoria Federal must file an application to receive the approval of the OTS for a proposed capital distribution. During 2007, we were required to file applications with the OTS for proposed capital distributions.
Our ability to pay dividends, service our debt obligations and repurchase our common stock is dependent primarily upon receipt of dividend payments from Astoria Federal. Astoria Federal may not pay dividends to us if, after paying those dividends, it would fail to meet the required minimum levels under risk-based capital guidelines and the minimum leverage and tangible capital ratio requirements or the OTS notified Astoria Federal that it was in need of more than normal supervision. Under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, or FDIA, an insured depository institution such as Astoria Federal is prohibited from making capital distributions, including the payment of dividends, if, after making such distribution, the institution would become “undercapitalized” (as such term is used in the FDIA). Payment of dividends by Astoria Federal also may be restricted at any time at the discretion of the appropriate regulator if it deems the payment to constitute an unsafe and unsound banking practice.
Liquidity
Astoria Federal maintains sufficient liquidity to ensure its safe and sound operation, in accordance with OTS regulations.
Assessments
The OTS charges assessments to recover the costs of examining savings associations and their affiliates. These assessments are based on three components: the size of the association, on which the basic assessment is based; the association’s supervisory condition, which results in an additional assessment based on a percentage of the basic assessment for any savings institution with a composite rating of 3, 4 or 5 in its most recent safety and soundness examination; and the complexity of the association’s operations, which results in an additional assessment based on a percentage of the basic assessment for any savings association that managed over $1.00 billion in trust assets, serviced for others loans aggregating more than $1.00 billion, or had certain off-balance sheet assets aggregating more than $1.00 billion. We also pay semi-annual assessments for the holding company. We paid a total of $2.9 million in assessments for each of the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.
Branching
The OTS regulations authorize federally chartered savings associations to branch nationwide to the extent allowed by federal statute. This permits federal savings and loan associations with interstate networks to more easily diversify their loan portfolios and lines of business geographically. OTS authority preempts any state law purporting to regulate branching by federal savings associations. All of Astoria Federal’s branches are located in New York.
Community Reinvestment
Under the CRA, as implemented by OTS regulations, a federally chartered savings association has a continuing and affirmative obligation, consistent with its safe and sound operation, to help meet the credit needs of its entire community, including low and moderate income areas. The CRA does not establish specific lending requirements or programs for financial institutions, nor does it limit an institution’s
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discretion to develop the types of products and services that it believes are best suited to its particular community. The CRA requires the OTS, in connection with its examination of a federally chartered savings association, to assess the institution’s record of meeting the credit needs of its community and to take such record into account in its evaluation of certain applications by such institution. The assessment focuses on three tests: (1) a lending test, to evaluate the institution’s record of making loans, including community development loans, in its designated assessment areas; (2) an investment test, to evaluate the institution’s record of investing in community development projects, affordable housing, and programs benefiting low or moderate income individuals and areas and small businesses; and (3) a service test, to evaluate the institution’s delivery of banking services throughout its CRA assessment area, including low and moderate income areas. The CRA also requires all institutions to make public disclosure of their CRA ratings. Astoria Federal has been rated as “outstanding” over its last six CRA examinations. Regulations require that we publicly disclose certain agreements that are in fulfillment of CRA. We have no such agreements in place at this time.
Transactions with Related Parties
Astoria Federal is subject to the affiliate and insider transaction rules set forth in Sections 23A, 23B, 22(g) and 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act, or FRA, Regulation W issued by the Federal Reserve Board, or FRB, as well as additional limitations as adopted by the Director of the OTS. OTS regulations regarding transactions with affiliates conform to Regulation W. These provisions, among other things, prohibit, limit or place restrictions upon a savings institution extending credit to, or entering into certain transactions with, its affiliates (which for Astoria Federal would include us and our non-federally chartered savings association subsidiaries, if any), principal stockholders, directors and executive officers. In addition, the OTS regulations include additional restrictions on savings associations under Section 11 of HOLA, including provisions prohibiting a savings association from making a loan to an affiliate that is engaged in non-bank holding company activities and provisions prohibiting a savings association from purchasing or investing in securities issued by an affiliate that is not a subsidiary. The OTS regulations also include certain specific exemptions from these prohibitions. The FRB and the OTS require each depository institution that is subject to Sections 23A and 23B to implement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with Regulation W and the OTS regulations regarding transactions with affiliates.
Section 402 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or Sarbanes-Oxley, prohibits the extension of personal loans to directors and executive officers of issuers (as defined in Sarbanes-Oxley). The prohibition, however, does not apply to mortgages advanced by an insured depository institution, such as Astoria Federal, that is subject to the insider lending restrictions of Section 22(h) of the FRA.
Standards for Safety and Soundness
Pursuant to the requirements of FDICIA, as amended by the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994, the OTS, together with the other federal bank regulatory agencies, adopted guidelines establishing general standards relating to internal controls, information systems, internal audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate risk exposure, asset growth, asset quality, earnings, compensation, fees and benefits. In general, the guidelines require, among other things, appropriate systems and practices to identify and manage the risks and exposures specified in the guidelines. The guidelines prohibit excessive compensation as an unsafe and unsound practice and describe compensation as excessive when the amounts paid are unreasonable or disproportionate to the services performed by an executive officer, employee, director or principal shareholder. In addition, the OTS adopted regulations pursuant to FDICIA to require a savings association that is given notice by the OTS that it is not satisfying any of such safety and soundness standards to submit a compliance plan to the OTS. If, after being so notified, a savings association fails to submit an acceptable compliance plan or fails in any material respect to implement an accepted compliance plan, the OTS must issue an order directing corrective actions and may issue an order directing other actions of the types to which a significantly undercapitalized institution is subject under the “prompt corrective action” provisions of FDICIA. If a savings association fails to comply with such an order, the OTS may seek to enforce such order in judicial proceedings and to impose civil money penalties. For further discussion, see “Regulation
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and Supervision - Federally Chartered Savings Association Regulation - Prompt Corrective Regulatory Action.”
Insurance Activities
Astoria Federal is generally permitted to engage in certain insurance activities through its subsidiaries. However, Astoria Federal is subject to regulations prohibiting depository institutions from conditioning the extension of credit to individuals upon either the purchase of an insurance product or annuity or an agreement by the consumer not to purchase an insurance product or annuity from an entity that is not affiliated with the depository institution. The regulations also require prior disclosure of this prohibition to potential insurance product or annuity customers.
Privacy Protection
Astoria Federal is subject to OTS regulations implementing the privacy protection provisions of the Gramm-Leach Bliley Act, or Gramm-Leach. These regulations require Astoria Federal to disclose its privacy policy, including identifying with whom it shares “nonpublic personal information,” to customers at the time of establishing the customer relationship and annually thereafter. The regulations also require Astoria Federal to provide its customers with initial and annual notices that accurately reflect its privacy policies and practices. In addition, to the extent its sharing of such information is not exempted, Astoria Federal is required to provide its customers with the ability to “opt-out” of having Astoria Federal share their nonpublic personal information with unaffiliated third parties.
Astoria Federal is subject to regulatory guidelines establishing standards for safeguarding customer information. These regulations implement certain provisions of Gramm-Leach. The guidelines describe the agencies’ expectations for the creation, implementation and maintenance of an information security program, which would include administrative, technical and physical safeguards appropriate to the size and complexity of the institution and the nature and scope of its activities. The standards set forth in the guidelines are intended to ensure the security and confidentiality of customer records and information, protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such records and protect against unauthorized access to or use of such records or information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to any customer.
Anti-Money Laundering and Customer Identification
Astoria Federal is subject to OTS regulations implementing the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, or the USA PATRIOT Act. The USA PATRIOT Act gives the federal government powers to address terrorist threats through enhanced domestic security measures, expanded surveillance powers, increased information sharing and broadened anti-money laundering requirements. By way of amendments to the Bank Secrecy Act, Title III of the USA PATRIOT Act takes measures intended to encourage information sharing among bank regulatory agencies and law enforcement bodies. Further, certain provisions of Title III impose affirmative obligations on a broad range of financial institutions, including banks, thrifts, brokers, dealers, credit unions, money transfer agents and parties registered under the Commodity Exchange Act.
Among other requirements, Title III of the USA PATRIOT Act and the related OTS regulations impose the following requirements with respect to financial institutions:
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| • | Establishment of a program specifying procedures for obtaining identifying information from customers seeking to open new accounts, including verifying the identity of customers within a reasonable period of time. |
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| • | Establishment of enhanced due diligence policies, procedures and controls designed to detect and report money laundering. |
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| • | Prohibition on correspondent accounts for foreign shell banks and compliance with recordkeeping obligations with respect to correspondent accounts of foreign banks. |
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In addition, bank regulators are directed to consider a holding company’s effectiveness in combating money laundering when ruling on FRA and Bank Merger Act applications.
Federal Home Loan Bank System
Astoria Federal is a member of the FHLB System which consists of 12 regional FHLBs. The FHLB provides a central credit facility primarily for member institutions. Astoria Federal, as a member of the FHLB-NY, is currently required to acquire and hold shares of the FHLB-NY Class B stock. The Class B stock has a par value of $100 per share and is redeemable upon five years notice, subject to certain conditions. The Class B stock has two subclasses, one for membership stock purchase requirements and the other for activity-based stock purchase requirements. The minimum stock investment requirement in the FHLB-NY Class B stock is the sum of the membership stock purchase requirement, determined on an annual basis at the end of each calendar year, and the activity-based stock purchase requirement, determined on a daily basis. For Astoria Federal, the membership stock purchase requirement is 0.2% of the Mortgage-Related Assets, as defined by the FHLB-NY, which consists principally of residential mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities including CMOs and REMICs, held by Astoria Federal. The activity-based stock purchase requirement for Astoria Federal is equal to the sum of: (1) 4.5% of outstanding borrowings from the FHLB-NY; (2) 4.5% of the outstanding principal balance of Acquired Member Assets, as defined by the FHLB-NY, and delivery commitments for Acquired Member Assets; (3) a specified dollar amount related to certain off-balance sheet items, which for Astoria Federal is zero; and (4) a specified percentage ranging from 0 to 5% of the carrying value on the FHLB-NY’s balance sheet of derivative contracts between the FHLB-NY and its members, which for Astoria Federal is also zero. The FHLB-NY can adjust the specified percentages and dollar amount from time to time within the ranges established by the FHLB-NY capital plan.
Astoria Federal was in compliance with the FHLB-NY minimum stock investment requirements with an investment in FHLB-NY stock at December 31, 2007 of $201.5 million. Dividends from the FHLB-NY to Astoria Federal amounted to $11.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, $7.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 and $6.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2005.
Federal Reserve System
FRB regulations require federally chartered savings associations to maintain non-interest-earning cash reserves against their transaction accounts (primarily NOW and demand deposit accounts). A reserve of 3% is to be maintained against aggregate transaction accounts between $9.3 million and $43.9 million (subject to adjustment by the FRB) plus a reserve of 10% (subject to adjustment by the FRB between 8% and 14%) against that portion of total transaction accounts in excess of $43.9 million. The first $9.3 million of otherwise reservable balances (subject to adjustment by the FRB) is exempt from the reserve requirements. Astoria Federal is in compliance with the foregoing requirements. Since required reserves must be maintained in the form of either vault cash, a non-interest-bearing account at a Federal Reserve Bank or a pass-through account as defined by the FRB, the effect of this reserve requirement is to reduce Astoria Federal’s interest-earning assets. FHLB System members are also authorized to borrow from the Federal Reserve “discount window,” but FRB regulations require institutions to exhaust all FHLB sources before borrowing from a Federal Reserve Bank.
Holding Company Regulation
We are a unitary savings and loan association holding company within the meaning of the HOLA. As such, we are registered with the OTS and are subject to the OTS regulations, examinations, supervision and reporting requirements. In addition, the OTS has enforcement authority over us and our savings association subsidiary. Among other things, this authority permits the OTS to restrict or prohibit activities that are determined to be a serious risk to the subsidiary savings association.
Gramm-Leach also restricts the powers of new unitary savings and loan association holding companies. Unitary savings and loan association holding companies that are “grandfathered,” i.e., unitary savings and loan association holding companies in existence or with applications filed with the OTS on or before May
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4, 1999, such as us, retain their authority under the prior law. All other unitary savings and loan association holding companies are limited to financially related activities permissible for bank holding companies, as defined under Gramm-Leach. Gramm-Leach also prohibits non-financial companies from acquiring grandfathered unitary savings and loan association holding companies.
The HOLA prohibits a savings and loan association holding company (directly or indirectly, or through one or more subsidiaries) from acquiring another savings association or holding company thereof without prior written approval of the OTS; acquiring or retaining, with certain exceptions, more than 5% of a non-subsidiary savings association, a non-subsidiary holding company, or a non-subsidiary company engaged in activities other than those permitted by the HOLA; or acquiring or retaining control of a depository institution that is not federally insured. In evaluating applications by holding companies to acquire savings associations, the OTS must consider the financial and managerial resources and future prospects of the company and institution involved, the effect of the acquisition on the risk to the DIF, the convenience and needs of the community and competitive factors.
Federal Securities Laws
We are subject to the periodic reporting, proxy solicitation, tender offer, insider trading restrictions and other requirements under the Exchange Act.
Delaware Corporation Law
We are incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware. Thus, we are subject to regulation by the State of Delaware and the rights of our shareholders are governed by the Delaware General Corporation Law.
Federal Taxation
General
We report our income on a calendar year basis using the accrual method of accounting and are subject to federal income taxation in the same manner as other corporations.
Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax
In addition to the regular income tax, corporations (including savings and loan associations) generally are subject to an alternative minimum tax, or AMT, in an amount equal to 20% of alternative minimum taxable income to the extent the AMT exceeds the corporation’s regular tax. The AMT is available as a credit against future regular income tax. We do not expect to be subject to the AMT for federal tax purposes.
Tax Bad Debt Reserves
Effective 1996, federal tax legislation modified the methods by which a thrift computes its bad debt deduction. As a result, Astoria Federal is required to claim a deduction equal to its actual loan loss experience, and the “reserve method” is no longer available. Any cumulative reserve additions (i.e., bad debt deductions) in excess of actual loss experience for tax years 1988 through 1995 were recaptured over a six year period. Generally, reserve balances as of December 31, 1987 will only be subject to recapture upon distribution of such reserves to shareholders. For a further discussion of bad debt reserves, see “Distributions.”
Distributions
To the extent that Astoria Federal makes “nondividend distributions” to shareholders, such distributions will be considered to result in distributions from Astoria Federal’s “base year reserve,” (i.e., its tax bad debt reserve as of December 31, 1987), to the extent thereof, and then from its supplemental tax-basis reserve for losses on loans, and an amount based on the amount distributed will be included in Astoria
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Federal’s taxable income. Nondividend distributions include distributions in excess of Astoria Federal’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, as calculated for federal income tax purposes, distributions in redemption of stock and distributions in partial or complete liquidation. However, dividends paid out of Astoria Federal’s current or accumulated earnings and profits will not constitute nondividend distributions and, therefore, will not be included in Astoria Federal’s taxable income.
The amount of additional taxable income created from a nondividend distribution is an amount that, when reduced by the tax attributable to the income, is equal to the amount of the distribution. Thus, approximately one and one-half times the nondividend distribution would be includable in gross income for federal income tax purposes, assuming a 35% federal corporate income tax rate.
Dividends Received Deduction and Other Matters
We may exclude from our income 100% of dividends received from Astoria Federal as a member of the same affiliated group of corporations. The corporate dividends received deduction is generally 70% in the case of dividends received from unaffiliated corporations with which we will not file a consolidated tax return, except that if we own more than 20% of the stock of a corporation distributing a dividend, 80% of any dividends received may be deducted.
State and Local Taxation
The following is a general discussion of taxation in New York State and New York City, which are the two principal tax jurisdictions affecting our operations.
New York State Taxation
New York State imposes an annual franchise tax on banking corporations, based on net income allocable to New York State, at a rate of 7.1%. If, however, the application of an alternative minimum tax (based on taxable assets allocated to New York, “alternative” net income, or a flat minimum fee) results in a greater tax, an alternative minimum tax will be imposed. We were subject to the alternative minimum tax for New York State for the year ended December 31, 2007. In addition, New York State imposes a tax surcharge of 17.0% of the New York State Franchise Tax, calculated using an annual franchise tax rate of 9.0% (which represents the 2000 annual franchise tax rate), allocable to business activities carried on in the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District. These taxes apply to us, Astoria Federal and certain of Astoria Federal’s subsidiaries. Certain other subsidiaries are subject to a general business corporation tax in lieu of the tax on banking corporations or are subject to taxes of other jurisdictions. The rules regarding the determination of net income allocated to New York State and alternative minimum taxes differ for these subsidiaries.
New York State passed legislation that incorporated the former provisions of Internal Revenue Code, or IRC, Section 593 into New York State tax law. The impact of this legislation enabled Astoria Federal to defer the recapture of the New York State tax bad debt reserves that would have otherwise occurred as a result of the federal amendment to IRC 593. The legislation also enabled Astoria Federal to continue to utilize the reserve method for computing its bad debt deduction. Astoria Federal must meet certain definitional tests, primarily relating to its assets and the nature of its business to be a qualifying thrift and would then be permitted to establish a reserve for bad debts and to make annual additions thereto, which additions may, within specified formula limits, be deducted in arriving at its taxable income. Astoria Federal will be a qualifying thrift if, among other requirements, at least 60% of its assets are assets described in Section 1453(h)(1) of the New York State tax law, or the 60% Test.
Astoria Federal presently satisfies the 60% Test. Although there can be no assurance that Astoria Federal will satisfy the 60% Test in the future, we believe that this level of qualifying assets can be maintained by Astoria Federal. Astoria Federal’s deduction for additions to its bad debt reserve with respect to qualifying loans may be computed using the experience method or a percentage equal to 32% of Astoria Federal’s taxable income, computed with certain modifications, without regard to Astoria Federal’s actual loan loss experience, and reduced by the amount of any addition permitted to the reserve for non-qualifying loans, or NYS Percentage of Taxable Income Method. Astoria Federal’s deduction with respect to non-
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qualifying loans must be computed under the experience method which is based on its actual loan loss experience.
Under the experience method, the amount of a reasonable addition, in general, equals the amount necessary to increase the balance of the bad debt reserve at the close of the taxable year to the greater of (1) the amount that bears the same ratio to loans outstanding at the close of the taxable year as the total net bad debts sustained during the current and five preceding taxable years bears to the sum of the loans outstanding at the close of those six years, or (2) the balance of the bad debt reserve at the close of the base year (assuming that the loans outstanding have not declined since then). The “base year” for these purposes is the last taxable year beginning before the NYS Percentage of Taxable Income Method bad debt deduction was taken. Any deduction for the addition to the reserve for non-qualifying loans reduces the addition to the reserve for qualifying real property loans calculated under the NYS Percentage of Taxable Income Method. Each year Astoria Federal reviews the most favorable way to calculate the deduction attributable to an addition to the bad debt reserve. The experience method was used for the year ended December 31, 2007.
The amount of the addition to the reserve for losses on qualifying real property loans under the NYS Percentage of Taxable Income Method cannot exceed the amount necessary to increase the balance of the reserve for losses on qualifying real property loans at the close of the taxable year to 6% of the balance of the qualifying real property loans outstanding at the end of the taxable year. Also, if the qualifying thrift uses the NYS Percentage of Taxable Income Method, then the qualifying thrift’s aggregate addition to its reserve for losses on qualifying real property loans cannot, when added to the addition to the reserve for losses on non-qualifying loans, exceed the amount by which 12% of the amount that the total deposits or withdrawable accounts of depositors of the qualifying thrift at the close of the taxable year exceeded the sum of the qualifying thrift’s surplus, undivided profits and reserves at the beginning of such year.
New York City Taxation
Astoria Federal is also subject to the New York City Financial Corporation Tax calculated, subject to a New York City income and expense allocation, on a similar basis as the New York State Franchise Tax. New York City has enacted legislation regarding the use and treatment of tax bad debt reserves that is substantially similar to the New York State legislation described above. A significant portion of Astoria Federal’s entire net income is derived from outside of the New York City jurisdiction which has the effect of significantly reducing the New York City taxable income of Astoria Federal. We were subject to the alternative minimum tax for New York City (which is similar to the New York State alternative minimum tax) for the year ended December 31, 2007.
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RISK FACTORS |
The following is a summary of risk factors relevant to our operations which should be carefully reviewed. These risk factors do not necessarily appear in the order of importance.
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
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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 or other assets to fund the repayment of such borrowings, any decline in estimated market value with respect to the securities or assets 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. The Federal Open Market Committee, or FOMC, reduced the discount rate and federal funds rate by 100 basis points during the second half of 2007 and by 125 basis points in January 2008 which resulted in a decrease in short-term interest rates and a more positively sloped yield curve.
Interest rates do and will continue to fluctuate, and we cannot predict future FRB 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.
Changes in interest rates may reduce our stockholders’ equity.
At December 31, 2007, $1.31 billion of our securities were classified as available-for-sale. The estimated fair value of our available-for-sale securities portfolio may increase or decrease depending on changes in interest rates. In general, as interest rates rise, the estimated fair value of our fixed rate securities portfolio will decrease. Our securities portfolio is comprised primarily of fixed rate securities. We increase or decrease stockholders’ equity by the amount of the change in the unrealized gain or loss (difference between the estimated fair value and the amortized cost) of our available-for-sale securities portfolio, net of the related tax benefit, under the category of accumulated other comprehensive income/loss. Therefore, a decline in the estimated fair value of this portfolio will result in a decline in reported stockholders’ equity, as well as book value per common share and tangible book value per common share. This decrease will occur even though the securities are not sold. If these securities are never sold, the decrease will be recovered over the life of the securities.
Our results of operations are affected by economic conditions in the New York metropolitan area and nationally.
Our retail banking and a significant portion of our lending business (approximately 41% of our one-to-four family and 92% of our multi-family and commercial real estate mortgage loan portfolios at December 31, 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.
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 second half of 2007 was 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
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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 continued decline of the real estate and housing market along with significant mortgage loan related losses incurred by many lending institutions. 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 second half of 2007. In addition, the significant decline in economic growth, both nationally and globally, during the fourth quarter of 2007 has led to a national economy bordering on recession. As a geographically diversified lender, we are not immune to negative consequences arising from overall economic weakness and, in particular, a sharp downturn in the housing industry nationally. During the second half of 2007, we have experienced an increase in non-performing loans and net loan charge-offs. No assurance can be given that these conditions will improve or will not worsen or that such conditions will not result in a further increase in delinquencies, causing a decrease in our interest income, or continue to have an adverse impact on our loan loss experience, causing an increase in our allowance for loan losses.
Strong competition within our market areas could hurt our profits and slow growth.
The New York metropolitan area has a high density of financial institutions, a number of which are significantly larger and have greater financial resources than we have. Additionally over the past several years, various large out-of-state financial institutions have entered the New York metropolitan area market. All are our competitors to varying degrees.
We face intense competition both in making loans and attracting deposits. Our competition for loans, both locally and nationally, comes principally from mortgage banking companies, commercial banks, savings banks and savings and loan associations. Our most direct competition for deposits comes from commercial banks, savings banks, savings and loan associations and credit unions. We also face competition for deposits from money market mutual funds and other corporate and government securities funds as well as from other financial intermediaries such as brokerage firms and insurance companies. During the second half of 2007, we faced a greater intensity of competition from certain larger financial institutions that have attempted to sustain their liquidity by offering retail deposits with rates above the market. Price competition for loans and deposits could result in earning less on our loans and paying more on our deposits, which would reduce our net interest income. Competition also makes it more difficult to grow our loan and deposit balances. Our profitability depends upon our continued ability to compete successfully in our market areas.
Multi-family and commercial real estate lending may expose us to increased lending risks.
While we are primarily a one-to-four family mortgage lender, we also originate multi-family and commercial real estate loans. At December 31, 2007, $2.95 billion, or 18%, of our total loan portfolio consisted of multi-family loans and $1.03 billion, or 6%, of our total loan portfolio consisted of commercial real estate loans. Multi-family and commercial real estate loans generally involve a greater degree of credit risk than one-to-four family loans because they typically have larger balances and are more affected by adverse conditions in the economy. Because payments on loans secured by multi-family properties and commercial real estate often depend upon the successful operation and management of the properties and the businesses which operate from within them, repayment of such loans may be affected by factors outside the borrower’s control, such as adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy or changes in government regulation.
We have originated multi-family and commercial real estate loans in areas other than the New York metropolitan area. Originations in states other than New York, New Jersey and Connecticut represented 12% of our total originations of multi-family and commercial real estate loans in 2007. At December 31, 2007, loans in states other than New York, New Jersey and Connecticut comprised 8% of the total multi-family and commercial real estate loan portfolio. We could be subject to additional risks with respect to multi-family and commercial real estate lending in areas other than the New York metropolitan area since we have less experience in these areas with this type of lending and less direct oversight of the local market and the borrowers’ operations.
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While we continue to originate multi-family and commercial real estate loans, we do not believe that recent 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, therefore, are currently only originating multi-family and commercial real estate loans in the New York metropolitan area. The market for multi-family and commercial real estate loans does and will continue to change. Changes in market conditions may result in our election to pursue the originations of such loans in the future, including our resumption of originations outside of the New York metropolitan area.
Astoria Federal’s ability to pay dividends or lend funds to us is subject to regulatory limitations which, to the extent we need but are not able to access such funds, may prevent us from making future dividend payments or principal and interest payments due on our debt obligations.
We are a unitary savings and loan association holding company regulated by the OTS and almost all of our operating assets are owned by Astoria Federal. We rely primarily on dividends from Astoria Federal to pay cash dividends to our stockholders, to engage in share repurchase programs and to pay principal and interest on our debt obligations. The OTS regulates all capital distributions by Astoria Federal directly or indirectly to us, including dividend payments. As the subsidiary of a savings and loan association holding company, Astoria Federal must file a notice with the OTS at least 30 days prior to each capital distribution. However, if the total amount of all capital distributions (including each proposed capital distribution) for the applicable calendar year exceeds net income for that year to date plus the retained net income for the preceding two years, then Astoria Federal must file an application to receive the approval of the OTS for a proposed capital distribution. During 2007, we were required to file applications with the OTS for proposed capital distributions and we anticipate that in 2008 we will continue to be required to file such applications for proposed capital distributions.
In addition, Astoria Federal may not pay dividends to us if, after paying those dividends, it would fail to meet the required minimum levels under risk-based capital guidelines and the minimum leverage and tangible capital ratio requirements or the OTS notified Astoria Federal that it was in need of more than normal supervision. Under the prompt corrective action provisions of the FDIA, an insured depository institution such as Astoria Federal is prohibited from making a capital distribution, including the payment of dividends, if, after making such distribution, the institution would become “undercapitalized” (as such term is used in the FDIA). Payment of dividends by Astoria Federal also may be restricted at any time at the discretion of the appropriate regulator if it deems the payment to constitute an unsafe or unsound banking practice.
Based on Astoria Federal’s current financial condition, we do not expect the regulatory limitations will have any impact on our ability to obtain dividends from Astoria Federal. However, there can be no assurance that Astoria Federal will be able to pay dividends at past levels, or at all, in the future.
In addition to regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends, Astoria Federal is subject to certain restrictions imposed by federal law on any extensions of credit it makes to its affiliates and on investments in stock or other securities of its affiliates. We are considered an affiliate of Astoria Federal. These restrictions prevent affiliates of Astoria Federal, including us, from borrowing from Astoria Federal, unless various types of collateral secure the loans. Federal law limits the aggregate amount of loans to and investments in any single affiliate to 10% of Astoria Federal’s capital stock and surplus and also limits the aggregate amount of loans to and investments in all affiliates to 20% of Astoria Federal’s capital stock and surplus.
If we do not receive sufficient cash dividends or are unable to borrow from Astoria Federal, then we may not have sufficient funds to pay dividends, repurchase our common stock or service our debt obligations.
We operate in a highly regulated industry, which limits the manner and scope of our business activities.
We are subject to extensive supervision, regulation and examination by the OTS and by the FDIC. As a result, we are limited in the manner in which we conduct our business, undertake new investments and activities and obtain financing. This regulatory structure is designed primarily for the protection of the DIF and our depositors, and not to benefit our stockholders. This regulatory structure also gives the
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regulatory authorities extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies, including policies with respect to capital levels, the timing and amount of dividend payments, the classification of assets and the establishment of adequate loan loss reserves for regulatory purposes. In addition, we must comply with significant anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism laws. Government agencies have substantial discretion to impose significant monetary penalties on institutions which fail to comply with these laws.
Changes in laws, government regulation and monetary policy may have a material effect on our results of operations.
Financial institutions have been the subject of significant legislative and regulatory changes and may be the subject of further significant legislation or regulation in the future, none of which is within our control. Significant new laws or regulations or changes in, or repeals of, existing laws or regulations, including those with respect to federal and state taxation, may cause our results of operations to differ materially. In addition, the cost and burden of compliance, over time, have significantly increased and could adversely affect our ability to operate profitably. Further, federal monetary policy significantly affects credit conditions for Astoria Federal, as well as for our borrowers, particularly as implemented through the Federal Reserve System, primarily through open market operations in U.S. government securities, the discount rate for bank borrowings and reserve requirements. A material change in any of these conditions could have a material impact on Astoria Federal or our borrowers, and therefore on our results of operations.
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UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS |
None.
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PROPERTIES |
We operate 86 full-service banking offices, of which 50 are owned and 36 are leased. We own our principal executive office and the office for our mortgage operations, both located in Lake Success, New York. We also lease office facilities for our wholly-owned subsidiaries Fidata in Norwalk, Connecticut, and Suffco in Farmingdale, New York. We believe such facilities are suitable and adequate for our operational needs.
We are obligated under a lease commitment through 2017 for our previous mortgage operating facility in Mineola, New York. At December 31, 2007, approximately two-thirds of this facility was sublet.
For further information regarding our lease obligations, see Item 7, “MD&A” and Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
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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
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, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, or the 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
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award was recognized in our consolidated financial statements. On December 14, 2005, the U.S. Government 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 Court of Appeals 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 Court of Federal Claims. We again filed with the Court of Appeals a petition for rehearing or rehearingen banc. On December 28, 2007, the Court of Appeals denied our petition. We are currently reviewing our options with respect to any further legal action that may be taken in this matter.
The other action is entitledAstoriaFederal Savings and Loan Association vs. United States. The trial in this action took place during 2007 before the Court of Federal Claims. The Court of Federal Claims, by decision filed on January 8, 2008, awarded to us $16.0 million in damages from the U.S. Government. No portion of the $16.0 million award was recognized in our consolidated financial statements. We are currently reviewing the decision and anticipate that the U.S. Government may file an appeal, given its actions in similar cases.
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 on behalf 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 District 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, the New York State Deceptive Practices Act, and alleges actions based upon unjust enrichment and common law fraud.
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 District Court further determined that class certification would be considered prior to considering summary judgment. The District 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 subsequently filed motions for summary judgment with the District Court. 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 District 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 filed a motion with the District Court for partial reconsideration of its decision. The District Court, by order dated January 25, 2008, granted plaintiffs’ motion for partial reconsideration and again determined that all named plaintiffs’ Truth-in Lending claims are time barred. The District Court has given plaintiffs’ counsel until February 29, 2008 to move for substitution or intervention of new named plaintiffs. 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.
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SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS |
No matter was submitted during the quarter ended December 31, 2007 to a vote of our security holders through the solicitation of proxies or otherwise.
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MARKET FOR ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES |
Our common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, under the symbol “AF.” The table below shows the high and low sale prices reported on the NYSE for our common stock during the periods indicated.
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| 2007 |
| 2006 |
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| High |
| Low |
| High |
| Low |
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First Quarter |
| $ | 30.56 |
| $ | 26.31 |
| $ | 31.95 |
| $ | 27.25 |
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Second Quarter |
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| 27.93 |
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| 24.35 |
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| 31.88 |
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| 29.06 |
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Third Quarter |
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| 27.80 |
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| 22.47 |
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| 31.75 |
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| 28.85 |
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Fourth Quarter |
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| 27.97 |
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| 22.50 |
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| 31.49 |
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| 28.22 |
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As of February 15, 2008, we had 3,452 shareholders of record. As of December 31, 2007, there were 95,728,562 shares of common stock outstanding.
The following schedule summarizes the cash dividends paid per common share for 2007 and 2006.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||
| |||||||
First Quarter |
| $ | 0.26 |
| $ | 0.24 |
|
Second Quarter |
|
| 0.26 |
|
| 0.24 |
|
Third Quarter |
|
| 0.26 |
|
| 0.24 |
|
Fourth Quarter |
|
| 0.26 |
|
| 0.24 |
|
On January 23, 2008, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.26 per common share, payable on March 3, 2008, to common stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 15, 2008. Our Board of Directors intends to review the payment of dividends quarterly and plans to continue to maintain a regular quarterly dividend in the future, dependent upon our earnings, financial condition and other factors.
We are subject to the laws of the State of Delaware which generally limit dividends to an amount equal to the excess of our net assets (the amount by which total assets exceed total liabilities) over our statutory capital, or if there is no such excess, to our net profits for the current and/or immediately preceding fiscal year. We are also subject to certain financial covenants and other limitations pursuant to the terms of various debt instruments that have been issued by us, which could have an impact on our ability to pay dividends in certain circumstances. See Item 7, “MD&A - Liquidity and Capital Resources” for further discussion of such financial covenants and other limitations. Our payment of dividends is dependent, in large part, upon receipt of dividends from Astoria Federal. Astoria Federal is subject to certain restrictions which may limit its ability to pay us dividends. See Item 1, “Business - Regulation and Supervision” and Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for an explanation of the impact of regulatory capital requirements on Astoria Federal’s ability to pay dividends. See Item 1, “Business - Federal Taxation” and Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for an explanation of the tax impact of the unlikely event that Astoria Federal (1) makes distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits, as calculated for federal income tax purposes; (2) redeems its stock; or (3) liquidates.
36
Stock Performance Graph
The following graph shows a comparison of cumulative total shareholder return on Astoria Financial Corporation common stock, or AFC Common Stock, during the five fiscal years ended December 31, 2007, with the cumulative total returns of both a broad market index, the Standard & Poor’s, or S&P, 500 Stock Index, and a peer group index, the Financials Sector of the S&P 400 Mid-cap Index. The comparison assumes $100 was invested on December 31, 2002 in AFC Common Stock and in each of the S&P indices and assumes that all of the dividends were reinvested.
AFC Common Stock, Market and Peer Group Indices
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|
|
| AFC Common Stock |
| S&P 500 Stock Index |
| S&P Midcap 400 Financials Index |
| |||||||||
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|
| ||||||||||||
December 31, 2002 |
|
| $ | 100.00 |
|
|
| $ | 100.00 |
|
|
| $ | 100.00 |
|
|
December 31, 2003 |
|
|
| 140.99 |
|
|
|
| 128.68 |
|
|
|
| 134.43 |
|
|
December 31, 2004 |
|
|
| 155.42 |
|
|
|
| 142.69 |
|
|
|
| 161.15 |
|
|
December 31, 2005 |
|
|
| 176.53 |
|
|
|
| 149.70 |
|
|
|
| 177.31 |
|
|
December 31, 2006 |
|
|
| 186.91 |
|
|
|
| 173.34 |
|
|
|
| 205.44 |
|
|
December 31, 2007 |
|
|
| 149.96 |
|
|
|
| 182.86 |
|
|
|
| 179.29 |
|
|
37
The following table sets forth the repurchases of our common stock by month during the three months ended December 31, 2007.
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|
|
|
|
Period |
| Total |
| Average |
| Total Number |
| Maximum |
| ||||||
| |||||||||||||||
October 1, 2007 through October 31, 2007 |
| 165,000 |
|
|
| $ | 26.47 |
|
| 165,000 |
|
| 9,202,300 |
|
|
November 1, 2007 through November 30, 2007 |
| 210,000 |
|
|
| $ | 24.40 |
|
| 210,000 |
|
| 8,992,300 |
|
|
December 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007 |
| 130,000 |
|
|
| $ | 24.57 |
|
| 130,000 |
|
| 8,862,300 |
|
|
| |||||||||||||||
Total |
| 505,000 |
|
|
| $ | 25.12 |
|
| 505,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
All of the shares repurchased during the three months ended December 31, 2007 were repurchased under our twelfth stock repurchase plan, approved by our Board of Directors on April 18, 2007, which authorized the purchase of 10,000,000 shares, or approximately 10% of our common stock outstanding, in open-market or privately negotiated transactions.
On May 18, 2007, our Chief Executive Officer, George L. Engelke, Jr., submitted his annual certification to the NYSE indicating that he was not aware of any violation by Astoria Financial Corporation of NYSE corporate governance listing standards as of the May 18, 2007 certification date.
38
|
|
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA |
Set forth below are our selected consolidated financial and other data. This financial data is derived in part from, and should be read in conjunction with, our consolidated financial statements and related notes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| At December 31, |
| |||||||||||||
|
|
| ||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| 2005 |
| 2004 |
| 2003 |
| |||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Selected Financial Data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
| $ | 21,719,368 |
| $ | 21,554,519 |
| $ | 22,380,271 |
| $ | 23,415,869 |
| $ | 22,461,594 |
|
Federal funds sold and repurchase agreements |
|
| 24,218 |
|
| 71,694 |
|
| 182,803 |
|
| 267,578 |
|
| 65,926 |
|
Securities available-for-sale |
|
| 1,313,306 |
|
| 1,560,325 |
|
| 1,841,351 |
|
| 2,406,883 |
|
| 2,654,992 |
|
Securities held-to-maturity |
|
| 3,057,544 |
|
| 3,779,356 |
|
| 4,730,953 |
|
| 6,302,936 |
|
| 5,792,727 |
|
Loans receivable, net |
|
| 16,076,068 |
|
| 14,891,749 |
|
| 14,311,134 |
|
| 13,180,521 |
|
| 12,603,866 |
|
Deposits |
|
| 13,049,438 |
|
| 13,224,024 |
|
| 12,810,455 |
|
| 12,323,257 |
|
| 11,186,594 |
|
Borrowings, net |
|
| 7,184,658 |
|
| 6,836,002 |
|
| 7,937,526 |
|
| 9,469,835 |
|
| 9,632,037 |
|
Stockholders’ equity |
|
| 1,211,344 |
|
| 1,215,754 |
|
| 1,350,227 |
|
| 1,369,764 |
|
| 1,396,531 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| For the Year Ended December 31, |
| |||||||||||||
|
|
| ||||||||||||||
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| 2005 |
| 2004 |
| 2003 |
| |||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Selected Operating Data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income |
| $ | 1,105,322 |
| $ | 1,086,814 |
| $ | 1,082,987 |
| $ | 1,045,901 |
| $ | 1,057,291 |
|
Interest expense |
|
| 771,794 |
|
| 696,429 |
|
| 604,207 |
|
| 575,335 |
|
| 677,753 |
|
| ||||||||||||||||
Net interest income |
|
| 333,528 |
|
| 390,385 |
|
| 478,780 |
|
| 470,566 |
|
| 379,538 |
|
Provision for loan losses |
|
| 2,500 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| ||||||||||||||||
Net interest income after provision for loan losses |
|
| 331,028 |
|
| 390,385 |
|
| 478,780 |
|
| 470,566 |
|
| 379,538 |
|
Non-interest income |
|
| 75,790 |
|
| 91,350 |
|
| 102,199 |
|
| 80,084 |
|
| 119,561 |
|
General and administrative expense |
|
| 231,273 |
|
| 221,803 |
|
| 228,734 |
|
| 225,011 |
|
| 205,877 |
|
| ||||||||||||||||
Income before income tax expense |
|
| 175,545 |
|
| 259,932 |
|
| 352,245 |
|
| 325,639 |
|
| 293,222 |
|
Income tax expense |
|
| 50,723 |
|
| 85,035 |
|
| 118,442 |
|
| 106,102 |
|
| 96,376 |
|
| ||||||||||||||||
Net income |
|
| 124,822 |
|
| 174,897 |
|
| 233,803 |
|
| 219,537 |
|
| 196,846 |
|
Preferred dividends declared |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| 4,500 |
|
| ||||||||||||||||
Net income available to common shareholders |
| $ | 124,822 |
| $ | 174,897 |
| $ | 233,803 |
| $ | 219,537 |
| $ | 192,346 |
|
| ||||||||||||||||
Basic earnings per common share |
| $ | 1.38 |
| $ | 1.85 |
| $ | 2.30 |
| $ | 2.03 |
| $ | 1.68 |
|
Diluted earnings per common share |
| $ | 1.36 |
| $ | 1.80 |
| $ | 2.26 |
| $ | 2.00 |
| $ | 1.66 |
|
39
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
| At or For the Year Ended December 31, |
| |||||||||||||
|
|
| ||||||||||||||
|
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| 2005 |
| 2004 |
| 2003 |
| |||||
| ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selected Financial Ratios and Other Data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return on average assets |
|
| 0.58 | % |
| 0.80 | % |
| 1.02 | % |
| 0.97 | % |
| 0.87 | % |
Return on average stockholders’ equity |
|
| 10.39 |
|
| 13.73 |
|
| 17.06 |
|
| 15.81 |
|
| 13.26 |
|
Return on average tangible stockholders’ equity (1) |
|
| 12.28 |
|
| 16.06 |
|
| 19.72 |
|
| 18.25 |
|
| 15.15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average stockholders’ equity to average assets |
|
| 5.57 |
|
| 5.83 |
|
| 5.99 |
|
| 6.12 |
|
| 6.54 |
|
Average tangible stockholders’ equity to average tangible assets (1)(2) |
|
| 4.75 |
|
| 5.02 |
|
| 5.22 |
|
| 5.35 |
|
| 5.78 |
|
Stockholders’ equity to total assets |
|
| 5.58 |
|
| 5.64 |
|
| 6.03 |
|
| 5.85 |
|
| 6.22 |
|
Tangible stockholders’ equity to tangible assets (tangible capital ratio) (1)(2) |
|
| 4.77 |
|
| 4.82 |
|
| 5.25 |
|
| 5.10 |
|
| 5.44 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net interest rate spread (3) |
|
| 1.50 |
|
| 1.76 |
|
| 2.11 |
|
| 2.09 |
|
| 1.72 |
|
Net interest margin (4) |
|
| 1.62 |
|
| 1.87 |
|
| 2.19 |
|
| 2.17 |
|
| 1.78 |
|
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities |
|
| 1.03 | x |
| 1.03 | x |
| 1.03 | x |
| 1.03 | x |
| 1.02 | x |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General and administrative expense to average assets |
|
| 1.07 | % |
| 1.01 | % |
| 1.00 | % |
| 0.99 | % |
| 0.91 | % |
Efficiency ratio (5) |
|
| 56.50 |
|
| 46.04 |
|
| 39.37 |
|
| 40.86 |
|
| 41.25 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash dividends paid per common share |
| $ | 1.04 |
| $ | 0.96 |
| $ | 0.80 |
| $ | 0.67 |
| $ | 0.57 |
|
Dividend payout ratio |
|
| 76.47 | % |
| 53.33 | % |
| 35.40 | % |
| 33.50 | % |
| 34.34 | % |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Asset Quality Ratios: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-performing loans to total loans (6) |
|
| 0.66 |
|
| 0.40 |
|
| 0.45 |
|
| 0.25 |
|
| 0.23 |
|
Non-performing loans to total assets (6) |
|
| 0.49 |
|
| 0.28 |
|
| 0.29 |
|
| 0.14 |
|
| 0.13 |
|
Non-performing assets to total assets (6)(7) |
|
| 0.53 |
|
| 0.28 |
|
| 0.30 |
|
| 0.14 |
|
| 0.14 |
|
Allowance for loan losses to non-performing |
|
| 74.25 |
|
| 134.55 |
|
| 124.81 |
|
| 254.02 |
|
| 280.10 |
|
Allowance for loan losses to non-accrual loans |
|
| 74.58 |
|
| 135.66 |
|
| 125.15 |
|
| 258.57 |
|
| 285.51 |
|
Allowance for loan losses to total loans |
|
| 0.49 |
|
| 0.53 |
|
| 0.56 |
|
| 0.62 |
|
| 0.66 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of deposit accounts |
|
| 888,838 |
|
| 928,647 |
|
| 953,998 |
|
| 975,155 |
|
| 963,120 |
|
Mortgage loans serviced for others (in thousands) |
| $ | 1,272,220 |
| $ | 1,363,591 |
| $ | 1,502,852 |
| $ | 1,670,062 |
| $ | 1,895,102 |
|
Full service banking offices |
|
| 86 |
|
| 86 |
|
| 86 |
|
| 86 |
|
| 86 |
|
Regional lending offices |
|
| 3 |
|
| 3 |
|
| 3 |
|
| 4 |
|
| 3 |
|
Full time equivalent employees |
|
| 1,615 |
|
| 1,626 |
|
| 1,658 |
|
| 1,862 |
|
| 1,971 |
|
|
|
(1) | Tangible stockholders’ equity represents stockholders’ equity less goodwill. |
|
|
(2) | Tangible assets represent assets less goodwill. |
|
|
(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. |
|
|
(5) | Efficiency ratio represents general and administrative expense divided by the sum of net interest income plus non-interest income. |
|
|
(6) | Non-performing loans consist of all non-accrual loans and all mortgage loans delinquent 90 days or more as to their maturity date but not their interest due and exclude loans which have been restructured and are accruing and performing in accordance with the restructured terms. Restructured accruing loans totaled $1.2 million, $1.5 million, $1.6 million, $2.8 million and $3.9 million at December 31, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. |
|
|
(7) | Non-performing assets consist of all non-performing loans and real estate owned. |
40
|
|
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements presented elsewhere in this report.
Executive Summary
The following overview should be read in conjunction with our MD&A in its entirety.
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 strong 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.
The second half of 2007 was highlighted by significant disruption and volatility in the financial and capital marketplaces. This turbulence has been attributable to a variety of factors, in particular 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 continued decline of the real estate and housing market along with significant mortgage loan related losses incurred by many lending institutions. Subprime mortgage lending, which has been the riskiest sector of the residential housing market, is not a market that we have ever actively pursued. Additionally, we continue to adhere to prudent underwriting standards. However, as a geographically diversified lender, we are not immune to negative consequences arising from overall economic weakness and, in particular, a sharp downturn in the housing industry nationally. We continue to closely monitor the local and national real estate markets and other factors related to risks inherent in our loan portfolio.
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 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 second half of 2007. In addition, the significant decline in economic growth, both nationally and globally, during the fourth quarter of 2007 has led to a national economy bordering on recession. In response to these concerns, the FOMC reduced the discount rate and federal funds rate by 100 basis points during the second half of 2007 and by 125 basis points in January 2008. These decreases in short-term interest rates have resulted in a more positively sloped yield curve and should result in the eventual expansion of our net interest margin and improved opportunities for earnings growth. The flat-to-inverted yield curve which existed throughout 2006 and into the first half of 2007 limited profitable growth opportunities.
Our total loan portfolio increased during the year ended December 31, 2007. This increase was primarily due to an increase in one-to-four family mortgage loans as a result of strong loan originations and purchases reflecting our competitive pricing and the previously discussed dislocations in the secondary residential mortgage market.
Total deposits decreased during the year ended December 31, 2007. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in savings, money market and NOW and demand deposits, partially offset by an increase in certificates of deposit. During the second half of 2007, as short-term market interest rates declined, retail deposit pricing remained at higher levels as certain larger financial institutions attempted to sustain their liquidity by offering deposit products with rates above the market. We have chosen to maintain our
41
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 during the second half of 2007.
Our securities portfolio decreased during the year ended December 31, 2007, which is consistent with our strategy of reducing the portfolio through normal cash flow, as we remain focused on originations of mortgage loans and growth in our loan portfolio. Our borrowings portfolio increased during 2007, primarily as a result of our use of lower cost borrowings to fund some of our loan growth during the second half of the year.
Net income, the net interest margin and the net interest rate spread for 2007 decreased compared to the prior year. The decrease in net income was primarily due to decreases in net interest income and non-interest income, coupled with an increase in non-interest expense. The decrease 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 an increase in interest expense due to the cost of interest-bearing liabilities rising more rapidly than the yield on interest-earning assets. The interest rate environment, characterized by a flat-to-inverted yield curve during 2006 and into the first half of 2007, coupled with a very competitive environment for deposits, resulted in significant increases in the costs of our certificates of deposits, Liquid CDs and borrowings. The decrease in non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2007 was primarily due to an other-than-temporary impairment write-down charge to reduce the carrying amount of our investment in two issues of FHLMC perpetual preferred securities and a decrease in mortgage banking income, net, partially offset by an increase in other non-interest income and a net gain on the sale of securities. The increase in non-interest expense was primarily due to increases in compensation and benefits expense and other expense, partially offset by a decrease in advertising expense. In addition, based on our evaluation of the previously discussed issues regarding the real estate and housing markets, as well as the overall economic environment, and in recognition of the increases in non-performing loans and net loan charge-offs during the second half of 2007, we determined that a provision for loan losses was warranted for the year ended December 31, 2007.
The decreases in short-term interest rates during the second half of 2007 and in January 2008 have produced a more positively sloped yield curve and a more favorable interest rate environment for us going forward. We anticipate the yield curve will remain positively sloped and steepen further in 2008 which should result in improved opportunities for earnings growth and an expansion of our net interest margin. Our focus going forward will be to continue to capitalize on residential mortgage market opportunities that result in improved loan volumes and mortgage spreads. Loan growth may be tempered somewhat as we have reduced the number of states in which we will originate and purchase residential mortgage loans due to the advanced economic declines in those markets. Deposit growth will remain a focus; however, if above market pricing continues, we expect to fund some of our loan growth with lower cost borrowings. We expect to continue to maintain tangible capital levels between 4.50% and 4.75%.
Critical Accounting Policies
Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” 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 mortgage servicing rights, or 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.
The following is a description of our critical accounting policies and an explanation of the methods and assumptions underlying their application. These critical accounting policies are reviewed quarterly with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.
42
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 Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, or 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.
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. We update our estimates of collateral value when loans are individually classified by our Asset Classification Committee as either substandard or doubtful, as well as for special mention and watch list loans in excess of $2.5 million and certain other loans when the Asset Classification Committee believes repayment of such loans may be dependent on the value of the underlying collateral. Updated estimates of collateral value are obtained through appraisals, where practical. In instances where we have not taken possession of the property or do not otherwise have access to the premises and therefore cannot obtain a complete appraisal, an estimate of the value of the property is obtained based primarily on a drive-by inspection and a comparison of the property securing the loan with similar properties in the area, by either a licensed appraiser or real estate broker for one-to-four family properties. For multi-family and commercial real estate properties, our internal Asset Review personnel estimate collateral value based on an internal cash flow analysis, coupled with, in most cases, a drive-by inspection of the property. 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 OTS periodically reviews our reserve methodology during regulatory examinations and any comments regarding changes to reserves or loan classifications 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.
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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 loans. The determination of the adequacy of the general valuation allowances 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. We monitor property value trends in our market areas by reference to various industry and market reports, economic releases and surveys, and our general and specific knowledge of the real estate markets in which we lend, in order to determine what impact, if any, such trends may have on the level of our general valuation allowances. 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 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 during the first nine months of 2007 was relatively consistent with our experience over the past several years, in that losses were primarily attributable to a small number of loans. During the fourth quarter of 2007, the continued decline in the housing and real estate markets, as well as the overall economic environment, contributed to an increase in our non-performing loans and net loan charge-offs. However, 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, based on our evaluation of the current real estate and housing markets, as well as the overall economic environment, and in recognition of the increases in non-performing loans and net loan charge-offs during the second half of 2007, we determined that a provision for loan losses of $2.5 million was warranted for the year ended December 31, 2007. The balance of our allowance for loan losses was $78.9 million at December 31, 2007 and $79.9 million at December 31, 2006 and represents management’s best estimate of the probable inherent losses in our loan portfolio at the respective dates.
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.
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For additional information regarding our allowance for loan losses, see “Provision for Loan Losses” and “Asset Quality.”
Valuation of MSR
The initial asset recognized for originated MSR is measured at fair value. The fair value of MSR is estimated by reference to current 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.
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, including the market’s perception of future interest rate movements. Individual allowances for each stratum are then adjusted in subsequent periods to reflect changes in the measurement of impairment. All assumptions are reviewed for reasonableness on a quarterly basis to ensure they reflect current and anticipated market conditions.
At December 31, 2007, our MSR, net, had an estimated fair value of $12.9 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 13.45% and a weighted average life of 5.1 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 generally have the most significant impact on the fair value of our MSR. In general, 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 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. Assuming an increase in interest rates of 100 basis points at December 31, 2007, the estimated fair value of our MSR would have been $3.6 million greater. Assuming a decrease in interest rates of 100 basis points at December 31, 2007, the estimated fair value of our MSR would have been $5.3 million lower.
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. For purposes of our goodwill impairment testing, we have identified a single reporting unit. We use the quoted market price of our common stock on our impairment testing date as the basis for determining the fair value of our reporting unit. If the fair value of our reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, further evaluation is not necessary. However, if the fair value of our reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, further evaluation is required to compare the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill to its carrying amount to determine if a write-down of goodwill is required.
At December 31, 2007, the carrying value of our goodwill totaled $185.2 million. On September 30, 2007, we performed our annual goodwill impairment test and determined the fair value of our reporting unit to be in excess of its carrying amount by $1.35 billion. 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
45
the fair value of our reporting unit below its carrying amount. No events have occurred and no circumstances have changed since our annual impairment test date 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 GSE as issuer. GSE issuance mortgage-backed securities comprised 92% of our securities portfolio at December 31, 2007. Non-GSE issuance mortgage-backed securities at December 31, 2007 comprised 6% of our securities portfolio and had an amortized cost of $268.0 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 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 December 31, 2007, we had 205 securities with an estimated fair value totaling $4.02 billion which had an unrealized loss totaling $94.4 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 December 31, 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.
During the 2007 fourth quarter, we recorded a $20.5 million other-than-temporary impairment write-down charge to reduce the carrying amount of our investment in two issues of FHLMC perpetual preferred securities to the securities’ market value of $83.0 million at December 31, 2007. The FHLMC perpetual preferred securities are investment grade securities, rated AA- by Standard & Poor’s and Aa3 by Moody’s Investors Service, held in our available-for-sale securities portfolio. Prior to recording the other-than-temporary impairment write-down charge, temporary impairment was recorded as an unrealized mark-to-market loss on securities available-for-sale and reflected, net of tax, as a reduction to stockholders’ equity through other comprehensive income/loss. Accordingly, the reclassification of the unrealized after-tax loss to an other-than-temporary impairment charge to earnings did not affect stockholders’ equity or related capital ratios. The decision to recognize the other-than-temporary impairment charge is based on the significant decline in the market value of these securities caused by the FHLMC’s recently announced negative financial results, capital raising activity and the unlikelihood of any near-term market value recovery.
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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. As mortgage interest rates increase, customers’ refinance activities tend to decelerate causing the cash flow from both our mortgage loan portfolio and our mortgage-backed securities portfolio to decrease. When mortgage rates decrease, the opposite tends to occur. Principal payments on loans and securities totaled $3.98 billion for the year ended December 31, 2007 and $4.12 billion for the year ended December 31, 2006. The net decrease in loan and securities repayments was the result of a decrease in securities repayments for the year ended December 31, 2007, compared to the year ended December 31, 2006, partially offset by an increase in loan 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 $207.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 and $216.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. Deposits decreased $174.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2007 and increased $413.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2006. The net decrease in deposits during the year ended December 31, 2007 was due to decreases in savings, money market and NOW and demand deposit accounts, partially offset by an increase in certificates of deposit. During the second half of 2007, as short-term market interest rates declined, certain retail deposit pricing remained at above market 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 during the second half of 2007. The net increase in deposits during the year ended December 31, 2006 was primarily attributable to increases in Liquid CDs and certificates of deposit as a result of the success of our marketing efforts and competitive pricing strategies which focused on attracting these types of deposits.
Net borrowings increased $348.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2007 and decreased $1.10 billion during the year ended December 31, 2006. The increase in net borrowings during the year ended December 31, 2007 is a result of our use of lower cost borrowings to fund some of our loan growth in the second half of 2007. The decrease in net borrowings during the year ended December 31, 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 year ended December 31, 2007 totaled $4.23 billion, of which $3.82 billion were originations and $407.3 million were purchases. This compares to gross mortgage loans originated and purchased during the year ended December 31, 2006, totaling $3.43 billion, of which $3.05 billion were originations and $385.6 million were purchases. Total mortgage loans originated include originations of loans held-for-sale totaling $203.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2007 and $232.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2006. The increase in mortgage loan originations is the result of an increase in one-to-four family loan originations, primarily attributable to mortgage refinance opportunities, our competitive pricing and the 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, therefore, 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 $118.2 million at December 31, 2007, compared to $205.7 million at December 31, 2006. At December 31, 2007, we have $2.68 billion in borrowings with a weighted average rate of 4.87% maturing over the next twelve months. We have the flexibility to either repay or rollover these borrowings as they mature.
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The previously discussed disruption in the credit markets has not impacted our ability to engage in ordinary course borrowings. In addition, we have $7.45 billion in certificates of deposit and Liquid CDs with a weighted average rate of 4.68% maturing over the next twelve months.
The following table details borrowing, certificate of deposit and Liquid CD maturities and their weighted average rates at December 31, 2007.
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| Borrowings |
| Certificates of Deposit |
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| ||||||||||
(Dollars in Millions) |
| Amount |
| Weighted |
| Amount |
| Weighted |
| ||||
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Contractual Maturity: |
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|
2008 |
| $ | 2,683 | (1) | 4.87 | % |
| $ | 7,449 |
| 4.68 | % |
|
2009 |
|
| 600 |
| 4.19 |
|
|
| 1,007 |
| 4.69 |
|
|
2010 |
|
| 600 | (2) | 4.44 |
|
|
| 449 |
| 4.90 |
|
|
2011 |
|
| 125 | (3) | 4.89 |
|
|
| 241 |
| 4.98 |
|
|
2012 |
|
| 1,100 | (4) | 4.70 |
|
|
| 187 |
| 4.94 |
|
|
2013 and thereafter |
|
| 2,079 | (5) | 4.56 |
|
|
| 13 |
| 4.27 |
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Total |
| $ | 7,187 |
| 4.66 | % |
| $ | 9,346 |
| 4.70 | % |
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(1) | Includes $583.0 million of overnight and other short-term borrowings with a weighted average rate of 4.38%. |
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(2) | Includes $300.0 million of borrowings, with a weighted average rate of 3.88%, which are callable by the counterparty in 2009 and at various times thereafter. |
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(3) | Callable by the counterparty in 2008 and at various times thereafter. |
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(4) | Includes $850.0 million of borrowings, with a weighted average rate of 4.39%, which are callable by the counterparty in 2009 and at various times thereafter. |
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(5) | Includes $1.00 billion of borrowings, with a weighted average rate of 4.21%, which are callable by the counterparty in 2008 and at various times thereafter and $950.0 million of borrowings, with a weighted average rate of 4.23%, which are callable by the counterparty in 2009 and at various times thereafter. |
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, which are included in other borrowings, are further described below.
Our Junior Subordinated Debentures total $128.9 million, have an interest rate of 9.75%, mature on November 1, 2029 and 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 terms of the Junior Subordinated Debentures limit our ability to pay dividends or otherwise make distributions if we are in default or have elected to defer interest payments otherwise due under the Junior Subordinated Debentures. Such limitations do not apply, however, to dividends payable in shares of our common stock or to stock that has been issued pursuant to our dividend reinvestment plan or our equity incentive plans. The Junior Subordinated Debentures were issued to Astoria Capital Trust I as part of the transaction in which Astoria Capital Trust I privately issued trust preferred securities.
We have $20.0 million of 7.67% senior unsecured notes, which were issued in a private placement and mature in 2008. The terms of these notes preclude a sale of more than 30% of our deposit liabilities and preclude us from incurring long-term debt, which excludes debt of Astoria Federal incurred in the ordinary course of business, including FHLB-NY advances and reverse repurchase agreements, in excess of 90% of our consolidated stockholders’ equity. The terms also require that we maintain a consolidated capital to assets ratio of not less than 4.0%; a non-performing asset ratio, net of our allowance for loan losses, of less than 3.5% of assets; and a consolidated interest coverage ratio of at least 3.0 to 1.0. However, the terms of our 7.67% senior unsecured notes do not preclude our merger or sale of all or substantially all of our assets. As of December 31, 2007, we were in compliance with each of these covenants, and we do not anticipate these covenants will have a material effect on our operations.
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We have $250.0 million of 5.75% senior unsecured notes which are due in 2012 and are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time at a “make-whole” redemption price, together with accrued interest to the redemption date. The terms of these notes restrict our ability to sell, transfer or pledge as collateral the shares of Astoria Federal or any other significant subsidiary or of all, or substantially all, of the assets of Astoria Federal or any other significant subsidiary, other than in connection with a sale or transfer involving Astoria Financial Corporation.
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 disruption in the credit markets will materially impact our ability to access the capital markets. For further discussion of our debt obligations, see Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
We also continue to receive periodic capital distributions from Astoria Federal, consistent with applicable laws and regulations. During 2007, Astoria Federal paid dividends to Astoria Financial Corporation totaling $161.0 million.
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 $49.6 million in 2007. Our payment of dividends and repurchases of our common stock, totaled $175.3 million in 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 2007, we were required to file applications with the OTS for proposed capital distributions and we anticipate that in 2008 we will continue to be required to file such applications for proposed capital distributions. For further discussion of limitations on capital distributions from Astoria Federal, see “Regulation and Supervision” in Item 1, “Business.”
We declared cash dividends on our common stock totaling $95.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2007 and $92.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2006. On January 23, 2008, we declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.26 per share on shares of our common stock, payable on March 3, 2008, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 15, 2008.
During the year ended December 31, 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 the eleventh stock repurchase plan on July 30, 2007. Under these plans, during the year ended December 31, 2007, we repurchased 3,005,000 shares of our common stock, at an aggregate cost of $80.1 million, of which 1,137,700 shares were acquired pursuant to our twelfth stock repurchase plan. For further information on our common stock repurchases, see Item 5, “Market for Astoria Financial Corporation’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.”
See “Financial Condition” for a further discussion of the changes in stockholders’ equity.
At December 31, 2007, Astoria Federal’s capital levels exceeded all of its regulatory capital requirements with a tangible capital ratio of 6.58%, leverage capital ratio of 6.58% and total risk-based capital ratio of 12.04%. 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 December 31, 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 as described below.
Lending commitments include commitments to originate and purchase loans and commitments to fund unused lines of credit. Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since some of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. We evaluate creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. Our maximum exposure to credit risk is represented by the contractual amount of the instruments.
In addition to our lending commitments, we have contractual obligations related to operating lease commitments. Operating lease commitments are obligations under various non-cancelable operating leases on buildings and land used for office space and banking purposes.
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 $19.7 million at December 31, 2007 and represent obligations to sell loans either servicing retained or servicing released on a mandatory delivery or best efforts basis. We enter into commitments to sell loans as an economic hedge against our pipeline of fixed rate loans which we originate primarily for sale into the secondary market. The fair values of our mortgage banking derivative instruments are immaterial to our financial condition and results of operations.
The following table details our contractual obligations at December 31, 2007.
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| Payments due by period |
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(In Thousands) |
| Total |
| Less than |
| One to |
| Three to |
| More than |
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Contractual Obligations: |
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Borrowings with original terms greater than three months |
| $ | 6,603,866 |
| $ | 2,100,000 |
| $ | 1,200,000 |
| $ | 1,225,000 |
| $ | 2,078,866 |
|
Minimum rental payments due under non-cancelable operating leases |
|
| 75,316 |
|
| 7,890 |
|
| 13,221 |
|
| 11,548 |
|
| 42,657 |
|
Commitments to originate and purchase loans (1) |
|
| 423,541 |
|
| 423,541 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
Commitments to fund unused lines of credit (2) |
|
| 397,046 |
|
| 397,046 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| ||||||||||||||||
Total |
| $ | 7,499,769 |
| $ | 2,928,477 |
| $ | 1,213,221 |
| $ | 1,236,548 |
| $ | 2,121,523 |
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|
(1) | Commitments to originate and purchase loans include commitments to originate loans held-for-sale of $21.3 million. |
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(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. We are obligated under various recourse provisions associated with certain first mortgage loans we sold in the secondary market. The principal balance of loans sold with recourse amounted to $407.7 million at December 31, 2007. We estimate the liability for loans sold with recourse based on an analysis of our loss experience related to similar loans sold with recourse. The carrying amount of this liability was immaterial at December 31, 2007. We also have a collateralized repurchase obligation due to the sale of certain long-term fixed rate municipal revenue bonds to an investment trust fund for proceeds that approximated par value. The trust fund has a put option that requires us to repurchase the securities for specified amounts prior to maturity under certain specified circumstances, as defined in the agreement. The outstanding option balance on the agreement totaled $10.7 million at December 31, 2007.
Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by us to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. The guarantees generally extend for a term of up to one year and are fully
50
collateralized. For each guarantee issued, if the customer defaults on a payment to the third party, we would have to perform under the guarantee. Outstanding standby letters of credit totaled $1.5 million at December 31, 2007.
See Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” for additional information regarding our commitments and contingent liabilities.
Comparison of Financial Condition and Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2007 and 2006
Financial Condition
Total assets increased $164.8 million to $21.72 billion at December 31, 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 $1.19 billion to $16.16 billion at December 31, 2007, from $14.97 billion at December 31, 2006. This increase was primarily a result of an increase in our mortgage loan portfolio. Mortgage loans, net, increased $1.26 billion to $15.79 billion at December 31, 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, partially offset by decreases in our multi-family, commercial real estate and construction mortgage loan portfolios. Gross mortgage loans originated and purchased during the year ended December 31, 2007 totaled $4.23 billion, of which $3.82 billion were originations and $407.3 million were purchases. This compares to gross mortgage loans originated and purchased during the year ended December 31, 2006 totaling $3.43 billion, of which $3.05 billion were originations and $385.6 million were purchases. Total mortgage loans originated include originations of loans held-for-sale totaling $203.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2007 and $232.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2006. The increase 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 $2.79 billion for the year ended December 31, 2007, from $2.58 billion for the year ended December 31, 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 $1.42 billion to $11.63 billion at December 31, 2007, from $10.21 billion at December 31, 2006, and represented 72.5% of our total loan portfolio at December 31, 2007. One-to-four family loan originations and purchases totaled $3.82 billion for the year ended December 31, 2007 and $2.73 billion for the year ended December 31, 2006. The increase in one-to-four family loan originations is primarily attributable to mortgage refinance opportunities, our competitive pricing and the dislocations in the secondary residential mortgage market.
Our multi-family mortgage loan portfolio decreased $42.0 million to $2.95 billion at December 31, 2007, from $2.99 billion at December 31, 2006. Our commercial real estate loan portfolio decreased $68.4 million to $1.03 billion at December 31, 2007, from $1.10 billion at December 31, 2006. Multi-family and commercial real estate loan originations totaled $410.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 and $664.4 million for the year ended December 31, 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 December 31, 2007, the average loan balance within our combined multi-family and commercial real estate 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 $62.5 million to $77.7 million at December 31, 2007, from $140.2 million at December 31, 2006. This decrease is primarily the result of our decision to not pursue these types of loans in the current real estate market. Our consumer and other loan portfolio decreased $74.0 million to $356.8 million at December 31, 2007, from $430.8 million at December 31, 2006. This
51
decrease is primarily the result of a decline in consumer demand for home equity lines of credit resulting from higher interest rates due to the increases in the prime rate during the first half of 2006.
Securities decreased $968.8 million to $4.37 billion at December 31, 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 December 31, 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 $4.27 billion at December 31, 2007 and had a weighted average current coupon of 4.27%, a weighted average collateral coupon of 5.73% and a weighted average life of 3.1 years.
Deposits decreased $174.6 million to $13.05 billion at December 31, 2007, from $13.22 billion at December 31, 2006, primarily due to decreases in savings, money market and NOW and demand deposit accounts, partially offset by an increase in certificates of deposit. We continue to experience intense competition for deposits. During the second half of 2007, as short-term market interest rates declined, certain larger financial institutions attempted to sustain their liquidity by offering retail deposits at above market rates. In response, 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 during the second half of 2007. Savings accounts decreased $237.8 million from December 31, 2006 to $1.89 billion at December 31, 2007. Money market accounts decreased $101.7 million from December 31, 2006 to $333.9 million at December 31, 2007. NOW and demand deposit accounts decreased $18.6 million from December 31, 2006 to $1.48 billion at December 31, 2007. The decreases in savings, money market and NOW and demand deposit accounts for the year ended December 31, 2007 were significantly lower than the decreases we had experienced during the year ended December 31, 2006. Certificates of deposit increased $183.7 million to $7.90 billion at December 31, 2007, from $7.71 billion at December 31, 2006. Our certificates of deposit increased primarily as a result of the success of our marketing efforts and competitive pricing strategies during the first half of 2007.
Total borrowings, net, increased $348.7 million to $7.18 billion at December 31, 2007, from $6.84 billion at December 31, 2006, primarily due to an increase in 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 second half of 2007. For additional information, see “Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
Stockholders’ equity decreased to $1.21 billion at December 31, 2007, from $1.22 billion at December 31, 2006. The decrease in stockholders’ equity was the result of dividends declared of $95.2 million and common stock repurchased of $80.1 million. These decreases were partially offset by net income of $124.8 million, other comprehensive income, net of tax, of $18.9 million, stock-based compensation and the allocation of shares held by the employee stock ownership plan, or ESOP, of $16.3 million and the effect of stock options exercised and related tax benefit of $11.3 million. The increase in other comprehensive income is primarily due to the net increase in the fair value of our securities available-for-sale, due primarily to the write-down of the FHLMC preferred stock, coupled with an increase in the funded status of our pension and other postretirement benefits plans at December 31, 2007 as compared to December 31, 2006.
Results of Operations
General
Net income for the year ended December 31, 2007 decreased $50.1 million to $124.8 million, from $174.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. Diluted earnings per common share decreased to $1.36 per share for the year ended December 31, 2007, from $1.80 per share for the year ended December 31, 2006. Return on average assets decreased to 0.58% for the year ended December 31, 2007, from 0.80% for the year ended December 31, 2006. Return on average stockholders’ equity decreased to 10.39% for the year ended December 31, 2007, from 13.73% for the year ended December 31, 2006. Return on average tangible stockholders’ equity, which represents average stockholders’ equity less average goodwill, decreased to 12.28% for the year ended December 31, 2007, from 16.06% for the year
52
ended December 31, 2006. The decreases in the returns on average assets, average stockholders’ equity and average tangible stockholders’ equity for the year ended December 31, 2007, compared to the year ended December 31, 2006, were primarily due to the decrease in net income.
Our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2007 include a $20.5 million, before-tax ($13.3 million, after-tax), other-than-temporary impairment write-down charge to reduce the carrying amount of our investment in two issues of FHLMC perpetual preferred securities to the securities’ market value of $83.0 million at December 31, 2007. This charge reduced diluted earnings per common share by $0.14 per share for the year ended December 31, 2007. This charge also reduced our return on average assets by 6 basis points, return on average stockholders’ equity by 111 basis points, and return on average tangible stockholders’ equity by 131 basis points. For a further discussion of the other-than-temporary impairment write-down, see “Critical Accounting Policies - - Securities Impairment.”
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 7A, “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 year ended December 31, 2007, net interest income decreased $56.9 million to $333.5 million, from $390.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. The decrease in net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2007 was primarily the result of an increase 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 an increase 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, borrowings and Liquid CDs.
The net interest margin decreased to 1.62% for the year ended December 31, 2007, from 1.87% for the year ended December 31, 2006. The net interest rate spread decreased to 1.50% for the year ended December 31, 2007, from 1.76% for the year ended December 31, 2006. The decreases in the net interest margin and 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 Liquid CDs, certificates of deposit and borrowings 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 $38.1 million to $614.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, from $652.1 million for the year ended December 31, 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.”
53
Analysis of Net Interest Income
The following table sets forth certain information about the average balances of our assets and liabilities and their related yields and costs for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005. 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 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.
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| For the Year Ended December 31, |
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| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| 2005 |
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(Dollars in Thousands) |
| Average |
| Interest |
| Average |
| Average |
| Interest |
| Average |
| Average |
| Interest |
| Average |
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Assets: |
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Interest-earning assets: |
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Mortgage loans (1): |
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One-to-four family |
| $ | 10,995,688 |
| $ | 587,863 |
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| 5.35 | % | $ | 9,984,760 |
| $ | 510,105 |
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| 5.11 | % | $ | 9,461,023 |
| $ | 459,929 |
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| 4.86 | % |
Multi-family, commercial real estate and construction |
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| 4,171,915 |
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| 254,536 |
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| 6.10 |
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| 4,204,883 |
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| 259,242 |
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| 6.17 |
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| 3,862,281 |
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| 239,119 |
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| 6.19 |
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Consumer and other loans (1) |
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| 397,476 |
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| 30,178 |
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| 7.59 |
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| 478,447 |
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| 35,735 |
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| 7.47 |
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| 526,071 |
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| 31,160 |
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| 5.92 |
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Total loans |
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| 15,565,079 |
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| 872,577 |
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| 5.61 |
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| 14,668,090 |
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| 805,082 |
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| 5.49 |
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| 13,849,375 |
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| 730,208 |
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| 5.27 |
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Mortgage-backed and other securities (2) |
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| 4,850,753 |
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| 219,040 |
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| 4.52 |
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| 5,946,591 |
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| 267,535 |
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| 4.50 |
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| 7,671,532 |
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| 340,626 |
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| 4.44 |
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Federal funds sold and repurchase agreements |
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| 39,838 |
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| 2,071 |
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| 5.20 |
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| 131,418 |
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| 6,410 |
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| 4.88 |
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| 195,863 |
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| 6,123 |
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| 3.13 |
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Federal Home Loan Bank stock |
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| 167,651 |
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| 11,634 |
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| 6.94 |
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| 143,002 |
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| 7,787 |
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| 5.45 |
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| 130,759 |
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| 6,030 |
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| 4.61 |
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Total interest-earning assets |
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| 20,623,321 |
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| 1,105,322 |
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| 5.36 |
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| 20,889,101 |
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| 1,086,814 |
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| 5.20 |
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| 21,847,529 |
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| 1,082,987 |
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| 4.96 |
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Goodwill |
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| 185,151 |
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| 185,151 |
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| 185,151 |
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Other non-interest-earning assets |
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| 753,377 |
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| 786,062 |
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| 852,475 |
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Total assets |
| $ | 21,561,849 |
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| $ | 21,860,314 |
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| $ | 22,885,155 |
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Liabilities and stockholders’ equity: |
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Interest-bearing liabilities: |
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Savings |
| $ | 2,014,253 |
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| 8,126 |
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| 0.40 |
| $ | 2,325,346 |
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| 9,362 |
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| 0.40 |
| $ | 2,742,417 |
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| 11,015 |
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| 0.40 |
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Money market |
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| 379,634 |
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| 3,780 |
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| 1.00 |
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| 536,549 |
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| 5,287 |
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| 0.99 |
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| 804,855 |
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| 7,513 |
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| 0.93 |
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NOW and demand deposit |
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| 1,465,463 |
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| 951 |
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| 0.06 |
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| 1,500,131 |
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| 877 |
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| 0.06 |
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| 1,569,419 |
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| 928 |
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| 0.06 |
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Liquid CDs |
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| 1,549,774 |
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| 73,352 |
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| 4.73 |
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| 1,092,533 |
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| 50,460 |
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| 4.62 |
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| 350,923 |
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| 10,708 |
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| 3.05 |
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Total core deposits |
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| 5,409,124 |
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| 86,209 |
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| 1.59 |
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| 5,454,559 |
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| 65,986 |
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| 1.21 |
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| 5,467,614 |
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| 30,164 |
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| 0.55 |
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Certificates of deposit |
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| 7,823,767 |
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| 369,830 |
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| 4.73 |
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| 7,539,840 |
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| 318,784 |
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| 4.23 |
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| 7,146,664 |
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| 251,235 |
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| 3.52 |
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Total deposits |
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| 13,232,891 |
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| 456,039 |
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| 3.45 |
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| 12,994,399 |
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| 384,770 |
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| 2.96 |
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| 12,614,278 |
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| 281,399 |
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| 2.23 |
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Borrowings |
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| 6,776,394 |
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| 315,755 |
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| 4.66 |
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| 7,242,568 |
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| 311,659 |
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| 4.30 |
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| 8,566,812 |
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| 322,808 |
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| 3.77 |
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Total interest-bearing liabilities |
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| 20,009,285 |
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| 771,794 |
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| 3.86 |
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| 20,236,967 |
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| 696,429 |
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| 3.44 |
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| 21,181,090 |
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| 604,207 |
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| 2.85 |
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Non-interest-bearing liabilities |
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| 351,080 |
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| 349,170 |
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| 333,522 |
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Total liabilities |
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| 20,360,365 |
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| 20,586,137 |
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| 21,514,612 |
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Stockholders’ equity |
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| 1,201,484 |
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| 1,274,177 |
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| 1,370,543 |
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Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity |
| $ | 21,561,849 |
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| $ | 21,860,314 |
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| $ | 22,885,155 |
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Net interest income/ net interest rate spread (3) |
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| $ | 333,528 |
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| 1.50 | % |
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| $ | 390,385 |
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| 1.76 | % |
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| $ | 478,780 |
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| 2.11 | % |
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Net interest-earning assets/ net interest margin (4) |
| $ | 614,036 |
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| 1.62 | % | $ | 652,134 |
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| 1.87 | % | $ | 666,439 |
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| 2.19 | % |
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Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities |
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| 1.03 | x |
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| 1.03 | x |
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| 1.03 | x |
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(1) | Mortgage loans and consumer and other loans include loans held-for-sale and non-performing loans and exclude the allowance for loan losses. |
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(2) | Securities available-for-sale are included at average amortized cost. |
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(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. |
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(4) | Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets. |
54
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.
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| Year Ended December 31, 2007 |
| Year Ended December 31, 2006 |
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| Increase (Decrease) |
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(In Thousands) |
| Volume |
| Rate |
| Net |
| Volume |
| Rate |
| Net |
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Interest-earning assets: |
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Mortgage loans: |
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One-to-four family |
| $ | 53,118 |
| $ | 24,640 |
| $ | 77,758 |
| $ | 26,008 |
| $ | 24,168 |
| $ | 50,176 |
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Multi-family, commercial real estate and construction |
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| (1,923 | ) |
| (2,783 | ) |
| (4,706 | ) |
| 20,906 |
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| (783 | ) |
| 20,123 |
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Consumer and other loans |
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| (6,124 | ) |
| 567 |
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| (5,557 | ) |
| (3,014 | ) |
| 7,589 |
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| 4,575 |
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Mortgage-backed and other securities |
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| (49,675 | ) |
| 1,180 |
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| (48,495 | ) |
| (77,631 | ) |
| 4,540 |
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| (73,091 | ) |
Federal funds sold and repurchase agreements |
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| (4,735 | ) |
| 396 |
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| (4,339 | ) |
| (2,433 | ) |
| 2,720 |
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| 287 |
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Federal Home Loan Bank stock |
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| 1,487 |
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| 2,360 |
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| 3,847 |
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| 596 |
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| 1,161 |
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| 1,757 |
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Total |
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| (7,852 | ) |
| 26,360 |
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| 18,508 |
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| (35,568 | ) |
| 39,395 |
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| 3,827 |
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Interest-bearing liabilities: |
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Savings |
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| (1,236 | ) |
| — |
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| (1,236 | ) |
| (1,653 | ) |
| — |
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| (1,653 | ) |
Money market |
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| (1,561 | ) |
| 54 |
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| (1,507 | ) |
| (2,674 | ) |
| 448 |
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| (2,226 | ) |
NOW and demand deposit |
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| (21 | ) |
| 95 |
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| 74 |
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| (51 | ) |
| — |
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| (51 | ) |
Liquid CDs |
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| 21,660 |
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| 1,232 |
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| 22,892 |
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| 31,966 |
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| 7,786 |
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| 39,752 |
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Certificates of deposit |
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| 12,333 |
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| 38,713 |
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| 51,046 |
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| 14,476 |
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| 53,073 |
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| 67,549 |
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Borrowings |
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| (20,885 | ) |
| 24,981 |
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| 4,096 |
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| (53,396 | ) |
| 42,247 |
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| (11,149 | ) |
Total |
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| 10,290 |
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| 65,075 |
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| 75,365 |
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| (11,332 | ) |
| 103,554 |
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| 92,222 |
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Net change in net interest income |
| $ | (18,142 | ) | $ | (38,715 | ) | $ | (56,857 | ) | $ | (24,236 | ) | $ | (64,159 | ) | $ | (88,395 | ) |
Interest Income
Interest income for the year ended December 31, 2007 increased $18.5 million to $1.11 billion, from $1.09 billion for the year ended December 31, 2006. This increase was primarily the result of an increase in the average yield on interest-earning assets to 5.36% for the year ended December 31, 2007, from 5.20% for the year ended December 31, 2006, partially offset by a decrease of $265.8 million in the average balance of interest-earning assets to $20.62 billion for the year ended December 31, 2007, from $20.89 billion for the year ended December 31, 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 primarily due to a decrease in the average balances of mortgage-backed and other securities, federal funds sold and repurchase agreements and consumer and other loans, partially offset by an increase in the average balance of mortgage loans.
Interest income on one-to-four family mortgage loans increased $77.8 million to $587.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, from $510.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, which was primarily the result of an increase of $1.01 billion in the average balance of such loans, coupled with an increase in the average yield to 5.35% for the year ended December 31, 2007, from 5.11% for the year ended December 31, 2006. The increase in the average balance of one-to-four family mortgage loans was 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 was primarily
55
due to the impact of the upward repricing of our adjustable rate mortgage loans, coupled with new 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 $4.7 million to $254.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, from $259.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, which was primarily the result of a decrease in the average yield to 6.10% for the year ended December 31, 2007, from 6.17% for the year ended December 31, 2006, coupled with a decrease of $33.0 million in the average balance of such loans. The decrease in the average yield on multi-family, commercial real estate and construction loans was primarily due to a decrease of $3.0 million in prepayment penalties to $6.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, compared to $9.8 million for the year ended December 31, 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 over the past year. Our originations of multi-family, commercial real estate and construction loans have declined in recent periods due primarily to the competitive market pricing previously discussed and our decision to not aggressively pursue such loans under current market conditions.
Interest income on consumer and other loans decreased $5.5 million to $30.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, from $35.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, primarily due to a decrease of $81.0 million in the average balance of the portfolio, partially offset by an increase in the average yield to 7.59% for the year ended December 31, 2007, from 7.47% for the year ended December 31, 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 higher interest rates due to the increases in the prime rate during the first half of 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. Home equity lines of credit are adjustable rate loans which generally reset monthly and are indexed to the prime rate. Home equity lines of credit represented 89.9% of this portfolio at December 31, 2007.
Interest income on mortgage-backed and other securities decreased $48.5 million to $219.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, from $267.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. This decrease was primarily the result of a decrease of $1.10 billion in the average balance of the portfolio, reflecting our previously discussed strategy of reducing the securities portfolio. The average yield was 4.52% for the year ended December 31, 2007 and 4.50% for the year ended December 31, 2006.
Interest income on federal funds sold and repurchase agreements decreased $4.3 million to $2.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, primarily due to a decrease of $91.6 million in the average balance of the portfolio, partially offset by an increase in the average yield to 5.20% for the year ended December 31, 2007, from 4.88% for the year ended December 31, 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 $3.8 million to $11.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, primarily due to an increase in the average yield to 6.94% for the year ended December 31, 2007, from 5.45% for the year ended December 31, 2006, coupled with an increase of $24.6 million in the average balance of FHLB-NY stock. The increase in the average yield was the result of increases in the dividend rates paid by the FHLB-NY. The increase in the average balance reflects the increase in the levels of FHLB-NY borrowings during 2007 compared to 2006.
Interest Expense
Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2007 increased $75.4 million to $771.8 million, from $696.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. This increase was primarily the result of an increase in the average cost of total interest-bearing liabilities to 3.86% for the year ended December 31, 2007, from 3.44% for the year ended December 31, 2006. The increase in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities was primarily due to the impact of higher interest rates on our certificates of deposit and borrowings, coupled with the increases in the average balances of Liquid CDs and certificates of deposit, which have a higher average cost than our other deposit products. The average balance of interest-bearing liabilities decreased $227.7 million to $20.01 billion for the year ended December 31, 2007, from
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$20.24 billion for the year ended December 31, 2006, due to a decrease in the average balance of borrowings, partially offset by an increase in the average balance of deposits.
Interest expense on deposits increased $71.2 million to $456.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, from $384.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, primarily due to an increase in the average cost of total deposits to 3.45% for the year ended December 31, 2007, from 2.96% for the year ended December 31, 2006, coupled with an increase of $238.5 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, coupled with the increases in the average balances of Liquid CDs and certificates of deposit. 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 primarily as a result of continued competition for these types of deposits.
Interest expense on certificates of deposit increased $51.0 million to $369.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, from $318.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, primarily due to an increase in the average cost to 4.73% for the year ended December 31, 2007, from 4.23% for the year ended December 31, 2006, coupled with an increase of $283.9 million in the average balance. During the year ended December 31, 2007, $7.17 billion of certificates of deposit, with a weighted average rate of 4.73% and a weighted average maturity at inception of fifteen months, matured and $6.98 billion of certificates of deposit were issued or repriced, with a weighted average rate of 4.88% and a weighted average maturity at inception of ten months. Interest expense on Liquid CDs increased $22.9 million to $73.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, from $50.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, primarily due to an increase of $457.2 million in the average balance, coupled with an increase in the average cost to 4.73% for the year ended December 31, 2007, from 4.62% for the year ended December 31, 2006. The increases in the average balances of Liquid CDs and certificates of deposit 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. However, as previously discussed, certain larger financial institutions continued to offer retail deposits at above market rates during the second half of 2007 even as short-term market rates declined. Although we experienced net deposit outflows in the second half of 2007 as we maintained our pricing discipline, the increase in deposits in the first half of 2007 was sufficient to result in the increase of the average balances of Liquid CDs and certificates of deposit for the year.
Interest expense on savings accounts decreased $1.3 million to $8.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, from $9.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, as a result of a decrease of $311.1 million in the average balance. Interest expense on money market accounts decreased $1.5 million to $3.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, from $5.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, as a result of a decrease of $156.9 million in the average balance.
Interest expense on borrowings for the year ended December 31, 2007 increased $4.1 million to $315.8 million, from $311.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, resulting from an increase in the average cost to 4.66% for the year ended December 31, 2007, from 4.30% for the year ended December 31, 2006, substantially offset by a decrease of $466.2 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 and the first half of 2007 of reducing both the securities and borrowings portfolios through normal cash flow, while emphasizing deposit and loan growth.
Provision for Loan Losses
The provision for loan losses totaled $2.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, reflecting the higher levels of non-performing loans and net loan charge-offs experienced during the second half of 2007. No provision for loan losses was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2006. The allowance for loan losses was $78.9 million at December 31, 2007 and $79.9 million at December 31, 2006. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of non-performing loans decreased to 74.25% at December 31,
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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 December 31, 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 best estimate of the probable inherent losses in our loan portfolio at December 31, 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 two basis points of average loans outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2007, compared to one basis point of average loans outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2006. Net loan charge-offs totaled $3.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 and $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. Net loan charge-offs during 2007 included a $1.5 million charge-off related to a non-performing construction loan which was sold. Net loan charge-offs during 2006 included a $947,000 charge-off related to a non-performing multi-family loan which was sold in 2006.
The composition of our loan portfolio, by property type, has remained relatively consistent over the last several years. At December 31, 2007, our loan portfolio was comprised of 73% one-to-four family mortgage loans, 18% multi-family mortgage loans, 6% commercial real estate loans and 3% other loan categories. Our loan-to-value ratios upon origination are low overall, have been consistent over the past several years and provide some level of protection in the event of default should property values decline. For further discussion of our loan-to-value ratios, see “Asset Quality.”
Our non-performing loans, which are comprised primarily of mortgage loans, increased $46.9 million to $106.3 million, or 0.66% of total loans, at December 31, 2007, from $59.4 million, or 0.40% of total loans, at December 31, 2006. This increase was primarily due to an increase in non-performing one-to-four family mortgage loans and occurred primarily during the second half 2007. Despite the increase in non-performing loans at December 31, 2007, our non-performing loans continue to remain at low levels relative to the size of our loan portfolio. We sold non-performing mortgage loans totaling $10.4 million, primarily multi-family and commercial real estate loans, during the year ended December 31, 2007. For further discussion of the sale of these loans, including the impact the sale may have had on our non-performing loans, non-performing assets and related ratios at December 31, 2007, see “Asset Quality.”
Our non-performing mortgage loans had an average loan-to-value ratio, based on current principal balance and original appraised value, of 73% at December 31, 2007 and 71% at December 31, 2006. The average age of our non-performing mortgage loans since origination was 3.5 years at December 31, 2007. In reviewing the loan-to-value ratios of our non-performing loans at December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, we determined that there was no additional inherent loss in our non-performing loan portfolio compared to the estimates included in our existing methodology. Additionally, we continue to adhere to prudent underwriting standards. We underwrite our one-to-four family mortgage loans primarily based upon our evaluation of the borrower’s ability to pay. We generally do not obtain updated estimates of collateral value for loans until classified or requested by our Asset Classification Committee. We monitor property value trends in our market areas to determine what impact, if any, such trends may have on our loan-to-value ratios and the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. Based on our review of property value trends, including updated estimates of collateral value on classified loans, we do not believe the current decline in the housing market had a significant negative impact on the value of our non-performing loan collateral as of December 31, 2007. Since we determined there was sufficient collateral value to support our non-performing loans and we have not experienced a significantly higher level of related loan charge-offs, no change to our allowance coverage percentages was required as of December 31, 2007.
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 for
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the first nine months of 2007 was relatively consistent with our experience over the past several years, in that losses were primarily attributable to a small number of loans. During the fourth quarter of 2007, the continued decline in the housing and real estate markets, as well as the overall economic environment, contributed to an increase in our non-performing loans and net loan charge-offs. As a geographically diversified lender, we are not immune to negative consequences arising from overall economic weakness and, in particular, a sharp downturn in the housing industry nationally. Based on our evaluation of the issues regarding the real estate and housing markets, as well as the overall economic environment, and in recognition of the increases in non-performing loans and net loan charge-offs during the second half of 2007, we determined that a provision for loan losses was warranted for the year ended December 31, 2007.
For further discussion of the methodology used to determine the allowance for loan losses, see “Critical Accounting Policies-Allowance for Loan Losses” and for further discussion of our loan portfolio composition and non-performing loans, see “Asset Quality.”
Non-Interest Income
Non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2007 decreased $15.6 million to $75.8 million, from $91.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. This decrease was primarily due to the $20.5 million other-than-temporary impairment write-down of securities, previously discussed under “Critical Accounting Policies - Securities Impairment,” and a decrease of $3.5 million in mortgage banking income, net. These decreases were partially offset by an increase of $6.4 million in other non-interest income, primarily due to the $5.5 million charge for the termination of our interest rate swap agreements in the 2006 first quarter, and a net gain on sales of securities in 2007 of $2.2 million related to the sale of an equity security. There were no sales of securities in 2006.
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 $3.5 million to $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, from $4.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. This decrease was primarily due to a provision recorded in the valuation allowance for the impairment of MSR of $951,000 for the year ended December 31, 2007, compared to a recovery of $2.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. The provision recorded for the year ended December 31, 2007 primarily reflects the lack of current market demand for MSR due to the turmoil in the credit market which has negatively impacted the pricing of loan servicing. The recovery recorded for the year ended December 31, 2006 primarily reflected the decrease in projected loan prepayment speeds at December 31, 2006 compared to December 31, 2005.
Non-Interest Expense
Non-interest expense increased $9.5 million to $231.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, from $221.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. This increase was primarily due to increases in compensation and benefits expense and other expense, partially offset by a decrease in advertising. Our percentage of general and administrative expense to average assets increased to 1.07% for the year ended December 31, 2007, from 1.01% for the year ended December 31, 2006, primarily due to the increase in general and administrative expense in 2007 compared to 2006.
Compensation and benefits expense increased $7.6 million to $124.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, compared to $116.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. This increase was primarily due to increases in salaries, incentive compensation, stock-based compensation and ESOP expense, partially offset by a decrease in the net periodic cost of pension benefits. The increase in salaries expense primarily reflects normal performance increases over the past year. The increase in stock-based compensation expense reflects the additional expense related to restricted stock granted in December 2006. The increase in ESOP expense primarily reflects an increase in shares released in 2007 as compared to 2006. The decrease in the net periodic cost of pension benefits was primarily the result of a decrease in the amortization of the net actuarial loss.
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Other expense increased $3.4 million to $33.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 from $29.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, primarily due to increased legal fees and other costs as a result of the goodwill litigation. See Item 3, “Legal Proceedings,” for further discussion of the goodwill litigation.
Advertising expense decreased $1.1 million to $6.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, from $7.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, primarily due to a reduction in print advertising for certificates of deposit during the second half of 2007.
Income Tax Expense
For the year ended December 31, 2007, income tax expense totaled $50.7 million, representing an effective tax rate of 28.9%, compared to $85.0 million, representing an effective tax rate of 32.7%, for the year ended December 31, 2006. The decrease in the effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2007 was primarily the result of a decrease in pre-tax book income without any significant change in the amount of permanent differences, such as tax exempt income, coupled with tax benefits from the release of certain accruals for previous tax positions that have statutorily expired.
Comparison of Financial Condition and Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2006 and 2005
Financial Condition
Total assets decreased $825.8 million to $21.55 billion at December 31, 2006, from $22.38 billion at December 31, 2005, consistent with our strategy of balance sheet reduction in the flat-to-inverted yield curve environment. The primary reason for the decrease in total assets was a decrease in securities, partially offset by an increase in loans receivable.
Our total loan portfolio increased $579.4 million to $14.97 billion at December 31, 2006, from $14.39 billion at December 31, 2005. The increase in interest rates compared to the prior year and the slowdown in the housing market have reduced the level of repayment and refinance activity, which has enabled us to continue to grow our mortgage loan portfolios, despite a lower level of mortgage loan originations compared to previous periods.
Mortgage loans, net, increased $652.7 million to $14.53 billion at December 31, 2006, from $13.88 billion at December 31, 2005. This increase was due primarily to increases in our one-to-four family and multi-family mortgage loan portfolios. Gross mortgage loans originated and purchased during the year ended December 31, 2006 totaled $3.43 billion, of which $3.05 billion were originations and $385.6 million were purchases. This compares to gross mortgage loans originated and purchased during the year ended December 31, 2005 totaling $4.32 billion, of which $3.45 billion were originations and $874.5 million were purchases. Total mortgage loans originated include originations of loans held-for-sale totaling $232.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2006 and $361.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2005. The decrease in mortgage loans originated and purchased is primarily attributable to the softening in the real estate market and the decrease in refinance activity due to increased interest rate levels. Mortgage loan repayments decreased to $2.58 billion for the year ended December 31, 2006, from $2.82 billion for the year ended December 31, 2005.
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 $456.2 million to $10.21 billion at December 31, 2006, from $9.76 billion at December 31, 2005, and represented 68.7% of our total loan portfolio at December 31, 2006. Our multi-family mortgage loan portfolio increased $160.7 million to $2.99 billion at December 31, 2006, from $2.83 billion at December 31, 2005. Our commercial real estate loan portfolio increased $24.3 million to $1.10 billion at December 31, 2006, from $1.08 billion at December 31, 2005. Multi-family and commercial real estate loan originations totaled $664.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 and $952.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2005.
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At December 31, 2006, the average loan balance within our combined multi-family and commercial real estate portfolio continued to be less than $1.0 million and the average loan-to-value ratio, based on current principal balance and original appraised value, continued to be less than 65%.
Securities decreased $1.23 billion to $5.34 billion at December 31, 2006, from $6.57 billion at December 31, 2005. This decrease was primarily the result of principal payments received of $1.25 billion and reflects our strategy of reducing the securities and borrowings portfolios. At December 31, 2006, our securities portfolio is comprised primarily of fixed rate REMIC and CMO securities. The amortized cost of our fixed rate REMICs and CMOs totaled $5.19 billion at December 31, 2006 and had a weighted average current coupon of 4.28%, a weighted average collateral coupon of 5.74% and a weighted average life of 3.5 years.
Deposits increased $413.6 million to $13.22 billion at December 31, 2006, from $12.81 billion at December 31, 2005, primarily due to increases in Liquid CDs and certificates of deposit, partially offset by decreases in savings, money market and NOW and demand deposit accounts. Liquid CDs increased $827.7 million to $1.45 billion at December 31, 2006, from $619.8 million at December 31, 2005. Certificates of deposit increased $253.3 million to $7.71 billion at December 31, 2006, from $7.46 billion at December 31, 2005. Our Liquid CDs and certificates of deposit increased primarily as a result of the success of our marketing efforts and competitive pricing strategies. We continued to experience intense competition for deposits. Savings accounts decreased $381.5 million since December 31, 2005 to $2.13 billion at December 31, 2006. Money market accounts decreased $213.1 million from December 31, 2005 to $435.7 million at December 31, 2006. NOW and demand deposit accounts decreased $72.9 million from December 31, 2005 to $1.50 billion at December 31, 2006. The decreases in savings and money market accounts may be indicative of increasing consumer demand for higher yielding investment alternatives.
Total borrowings, net, decreased $1.10 billion to $6.84 billion at December 31, 2006, from $7.94 billion at December 31, 2005, primarily due to a decrease in reverse repurchase agreements. The net decrease in total borrowings reflects our strategy of reducing the securities and borrowings portfolios.
Stockholders’ equity decreased to $1.22 billion at December 31, 2006, from $1.35 billion at December 31, 2005. The decrease in stockholders’ equity was the result of common stock repurchased of $251.2 million, dividends declared of $92.1 million and an adjustment of $19.2 million to accumulated other comprehensive loss upon adoption of SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R),” effective December 31, 2006. These decreases were partially offset by net income of $174.9 million, the effect of stock options exercised and related tax benefit of $28.8 million, stock-based compensation and the allocation of shares held by the ESOP of $14.0 million and other comprehensive income, net of tax, of $10.5 million, which was primarily due to the net increase in the fair value of our securities available-for-sale.
Results of Operations
General
Net income for the year ended December 31, 2006 decreased $58.9 million to $174.9 million, from $233.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. Diluted earnings per common share decreased to $1.80 per share for the year ended December 31, 2006, from $2.26 per share for the year ended December 31, 2005. Return on average assets decreased to 0.80% for the year ended December 31, 2006, from 1.02% for the year ended December 31, 2005. Return on average stockholders’ equity decreased to 13.73% for the year ended December 31, 2006, from 17.06% for the year ended December 31, 2005. Return on average tangible stockholders’ equity decreased to 16.06% for the year ended December 31, 2006, from 19.72% for the year ended December 31, 2005. The decreases in the returns on average assets, average stockholders’ equity and average tangible stockholders’ equity for the year ended December 31, 2006, compared to the year ended December 31, 2005, were primarily due to the decrease in net income, partially offset by the decreases in average assets and average stockholders’ equity.
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Net Interest Income
For the year ended December 31, 2006, net interest income decreased $88.4 million to $390.4 million, from $478.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. The decrease in net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2006 was primarily the result of an increase in interest expense due to the upward repricing of our liabilities which are more sensitive to increases in short-term interest rates than our assets. The interest rate environment, characterized by a flat-to-inverted yield curve, coupled with a very competitive environment for deposits, resulted in significant increases in the costs of our short-term borrowings, Liquid CDs and certificates of deposit.
The net interest margin decreased to 1.87% for the year ended December 31, 2006, from 2.19% for the year ended December 31, 2005. The net interest rate spread decreased to 1.76% for the year ended December 31, 2006, from 2.11% for the year ended December 31, 2005. The decreases in the net interest margin and 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 short-term 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. The average balance of net interest-earning assets decreased to $652.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, from $666.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2005.
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.”
Interest Income
Interest income for the year ended December 31, 2006 increased $3.8 million to $1.09 billion, from $1.08 billion for the year ended December 31, 2005. This increase was primarily the result of an increase in the average yield on interest-earning assets to 5.20% for the year ended December 31, 2006, from 4.96% for the year ended December 31, 2005, substantially offset by a decrease of $958.4 million in the average balance of interest-earning assets to $20.89 billion for the year ended December 31, 2006, from $21.85 billion for the year ended December 31, 2005. The increase in the average yield on interest-earning assets was primarily the result of an increase in interest rates compared to the prior year. The decrease in the average balance of interest-earning assets was primarily due to a decrease in the average balance of mortgage-backed and other securities, partially offset by an increase in the average balance of mortgage loans.
Interest income on one-to-four family mortgage loans increased $50.2 million to $510.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, from $459.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, which was primarily the result of an increase of $523.7 million in the average balance of such loans, coupled with an increase in the average yield to 5.11% for the year ended December 31, 2006, from 4.86% for the year ended December 31, 2005. The increase in the average balance of one-to-four family mortgage loans was the result of the levels of originations and purchases outpacing the levels of repayments over the past year. The increase in the average yield on one-to-four family mortgage loans was primarily due to the impact of the increase in interest rates compared to the prior year on our adjustable rate mortgage loans.
Interest income on multi-family, commercial real estate and construction loans increased $20.1 million to $259.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, from $239.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, which was primarily the result of an increase of $342.6 million in the average balance of such loans, slightly offset by a decrease in the average yield to 6.17% for the year ended December 31, 2006, from 6.19% for the year ended December 31, 2005. The increase in the average balance of multi-family, commercial real estate and construction loans reflects the levels of originations which outpaced the levels of repayments. The decrease in the average yield on multi-family, commercial real estate and construction loans was primarily due to a decrease of $2.3 million in prepayment penalties to $9.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, compared to $12.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, partially offset by the impact of the increase in interest rates.
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Interest income on consumer and other loans increased $4.5 million to $35.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, from $31.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, primarily due to an increase in the average yield to 7.47% for the year ended December 31, 2006, from 5.92% for the year ended December 31, 2005, partially offset by a decrease of $47.6 million in the average balance of the portfolio. 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 increases in the prime rate of 200 basis points during 2005 and 100 basis points during 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 the increases in the prime rate. Home equity lines of credit represented 91.0% of this portfolio at December 31, 2006.
Interest income on mortgage-backed and other securities decreased $73.1 million to $267.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, from $340.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. This decrease was primarily the result of a decrease of $1.72 billion in the average balance of the portfolio, slightly offset by an increase in the average yield to 4.50% for the year ended December 31, 2006, from 4.44% for the year ended December 31, 2005. The decrease in the average balance of mortgage-backed and other securities reflects our strategy of reducing the securities and borrowings portfolios.
Dividend income on FHLB-NY stock increased $1.8 million to $7.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, primarily due to an increase in the average yield to 5.45% for the year ended December 31, 2006, from 4.61% for the year ended December 31, 2005, coupled with an increase of $12.2 million in the average balance of FHLB-NY stock. The increase in the average yield was the result of increases in the dividend rates paid by the FHLB-NY. Interest income on federal funds sold and repurchase agreements increased $287,000 to $6.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, primarily due to an increase in the average yield to 4.88% for the year ended December 31, 2006, from 3.13% for the year ended December 31, 2005, substantially offset by a decrease of $64.4 million in the average balance of the portfolio. The increase in the average yield reflects the FOMC federal funds rate increases totaling 200 basis points during 2005 and 100 basis points during 2006.
Interest Expense
Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2006 increased $92.2 million to $696.4 million, from $604.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. This increase was primarily the result of an increase in the average cost of total interest-bearing liabilities to 3.44% for the year ended December 31, 2006, from 2.85% for the year ended December 31, 2005, partially offset by a decrease of $944.1 million in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities to $20.24 billion for the year ended December 31, 2006, from $21.18 billion for the year ended December 31, 2005. The increase in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities was primarily due to the impact of the increase in short- and medium-term interest rates compared to the prior year on our Liquid CDs, certificates of deposit and borrowings, coupled with the impact of the increases in the average balances of Liquid CDs and certificates of deposit, which have a higher average cost than our other deposit products. The decrease in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities was primarily due to a decrease in the average balance of borrowings, partially offset by an increase in the average balance of deposits.
Interest expense on deposits increased $103.4 million to $384.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, from $281.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, primarily due to an increase in the average cost of total deposits to 2.96% for the year ended December 31, 2006, from 2.23% for the year ended December 31, 2005, coupled with an increase of $380.1 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 Liquid CDs and certificates of deposit, coupled with the increases in the average balances of those deposits. 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 primarily as a result of continued intense competition for these types of deposits. The decreases in
63
savings and money market accounts may also be indicative of increasing consumer demand for higher yielding investment alternatives.
Interest expense on certificates of deposit increased $67.6 million to $318.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, from $251.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, primarily due to an increase in the average cost to 4.23% for the year ended December 31, 2006, from 3.52% for the year ended December 31, 2005, coupled with an increase of $393.2 million in the average balance. During the year ended December 31, 2006, $5.87 billion of certificates of deposit, with a weighted average rate of 3.68% and a weighted average maturity at inception of seventeen months, matured and $5.80 billion of certificates of deposit were issued or repriced, with a weighted average rate of 4.88% and a weighted average maturity at inception of eleven months. Interest expense on Liquid CDs increased $39.8 million to $50.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, from $10.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, primarily due to an increase of $741.6 million in the average balance, coupled with an increase in the average cost to 4.62% for the year ended December 31, 2006, from 3.05% for the year ended December 31, 2005. 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 which focused on attracting and retaining these types of deposits. Growth in our certificates of deposit and Liquid CDs contributes to the management of interest rate risk, enables us to reduce our borrowing levels and continues to produce new customers from our communities, creating relationship development opportunities.
Interest expense on borrowings for the year ended December 31, 2006 decreased $11.1 million to $311.7 million, from $322.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, resulting from a decrease of $1.32 billion in the average balance, partially offset by an increase in the average cost to 4.30% for the year ended December 31, 2006, from 3.77% for the year ended December 31, 2005. The decrease in the average balance of borrowings was primarily the result of our strategy of reducing the securities and borrowings portfolios. The increase in the average cost of borrowings reflects the impact of the increase in interest rates compared to the prior year.
Provision for Loan Losses
During the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, no provision for loan losses was recorded. The allowance for loan losses totaled $79.9 million at December 31, 2006 and $81.2 million at December 31, 2005. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of non-performing loans increased to 134.55% at December 31, 2006, from 124.81% at December 31, 2005, primarily due to the decrease in non-performing loans from December 31, 2005 to December 31, 2006. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans was 0.53% at December 31, 2006 and 0.56% at December 31, 2005. 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, our charge-off experience and our non-accrual and non-performing loans. The balance of our allowance for loan losses represents management’s best estimate of the probable inherent losses in our loan portfolio at December 31, 2006 and 2005.
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 charge-off experience was consistent with that of the prior year and was one basis point of average loans outstanding for each of the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005. Net loan charge-offs totaled $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, compared to $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. Included in the net loan charge-offs for the year ended December 31, 2006 was a single multi-family loan charge-off totaling $947,000. Included in net loan charge-offs for the year ended December 31, 2005 was a single commercial real estate loan charge-off totaling $650,000. In reviewing our charge-off experience for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, we determined that the single events noted above represented unique loans and/or circumstances and were not indicative of a trend of increased charge-offs.
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The composition of our loan portfolio has remained consistent over the last several years. At December 31, 2006, our loan portfolio was comprised of 69% one-to-four family mortgage loans, 20% multi-family mortgage loans, 7% commercial real estate loans and 4% other loan categories. Our loan-to-value ratios upon origination are low overall, have been consistent over the past several years and provide some level of protection in the event of default should property values decline. For further discussion of our loan-to-value ratios, see “Asset Quality.”
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, decreased $5.6 million to $59.4 million, or 0.40% of total loans, at December 31, 2006, from $65.0 million, or 0.45% of total loans, at December 31, 2005. This decrease was primarily due to a reduction in non-performing multi-family mortgage loans, partially offset by an increase in non-performing one-to-four family mortgage loans.
During the 2006 third quarter, we sold $10.1 million of non-performing loans, primarily multi-family and one-to-four family mortgage loans, of which $5.5 million were non-performing as of December 31, 2005. The remainder became non-performing during 2006. Since these loans were sold in the third quarter of 2006, we are unable to determine with any degree of certainty whether some or all of these loans would have remained non-performing as of December 31, 2006 had they not been sold, particularly in light of our aggressive collection efforts and prior experience with other borrowers. However, assuming the $10.1 million of non-performing loans sold were not sold and were both outstanding and non-performing at December 31, 2006, our non-performing loans would have totaled $69.5 million, or an increase of $4.5 million from December 31, 2005. Additionally, at December 31, 2006, our ratio of non-performing loans to total loans would have increased to 0.46% and the allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total non-performing loans would have decreased to 114.92%.
There has been a slow down in the housing market, particularly during the second half of 2006. We are closely monitoring the local and national real estate markets and other factors related to the risks inherent in the loan portfolio. We believe this slow down in the housing market has not had a discernable negative impact on our loan loss experience as measured by trends in our net loan charge-offs and losses on real estate owned. Our non-performing mortgage loans have not increased substantially and had an average loan-to-value ratio, based on current principal balance and original appraised value, of 71% at December 31, 2006 and 69% at December 31, 2005. The average age of our non-performing mortgage loans since origination was 3.7 years at December 31, 2006. Therefore, the majority of non-performing mortgage loans in our portfolio were originated prior to 2006 when real estate values were rising and, at December 31, 2006, would likely have current loan-to-value ratios equal to or lower than those at the origination date. In reviewing the negligible change in the loan-to-value ratios of our non-performing loans from 2005 to 2006, we determined that there was no additional inherent loss in our non-performing loan portfolio compared to the estimates included in our existing methodology. We underwrite our one-to-four family mortgage loans primarily based upon our evaluation of the borrower’s ability to pay. We generally do not obtain updated estimates of collateral value for loans until classified or requested by our Asset Classification Committee. We monitor property value trends in our market areas to determine what impact, if any, such trends may have on our loan-to-value ratios and the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. Based on our review of property value trends, including updated estimates of collateral value on classified loans, we do not believe the current slow down in the housing market had a discernable negative impact on the value of our non-performing loan collateral as of December 31, 2006. Since we determined there was sufficient collateral value to support our non-performing loans and we have not experienced an increase in related loan charge-offs, no change to our allowance coverage percentages was required. Based on our evaluation of the foregoing factors, our 2006 analyses indicated that no provision for loan losses was warranted for the year ended December 31, 2006 and that our allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2006 was adequate.
For further discussion of the methodology used to determine the allowance for loan losses, see “Critical Accounting Policies-Allowance for Loan Losses” and for further discussion of our loan portfolio composition and non-performing loans, see “Asset Quality.”
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Non-Interest Income
Non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2006 decreased $10.8 million to $91.4 million, from $102.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. This decrease was primarily due to decreases in other non-interest income, customer service fees, mortgage banking income, net, and other loan fees.
Other non-interest income decreased $7.0 million to $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, from $8.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. This decrease was primarily due to the $5.5 million charge for the termination of our interest rate swap agreements in the 2006 first quarter, coupled with $1.7 million of non-recurring income recorded in 2005 related to a gain on the sale of an inactive subsidiary, gains recognized in a trust account previously established for certain former directors and a gain on the settlement of an insurance claim.
Customer service fees decreased $1.5 million to $64.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, from $66.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. The decrease was primarily due to decreases in ATM fees and other checking charges, partially offset by an increase in insufficient fund fees related to transaction accounts.
Mortgage banking income, net, decreased $1.2 million to $4.8 million, from $6.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. This decrease was primarily due to decreases in net gain on sales of loans, the recovery of the valuation allowance for the impairment of MSR and loan servicing fees, partially offset by a decrease in amortization of MSR. Net gain on sales of loans decreased $1.4 million to $2.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, from $3.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, primarily due to a reduction in the volume of loans sold. We recorded a recovery in the valuation allowance for the impairment of MSR of $2.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 and $2.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. Loan servicing fees decreased $557,000 to $4.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, from $5.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, primarily as a result of the decrease in the balance of loans serviced for others to $1.36 billion at December 31, 2006, from $1.50 billion at December 31, 2005. The decrease in the balance of loans serviced for others was the result of repayments in that portfolio exceeding the level of new servicing volume from loan sales. Amortization of MSR decreased $1.5 million to $3.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, from $5.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, primarily due to the increase in interest rates from the prior year resulting in lower levels of mortgage refinance activity in 2006.
Other loan fees decreased $922,000 to $4.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, from $5.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. This decrease was primarily related to the outsourcing of our mortgage loan servicing activities effective December 1, 2005.
Non-Interest Expense
Non-interest expense decreased $6.9 million to $221.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, from $228.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. This decrease was primarily due to decreases in other expense, compensation and benefits expense and advertising expense, partially offset by an increase in occupancy, equipment and systems expense. Our percentage of general and administrative expense to average assets was 1.01% for the year ended December 31, 2006, compared to 1.00% for the year ended December 31, 2005.
Other expense decreased $5.1 million to $29.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 from $35.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease of $4.7 million in legal fees and various one-time charges totaling $581,000 in the 2005 third quarter related to the outsourcing of our mortgage loan servicing activities. The decrease in legal fees was primarily the result of the completion of the trial phase of the Long Island Savings Bank goodwill litigation in the first half of 2005, coupled with a reimbursement of $850,000 for certain legal fees in the 2006 third quarter related to the New York State Attorney General’s investigation of Independent Financial Marketing Group and its related entities, which is one of our service providers.
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Compensation and benefits expense decreased $3.0 million to $116.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, compared to $119.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. This decrease was primarily due to decreases in salary expense and corporate incentive bonuses, partially offset by an increase in stock-based compensation cost of $4.5 million, reflecting grants of restricted stock in December 2005 and 2006, as well as stock option expense recognized due to our adoption of revised SFAS No. 123, “Share-Based Payment,” or SFAS No. 123(R), effective January 1, 2006. The decrease in salary expense is primarily due to the outsourcing of our mortgage loan servicing activities and other company-wide cost saving initiatives in 2005, partially offset by normal performance increases during 2006 for officers and staff.
Advertising expense decreased $1.1 million to $7.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, from $8.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, primarily due to the introduction of a business banking marketing campaign in the 2005 first quarter, which was not repeated in 2006. Occupancy, equipment and systems expense increased $2.3 million to $66.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 from $63.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, primarily due to an increase in data processing charges resulting from the outsourcing of our mortgage loan servicing activities.
Income Tax Expense
For the year ended December 31, 2006, income tax expense totaled $85.0 million, representing an effective tax rate of 32.7%, compared to $118.4 million, representing an effective tax rate of 33.6%, for the year ended December 31, 2005. The decrease in the effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2006 was primarily the result of a decrease in pre-tax book income without any significant change in the amount of permanent differences, such as tax exempt income.
Asset Quality
As previously discussed, the composition of our loan portfolio, by property type, has remained relatively consistent over the last several years. At December 31, 2007, our loan portfolio was comprised of 73% one-to-four family mortgage loans, 18% multi-family mortgage loans, 6% commercial real estate loans and 3% 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.
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.
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| At December 31, |
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| 2007 |
| 2006 |
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|
|
|
|
| Percent |
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|
|
| Percent |
|
(Dollars in Thousands) |
|
| Amount |
|
|
|
| Amount |
|
|
| ||
One-to-four family: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Full documentation interest-only |
| $ | 5,415,787 |
|
| 46.57 | % | $ | 4,023,693 |
|
| 39.39 | % |
Full documentation amortizing |
|
| 3,320,047 |
|
| 28.55 |
|
| 3,288,462 |
|
| 32.20 |
|
Reduced documentation interest-only |
|
| 2,230,041 |
|
| 19.18 |
|
| 2,149,782 |
|
| 21.05 |
|
Reduced documentation amortizing |
|
| 662,395 |
|
| 5.70 |
|
| 752,209 |
|
| 7.36 |
|
Total one-to-four family |
| $ | 11,628,270 |
|
| 100.00 | % | $ | 10,214,146 |
|
| 100.00 | % |
Multi-family and commercial real estate: |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Full documentation amortizing |
| $ | 3,337,692 |
|
| 83.92 | % | $ | 3,545,178 |
|
| 86.73 | % |
Full documentation interest-only |
|
| 639,666 |
|
| 16.08 |
|
| 542,571 |
|
| 13.27 |
|
Total multi-family and commercial real estate |
| $ | 3,977,358 |
|
| 100.00 | % | $ | 4,087,749 |
|
| 100.00 | % |
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 hybrid ARM loans based on a fully amortizing thirty year loan. Additionally, effective in 2007, in accordance with federal banking regulatory guidelines, we began underwriting our one-to-four
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family interest-only hybrid ARM loans at the higher of the fully indexed rate or the initial note 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. Our non-performing interest-only one-to-four family mortgage loans as a percentage of total non-performing one-to-four family mortgage loans is consistent with our total interest-only one-to-four family mortgage loans as a percentage of our total one-to-four family mortgage loan portfolio. 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 reduced documentation loans are comprised of SIFA, SISA and Super Streamline loans. During the 2007 second quarter, we discontinued originating SISA and Super Streamline loans and during the 2007 fourth quarter, we discontinued originating SIFA loans.
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 December 31, 2007, by year of origination, were 65% for 2007, 67% for 2006, 69% for 2005, 68% for 2004 and 57% for pre-2004 originations. As of December 31, 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 65% for 2007, 67% for 2006, 66% 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 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.
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Non-Performing Assets
The following table sets forth information regarding non-performing assets.
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| At December 31, | ||||||||||||||
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(Dollars in Thousands) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| 2005 |
| 2004 |
| 2003 |
| |||||
Non-accrual delinquent mortgage loans (1) |
| $ | 104,378 |
| $ | 58,110 |
| $ | 64,351 |
| $ | 31,462 |
| $ | 28,321 |
|
Non-accrual delinquent consumer and other loans |
|
| 1,476 |
|
| 818 |
|
| 500 |
|
| 544 |
|
| 792 |
|
Mortgage loans delinquent 90 days or more and still accruing interest (2) |
|
| 474 |
|
| 488 |
|
| 176 |
|
| 573 |
|
| 563 |
|
Total non-performing loans |
|
| 106,328 |
|
| 59,416 |
|
| 65,027 |
|
| 32,579 |
|
| 29,676 |
|
Real estate owned, net (3) |
|
| 9,115 |
|
| 627 |
|
| 1,066 |
|
| 920 |
|
| 1,635 |
|
Total non-performing assets |
| $ | 115,443 |
| $ | 60,043 |
| $ | 66,093 |
| $ | 33,499 |
| $ | 31,311 |
|
Non-performing loans to total loans |
|
| 0.66 | % |
| 0.40 | % |
| 0.45 | % |
| 0.25 | % |
| 0.23 | % |
Non-performing loans to total assets |
|
| 0.49 |
|
| 0.28 |
|
| 0.29 |
|
| 0.14 |
|
| 0.13 |
|
Non-performing assets to total assets |
|
| 0.53 |
|
| 0.28 |
|
| 0.30 |
|
| 0.14 |
|
| 0.14 |
|
|
|
(1) | Includes multi-family and commercial real estate loans totaling $14.2 million, $17.1 million, $28.6 million, $11.5 million and $6.1 million at December 31, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. |
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(2) | 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. |
|
|
(3) | Real estate acquired as a result of foreclosure or by deed in lieu of foreclosure is carried in other assets, net of allowances for losses, at the lower of cost or fair value, less estimated selling costs. The allowance for losses at December 31, 2007 was $493,000. There was no allowance for losses at December 31, 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003. |
Total non-performing assets increased $55.4 million to $115.4 million at December 31, 2007, from $60.0 million at December 31, 2006. Non-performing loans, the most significant component of non-performing assets, increased $46.9 million to $106.3 million at December 31, 2007, from $59.4 million at December 31, 2006. The increases in non-performing assets and non-performing loans were primarily due to an increase of $48.3 million in non-performing one-to-four family mortgage loans, of which $32.5 million were reduced documentation loans. The increase in non-performing loans and assets occurred primarily during the second half of 2007. We believe the increase is primarily due to the overall increase in our loan portfolio and the continued decline of the real estate and housing markets, as well as the overall economic environment. Despite the increase in non-performing loans at December 31, 2007, our non-performing loans continue to remain at low levels in relation to the size of our loan portfolio. The ratio of non-performing loans to total loans increased to 0.66% at December 31, 2007, from 0.40% at December 31, 2006. Our ratio of non-performing assets to total assets increased to 0.53% at December 31, 2007, from 0.28% at December 31, 2006. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total non-performing loans decreased to 74.25% at December 31, 2007, from 134.55% at December 31, 2006.
During the year ended December 31, 2007, we sold $10.4 million of non-performing mortgage loans, primarily multi-family and commercial real estate loans, of which $2.3 million were non-performing as of December 31, 2006. The remainder became non-performing during 2007. We are unable to determine with any degree of certainty whether some or all of these loans would have remained non-performing as of December 31, 2007 had they not been sold, particularly in light of our aggressive collection efforts and prior experience with other borrowers. However, assuming the $10.4 million of non-performing loans sold were not sold and were both outstanding and non-performing at December 31, 2007, our non-performing loans would have totaled $116.7 million, or an increase of $57.3 million from December 31, 2006, and our non-performing assets would have totaled $125.8 million, or an increase of $65.8 million from December 31, 2006. Additionally, at December 31, 2007, our ratio of non-performing loans to total loans would have increased to 0.72%, our ratio of non-performing assets to total assets would have increased to 0.58% and the allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total non-performing loans would have decreased to 67.6%.
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 December 31, 2007, $38.3 million of mortgage loans classified as non-performing had missed only two
69
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.
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.
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| At December 31, |
| ||||||||||||||||
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| ||||||||||||||||||
|
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) |
| Amount |
| Percent |
| Loan |
| Amount |
| Percent |
| Loan |
| ||||||
Non-performing loans: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
One-to-four family: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Full documentation interest-only |
| $ | 24,127 |
|
| 26.99 | % |
| 78 | % | $ | 8,513 |
|
| 20.70 | % |
| 77 | % |
Full documentation amortizing |
|
| 16,590 |
|
| 18.56 |
|
| 68 |
|
| 16,404 |
|
| 39.89 |
|
| 71 |
|
Reduced documentation interest-only |
|
| 35,733 |
|
| 39.98 |
|
| 76 |
|
| 5,945 |
|
| 14.46 |
|
| 74 |
|
Reduced documentation amortizing |
|
| 12,930 |
|
| 14.47 |
|
| 64 |
|
| 10,262 |
|
| 24.95 |
|
| 68 |
|
Total one-to-four family |
| $ | 89,380 |
|
| 100.00 | % |
| 73 | % | $ | 41,124 |
|
| 100.00 | % |
| 72 | % |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Multi-family and commercial real estate: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Full documentation amortizing |
| $ | 14,200 |
|
| 100.00 | % |
| 69 | % | $ | 17,474 |
|
| 100.00 | % |
| 70 | % |
At December 31, 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 December 31, 2007, did not indicate a negative trend in any one particular geographic location.
If all non-accrual loans at December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 had been performing in accordance with their original terms, we would have recorded interest income, with respect to such loans, of $6.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, $3.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 and $3.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. This compares to actual payments recorded as interest income, with respect to such loans, of $4.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 and $2.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2005.
Excluded from non-performing assets are restructured loans that have complied with the terms of their restructure agreement for a satisfactory period and have, therefore, been returned to performing status. Restructured loans that are in compliance with their restructured terms totaled $1.2 million at December 31, 2007, $1.5 million at December 31, 2006, $1.6 million at December 31, 2005, $2.8 million at December 31, 2004 and $3.9 million at December 31, 2003.
In addition to non-performing assets, we had $829,000 of potential problem loans at December 31, 2007, compared to $734,000 at December 31, 2006. Such loans are 60-89 days delinquent as shown in the following table.
70
Delinquent Loans
The following table shows a comparison of delinquent loans at December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.
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|
|
|
| 60-89 Days Past Due |
| 90 Days or More Past Due |
| ||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) |
| Number |
| Amount |
| Number |
| Amount |
| ||||
At December 31, 2007: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mortgage loans: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
One-to-four family |
|
| 7 |
| $ | 156 |
|
| 293 |
| $ | 89,380 |
|
Multi-family |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| 20 |
|
| 14,200 |
|
Construction |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| 2 |
|
| 1,272 |
|
Consumer and other loans |
|
| 30 |
|
| 673 |
|
| 41 |
|
| 1,476 |
|
Total delinquent loans |
|
| 37 |
| $ | 829 |
|
| 356 |
| $ | 106,328 |
|
Delinquent loans to total loans |
|
|
|
|
| 0.01 | % |
|
|
|
| 0.66 | % |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, 2006: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mortgage loans: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
One-to-four family |
|
| 2 |
| $ | 92 |
|
| 159 |
| $ | 41,124 |
|
Multi-family |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| 21 |
|
| 14,627 |
|
Commercial real estate |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| 5 |
|
| 2,847 |
|
Consumer and other loans |
|
| 38 |
|
| 642 |
|
| 33 |
|
| 818 |
|
Total delinquent loans |
|
| 40 |
| $ | 734 |
|
| 218 |
| $ | 59,416 |
|
Delinquent loans to total loans |
|
|
|
|
| 0.00 | % |
|
|
|
| 0.40 | % |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, 2005: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mortgage loans: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
One-to-four family |
|
| 6 |
| $ | 174 |
|
| 152 |
| $ | 35,727 |
|
Multi-family |
|
| 1 |
|
| 101 |
|
| 26 |
|
| 26,256 |
|
Commercial real estate |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| 6 |
|
| 2,544 |
|
Consumer and other loans |
|
| 47 |
|
| 538 |
|
| 47 |
|
| 500 |
|
Total delinquent loans |
|
| 54 |
| $ | 813 |
|
| 231 |
| $ | 65,027 |
|
Delinquent loans to total loans |
|
|
|
|
| 0.01 | % |
|
|
|
| 0.45 | % |
Classified Assets
The following table sets forth the carrying value of our assets, exclusive of general valuation allowances, classified as special mention, substandard or doubtful at December 31, 2007. There were no assets classified as loss at December 31, 2007.
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|
|
| Special Mention |
| Substandard |
| Doubtful |
| ||||||||||||
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) |
| Number |
| Amount |
| Number |
| Amount |
| Number |
| Amount |
| ||||||
Loans: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mortgage loans: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
One-to-four family |
|
| — |
| $ | — |
|
| 296 |
| $ | 89,402 |
|
| — |
| $ | — |
|
Multi-family |
|
| 10 |
|
| 21,633 |
|
| 20 |
|
| 14,644 |
|
| 2 |
|
| 1,125 |
|
Commercial real estate |
|
| 4 |
|
| 10,055 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
Construction |
|
| 1 |
|
| 1,171 |
|
| 4 |
|
| 7,849 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
Consumer and other loans |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| 41 |
|
| 1,476 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
Total loans |
|
| 15 |
|
| 32,859 |
|
| 361 |
|
| 113,371 |
|
| 2 |
|
| 1,125 |
|
Real estate owned (one-to-four family) |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| 35 |
|
| 9,115 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
Total classified assets |
|
| 15 |
| $ | 32,859 |
|
| 396 |
| $ | 122,486 |
|
| 2 |
| $ | 1,125 |
|
71
Allowance for Losses
The following table sets forth changes in our allowances for losses on loans and REO for the periods indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| At or For the Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| 2005 |
| 2004 |
| 2003 |
| |||||
Allowance for losses on loans: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Balance at beginning of year |
| $ | 79,942 |
| $ | 81,159 |
| $ | 82,758 |
| $ | 83,121 |
| $ | 83,546 |
|
Provision charged to operations |
|
| 2,500 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
Charge-offs: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
One-to-four family |
|
| (1,407 | ) |
| (89 | ) |
| (749 | ) |
| (231 | ) |
| (194 | ) |
Multi-family |
|
| (73 | ) |
| (967 | ) |
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
Commercial real estate |
|
| (243 | ) |
| (197 | ) |
| (650 | ) |
| — |
|
| — |
|
Construction |
|
| (1,454 | ) |
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
Consumer and other loans |
|
| (752 | ) |
| (312 | ) |
| (706 | ) |
| (656 | ) |
| (1,142 | ) |
Total charge-offs |
|
| (3,929 | ) |
| (1,565 | ) |
| (2,105 | ) |
| (887 | ) |
| (1,336 | ) |
Recoveries: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
One-to-four family |
|
| 72 |
|
| 30 |
|
| 140 |
|
| 78 |
|
| 111 |
|
Multi-family |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| 34 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
Commercial real estate |
|
| 197 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| 20 |
|
Consumer and other loans |
|
| 164 |
|
| 318 |
|
| 332 |
|
| 446 |
|
| 780 |
|
Total recoveries |
|
| 433 |
|
| 348 |
|
| 506 |
|
| 524 |
|
| 911 |
|
Net charge-offs |
|
| (3,496 | ) |
| (1,217 | ) |
| (1,599 | ) |
| (363 | ) |
| (425 | ) |
Balance at end of year |
| $ | 78,946 |
| $ | 79,942 |
| $ | 81,159 |
| $ | 82,758 |
| $ | 83,121 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding |
|
| 0.02 | % |
| 0.01 | % |
| 0.01 | % |
| 0.00 | % |
| 0.00 | % |
Allowance for loan losses to total loans |
|
| 0.49 |
|
| 0.53 |
|
| 0.56 |
|
| 0.62 |
|
| 0.66 |
|
Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans |
|
| 74.25 |
|
| 134.55 |
|
| 124.81 |
|
| 254.02 |
|
| 280.10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance for losses on REO: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at beginning of year |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | 4 |
|
Provision charged to operations |
|
| 493 |
|
| 121 |
|
| 56 |
|
| — |
|
| 4 |
|
Charge-offs |
|
| — |
|
| (121 | ) |
| (56 | ) |
| — |
|
| (8 | ) |
Balance at end of year |
| $ | 493 |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
|
The following table sets forth our allocation of the allowance for loan losses by loan category and the percent of loans in each category to total loans receivable at the dates indicated. The portion of the allowance for loan losses allocated to each loan category does not represent the total available to absorb losses which may occur within the loan category, since the total allowance is available for losses applicable to the entire loan portfolio. The balance of our allowance for loan losses represents management’s best estimate of the probable inherent losses in our loan portfolio at December 31, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003.
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| At December 31, |
| ||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
|
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| 2005 |
| ||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) |
| Amount |
| % of Loans |
| Amount |
| % of Loans |
| Amount |
| % of Loans |
| ||||||
One-to-four family |
| $ | 41,400 |
|
| 72.51 | % | $ | 35,242 |
|
| 68.67 | % | $ | 34,051 |
|
| 68.24 | % |
Multi-family |
|
| 17,550 |
|
| 18.36 |
|
| 19,413 |
|
| 20.09 |
|
| 19,818 |
|
| 19.77 |
|
Commercial real estate |
|
| 10,325 |
|
| 6.43 |
|
| 11,768 |
|
| 7.40 |
|
| 11,437 |
|
| 7.52 |
|
Construction |
|
| 2,212 |
|
| 0.48 |
|
| 2,119 |
|
| 0.94 |
|
| 2,071 |
|
| 0.96 |
|
Consumer and other loans |
|
| 7,459 |
|
| 2.22 |
|
| 11,400 |
|
| 2.90 |
|
| 13,782 |
|
| 3.51 |
|
Total allowance for loan losses |
| $ | 78,946 |
|
| 100.00 | % | $ | 79,942 |
|
| 100.00 | % | $ | 81,159 |
|
| 100.00 | % |
72
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| At December 31, |
| ||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||
|
| 2004 |
| 2003 |
| ||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) |
| Amount |
| % of Loans |
| Amount |
| % of Loans |
| ||||
One-to-four family |
| $ | 36,697 |
|
| 68.68 | % | $ | 39,614 |
|
| 71.13 | % |
Multi-family |
|
| 18,124 |
|
| 19.41 |
|
| 16,440 |
|
| 17.69 |
|
Commercial real estate |
|
| 11,785 |
|
| 7.17 |
|
| 11,006 |
|
| 6.98 |
|
Construction |
|
| 1,996 |
|
| 0.89 |
|
| 1,695 |
|
| 0.79 |
|
Consumer and other loans |
|
| 14,156 |
|
| 3.85 |
|
| 14,366 |
|
| 3.41 |
|
Total allowance for loan losses |
| $ | 82,758 |
|
| 100.00 | % | $ | 83,121 |
|
| 100.00 | % |
Impact of Recent Accounting Standards and Interpretations
In December 2007, the FASB issued revised SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations,” or SFAS No. 141(R). SFAS No. 141(R) retains the fundamental requirements of SFAS No. 141 that the acquisition method of accounting (formerly the purchase method) be used for all business combinations; that an acquirer be identified for each business combination; and that intangible assets be identified and recognized separately from goodwill. SFAS No. 141(R) requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date, measured at their fair values as of that date, with limited exceptions. Additionally, SFAS No. 141(R) changes the requirements for recognizing assets acquired and liabilities assumed arising from contingencies and recognizing and measuring contingent consideration. SFAS No. 141(R) also enhances the disclosure requirements for business combinations. SFAS No. 141(R) applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008 and may not be applied before that date. SFAS No. 141(R) is not expected to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment of ARB No. 51.” SFAS No. 160 amends Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, “Consolidated Financial Statements” to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Among other things, SFAS No. 160 clarifies that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity in the consolidated financial statements and requires consolidated net income to be reported at amounts that include the amounts attributable to both the parent and the noncontrolling interest. SFAS No. 160 also amends SFAS No. 128, “Earnings per Share,” so that earnings per share calculations in consolidated financial statements will continue to be based on amounts attributable to the parent. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008 and is applied prospectively as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which it is initially applied, except for the presentation and disclosure requirements which are to be applied retrospectively for all periods presented. SFAS No. 160 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
In November 2007, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin, or SAB, No. 109, “Written Loan Commitments Recorded at Fair Value Through Earnings.” SAB No. 109 provides views on the accounting for written loan commitments recorded at fair value under GAAP. SAB No. 109 supersedes SAB No. 105, “Application of Accounting Principles to Loan Commitments.” Specifically, SAB No. 109 states that the expected net future cash flows related to the associated servicing of a loan should be included in the measurement of all written loan commitments that are accounted for at fair value through earnings. The provisions of SAB No. 109 are applicable on a prospective basis to written loan commitments recorded at fair value under GAAP that are issued or modified in fiscal quarters beginning after December 15, 2007. SAB No. 109 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
73
In June 2007, the FASB ratified a consensus reached by the Emerging Issues Task Force, or 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 SFAS No. 123(R). 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. Retrospective application to previously issued financial statements is prohibited. EITF Issue No. 06-11 is not expected 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, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,” 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 was permitted; however, we did not elect early adoption and therefore adopted the standard as of January 1, 2008. Upon adoption, we did not elect the fair value option for eligible items that existed at January 1, 2008.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The expanded disclosures include a requirement to disclose fair value measurements according to a hierarchy, segregating measurements using (1) quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities, (2) significant other observable inputs and (3) significant unobservable inputs. 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 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. SFAS No. 157 will affect certain of our fair value disclosures, but is not expected to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. The portion of our assets and liabilities with fair values based on unobservable inputs is not significant.
74
Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices
The consolidated financial statements and notes thereto presented herein have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, which require the measurement of our financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without considering the changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. The impact of inflation is reflected in the increased cost of our operations. Unlike industrial companies, nearly all of our assets and liabilities are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates have a greater impact on our performance than do the effects of general levels of inflation. Interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or, to the same extent, as the price of goods and services.
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|
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK |
As a financial institution, the primary component of our market risk is IRR. Net interest income is the primary component of our net income. Net interest income is the difference between the interest earned on our loans, securities and other interest-earning assets and the interest expense incurred on our deposits and borrowings. The yields, costs and volumes of loans, securities, deposits and borrowings are directly affected by the levels of and changes in market interest rates. Additionally, changes in interest rates also affect the related cash flows of our assets and liabilities as the option to prepay assets or withdraw liabilities remains with our customers, in most cases without penalty. 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. In conjunction with performing these analyses we also consider related factors including, but not limited to, our overall credit profile, non-interest income and non-interest expense. We do not enter into financial transactions or hold financial instruments for trading purposes.
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. The following table, referred to as the Gap Table, sets forth the amount of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities outstanding at December 31, 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 actual duration of mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities can be significantly impacted by changes in mortgage prepayment activity. The major factors affecting mortgage prepayment rates are prevailing interest rates and related mortgage refinancing opportunities. Prepayment rates will also vary due to a number of other factors, including the regional economy in the area where the underlying collateral is located, seasonal factors, demographic variables and the assumability of the underlying mortgages.
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 that indicated. The uncertainty and volatility of interest rates, economic conditions and other markets which affect the value of these call options, as well as the financial condition and strategies of the holders of the options, increase the difficulty and uncertainty in predicting when the call options may be exercised. Among the factors considered in our estimates are current trends and historical repricing experience with respect to similar products. As a result, different assumptions may be used at different points in time.
75
The Gap Table includes $1.13 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 December 31, 2007 was negative 24.01% compared to negative 21.06% at December 31, 2006.
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| At December 31, 2007 |
| |||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) |
| One Year |
| More than |
| More than |
| More than |
| Total |
| |||||
Interest-earning assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mortgage loans (1) |
| $ | 4,601,323 |
| $ | 5,875,168 |
| $ | 4,746,143 |
| $ | 361,178 |
| $ | 15,583,812 |
|
Consumer and other loans (1) |
|
| 329,004 |
|
| 21,847 |
|
| 5,487 |
|
| — |
|
| 356,338 |
|
Repurchase agreements |
|
| 24,218 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| 24,218 |
|
Securities available-for-sale |
|
| 95,657 |
|
| 668,332 |
|
| 516,777 |
|
| 83,011 |
|
| 1,363,777 |
|
Securities held-to-maturity |
|
| 684,601 |
|
| 2,001,617 |
|
| 376,102 |
|
| 358 |
|
| 3,062,678 |
|
FHLB-NY stock |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| 201,490 |
|
| 201,490 |
|
Total interest-earning assets |
|
| 5,734,803 |
|
| 8,566,964 |
|
| 5,644,509 |
|
| 646,037 |
|
| 20,592,313 |
|
Net unamortized purchase premiums and deferred costs (2) |
|
| 34,111 |
|
| 37,658 |
|
| 32,619 |
|
| 2,451 |
|
| 106,839 |
|
Net interest-earning assets (3) |
|
| 5,768,914 |
|
| 8,604,622 |
|
| 5,677,128 |
|
| 648,488 |
|
| 20,699,152 |
|
Interest-bearing liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Savings |
|
| 241,274 |
|
| 401,910 |
|
| 401,910 |
|
| 846,524 |
|
| 1,891,618 |
|
Money market |
|
| 145,968 |
|
| 90,846 |
|
| 90,846 |
|
| 6,254 |
|
| 333,914 |
|
NOW and demand deposit |
|
| 115,411 |
|
| 230,834 |
|
| 230,834 |
|
| 901,283 |
|
| 1,478,362 |
|
Liquid CDs |
|
| 1,447,341 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| 1,447,341 |
|
Certificates of deposit |
|
| 6,001,454 |
|
| 1,456,023 |
|
| 427,952 |
|
| 12,774 |
|
| 7,898,203 |
|
Borrowings, net |
|
| 3,032,382 |
|
| 1,199,066 |
|
| 1,224,349 |
|
| 1,728,861 |
|
| 7,184,658 |
|
Total interest-bearing liabilities |
|
| 10,983,830 |
|
| 3,378,679 |
|
| 2,375,891 |
|
| 3,495,696 |
|
| 20,234,096 |
|
Interest sensitivity gap |
|
| (5,214,916 | ) |
| 5,225,943 |
|
| 3,301,237 |
|
| (2,847,208 | ) | $ | 465,056 |
|
Cumulative interest sensitivity gap |
| $ | (5,214,916 | ) | $ | 11,027 |
| $ | 3,312,264 |
| $ | 465,056 |
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||
Cumulative interest sensitivity gap as a percentage of total assets |
|
| (24.01 | )% |
| 0.05 | % |
| 15.25 | % |
| 2.14 | % |
|
|
|
Cumulative net interest-earning assets as a percentage of interest-bearing liabilities |
|
| 52.52 | % |
| 100.08 | % |
| 119.79 | % |
| 102.30 | % |
|
|
|
(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.
76
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 January 1, 2008 would decrease by approximately 9.85% 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 decrements of 50 basis points and remain at that level thereafter, our projected net interest income for the twelve month period beginning January 1, 2008 would increase by approximately 5.05% 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 BOLI 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 January 1, 2008 would increase by approximately $5.2 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 January 1, 2008 would decrease by approximately $8.0 million with respect to these items alone.
For information regarding our credit risk, see “Asset Quality,” in Item 7, “MD&A.”
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|
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA |
For our Consolidated Financial Statements, see the index on page 83.
|
|
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON | |
| ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE |
None.
77
|
|
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 December 31, 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 December 31, 2007 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
See page 84 for our Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and page 85 for the related Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 302 Certifications regarding the quality of our public disclosures have been filed with the SEC as exhibit 31.1 and exhibit 31.2 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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OTHER INFORMATION |
None.
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DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE |
Information regarding directors and executive officers who are not directors of Astoria Financial Corporation is presented in the tables under the headings “Board Nominees, Directors and Executive Officers,” “Committees and Meetings of the Board” and “Additional Information – Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in our definitive Proxy Statement to be utilized in connection with our Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 21, 2008, which will be filed with the SEC within 120 days from December 31, 2007, and is incorporated herein by reference.
Audit Committee Financial Expert
Information regarding the audit committee of our Board of Directors, including information regarding audit committee financial experts serving on the audit committee, is presented under the heading “Committees and Meetings of the Board” in our definitive Proxy Statement to be utilized in connection with our Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 21, 2008, which will be filed with the SEC within 120 days from December 31, 2007, and is incorporated herein by reference.
The Audit Committee Charter is available on our investor relations website at http://ir.astoriafederal.com under the heading “Corporate Governance.” In addition, copies of our Audit Committee Charter will be provided to shareholders upon written request to Astoria Financial Corporation, Investor Relations Department, One Astoria Federal Plaza, Lake Success, New York 11042 at no charge.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
We have adopted a written code of business conduct and ethics that applies to our directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, which is available on our investor relations website at http://ir.astoriafederal.com under the heading “Corporate Governance.” In addition, copies of our code of business conduct and ethics will be provided upon written request to Astoria Financial Corporation, Investor Relations Department, One Astoria Federal Plaza, Lake Success, New York 11042 at no charge.
78
Corporate Governance
Our Corporate Governance Guidelines and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter are available on our investor relations website at http://ir.astoriafederal.com under the heading “Corporate Governance.” In addition, copies of such documents will be provided to shareholders upon written request to Astoria Financial Corporation, Investor Relations Department, One Astoria Federal Plaza, Lake Success, New York 11042 at no charge.
During the year ended December 31, 2007, there were no material changes to procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to our Board of Directors.
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ITEM 11. | EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION |
Information relating to executive (and director) compensation is included under the headings “Transactions with Certain Related Parties,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Summary Compensation Table,” “Grants of Plan Based Awards Table,” “Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End Table,” “Option Exercises and Stock Vested Table,” “Pension Benefits Table,” “Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control,” “Director Compensation,” including related narratives, “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Compensation Committee Report” in our definitive Proxy Statement to be utilized in connection with our Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 21, 2008 which will be filed with the SEC within 120 days from December 31, 2007, and is incorporated herein by reference.
The Compensation Committee Charter is available on our investor relations website at http://ir.astoriafederal.com under the heading “Corporate Governance.” In addition, copies of our Compensation Committee Charter will be provided to shareholders upon written request to Astoria Financial Corporation, Investor Relations Department, One Astoria Federal Plaza, Lake Success, New York 11042 at no charge.
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS |
Information relating to security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is included under the headings “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners” and “Security Ownership of Management” in our definitive Proxy Statement to be utilized in connection with our Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 21, 2008, which will be filed with the SEC within 120 days from December 31, 2007, and is incorporated herein by reference.
The following table provides information as of December 31, 2007 with respect to compensation plans, including individual compensation arrangements, under which equity securities of Astoria Financial Corporation are authorized for issuance:
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan Category (1) |
| Number of |
| Weighted-average |
| Number of securities |
| |||||
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (2) |
| 9,313,007 |
|
|
| $ | 21.32 |
|
| 3,659,561 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders |
| — |
|
|
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
|
Total (3) |
| 9,313,007 |
|
|
| $ | 21.32 |
|
| 3,659,561 |
|
|
79
|
|
(1) | Excluded is any employee benefit plan that is intended to meet the qualification requirements of Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, such as the Astoria Federal ESOP and the Astoria Federal Incentive Savings Plan. Also excluded are 466,339 shares of our common stock which represent unvested restricted stock awards made pursuant to the 2005 Re-designated, Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan for Officers and Employees of Astoria Financial Corporation, or the 2005 Employee Stock Plan, since such shares, while unvested, were issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2007. The only equity security issuable under the equity compensation plans referenced in the table is our common stock and the only equity compensation plans are stock option plans or arrangements which provide for the issuance of our common stock upon the exercise of options. In addition, the 2005 Employee Stock Plan also provides for the grant of equity settled stock appreciation rights and awards of restricted stock or equity settled restricted stock units and the Astoria Financial Corporation 2007 Non-Employee Directors Stock Plan, or the 2007 Director Stock Plan, provides for awards of restricted stock. Of the number of securities to be issued and the number of securities remaining available in the above table, 1,224,100 and 3,559,561, respectively, were authorized pursuant to the 2005 Employee Stock Plan and of the number of securities remaining available in the above table, 100,000 were authorized pursuant to the 2007 Director Stock Plan. |
|
|
(2) | With respect to equity compensation plans approved by security holders, included are 12,000 shares of our common stock with respect to which options were granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Long Island Bancorp, Inc. merger agreement, which was approved by our stockholders. This arrangement does not provide for the future issuance or grant of additional options, warrants or rights. |
|
|
(3) | Of the shares available for future issuance, 3,559,561 were authorized pursuant to the 2005 Employee Stock Plan and 100,000 were authorized pursuant to the 2007 Director Stock Plan as of December 31, 2007. Both plans provide for automatic adjustments to outstanding options or grants upon certain changes in capitalization. In the event of any stock split, stock dividend or other event generally affecting the number of shares of our common stock held by each person who is then a record holder of our common stock, the number of shares covered by each outstanding option, grant or award and the number of shares available for grant under the plans shall be adjusted to account for such event. |
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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE |
Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions and director independence is included under the headings “Transactions with Certain Related Persons,” “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Director Independence” in our definitive Proxy Statement to be utilized in connection with our Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 21, 2008, which will be filed with the SEC within 120 days from December 31, 2007, and is incorporated herein by reference.
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|
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES |
Information regarding principal accounting fees and services and the pre-approval of such services and fees is included under the headings “Audit Fees,” “Audit-Related Fees,” “Tax Fees” and “All Other Fees,” and in the related narrative, in our definitive Proxy Statement to be utilized in connection with our Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 21, 2008, which will be filed with the SEC within 120 days from December 31, 2007, and is incorporated herein by reference.
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EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES |
|
|
|
(a) | 1. | Financial Statements |
|
|
|
|
| See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on page 83. |
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|
|
| 2. | Financial Statement Schedules |
|
|
|
|
| Financial Statement Schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the Consolidated Financial Statements or Notes thereto under Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” |
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|
(b) |
| Exhibits |
|
|
|
|
| See Index of Exhibits on page 129. |
80
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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
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| /s/ | George L. Engelke, Jr. |
| Date: February 29, 2008 | |
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| |
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| George L. Engelke, Jr. |
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|
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| Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
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|
|
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
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| NAME |
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| DATE |
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| ||
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| /s/ | George L. Engelke, Jr. |
|
| February 29, 2008 |
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| |
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| George L. Engelke, Jr. |
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| Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
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| /s/ | Monte N. Redman |
|
| February 29, 2008 |
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| |
|
| Monte N. Redman |
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| President and Chief Operating Officer |
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| /s/ | Frank E. Fusco |
|
| February 29, 2008 |
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| |
|
| Frank E. Fusco |
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| Executive Vice President, Treasurer and |
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| Chief Financial Officer |
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| /s/ | Gerard C. Keegan |
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| February 29, 2008 |
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| |
|
| Gerard C. Keegan |
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| Vice Chairman, Chief Administrative |
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| Officer and Director |
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| /s/ | Andrew M. Burger |
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| February 29, 2008 |
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| |
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| Andrew M. Burger |
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| Director |
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| /s/ | John J. Conefry, Jr. |
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| February 29, 2008 |
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| |
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| John J. Conefry, Jr. |
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| Director |
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| /s/ | Denis J. Connors |
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| February 29, 2008 |
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| |
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| Denis J. Connors |
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| Director |
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81
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| /s/ | Peter C. Haeffner, Jr. |
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| February 29, 2008 |
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| |
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| Peter C. Haeffner, Jr. |
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| Director |
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| /s/ | Ralph F. Palleschi |
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| February 29, 2008 |
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| |
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| Ralph F. Palleschi |
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| Director |
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|
|
| /s/ | Leo J. Waters |
|
| February 29, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| Leo J. Waters |
|
|
|
|
| Director |
|
|
|
82
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX
83
MANAGEMENT REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
The management of Astoria Financial Corporation is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Astoria Financial Corporation’s internal control system is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance to the company’s management and board of directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.
Our internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of assets; provide reasonable assurances that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the directors of Astoria Financial Corporation; and provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of Astoria Financial Corporation’s assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.
All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Astoria Financial Corporation management assessed the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007. In making this assessment, we used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission inInternal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on our assessment we believe that, as of December 31, 2007, the company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.
Astoria Financial Corporation’s independent registered public accounting firm has issued an audit report on the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007. This report appears on page 85.
84
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Astoria Financial Corporation:
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Astoria Financial Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Frameworkissued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Frameworkissued by COSO.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated statements of financial condition of Astoria Financial Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2007, and our report dated February 29, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
/s/ KPMG LLP
New York, New York
February 29, 2008
85
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Astoria Financial Corporation:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of Astoria Financial Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2007. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Astoria Financial Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2007, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Frameworkissued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated February 29, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ KPMG LLP
New York, New York
February 29, 2008
86
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| At December 31, |
| ||||
|
| ||||||
(In Thousands, Except Share Data) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ASSETS: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and due from banks |
| $ | 93,972 |
| $ | 134,016 |
|
Repurchase agreements |
|
| 24,218 |
|
| 71,694 |
|
Available-for-sale securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Encumbered |
|
| 1,137,363 |
|
| 1,289,045 |
|
Unencumbered |
|
| 175,943 |
|
| 271,280 |
|
|
|
| 1,313,306 |
|
| 1,560,325 |
|
Held-to-maturity securities, fair value of $3,013,014 and $3,681,514, respectively: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Encumbered |
|
| 2,839,017 |
|
| 3,442,079 |
|
Unencumbered |
|
| 218,527 |
|
| 337,277 |
|
|
|
| 3,057,544 |
|
| 3,779,356 |
|
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York stock, at cost |
|
| 201,490 |
|
| 153,640 |
|
Loans held-for-sale, net |
|
| 6,306 |
|
| 16,542 |
|
Loans receivable |
|
| 16,155,014 |
|
| 14,971,691 |
|
Allowance for loan losses |
|
| (78,946 | ) |
| (79,942 | ) |
Loans receivable, net |
|
| 16,076,068 |
|
| 14,891,749 |
|
Mortgage servicing rights, net |
|
| 12,910 |
|
| 15,944 |
|
Accrued interest receivable |
|
| 79,132 |
|
| 78,761 |
|
Premises and equipment, net |
|
| 139,563 |
|
| 145,231 |
|
Goodwill |
|
| 185,151 |
|
| 185,151 |
|
Bank owned life insurance |
|
| 398,280 |
|
| 385,952 |
|
Other assets |
|
| 131,428 |
|
| 136,158 |
|
Total assets |
| $ | 21,719,368 |
| $ | 21,554,519 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deposits |
| $ | 13,049,438 |
| $ | 13,224,024 |
|
Reverse repurchase agreements |
|
| 3,730,000 |
|
| 4,480,000 |
|
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York advances |
|
| 3,058,000 |
|
| 1,940,000 |
|
Other borrowings, net |
|
| 396,658 |
|
| 416,002 |
|
Mortgage escrow funds |
|
| 129,412 |
|
| 132,080 |
|
Accrued expenses and other liabilities |
|
| 144,516 |
|
| 146,659 |
|
Total liabilities |
|
| 20,508,024 |
|
| 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 95,728,562 and 98,211,827 shares outstanding, respectively) |
|
| 1,665 |
|
| 1,665 |
|
Additional paid-in capital |
|
| 846,227 |
|
| 828,940 |
|
Retained earnings |
|
| 1,883,902 |
|
| 1,856,528 |
|
Treasury stock (70,766,326 and 68,283,061 shares, at cost, respectively) |
|
| (1,459,865 | ) |
| (1,390,495 | ) |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
|
| (39,476 | ) |
| (58,330 | ) |
Unallocated common stock held by ESOP (5,761,391 and 6,155,918 shares, respectively) |
|
| (21,109 | ) |
| (22,554 | ) |
Total stockholders’ equity |
|
| 1,211,344 |
|
| 1,215,754 |
|
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity |
| $ | 21,719,368 |
| $ | 21,554,519 |
|
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
87
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| For the Year Ended December 31, |
| |||||||
|
| |||||||||
(In Thousands, Except Share Data) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| 2005 |
| |||
Interest income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mortgage loans: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
One-to-four family |
| $ | 587,863 |
| $ | 510,105 |
| $ | 459,929 |
|
Multi-family, commercial real estate and construction |
|
| 254,536 |
|
| 259,242 |
|
| 239,119 |
|
Consumer and other loans |
|
| 30,178 |
|
| 35,735 |
|
| 31,160 |
|
Mortgage-backed and other securities |
|
| 219,040 |
|
| 267,535 |
|
| 340,626 |
|
Federal funds sold and repurchase agreements |
|
| 2,071 |
|
| 6,410 |
|
| 6,123 |
|
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York stock |
|
| 11,634 |
|
| 7,787 |
|
| 6,030 |
|
Total interest income |
|
| 1,105,322 |
|
| 1,086,814 |
|
| 1,082,987 |
|
Interest expense: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deposits |
|
| 456,039 |
|
| 384,770 |
|
| 281,399 |
|
Borrowings |
|
| 315,755 |
|
| 311,659 |
|
| 322,808 |
|
Total interest expense |
|
| 771,794 |
|
| 696,429 |
|
| 604,207 |
|
Net interest income |
|
| 333,528 |
|
| 390,385 |
|
| 478,780 |
|
Provision for loan losses |
|
| 2,500 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
Net interest income after provision for loan losses |
|
| 331,028 |
|
| 390,385 |
|
| 478,780 |
|
Non-interest income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Customer service fees |
|
| 62,961 |
|
| 64,823 |
|
| 66,256 |
|
Other loan fees |
|
| 4,739 |
|
| 4,058 |
|
| 4,980 |
|
Gain on sales of securities |
|
| 2,208 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
Other-than-temporary impairment write-down of securities |
|
| (20,484 | ) |
| — |
|
| — |
|
Mortgage banking income, net |
|
| 1,334 |
|
| 4,845 |
|
| 6,015 |
|
Income from bank owned life insurance |
|
| 17,109 |
|
| 16,129 |
|
| 16,446 |
|
Other |
|
| 7,923 |
|
| 1,495 |
|
| 8,502 |
|
Total non-interest income |
|
| 75,790 |
|
| 91,350 |
|
| 102,199 |
|
Non-interest expense: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General and administrative: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation and benefits |
|
| 124,036 |
|
| 116,408 |
|
| 119,417 |
|
Occupancy, equipment and systems |
|
| 65,754 |
|
| 66,034 |
|
| 63,695 |
|
Federal deposit insurance premiums |
|
| 1,595 |
|
| 1,672 |
|
| 1,760 |
|
Advertising |
|
| 6,563 |
|
| 7,747 |
|
| 8,815 |
|
Other |
|
| 33,325 |
|
| 29,942 |
|
| 35,047 |
|
Total non-interest expense |
|
| 231,273 |
|
| 221,803 |
|
| 228,734 |
|
Income before income tax expense |
|
| 175,545 |
|
| 259,932 |
|
| 352,245 |
|
Income tax expense |
|
| 50,723 |
|
| 85,035 |
|
| 118,442 |
|
Net income |
| $ | 124,822 |
| $ | 174,897 |
| $ | 233,803 |
|
Basic earnings per common share |
| $ | 1.38 |
| $ | 1.85 |
| $ | 2.30 |
|
Diluted earnings per common share |
| $ | 1.36 |
| $ | 1.80 |
| $ | 2.26 |
|
Basic weighted average common shares |
|
| 90,490,118 |
|
| 94,754,732 |
|
| 101,476,376 |
|
Diluted weighted average common and common equivalent shares |
|
| 92,092,725 |
|
| 97,280,150 |
|
| 103,408,637 |
|
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
88
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In Thousands, Except Share Data) |
| Total |
| Common |
| Additional |
| Retained |
| Treasury |
| Accumulated |
| Unallocated |
| Deferred |
| ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2004 |
| $ | 1,369,764 |
| $ | 1,665 |
| $ | 811,777 |
| $ | 1,623,571 |
| $ | (1,013,726 | ) | $ | (28,592 | ) | $ | (24,931 | ) | $ | — |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
| 233,803 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| 233,803 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax |
|
| (20,944 | ) |
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| (20,944 | ) |
| — |
|
| — |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Comprehensive income |
|
| 212,859 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Common stock repurchased (6,582,500 shares) |
|
| (180,944 | ) |
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| (180,944 | ) |
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
Dividends on common stock ($0.80 per share) |
|
| (81,199 | ) |
| — |
|
| — |
|
| (81,199 | ) |
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
Exercise and acceleration of vesting of stock options and related tax benefit (1,048,283 shares issued) |
|
| 20,488 |
|
| — |
|
| 4,385 |
|
| (3,217 | ) |
| 19,320 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
Restricted stock grants (196,828 shares) |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| 1,966 |
|
| 3,746 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| (5,712 | ) |
Stock-based compensation and allocation of ESOP stock |
|
| 9,259 |
|
| — |
|
| 7,940 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| 1,243 |
|
| 76 |
|
Balance at December 31, 2005 |
|
| 1,350,227 |
|
| 1,665 |
|
| 824,102 |
|
| 1,774,924 |
|
| (1,171,604 | ) |
| (49,536 | ) |
| (23,688 | ) |
| (5,636 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reclassification of deferred compensation upon adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) as of January 1, 2006 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| (5,636 | ) |
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| 5,636 |
|
Comprehensive income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
| 174,897 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| 174,897 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
Other comprehensive income, net of tax |
|
| 10,451 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| 10,451 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Comprehensive income |
|
| 185,348 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Common stock repurchased (8,395,000 shares) |
|
| (251,216 | ) |
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| (251,216 | ) |
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
Dividends on common stock ($0.96 per share) |
|
| (92,097 | ) |
| — |
|
| — |
|
| (92,097 | ) |
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
Exercise of stock options and related tax benefit (1,361,347 shares issued) |
|
| 28,766 |
|
| — |
|
| 6,144 |
|
| (4,041 | ) |
| 26,663 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
Restricted stock grants (278,200 shares) |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| (8,507 | ) |
| 2,845 |
|
| 5,662 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
Stock-based compensation and allocation of ESOP stock |
|
| 13,971 |
|
| — |
|
| 12,837 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| 1,134 |
|
| — |
|
Adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive loss upon adoption of SFAS No. 158 as of December 31, 2006 (net of $13,959 tax benefit) |
|
| (19,245 | ) |
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| (19,245 | ) |
| — |
|
| — |
|
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 |
|
| 124,822 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| 124,822 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
Other comprehensive income, net of tax |
|
| 18,854 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| 18,854 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Comprehensive income |
|
| 143,676 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Common stock repurchased (3,005,000 shares) |
|
| (80,055 | ) |
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| (80,055 | ) |
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
Dividends on common stock ($1.04 per share) |
|
| (95,176 | ) |
| — |
|
| — |
|
| (95,176 | ) |
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
Exercise of stock options and related tax benefit (530,424 shares issued) |
|
| 11,318 |
|
| — |
|
| 2,148 |
|
| (1,685 | ) |
| 10,855 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
Forfeitures of restricted stock (8,689 shares) |
|
| 10 |
|
| — |
|
| 258 |
|
| (78 | ) |
| (170 | ) |
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
Stock-based compensation and allocation of ESOP stock |
|
| 16,326 |
|
| — |
|
| 14,881 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| 1,445 |
|
| — |
|
Balance at December 31, 2007 |
| $ | 1,211,344 |
| $ | 1,665 |
| $ | 846,227 |
| $ | 1,883,902 |
| $ | (1,459,865 | ) | $ | (39,476 | ) | $ | (21,109 | ) | $ | — |
|
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
89
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| For the Year Ended December 31, |
| |||||||
|
|
| ||||||||
(In Thousands) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| 2005 |
| |||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
| $ | 124,822 |
| $ | 174,897 |
| $ | 233,803 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net premium amortization on mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities |
|
| 17,023 |
|
| 15,589 |
|
| 17,073 |
|
Net amortization of deferred costs on consumer and other loans, other securities and borrowings |
|
| 3,780 |
|
| 4,347 |
|
| 4,743 |
|
Net provision for loan and real estate losses |
|
| 2,993 |
|
| 121 |
|
| 56 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
| 13,384 |
|
| 13,865 |
|
| 13,946 |
|
Net gain on sales of loans and securities |
|
| (3,939 | ) |
| (2,146 | ) |
| (3,546 | ) |
Other-than-temporary impairment write-down of securities |
|
| 20,484 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
Originations of loans held-for-sale |
|
| (205,538 | ) |
| (233,923 | ) |
| (363,855 | ) |
Proceeds from sales and principal repayments of loans held-for-sale |
|
| 217,519 |
|
| 243,222 |
|
| 367,552 |
|
Stock-based compensation and allocation of ESOP stock |
|
| 16,336 |
|
| 13,971 |
|
| 9,259 |
|
(Increase) decrease in accrued interest receivable |
|
| (371 | ) |
| 1,557 |
|
| (1,174 | ) |
Mortgage servicing rights amortization, valuation allowance adjustments and capitalized amounts, net |
|
| 3,034 |
|
| 558 |
|
| 297 |
|
Bank owned life insurance income and insurance proceeds received, net |
|
| (12,837 | ) |
| (3,339 | ) |
| (7,894 | ) |
Decrease (increase) in other assets |
|
| 5,897 |
|
| (3,136 | ) |
| (26,232 | ) |
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities |
|
| 5,257 |
|
| (8,864 | ) |
| 27,530 |
|
Net cash provided by operating activities |
|
| 207,844 |
|
| 216,719 |
|
| 271,558 |
|
Cash flows from investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Originations of loans receivable |
|
| (3,830,671 | ) |
| (3,088,055 | ) |
| (3,390,543 | ) |
Loan purchases through third parties |
|
| (411,644 | ) |
| (389,696 | ) |
| (882,590 | ) |
Principal payments on loans receivable |
|
| 3,011,822 |
|
| 2,865,055 |
|
| 3,118,423 |
|
Proceeds from sales of non-performing loans |
|
| 10,412 |
|
| 10,148 |
|
| — |
|
Purchases of securities held-to-maturity |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| (177,599 | ) |
Purchases of securities available-for-sale |
|
| — |
|
| (25 | ) |
| (25 | ) |
Principal payments on securities held-to-maturity |
|
| 723,257 |
|
| 952,885 |
|
| 1,749,866 |
|
Principal payments on securities available-for-sale |
|
| 245,871 |
|
| 299,242 |
|
| 530,439 |
|
Proceeds from sales of securities available-for-sale |
|
| 2,434 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
Net (purchases) redemptions of Federal Home Loan Bank of New York stock |
|
| (47,850 | ) |
| (8,393 | ) |
| 18,453 |
|
Proceeds from sales of real estate owned, net |
|
| 1,888 |
|
| 1,222 |
|
| 2,002 |
|
Purchases of premises and equipment, net of proceeds from sales |
|
| (7,716 | ) |
| (7,602 | ) |
| (8,333 | ) |
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities |
|
| (302,197 | ) |
| 634,781 |
|
| 960,093 |
|
Cash flows from financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (decrease) increase in deposits |
|
| (174,586 | ) |
| 413,569 |
|
| 487,198 |
|
Net increase (decrease) in borrowings with original terms of three months or less |
|
| 18,000 |
|
| (255,000 | ) |
| (1,360,000 | ) |
Proceeds from borrowings with original terms greater than three months |
|
| 3,200,000 |
|
| 825,000 |
|
| 800,000 |
|
Repayments of borrowings with original terms greater than three months |
|
| (2,870,000 | ) |
| (1,674,000 | ) |
| (970,000 | ) |
Net (decrease) increase in mortgage escrow funds |
|
| (2,668 | ) |
| 7,151 |
|
| 2,841 |
|
Common stock repurchased |
|
| (80,055 | ) |
| (251,216 | ) |
| (180,944 | ) |
Cash dividends paid to stockholders |
|
| (95,176 | ) |
| (92,097 | ) |
| (81,199 | ) |
Cash received for options exercised |
|
| 9,170 |
|
| 22,622 |
|
| 16,103 |
|
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements |
|
| 2,148 |
|
| 6,144 |
|
| — |
|
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
|
| 6,833 |
|
| (997,827 | ) |
| (1,286,001 | ) |
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents |
|
| (87,520 | ) |
| (146,327 | ) |
| (54,350 | ) |
| ||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
|
| 205,710 |
|
| 352,037 |
|
| 406,387 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
| $ | 118,190 |
| $ | 205,710 |
| $ | 352,037 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental disclosures: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid during the year: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest |
| $ | 766,769 |
| $ | 694,455 |
| $ | 606,084 |
|
Income taxes |
| $ | 54,607 |
| $ | 84,441 |
| $ | 104,786 |
|
Additions to real estate owned |
| $ | 10,869 |
| $ | 904 |
| $ | 2,203 |
|
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
90
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The following significant accounting and reporting policies of Astoria Financial Corporation and subsidiaries conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, and are used in preparing and presenting these consolidated financial statements.
(a) 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. AF Insurance Agency, Inc. is a licensed life insurance agency and property and casualty insurance broker which, through contractual agreements with various third party marketing organizations, makes insurance products available primarily to the customers of Astoria Federal. As used in this annual 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,” or FIN 46(R). See Note 8 for a further discussion of Astoria Capital Trust I.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. The determination of our allowance for loan losses, the valuation of mortgage servicing rights, or MSR, and judgments regarding goodwill and securities impairment are particularly critical because they involve a higher degree of complexity and subjectivity and require estimates and assumptions about highly uncertain matters. Actual results may differ from our estimates and assumptions.
(b) Cash and Cash Equivalents
For the purpose of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from banks and federal funds sold and repurchase agreements with original maturities of three months or less. Astoria Federal is required by the Federal Reserve System to maintain non-interest bearing cash reserves equal to a percentage of certain deposits. The reserve requirement totaled $12.8 million at December 31, 2007 and $43.8 million at December 31, 2006.
(c) Repurchase Agreements (Securities Purchased Under Agreements to Resell)
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. 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.
(d) Securities
Management determines the appropriate classification of securities at the time of acquisition. Our available-for-sale 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. Premiums and discounts are recognized as adjustments to interest income using the interest method over the remaining period to contractual maturity, adjusted for prepayments. Gains and losses on the sale of all securities are determined using the specific identification method and are reflected in earnings when realized. For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, we did not maintain a trading portfolio. We conduct a periodic review and evaluation of the securities portfolio to determine if a decline in the fair value of any security below its cost basis is other-than-
91
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
temporary. If such decline is deemed 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.
(e)Loans Held-for-Sale
Generally, we originate fifteen year and thirty year fixed rate one-to-four family mortgage loans for sale to various government-sponsored enterprises, or GSEs, or other investors on a servicing released or retained basis. The sale of such loans is generally arranged through a master commitment on a mandatory delivery or best efforts basis. In addition, student loans are sold to the Student Loan Marketing Association generally before repayment begins during the grace period of the loan.
Loans held-for-sale are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value, as determined on an aggregate basis. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recognized in a valuation allowance through charges to earnings. Premiums and discounts and origination fees and costs on loans held-for-sale are deferred and recognized as a component of the gain or loss on sale. Gains and losses on sales of loans held-for-sale are recognized on settlement dates and are determined by the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the loans. These transactions are accounted for as sales based on our satisfaction of the criteria for such accounting which provide that, as transferor, we have surrendered control over the loans.
From time to time, we have also sold certain non-performing loans held in portfolio. Upon our decision to sell such loans, we reclassify them to held-for-sale at the lower of cost or fair value, less estimated selling costs. Reductions in carrying values are reflected as a write-down of the recorded investment in the loans resulting in a new cost basis, with credit-related losses charged to the allowance for loan losses. Our non-performing loans are sold without recourse.
(f) Loans Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses
Loans receivable are carried at the unpaid principal balances, net of unamortized premiums and discounts and deferred loan origination costs and fees, which are recognized as yield adjustments using the interest method. We amortize these amounts over the contractual life of the related loans, adjusted for prepayments.
The 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. The allowance is increased by the provision for loan losses charged to earnings and is decreased by charge-offs, net of recoveries. Pursuant to our policy, loan losses are charged-off in the period the loans, or portions thereof, are deemed uncollectible. 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. Loans we individually review for impairment include all loans individually classified by the Asset Classification Committee, certain multi-family mortgage loans, commercial real estate loans and construction loans, loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring and selected large one-to-four family mortgage loans. A loan is considered impaired when, based upon current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due, including principal and interest, according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. 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. We update our estimates of collateral value for loans meeting certain criteria based on new appraisals, where practical, or based on a drive-by inspection and a comparison of the property securing the loan with similar properties in the area for one-to-four family mortgage loans, or based on an internal cash flow analysis, generally coupled with a drive-by inspection of the property, for multi-family and commercial real estate loans. We also consider various current and anticipated economic conditions in determining our specific valuation allowances.
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 loans. The determination of the adequacy of the general valuation allowances takes into consideration a variety of factors. We consider our historical loss experience, 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. We also monitor property value trends in our market areas in order to determine what impact, if any, such trends may
92
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
have on the level of our general valuation allowances. In addition, we evaluate and consider the impact that current and anticipated economic and market conditions may have on the portfolio, as well as known and inherent risks in the portfolio. 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.
The balance of our allowance for loan losses represents management’s best estimate of the probable inherent losses in our loan portfolio at December 31, 2007 and 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.
We discontinue accruing interest on mortgage loans when such loans become 90 days delinquent as to their interest due. 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. Interest income on impaired non-accrual loans is recognized on a cash basis, while interest income on all other impaired loans is recognized on an accrual basis. In some circumstances, we continue to accrue interest on mortgage loans delinquent 90 days or more as to their maturity date but not their interest due.
(g) Mortgage Servicing Rights
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. 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 MSR and we did not reclassify any of our available-for-sale securities to trading securities.
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 asset recognized for originated MSR is measured at fair value. The fair value of MSR is estimated by reference to current 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, including the market’s perception of future interest rate movements. Individual allowances for each stratum are then adjusted in subsequent periods to reflect changes in the measurement of impairment. All assumptions are reviewed for reasonableness on a quarterly basis to ensure they reflect current and anticipated market conditions.
93
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
We outsource the servicing of our mortgage loan portfolio, including our portfolio of mortgage loans serviced for other investors, to an unrelated third party under a sub-servicing agreement. Fees paid under the sub-servicing agreement are reported in non-interest expense.
(h) Premises and Equipment
Land is carried at cost. Buildings and improvements, leasehold improvements and furniture, fixtures and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization totaling $148.7 million at December 31, 2007 and $135.3 million at December 31, 2006. Buildings and improvements and furniture, fixtures and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the term of the related leases or the estimated useful lives of the improved property.
(i) Goodwill
Goodwill is presumed to have an indefinite useful life and is tested, at least annually, for impairment at the reporting unit level. For purposes of our goodwill impairment testing, we have identified a single reporting unit. We use the quoted market price of our common stock on our impairment testing date as the basis for determining the fair value of our reporting unit. If the fair value of our reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, further evaluation is not necessary. However, if the fair value of our reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, further evaluation is required to compare the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill to its carrying amount to determine if a write-down of goodwill is required.
As of December 31, 2007, the carrying value of our goodwill totaled $185.2 million. On September 30, 2007, we performed our annual goodwill impairment test and determined the fair value of our reporting unit to be in excess of its carrying amount by $1.35 billion. 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. No events have occurred and no circumstances have changed since our annual impairment test date that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of our reporting unit below its carrying amount.
(j) Bank Owned Life Insurance
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 should be discounted to present value. Upon adoption of EITF Issue No. 06-05, 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.
BOLI is carried at the amount that could be realized under our life insurance contract as of the date of the statement of financial condition and is classified as a non-interest earning asset. Increases in the carrying value are recorded as non-interest income in the consolidated statements of income and insurance proceeds received are recorded as a reduction of the carrying value. The carrying value consists of cash surrender value of $378.2 million at December 31, 2007 and $360.7 million at December 31, 2006, claims stabilization reserve of $16.2 million at December 31, 2007 and $19.6 million at December 31, 2006 and deferred acquisition costs of $3.9 million at December 31, 2007 and $5.7 million at December 31, 2006. Repayment of the claims stabilization reserve (funds transferred from the cash surrender value to provide for future death benefit payments) and the deferred acquisition costs (costs incurred by the insurance carrier for the policy issuance) is guaranteed by the insurance carrier provided that certain conditions are met at the date of a contract surrender. We satisfied these conditions at December 31, 2007 and 2006.
94
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(k) Real Estate Owned
Real estate acquired through foreclosure or by deed in lieu of foreclosure is initially recorded at the lower of cost or fair value, less estimated selling costs. Thereafter, we maintain an allowance for losses representing decreases in value which are charged to income along with any additional expenses incurred on the property. Fair value is estimated through current appraisals, a drive-by inspection of the property or a market analysis of comparable homes in the area. Write-downs required at the time of acquisition are charged to the allowance for loan losses. Real estate owned, which is included in other assets, amounted to $9.1 million, net of an allowance for losses of $493,000, at December 31, 2007 and $627,000 at December 31, 2006. There was no allowance for losses on real estate owned at December 31, 2006.
(l) Reverse Repurchase Agreements (Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase)
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. 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.
(m) Derivative Instruments
As part of our interest rate risk management, we may utilize, from time-to-time, derivative instruments which are recorded as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial condition at fair value. Changes in the fair values of derivatives are reported in our results of operations or other comprehensive income depending on the use of the derivative and whether it qualifies for hedge accounting. The key criterion for hedge accounting is that the hedging relationship must be highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in those fair values or cash flows that are attributable to the hedged risk, both at inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis.
Derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting treatment are designated as either a fair value hedge or a cash flow hedge. For fair value hedges, changes in the fair values of the derivative instruments are recognized in our results of operations together with changes in the fair values of the related assets and liabilities attributable to the hedged risk. For cash flow hedges, changes in the fair values of the derivative instruments are reported in other comprehensive income to the extent the hedge is effective.
We may also enter into derivative instruments with no hedging designations. Changes in the fair values of these derivatives are recognized currently in our results of operations, generally in other non-interest expense. We do not use derivatives for trading purposes.
(n) 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.
Deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences by applying enacted statutory tax rates, applicable to future years, to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of existing assets and liabilities. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates
95
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
is recognized in income tax expense in the period that includes the enactment date. Certain tax benefits attributable to stock options and restricted stock are credited to additional paid-in-capital. Accruals of interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recognized in income tax expense.
(o) Earnings Per Common Share
Basic earnings per common share, or EPS, is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average common shares outstanding during the year. The weighted-average common shares outstanding includes the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding less the weighted average number of unvested shares of restricted stock and unallocated shares held by the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, or ESOP. For EPS calculations, ESOP shares that have been committed to be released are considered outstanding. ESOP shares that have not been committed to be released are excluded from outstanding shares on a weighted average basis for EPS calculations.
Diluted EPS is computed using the same method as basic EPS, but includes the effect of all dilutive potential common shares that were outstanding during the period, such as unexercised stock options and unvested shares of restricted stock, calculated using the treasury stock method. When applying the treasury stock method, we add: (1) the assumed proceeds from option exercises; (2) the tax benefit that would have been credited to additional paid-in capital assuming exercise of non-qualified stock options and vesting of shares of restricted stock; and (3) the average unamortized compensation costs related to unvested shares of restricted stock and stock options. We then divide this sum by our average stock price to calculate shares repurchased. The excess of the number of shares issuable over the number of shares assumed to be repurchased is added to basic weighted average common shares to calculate diluted EPS.
(p) Employee Benefits
Astoria Federal has a qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plan, or the Astoria Federal Pension Plan, covering employees meeting specified eligibility criteria. Astoria Federal’s policy is to fund pension costs in accordance with the minimum funding requirement. Contributions are intended to provide not only for benefits attributed to service to date, but also for those expected to be earned in the future. In addition, Astoria Federal has non-qualified and unfunded supplemental retirement plans covering certain officers and directors.
We also sponsor a defined benefit health care plan that provides for postretirement medical and dental coverage to select individuals. The costs of postretirement benefits are accrued during an employee’s active working career.
We recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of our defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plan, which is measured as the difference between plan assets at fair value and the benefit obligation at the measurement date, in other assets or other liabilities in our consolidated statements of financial condition. Changes in the funded status are recognized through comprehensive income in the year in which the changes occur.
We record compensation expense related to the ESOP at an amount equal to the shares allocated by the ESOP multiplied by the average fair value of our common stock during the reporting period, plus cash contributions made to participant accounts. The difference between the fair value of shares for the period and the cost of the shares allocated by the ESOP is recorded as an adjustment to additional paid-in capital.
(q) Stock Incentive Plans
Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted revised SFAS No. 123, “Share-Based Payment,” or SFAS No. 123(R), which requires us to recognize the cost of employee services received in exchange for awards of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of those awards. SFAS No. 123(R) applies to all awards granted after January 1, 2006 and to awards modified, repurchased or cancelled after that date. Additionally, beginning January 1, 2006, we recognize compensation cost for the portion of awards that were outstanding at that date and for which the requisite service had not been rendered, based on the grant-date fair value of those awards calculated under SFAS No. 123 for pro forma disclosures.
Prior to January 1, 2006, we applied the intrinsic value method of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations in accounting for our stock incentive plans. Accordingly, no stock-based compensation cost was reflected in net income for stock option grants, as all options
96
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
granted under our stock incentive plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. However, we recognized stock-based compensation cost during the 2005 fourth quarter related to restricted stock grants and the acceleration of vesting of certain stock option grants. Compensation cost related to restricted stock grants and, effective January 1, 2006, stock option grants is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. See Note 16 for a further discussion of stock incentive plans.
(r) Segment Reporting
As a community-oriented financial institution, substantially all of our operations involve the delivery of loan and deposit products to customers. We make operating decisions and assess performance based on an ongoing review of these community banking operations, which constitute our only operating segment for financial reporting purposes.
(s) Impact of Recent Accounting Standards and Interpretations
In December 2007, the FASB issued revised SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations,” or SFAS No. 141(R). SFAS No. 141(R) retains the fundamental requirements of SFAS No. 141 that the acquisition method of accounting (formerly the purchase method) be used for all business combinations; that an acquirer be identified for each business combination; and that intangible assets be identified and recognized separately from goodwill. SFAS No. 141(R) requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date, measured at their fair values as of that date, with limited exceptions. Additionally, SFAS No. 141(R) changes the requirements for recognizing assets acquired and liabilities assumed arising from contingencies and recognizing and measuring contingent consideration. SFAS No. 141(R) also enhances the disclosure requirements for business combinations. SFAS No. 141(R) applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008 and may not be applied before that date. SFAS No. 141(R) is not expected to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment of ARB No. 51.” SFAS No. 160 amends Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, “Consolidated Financial Statements” to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Among other things, SFAS No. 160 clarifies that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity in the consolidated financial statements and requires consolidated net income to be reported at amounts that include the amounts attributable to both the parent and the noncontrolling interest. SFAS No. 160 also amends SFAS No. 128, “Earnings per Share,” so that earnings per share calculations in consolidated financial statements will continue to be based on amounts attributable to the parent. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008 and is applied prospectively as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which it is initially applied, except for the presentation and disclosure requirements which are to be applied retrospectively for all periods presented. SFAS No. 160 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
In November 2007, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, issued Staff Accounting Bulletin, or SAB, No. 109, “Written Loan Commitments Recorded at Fair Value Through Earnings.” SAB No. 109 provides views on the accounting for written loan commitments recorded at fair value under GAAP. SAB No. 109 supersedes SAB No. 105, “Application of Accounting Principles to Loan Commitments.” Specifically, SAB No. 109 states that the expected net future cash flows related to the associated servicing of a loan should be included in the measurement of all written loan commitments that are accounted for at fair value through earnings. The provisions of SAB No. 109 are applicable on a prospective basis to written loan commitments recorded at fair value under GAAP that are issued or modified in fiscal quarters beginning after December 15, 2007. SAB No. 109 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
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 SFAS No. 123(R). 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
97
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
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. Retrospective application to previously issued financial statements is prohibited. EITF Issue No. 06-11 is not expected 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, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,” 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 was permitted; however, we did not elect early adoption and therefore adopted the standard as of January 1, 2008. Upon adoption, we did not elect the fair value option for eligible items that existed at January 1, 2008.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The expanded disclosures include a requirement to disclose fair value measurements according to a hierarchy, segregating measurements using (1) quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities, (2) significant other observable inputs and (3) significant unobservable inputs. 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 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. SFAS No. 157 will affect certain of our fair value disclosures, but is not expected to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. The portion of our assets and liabilities with fair values based on unobservable inputs is not significant.
(2) Repurchase Agreements
Repurchase agreements averaged $33.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2007 and $131.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2006. The maximum amount of such agreements outstanding at any month end was $67.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2007 and $241.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2006. As of December 31, 2007, one repurchase agreement totaling $24.2 million was outstanding. As of December 31, 2006, three repurchase agreements totaling $71.7 million were outstanding. The fair value of the securities held under these agreements was $24.6 million as of December 31, 2007 and $72.6 million as of December 31, 2006. None of the securities held under repurchase agreements were sold or repledged during the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.
98
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(3) Securities
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities available-for-sale and held-to-maturity at December 31, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| At December 31, 2007 |
| ||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||
(In Thousands) |
| Amortized |
| Gross |
| Gross |
| Estimated |
| ||||
Available-for-sale: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mortgage-backed securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
REMICs and CMOs (1): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GSE issuance |
| $ | 1,184,629 |
| $ | 39 |
| $ | (46,529 | ) | $ | 1,138,139 |
|
Non-GSE issuance |
|
| 40,726 |
|
| — |
|
| (2,345 | ) |
| 38,381 |
|
GSE pass-through certificates |
|
| 51,992 |
|
| 1,269 |
|
| (59 | ) |
| 53,202 |
|
Total mortgage-backed securities |
|
| 1,277,347 |
|
| 1,308 |
|
| (48,933 | ) |
| 1,229,722 |
|
FHLMC preferred and FNMA common stock |
|
| 83,011 |
|
| 23 |
|
| — |
|
| 83,034 |
|
Other securities |
|
| 550 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| 550 |
|
Total securities available-for-sale |
| $ | 1,360,908 |
| $ | 1,331 |
| $ | (48,933 | ) | $ | 1,313,306 |
|
Held-to-maturity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mortgage-backed securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
REMICs and CMOs: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GSE issuance |
| $ | 2,822,089 |
| $ | 883 |
| $ | (38,572 | ) | $ | 2,784,400 |
|
Non-GSE issuance |
|
| 227,278 |
|
| — |
|
| (6,925 | ) |
| 220,353 |
|
GSE pass-through certificates |
|
| 2,108 |
|
| 86 |
|
| (2 | ) |
| 2,192 |
|
Total mortgage-backed securities |
|
| 3,051,475 |
|
| 969 |
|
| (45,499 | ) |
| 3,006,945 |
|
Obligations of states and political subdivisions |
|
| 6,069 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| 6,069 |
|
Total securities held-to-maturity |
| $ | 3,057,544 |
| $ | 969 |
| $ | (45,499 | ) | $ | 3,013,014 |
|
(1) Real estate mortgage investment conduits and collateralized mortgage obligations
99
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| At December 31, 2006 |
| ||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||
(In Thousands) |
| Amortized |
| Gross |
| Gross |
| Estimated |
| ||||
Available-for-sale: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mortgage-backed securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
REMICs and CMOs: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GSE issuance |
| $ | 1,386,136 |
| $ | 73 |
| $ | (70,955 | ) | $ | 1,315,254 |
|
Non-GSE issuance |
|
| 51,111 |
|
| 5 |
|
| (3,211 | ) |
| 47,905 |
|
GSE pass-through certificates |
|
| 64,995 |
|
| 1,052 |
|
| (91 | ) |
| 65,956 |
|
Total mortgage-backed securities |
|
| 1,502,242 |
|
| 1,130 |
|
| (74,257 | ) |
| 1,429,115 |
|
FHLMC preferred and FNMA common stock |
|
| 123,495 |
|
| 6,722 |
|
| — |
|
| 130,217 |
|
Other securities |
|
| 1,001 |
|
| — |
|
| (8 | ) |
| 993 |
|
Total securities available-for-sale |
| $ | 1,626,738 |
| $ | 7,852 |
| $ | (74,265 | ) | $ | 1,560,325 |
|
Held-to-maturity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mortgage-backed securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
REMICs and CMOs: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GSE issuance |
| $ | 3,474,662 |
| $ | 58 |
| $ | (88,307 | ) | $ | 3,386,413 |
|
Non-GSE issuance |
|
| 283,017 |
|
| — |
|
| (9,623 | ) |
| 273,394 |
|
GSE pass-through certificates |
|
| 3,484 |
|
| 88 |
|
| (2 | ) |
| 3,570 |
|
Total mortgage-backed securities |
|
| 3,761,163 |
|
| 146 |
|
| (97,932 | ) |
| 3,663,377 |
|
Obligations of states and political subdivisions and corporate debt securities |
|
| 18,193 |
|
| — |
|
| (56 | ) |
| 18,137 |
|
Total securities held-to-maturity |
| $ | 3,779,356 |
| $ | 146 |
| $ | (97,988 | ) | $ | 3,681,514 |
|
Our investment portfolio is comprised primarily of fixed rate mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by a GSE as issuer. 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. Based on the high quality of our investment portfolio, when pricing our portfolio, we are able to readily obtain reliable prices.
The following tables set forth the estimated fair values of securities with gross unrealized losses at December 31, 2007 and 2006, segregated between securities that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than twelve months at the respective dates and those that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for twelve months or longer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| At December 31, 2007 |
| ||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
|
| Less Than Twelve Months |
| Twelve Months or Longer |
| Total |
| ||||||||||||
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) |
| Estimated |
| Gross |
| Estimated |
| Gross |
| Estimated |
| Gross |
| ||||||
Available-for-sale: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
REMICs and CMOs: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GSE issuance |
| $ | 14 |
| $ | (1 | ) | $ | 1,135,594 |
| $ | (46,528 | ) | $ | 1,135,608 |
| $ | (46,529 | ) |
Non-GSE issuance |
|
| 428 |
|
| (14 | ) |
| 37,953 |
|
| (2,331 | ) |
| 38,381 |
|
| (2,345 | ) |
GSE pass-through certificates |
|
| 2,765 |
|
| (9 | ) |
| 2,918 |
|
| (50 | ) |
| 5,683 |
|
| (59 | ) |
Total temporarily impaired securities available-for-sale |
| $ | 3,207 |
| $ | (24 | ) | $ | 1,176,465 |
| $ | (48,909 | ) | $ | 1,179,672 |
| $ | (48,933 | ) |
Held-to-maturity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
REMICs and CMOs: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GSE issuance |
| $ | 102,787 |
| $ | (250 | ) | $ | 2,513,243 |
| $ | (38,322 | ) | $ | 2,616,030 |
| $ | (38,572 | ) |
Non-GSE issuance |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| 220,329 |
|
| (6,925 | ) |
| 220,329 |
|
| (6,925 | ) |
GSE pass-through certificates |
|
| 26 |
|
| (1 | ) |
| 52 |
|
| (1 | ) |
| 78 |
|
| (2 | ) |
Total temporarily impaired securities held-to-maturity |
| $ | 102,813 |
| $ | (251 | ) | $ | 2,733,624 |
| $ | (45,248 | ) | $ | 2,836,437 |
| $ | (45,499 | ) |
100
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| At December 31, 2006 |
| ||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
|
| Less Than Twelve Months |
| Twelve Months or Longer |
| Total |
| ||||||||||||
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) |
| Estimated |
| Gross |
| Estimated |
| Gross |
| Estimated |
| Gross |
| ||||||
Available-for-sale: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
REMICs and CMOs: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GSE issuance |
| $ | 1,061 |
| $ | (2 | ) | $ | 1,311,203 |
| $ | (70,953 | ) | $ | 1,312,264 |
| $ | (70,955 | ) |
Non-GSE issuance |
|
| 275 |
|
| (1 | ) |
| 47,309 |
|
| (3,210 | ) |
| 47,584 |
|
| (3,211 | ) |
GSE pass-through certificates |
|
| 5,827 |
|
| (30 | ) |
| 2,940 |
|
| (61 | ) |
| 8,767 |
|
| (91 | ) |
Other securities |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| 592 |
|
| (8 | ) |
| 592 |
|
| (8 | ) |
Total temporarily impaired securities available-for-sale |
| $ | 7,163 |
| $ | (33 | ) | $ | 1,362,044 |
| $ | (74,232 | ) | $ | 1,369,207 |
| $ | (74,265 | ) |
Held-to-maturity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
REMICs and CMOs: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GSE issuance |
| $ | 6,814 |
| $ | (2 | ) | $ | 3,377,690 |
| $ | (88,305 | ) | $ | 3,384,504 |
| $ | (88,307 | ) |
Non-GSE issuance |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| 273,368 |
|
| (9,623 | ) |
| 273,368 |
|
| (9,623 | ) |
GSE pass-through certificates |
|
| 458 |
|
| (1 | ) |
| 3 |
|
| (1 | ) |
| 461 |
|
| (2 | ) |
Obligations of states and political subdivisions and corporate debt securities |
|
| 9,940 |
|
| (56 | ) |
| — |
|
| — |
|
| 9,940 |
|
| (56 | ) |
Total temporarily impaired securities held-to-maturity |
| $ | 17,212 |
| $ | (59 | ) | $ | 3,651,061 |
| $ | (97,929 | ) | $ | 3,668,273 |
| $ | (97,988 | ) |
The number of securities which had an unrealized loss totaled 205 at December 31, 2007 and 225 at December 31, 2006. Of the securities in an unrealized loss position, 93.6% at December 31, 2007 and 93.4% at December 31, 2006, based on estimated fair value, are obligations of GSEs. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, substantially all of the securities in an unrealized loss position had a fixed interest rate and the cause of the temporary impairment is directly related to the change 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 generally view changes in fair value caused by changes in interest rates as temporary, which is consistent with our experience. Therefore, as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, 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.
During the year ended December 31, 2007, we recorded a $20.5 million other-than-temporary impairment write-down charge to reduce the carrying amount of our investment in two issues of FHLMC perpetual preferred securities to the securities market value of $83.0 million at December 31, 2007, which is included as a component of non-interest income. There were no other-than-temporary impairment write-downs recorded for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005.
During the year ended December 31, 2007, proceeds from sales of securities from the available-for-sale portfolio totaled $2.4 million resulting in gross realized gains totaling $2.2 million. There were no sales of securities from the available-for-sale portfolio during the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005.
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities at December 31, 2007, by contractual maturity, excluding mortgage-backed securities, are summarized in the following table. Actual maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties. In addition, issuers of certain securities have the right to call obligations with or without prepayment penalties.
101
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| At December 31, 2007 |
| ||||
|
| ||||||
(In Thousands) |
| Amortized |
| Estimated |
| ||
Available-for-sale: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Due in one year or less |
| $ | 25 |
| $ | 25 |
|
Due after one year through five years |
|
| 525 |
|
| 525 |
|
Total available-for-sale |
| $ | 550 |
| $ | 550 |
|
Held-to-maturity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Due after five years through ten years |
| $ | 915 |
| $ | 915 |
|
Due after ten years |
|
| 5,154 |
|
| 5,154 |
|
Total held-to-maturity |
| $ | 6,069 |
| $ | 6,069 |
|
The balance of accrued interest receivable for securities totaled $15.7 million at December 31, 2007 and $19.5 million at December 31, 2006.
As of December 31, 2007, the amortized cost of the callable securities in our portfolio totaled $83.5 million, of which $70.5 million are callable within one year and at various times thereafter.
(4) Loans Receivable
Loans receivable, net are summarized as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| At December 31, |
| ||||
|
| ||||||
(In Thousands) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||
Mortgage loans: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
One-to-four family |
| $ | 11,628,270 |
| $ | 10,214,146 |
|
Multi-family |
|
| 2,945,546 |
|
| 2,987,531 |
|
Commercial real estate |
|
| 1,031,812 |
|
| 1,100,218 |
|
Construction |
|
| 77,723 |
|
| 140,182 |
|
|
|
| 15,683,351 |
|
| 14,442,077 |
|
Net unamortized premiums and deferred loan origination costs |
|
| 108,611 |
|
| 90,426 |
|
Total mortgage loans, net |
|
| 15,791,962 |
|
| 14,532,503 |
|
Consumer and other loans: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Home equity |
|
| 320,884 |
|
| 392,141 |
|
Commercial |
|
| 20,494 |
|
| 22,262 |
|
Other |
|
| 15,443 |
|
| 16,387 |
|
|
|
| 356,821 |
|
| 430,790 |
|
Net unamortized premiums and deferred loan origination costs |
|
| 6,231 |
|
| 8,398 |
|
Total consumer and other loans, net |
|
| 363,052 |
|
| 439,188 |
|
Total loans |
|
| 16,155,014 |
|
| 14,971,691 |
|
Allowance for loan losses |
|
| (78,946 | ) |
| (79,942 | ) |
Loans receivable, net |
| $ | 16,076,068 |
| $ | 14,891,749 |
|
Accrued interest receivable on all loans totaled $63.4 million at December 31, 2007 and $59.2 million at December 31, 2006.
Our one-to-four family loans receivable consist primarily of adjustable rate mortgage, or ARM, loans which consist primarily of interest-only hybrid and hybrid ARM loans. We do not originate negative amortization loans, payment option loans or other loans with short-term interest-only periods. We offer interest-only hybrid ARM loans, which have an initial fixed rate for three, five or seven years and convert into one year interest-only ARM loans at the end of the initial fixed rate period. However, effective January 2008, we no longer offer interest-only hybrid ARM loans with an initial fixed rate period of three years. Our interest-only ARM 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. We also offer hybrid ARM loans which initially have a fixed rate for three, five, seven or ten years and convert into one year ARM loans at the end of the
102
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
initial fixed rate period and require the borrower to make principal and interest payments during the entire loan term. During the second quarter of 2006, we began underwriting our one-to-four family interest-only hybrid ARM loans based on a fully amortizing thirty year loan. Additionally, effective in 2007, in accordance with federal banking regulatory guidelines, we began underwriting our one-to-four family interest-only hybrid ARM loans at the higher of the fully indexed rate or the initial note rate. We also originate interest-only multi-family and commercial real estate loans to qualified borrowers. Multi-family and commercial real estate interest-only loans differ from one-to-four family interest-only loans in that the interest-only period for multi-family and commercial real estate loans generally ranges from one to five years.
Within our one-to-four family mortgage loan portfolio we have reduced documentation loan products. 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. During the second quarter of 2007, we discontinued originating all reduced documentation loans except for SIFA loans which we discontinued originating during the fourth quarter of 2007.
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 December 31, |
| ||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||
|
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) |
| Amount |
| Percent |
| Amount |
| Percent |
| ||||
One-to-four family: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Full documentation interest-only |
| $ | 5,415,787 |
|
| 46.57 | % | $ | 4,023,693 |
|
| 39.39 | % |
Full documentation amortizing |
|
| 3,320,047 |
|
| 28.55 |
|
| 3,288,462 |
|
| 32.20 |
|
Reduced documentation interest-only |
|
| 2,230,041 |
|
| 19.18 |
|
| 2,149,782 |
|
| 21.05 |
|
Reduced documentation amortizing |
|
| 662,395 |
|
| 5.70 |
|
| 752,209 |
|
| 7.36 |
|
Total one-to-four family |
| $ | 11,628,270 |
|
| 100.00 | % | $ | 10,214,146 |
|
| 100.00 | % |
Multi-family and commercial real estate: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Full documentation amortizing |
| $ | 3,337,692 |
|
| 83.92 | % | $ | 3,545,178 |
|
| 86.73 | % |
Full documentation interest-only |
|
| 639,666 |
|
| 16.08 |
|
| 542,571 |
|
| 13.27 |
|
Total multi-family and commercial real estate |
| $ | 3,977,358 |
|
| 100.00 | % | $ | 4,087,749 |
|
| 100.00 | % |
At December 31, 2007, $5.58 billion, or 35.6%, of our total mortgage loan portfolio was secured by properties located in New York. Excluding New York, we have a concentration of greater than 5.0% of our total mortgage loan portfolio in seven states: 10.2% in California, 9.9% in New Jersey, 8.7% in Connecticut, 8.0% in Illinois, 6.2% in Virginia, 5.4% in Maryland and 5.1% in Massachusetts.
Included in loans receivable were non-accrual loans totaling $105.9 million at December 31, 2007 and $58.9 million at December 31, 2006. If all non-accrual loans at December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 had been performing in accordance with their original terms, we would have recorded interest income, with respect to such loans, of $6.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, $3.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 and $3.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. This compares to actual payments recorded as interest income, with respect to such loans, of $4.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 and $2.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. Loans delinquent 90 days or more and still accruing interest totaled $474,000 at December 31, 2007 and $488,000 at December 31, 2006. These loans are delinquent 90 days or more as to their maturity date but not their interest due.
During the year ended December 31, 2007, we sold certain non-performing mortgage loans totaling $10.4 million, primarily multi-family and commercial real estate loans. During the year ended December 31, 2006, we sold certain non-performing mortgage loans totaling $10.1 million, primarily multi-family and one-to-four family loans. There were no sales of non-performing loans during the year ended December 31, 2005. There were no non-performing loans held-for-sale at December 31, 2007. Non-performing loans held-for-sale totaled $150,000 at December 31, 2006.
103
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The following tables summarize information regarding our impaired mortgage loans:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| At December 31, 2007 |
| |||||||
|
| |||||||||
(In Thousands) |
| Recorded |
| Allowance |
| Net |
| |||
One-to-four family |
| $ | 31,480 |
| $ | (2,676 | ) | $ | 28,804 |
|
Multi-family, commercial real estate and construction |
|
| 23,619 |
|
| (3,589 | ) |
| 20,030 |
|
Total impaired mortgage loans |
| $ | 55,099 |
| $ | (6,265 | ) | $ | 48,834 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| At December 31, 2006 |
| |||||||
|
| |||||||||
(In Thousands) |
| Recorded |
| Allowance |
| Net |
| |||
One-to-four family |
| $ | 11,406 |
| $ | (1,009 | ) | $ | 10,397 |
|
Multi-family, commercial real estate and construction |
|
| 19,831 |
|
| (5,158 | ) |
| 14,673 |
|
Total impaired mortgage loans |
| $ | 31,237 |
| $ | (6,167 | ) | $ | 25,070 |
|
Our average recorded investment in impaired loans was $37.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, $29.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 and $21.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. Interest income recognized on impaired loans, which was not materially different from cash-basis interest income, amounted to $2.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, $888,000 for the year ended December 31, 2006 and $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2005.
There was significant disruption and volatility in the financial and capital marketplaces during the second half of 2007. Turmoil in the mortgage market adversely impacted both domestic and global markets, and led to a significant credit and liquidity crisis. These market conditions were attributable to a variety of factors, including the fallout associated with the subprime mortgage market (a type of lending we have never actively pursued). The disruption has been exacerbated by the continued decline of the real estate and housing market. While we continue to adhere to prudent underwriting standards, we are a geographically diversified lender and, therefore, are not immune to negative consequences arising from overall economic weakness and, in particular, a sharp downturn in the housing industry nationally. Decreases in real estate values could adversely affect the value of property used as collateral for our loans. Adverse changes in the economy may have a negative effect on the ability of our borrowers to make timely loan payments, which would have an adverse impact on our earnings. A further increase in loan delinquencies would decrease our net interest income and may adversely impact our loan loss experience, causing increases in our provision and allowance for loan losses.
(5) Allowance for Loan Losses
Activity in the allowance for loan losses is summarized as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| For the Year Ended December 31, |
| |||||||
|
| |||||||||
(In Thousands) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| 2005 |
| |||
Balance at beginning of year |
| $ | 79,942 |
| $ | 81,159 |
| $ | 82,758 |
|
Provision charged to operations |
|
| 2,500 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
Charge-offs (net of recoveries of $433, $348 and $506, respectively) |
|
| (3,496 | ) |
| (1,217 | ) |
| (1,599 | ) |
Balance at end of year |
| $ | 78,946 |
| $ | 79,942 |
| $ | 81,159 |
|
(6) Mortgage Servicing Rights
We own rights to service mortgage loans for investors with aggregate unpaid principal balances of $1.27 billion at December 31, 2007 and $1.36 billion at December 31, 2006, which are not reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition. As described in Note 1(g), we outsource our mortgage loan servicing to a third party under a sub-servicing agreement.
104
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
At December 31, 2007, our MSR, net, had an estimated fair value of $12.9 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 13.45% and a weighted average life of 5.1 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. As of December 31, 2007, estimated future MSR amortization through 2012 is as follows: $3.0 million for 2008, $2.6 million for 2009, $2.2 million for 2010, $1.8 million for 2011 and $1.5 million for 2012. Actual results will vary depending upon the level of repayments on the loans currently serviced.
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 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:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| For the Year Ended December 31, |
| |||||||
|
| |||||||||
(In Thousands) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| 2005 |
| |||
Carrying amount before valuation allowance at beginning of year |
| $ | 20,665 |
| $ | 23,173 |
| $ | 26,189 |
|
Additions - servicing obligations that result from transfers of financial assets |
|
| 1,393 |
|
| 1,184 |
|
| 2,223 |
|
Amortization |
|
| (3,476 | ) |
| (3,692 | ) |
| (5,239 | ) |
Carrying amount before valuation allowance at end of year |
|
| 18,582 |
|
| 20,665 |
|
| 23,173 |
|
Valuation allowance at beginning of year |
|
| (4,721 | ) |
| (6,671 | ) |
| (9,390 | ) |
(Provision for) recovery of valuation allowance |
|
| (951 | ) |
| 1,950 |
|
| 2,719 |
|
Valuation allowance at end of year |
|
| (5,672 | ) |
| (4,721 | ) |
| (6,671 | ) |
Net carrying amount at end of year |
| $ | 12,910 |
| $ | 15,944 |
| $ | 16,502 |
|
Mortgage banking income, net, is summarized as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| For the Year Ended December 31, |
| |||||||
|
| |||||||||
(In Thousands) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| 2005 |
| |||
Loan servicing fees |
| $ | 4,045 |
| $ | 4,464 |
| $ | 5,021 |
|
Net gain on sales of loans |
|
| 1,716 |
|
| 2,123 |
|
| 3,514 |
|
Amortization of MSR |
|
| (3,476 | ) |
| (3,692 | ) |
| (5,239 | ) |
(Provision for) recovery of valuation allowance on MSR |
|
| (951 | ) |
| 1,950 |
|
| 2,719 |
|
Total mortgage banking income, net |
| $ | 1,334 |
| $ | 4,845 |
| $ | 6,015 |
|
105
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(7) Deposits
Deposits are summarized as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| At December 31, |
| ||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
|
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) |
| Weighted |
| Balance |
| Percent |
| Weighted |
| Balance |
| Percent |
| ||||||
Core deposits: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Savings |
| 0.40 | % |
| $ | 1,891,618 |
| 14.49 | % |
| 0.40 | % |
| $ | 2,129,416 |
| 16.10 | % |
|
Money market |
| 0.98 |
|
|
| 333,914 |
| 2.56 |
|
| 0.98 |
|
|
| 435,657 |
| 3.29 |
|
|
NOW |
| 0.10 |
|
|
| 887,067 |
| 6.80 |
|
| 0.10 |
|
|
| 891,126 |
| 6.74 |
|
|
Non-interest bearing NOW and demand deposit |
| — |
|
|
| 591,295 |
| 4.53 |
|
| — |
|
|
| 605,860 |
| 4.58 |
|
|
Liquid CDs |
| 4.40 |
|
|
| 1,447,341 |
| 11.09 |
|
| 4.88 |
|
|
| 1,447,462 |
| 10.95 |
|
|
Total core deposits |
| 1.46 |
|
|
| 5,151,235 |
| 39.47 |
|
| 1.53 |
|
|
| 5,509,521 |
| 41.66 |
|
|
Certificates of deposit |
| 4.79 |
|
|
| 7,898,203 |
| 60.53 |
|
| 4.62 |
|
|
| 7,714,503 |
| 58.34 |
|
|
Total deposits |
| 3.48 | % |
| $ | 13,049,438 |
| 100.00 | % |
| 3.33 | % |
| $ | 13,224,024 |
| 100.00 | % |
|
Liquid certificates of deposit, or Liquid CDs, have maturities of three months, require the maintenance of a minimum balance and allow depositors the ability to make periodic deposits to and withdrawals from their account. We consider Liquid CDs as part of our core deposits, along with savings accounts, money market accounts and NOW and demand deposit accounts. Certificates of deposit include all time deposits other than Liquid CDs. There were no brokered certificates of deposit at December 31, 2007 and 2006.
The aggregate amount of certificates of deposit and Liquid CDs with balances equal to or greater than $100,000 was $3.24 billion at December 31, 2007 and $2.97 billion at December 31, 2006.
Certificates of deposit and Liquid CDs at December 31, 2007 have scheduled maturities as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year |
| Weighted |
| Balance |
| Percent |
| |||
|
| (In Thousands) |
| |||||||
2008 |
| 4.68 | % |
| $ | 7,448,795 |
| 79.70 | % |
|
2009 |
| 4.69 |
|
|
| 1,007,332 |
| 10.78 |
|
|
2010 |
| 4.90 |
|
|
| 448,691 |
| 4.80 |
|
|
2011 |
| 4.98 |
|
|
| 241,050 |
| 2.58 |
|
|
2012 |
| 4.94 |
|
|
| 186,902 |
| 2.00 |
|
|
2013 and thereafter |
| 4.27 |
|
|
| 12,774 |
| 0.14 |
|
|
Total |
| 4.70 | % |
| $ | 9,345,544 |
| 100.00 | % |
|
Interest expense on deposits is summarized as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| For the Year Ended December 31, |
| |||||||
|
| |||||||||
(In Thousands) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| 2005 |
| |||
Savings |
| $ | 8,126 |
| $ | 9,362 |
| $ | 11,015 |
|
Money market |
|
| 3,780 |
|
| 5,287 |
|
| 7,513 |
|
Interest-bearing NOW |
|
| 951 |
|
| 877 |
|
| 928 |
|
Liquid CDs |
|
| 73,352 |
|
| 50,460 |
|
| 10,708 |
|
Certificates of deposit |
|
| 369,830 |
|
| 318,784 |
|
| 251,235 |
|
Total interest expense on deposits |
| $ | 456,039 |
| $ | 384,770 |
| $ | 281,399 |
|
106
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(8) Borrowings
Borrowings are summarized as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| At December 31, |
| ||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||
|
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) |
| Amount |
| Weighted |
| Amount |
| Weighted |
| ||||
Reverse repurchase agreements |
| $ | 3,730,000 |
| 4.45 | % |
| $ | 4,480,000 |
| 3.96 | % |
|
FHLB-NY advances |
|
| 3,058,000 |
| 4.60 |
|
|
| 1,940,000 |
| 5.00 |
|
|
Other borrowings, net |
|
| 396,658 |
| 7.14 |
|
|
| 416,002 |
| 7.16 |
|
|
Total borrowings, net |
| $ | 7,184,658 |
| 4.66 | % |
| $ | 6,836,002 |
| 4.45 | % |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreements
The outstanding reverse repurchase agreements at December 31, 2007 and 2006 had original contractual maturities between three and ten years, are primarily fixed rate and were secured by mortgage-backed securities. The mortgage-backed securities collateralizing these agreements had an amortized cost of $4.04 billion and an estimated fair value of $3.95 billion, including accrued interest, at December 31, 2007 and an amortized cost of $4.82 billion and an estimated fair value of $4.66 billion, including accrued interest, at December 31, 2006.
The following is a summary of information relating to reverse repurchase agreements:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| At or For the Year Ended December 31, |
| |||||||
|
| |||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| 2005 |
| |||
Average balance during the year |
| $ | 4,106,164 |
| $ | 5,116,986 |
| $ | 6,751,096 |
|
Maximum balance at any month end during the year |
|
| 4,580,000 |
|
| 5,680,000 |
|
| 7,580,000 |
|
Balance outstanding at end of the year |
|
| 3,730,000 |
|
| 4,480,000 |
|
| 5,780,000 |
|
Weighted average interest rate during the year |
|
| 4.23 | % |
| 3.76 | % |
| 3.54 | % |
Weighted average interest rate at end of the year |
|
| 4.45 |
|
| 3.96 |
|
| 3.57 |
|
Reverse repurchase agreements at December 31, 2007 have contractual maturities as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Year |
| Amount |
| |
|
| (In Thousands) |
| |
2008 |
| $ | 1,580,000 | (1) |
2009 |
|
| 350,000 |
|
2010 |
|
| 100,000 |
|
2012 |
|
| 600,000 | (2) |
2015 and thereafter |
|
| 1,100,000 | (3) |
Total |
| $ | 3,730,000 |
|
|
|
(1) | Includes $100.0 million of borrowings due in 30 to 90 days and $1.48 billion of borrowings due after 90 days. |
|
|
(2) | Callable in 2009 and at various times thereafter. |
|
|
(3) | Includes $400.0 million of borrowings which are callable in 2008 and at various times thereafter and $700.0 million of borrowings which are callable in 2009 and at various times thereafter. Of the $700.0 million, $350.0 million have floating interest rates indexed to the three-month LIBOR which reset quarterly and convert to fixed rates during 2009. |
FHLB-NY Advances
Pursuant to a blanket collateral agreement with the FHLB-NY, advances are secured by all of our stock in the FHLB-NY, certain qualifying mortgage loans and mortgage-backed and other securities not otherwise pledged in an amount at least equal to 110% of the advances outstanding.
107
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The following is a summary of information relating to FHLB-NY advances:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| At or For the Year Ended December 31, |
| |||||||
|
| |||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| 2005 |
| |||
Average balance during the year |
| $ | 2,263,874 |
| $ | 1,699,910 |
| $ | 1,370,701 |
|
Maximum balance at any month end during the year |
|
| 3,061,000 |
|
| 1,940,000 |
|
| 1,813,000 |
|
Balance outstanding at end of the year |
|
| 3,058,000 |
|
| 1,940,000 |
|
| 1,724,000 |
|
Weighted average interest rate during the year |
|
| 4.80 | % |
| 4.97 | % |
| 3.64 | % |
Weighted average interest rate at end of the year |
|
| 4.60 |
|
| 5.00 |
|
| 4.50 |
|
FHLB-NY advances at December 31, 2007 have contractual maturities as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Year |
| Amount |
| |
|
| (In Thousands) |
| |
2008 |
| $ | 1,083,000 | (1) |
2009 |
|
| 250,000 |
|
2010 |
|
| 500,000 | (2) |
2011 |
|
| 125,000 | (3) |
2012 |
|
| 250,000 | (4) |
2016 and thereafter |
|
| 850,000 | (5) |
Total |
| $ | 3,058,000 |
|
|
|
(1) | Includes $113.0 million of borrowings due overnight, $470.0 million of borrowings due in less than 30 days and $500.0 million of borrowings due after 90 days. |
|
|
(2) | Includes $300.0 million of borrowings which are callable in 2009 and at various times thereafter. |
|
|
(3) | Callable in 2008 and at various times thereafter. |
|
|
(4) | Callable in 2009 and at various times thereafter. |
|
|
(5) | Includes $600.0 million of borrowings which are callable in 2008 and at various times thereafter and $250.0 million of borrowings which are callable in 2009 and at various times thereafter. |
At December 31, 2007, we had a 12-month commitment for overnight and one month lines of credit with the FHLB-NY totaling $300.0 million, of which $113.0 million was outstanding under the overnight line of credit. The lines of credit expire on July 31, 2008 and are renewable annually. Both lines of credit are priced at the federal funds rate plus a spread and reprice daily.
Other Borrowings
We have $250.0 million of senior unsecured notes due in 2012 bearing a fixed interest rate of 5.75% which were issued in 2002. The notes, which are designated as our 5.75% Senior Notes due 2012, Series B, are registered with the SEC. We may redeem all or part of the notes at any time at a “make-whole” redemption price, together with accrued interest to the redemption date. The carrying amount of the 5.75% senior unsecured notes was $248.2 million at December 31, 2007 and $247.9 million at December 31, 2006.
We issued $100.0 million of senior unsecured notes to a limited number of institutional investors in a private placement in 2001. The notes mature in 2008, bear a fixed interest rate of 7.67% and are not registered with the SEC. The notes require annual principal payments of $20.0 million which began in 2004. The carrying amount of the notes was $20.0 million at December 31, 2007 and $39.9 million at December 31, 2006.
Our finance subsidiary, Astoria Capital Trust I, issued in 1999, $125.0 million aggregate liquidation amount of 9.75% Capital Securities due November 1, 2029, or Capital Securities, in a private placement, and $3.9 million of common securities (which are the only voting securities of Astoria Capital Trust I), which are 100% owned by Astoria Financial Corporation, and used 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
108
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
agreement relating to the Capital Securities. The carrying amount of the Junior Subordinated Debentures was $128.4 million at December 31, 2007 and $128.2 million at December 31, 2006.
The terms of our other borrowings subject us to certain debt covenants. We were in compliance with these debt covenants at December 31, 2007.
Other borrowings at December 31, 2007 have contractual maturities as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Year |
| Amount |
| |
|
| (In Thousands) |
| |
2008 |
| $ | 20,000 |
|
2012 |
|
| 250,000 |
|
2029 |
|
| 128,866 |
|
Total |
| $ | 398,866 |
|
Interest expense on borrowings is summarized as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| For the Year Ended December 31, |
| |||||||
|
| |||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| 2005 |
| |||
Reverse repurchase agreements |
| $ | 176,167 |
| $ | 195,232 |
| $ | 242,255 |
|
FHLB-NY advances |
|
| 109,730 |
|
| 85,310 |
|
| 50,400 |
|
Other borrowings |
|
| 29,858 |
|
| 31,117 |
|
| 30,153 |
|
Total interest expense on borrowings |
| $ | 315,755 |
| $ | 311,659 |
| $ | 322,808 |
|
(9) Stockholders’ Equity
On July 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. Under these plans, during 2007, we repurchased 3,005,000 shares of our common stock at an aggregate cost of $80.1 million, of which 1,137,700 shares of our common stock, at an aggregate cost of $28.8 million, were repurchased under our twelfth stock repurchase plan. At December 31, 2007, a total of 8,862,300 shares may be purchased under our twelfth stock repurchase plan.
We have a dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plan, or the Plan. Pursuant to the Plan, 300,000 shares of authorized and unissued common shares are reserved for use by the Plan, should the need arise. To date, all shares required by the Plan have been acquired in open market purchases.
We are subject to the laws of the State of Delaware which generally limit dividends to an amount equal to the excess of our net assets (the amount by which total assets exceed total liabilities) over our statutory capital, or if there is no such excess, to our net profits for the current and/or immediately preceding fiscal year. Our ability to pay dividends, service our debt obligations and repurchase our common stock is dependent primarily upon receipt of dividend payments from Astoria Federal. The Office of Thrift Supervision, or OTS, regulates all capital distributions by Astoria Federal directly or indirectly to us, including dividend payments. Astoria Federal must file an application to receive the approval of the OTS for a proposed capital distribution if the total amount of all capital distributions (including each proposed capital distribution) for the applicable calendar year exceeds net income for that year-to-date plus the retained net income for the preceding two years. During 2007, we were required to file such applications, all of which were approved by the OTS. Astoria Federal may not pay dividends to us if: (1) after paying those dividends, it would fail to meet applicable regulatory capital requirements; (2) the OTS notified Astoria Federal that it was in need of more than normal supervision; or (3) after making such distribution, the institution would become “undercapitalized” (as such term is used in the Federal Deposit Insurance Act). Payment of dividends by Astoria Federal also may be restricted at any time at the discretion of the appropriate regulator if it deems the payment to constitute an unsafe and unsound banking practice.
109
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(10) Derivative Instruments
We have, at times, used derivative instruments in connection with our overall interest rate risk management strategy. We are exposed to credit risk in the event of non-performance by counterparties to derivative instruments. In the event of default by a counterparty, we would be subject to an economic loss that corresponds to the cost to replace the agreement. We control the credit risk associated with our derivative instruments by dealing only with counterparties with the highest credit ratings, establishing counterparty exposure limits and monitoring procedures.
Fair Value Hedges
We had two interest swap agreements designated and accounted for as fair value hedges aggregating $125.0 million (notional amount) which were terminated on March 8, 2006 at a cost of $5.5 million, pre-tax. The charge for the termination of these agreements is included as a component of other non-interest income in our consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2006.
Free-Standing Derivative Instruments
In connection with our mortgage banking activities, we had certain free-standing derivative instruments at December 31, 2007 and 2006. We had commitments to fund loans held-for-sale and commitments to sell loans which are considered derivative instruments under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” The fair values of these derivative instruments are immaterial to our financial condition and results of operations.
Cash Flow Hedges
In connection with the issuance of our 5.75% senior unsecured notes in 2002, we entered into an interest rate lock agreement designated and accounted for as a cash flow hedge of a forecasted transaction. The agreement was settled at the same time as the notes and the loss, net of tax, which is included in accumulated other comprehensive loss/income, is being reclassified into interest expense as a yield adjustment in the same periods in which the related interest on the notes affects earnings. The remaining after-tax amount included in accumulated other comprehensive loss totaled $916,000 at December 31, 2007 and $1.1 million at December 31, 2006. The after-tax amount to be reclassified into results of operations during 2008 totals $191,000.
(11) Commitments and Contingencies
Lease Commitments
At December 31, 2007, we were obligated through 2035 under various non-cancelable operating leases on buildings and land used for office space and banking purposes. These operating leases contain escalation clauses which provide for increased rental expense, based primarily on increases in real estate taxes and cost-of-living indices. Rent expense under the operating leases totaled $8.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, $8.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 and $7.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2005.
The minimum rental payments due under the terms of the non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2007, which have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $17.3 million due in the future under non-cancelable subleases, are summarized below:
|
|
|
|
|
Year |
| Amount |
| |
|
| (In Thousands) |
| |
2008 |
| $ | 7,890 |
|
2009 |
|
| 6,884 |
|
2010 |
|
| 6,337 |
|
2011 |
|
| 6,064 |
|
2012 |
|
| 5,484 |
|
2013 and thereafter |
|
| 42,657 |
|
Total |
| $ | 75,316 |
|
110
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Outstanding Commitments
We had outstanding commitments as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| At December 31, |
| ||||
|
| ||||||
(In Thousands) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||
Mortgage loans - commitments to extend credit (1) |
| $ | 412,990 |
| $ | 459,841 |
|
Mortgage loans - commitments to purchase |
|
| 10,551 |
|
| 14,659 |
|
Home equity loans - unused lines of credit |
|
| 325,028 |
|
| 357,975 |
|
Consumer and commercial loans - unused lines of credit |
|
| 72,018 |
|
| 68,937 |
|
Commitments to sell loans |
|
| 19,677 |
|
| 50,632 |
|
|
|
(1) | Includes commitments to originate loans held-for-sale of $21.3 million at December 31, 2007 and $38.7 million at December 31, 2006. Excluding commitments to originate loans held-for-sale, which are fixed rate loans, substantially all of the remaining mortgage loan commitments to extend credit are for hybrid ARM loans. |
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since some of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. We evaluate creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. Our maximum exposure to credit risk is represented by the contractual amount of the instruments.
Assets Sold with Recourse
We are obligated under various recourse provisions associated with certain first mortgage loans we sold in the secondary market. Recourse provisions vary but generally include fraud, early payment default (payment default within not greater than 120 days of sale) and adherence to underwriting or quality control guidelines. The principal balance of loans sold with recourse amounted to $407.7 million at December 31, 2007 and $475.6 million at December 31, 2006. We estimate the liability for loans sold with recourse based on an analysis of our loss experience related to similar loans sold with recourse. The carrying amount of this liability was immaterial at December 31, 2007 and 2006.
We have a collateralized repurchase obligation due to the sale of certain long-term fixed rate municipal revenue bonds to an investment trust fund for proceeds that approximated par value. The trust fund has a put option that requires us to repurchase the securities for specified amounts prior to maturity under certain specified circumstances, as defined in the agreement. The outstanding option balance on the agreement totaled $10.7 million at December 31, 2007 and $13.9 million at December 31, 2006. Various GSE mortgage-backed securities, with an amortized cost of $20.0 million and a fair value of $20.7 million at December 31, 2007, have been pledged as collateral.
Guarantees
Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by us to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. The guarantees generally extend for a term of up to one year and are fully collateralized. For each guarantee issued, if the customer defaults on a payment or performance to the third party, we would have to perform under the guarantee. Outstanding standby letters of credit totaled $1.5 million at December 31, 2007 and $2.1 million at December 31, 2006. The fair values of these obligations were immaterial at December 31, 2007 and 2006.
Litigation
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.
111
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
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, which could result in a gain.
In one of the actions, entitledThe Long Island Savings Bank, FSB et al vs. The United States, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, or the 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 U.S. Government 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 Court of Appeals 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 Court of Federal Claims. We again filed with the Court of Appeals a petition for rehearing or rehearingen banc. On December 28, 2007, the Court of Appeals denied our petition. We are currently reviewing our options with respect to any further legal action that may be taken in this matter.
The other action is entitledAstoriaFederal Savings and Loan Association vs. United States. The trial in this action took place during 2007 before the Court of Federal Claims. The Court of Federal Claims, by decision filed on January 8, 2008, awarded to us $16.0 million in damages from the U.S. Government. No portion of the $16.0 million award was recognized in our consolidated financial statements. We are currently reviewing the decision and anticipate that the U.S. Government may file an appeal, given its actions in similar cases.
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 on behalf 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 District 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 alleges actions based upon unjust enrichment and common law fraud.
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 District Court further determined that class certification would be considered prior to considering summary judgment. The District 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 subsequently filed motions for summary judgment with the District Court. 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 District 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 filed a motion with the District Court for partial reconsideration of its decision. The District Court, by order dated January 25, 2008, granted plaintiffs’ motion for partial reconsideration and again determined that all named plaintiffs’ Truth-in Lending claims are time barred. The District Court has given plaintiffs’ counsel until February 29, 2008 to move for substitution or intervention of new named plaintiffs. 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.
112
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(12) Income Taxes
Income tax expense is summarized as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| For the Year Ended December 31, |
| |||||||
|
| |||||||||
(In Thousands) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| 2005 |
| |||
Current |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal |
| $ | 60,924 |
| $ | 78,782 |
| $ | 114,606 |
|
State and local |
|
| (319 | ) |
| 3,121 |
|
| 6,103 |
|
Total current |
|
| 60,605 |
|
| 81,903 |
|
| 120,709 |
|
Deferred |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal |
|
| (9,882 | ) |
| 3,133 |
|
| (1,316 | ) |
State and local |
|
| — |
|
| (1 | ) |
| (951 | ) |
Total deferred |
|
| (9,882 | ) |
| 3,132 |
|
| (2,267 | ) |
Total income tax expense |
| $ | 50,723 |
| $ | 85,035 |
| $ | 118,442 |
|
Total income tax expense differed from the amounts computed by applying the federal income tax rate to income before income tax expense as a result of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| For the Year Ended December 31, |
| |||||||
|
| |||||||||
(In Thousands) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| 2005 |
| |||
Expected income tax expense at statutory federal rate |
| $ | 61,440 |
| $ | 90,976 |
| $ | 123,286 |
|
State and local taxes, net of federal tax effect |
|
| (207 | ) |
| 2,028 |
|
| 3,349 |
|
Tax exempt income (principally on BOLI) |
|
| (6,789 | ) |
| (5,873 | ) |
| (6,270 | ) |
Other, net |
|
| (3,721 | ) |
| (2,096 | ) |
| (1,923 | ) |
Total income tax expense |
| $ | 50,723 |
| $ | 85,035 |
| $ | 118,442 |
|
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| At December 31, |
| ||||
|
| ||||||
(In Thousands) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||
Deferred tax assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowances for losses |
| $ | 28,069 |
| $ | 21,410 |
|
Compensation and benefits (principally pension and other postretirement benefit plans) |
|
| 20,191 |
|
| 25,662 |
|
Net unrealized loss on securities available-for-sale |
|
| 16,079 |
|
| 27,535 |
|
Securities impairment write-downs |
|
| 12,951 |
|
| 6,895 |
|
Effect of unrecognized tax benefits, related accrued interest and other deductible temporary differences |
|
| 9,276 |
|
| 4,249 |
|
Total gross deferred tax assets |
|
| 86,566 |
|
| 85,751 |
|
Deferred tax liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mortgage loans (principally deferred loan origination costs) |
|
| (17,367 | ) |
| (18,057 | ) |
Premises and equipment |
|
| (5,602 | ) |
| (8,205 | ) |
Other |
|
| — |
|
| (610 | ) |
Total gross deferred tax liabilities |
|
| (22,969 | ) |
| (26,872 | ) |
Net deferred tax assets (included in other assets) |
| $ | 63,597 |
| $ | 58,879 |
|
We believe that our future results of operations and tax planning strategies will generate sufficient taxable income to enable us to realize our deferred tax assets.
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 2004. The Internal Revenue Service commenced examinations of our 2006 and 2005 federal income tax returns during 2007.
113
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of gross unrecognized tax benefits for the year ended December 31, 2007. The amounts have not been reduced by the federal deferred tax effects of unrecognized state tax benefits.
|
|
|
|
|
(In Thousands) |
|
|
|
|
Unrecognized tax benefits at January 1, 2007 |
| $ | 20,174 |
|
Reductions as a result of a lapse in the applicable statute of limitations |
|
| (3,685 | ) |
Unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2007 |
| $ | 16,489 |
|
It is reasonably possible that decreases in gross unrecognized tax benefits totaling $5.1 million may occur in 2008 as a result of a lapse in the applicable statute of limitations. If realized, all of our unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2007 would affect our effective income tax rate. After the related deferred tax effects, realization of those benefits would reduce income tax expense by $11.5 million.
In addition to the above unrecognized tax benefits, we have accrued liabilities totaling $5.5 million at December 31, 2007 for interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. During the year ended December 31, 2007, we accrued $1.5 million in interest on uncertain tax positions as an element of our income tax expense. Realization of all of our unrecognized tax benefits would result in a further reduction in income tax expense of $4.0 million for the reversal of accrued interest and penalties, net of the related deferred tax effects.
Astoria Federal’s retained earnings at December 31, 2007 and 2006 includes base-year bad debt reserves, created for tax purposes prior to 1988, totaling $165.8 million. A related deferred federal income tax liability of $58.0 million has not been recognized. Base-year reserves are subject to recapture in the unlikely event that Astoria Federal (1) makes distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits, as calculated for federal income tax purposes, (2) redeems its stock, or (3) liquidates.
(13) Earnings Per Share
The following table is a reconciliation of basic and diluted EPS:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| For the Year Ended December 31, |
| ||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
|
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| 2005 |
| ||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data) |
| Basic |
| Diluted |
| Basic |
| Diluted |
| Basic |
| Diluted |
| ||||||
Net income |
| $ | 124,822 |
| $ | 124,822 |
| $ | 174,897 |
| $ | 174,897 |
| $ | 233,803 |
| $ | 233,803 |
|
Total weighted average basic common shares outstanding |
|
| 90,490 |
|
| 90,490 |
|
| 94,755 |
|
| 94,755 |
|
| 101,476 |
|
| 101,476 |
|
Effect of dilutive securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options and unvested restricted stock |
|
| — |
|
| 1,603 |
|
| — |
|
| 2,525 |
|
| — |
|
| 1,933 |
|
Total weighted average basic and diluted common shares outstanding |
|
| 90,490 |
|
| 92,093 |
|
| 94,755 |
|
| 97,280 |
|
| 101,476 |
|
| 103,409 |
|
Earnings per common share |
| $ | 1.38 |
| $ | 1.36 |
| $ | 1.85 |
| $ | 1.80 |
| $ | 2.30 |
| $ | 2.26 |
|
|
|
(1) | Options to purchase 2,729,384 shares of common stock and 53,458 shares of unvested restricted stock were outstanding during the year ended December 31, 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 and 278,200 shares of unvested restricted stock were outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2006, but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. |
|
|
(3) | Options to purchase 1,224,100 shares of common stock were outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2005, but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. |
114
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(14) Other Comprehensive Income/Loss
The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 2007 and 2006 and the changes during the year ended December 31, 2007 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In Thousands) |
| At |
| Other |
| At |
| |||
Net unrealized loss on securities available-for-sale |
| $ | (37,961 | ) | $ | 11,080 |
| $ | (26,881 | ) |
Net actuarial loss on pension plans and other postretirement benefits |
|
| (17,940 | ) |
| 6,632 |
|
| (11,308 | ) |
Prior service cost on pension plans and other postretirement benefits |
|
| (1,322 | ) |
| 951 |
|
| (371 | ) |
Loss on cash flow hedge |
|
| (1,107 | ) |
| 191 |
|
| (916 | ) |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
| $ | (58,330 | ) | $ | 18,854 |
| $ | (39,476 | ) |
The components of other comprehensive income/loss for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In Thousands) |
| Before Tax |
| Tax |
| After Tax |
| |||
| ||||||||||
For the Year Ended December 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net unrealized loss on securities available-for-sale: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net unrealized holding gains on securities arising during the year |
| $ | 1,281 |
| $ | (617 | ) | $ | 664 |
|
Reclassification adjustment for net losses included in net income |
|
| 18,276 |
|
| (7,860 | ) |
| 10,416 |
|
|
| |||||||||
|
|
| 19,557 |
|
| (8,477 | ) |
| 11,080 |
|
Net actuarial loss on pension plans and other postretirement benefits: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net actuarial loss adjustment arising during the year |
|
| 9,738 |
|
| (4,210 | ) |
| 5,528 |
|
Reclassification adjustment for net actuarial loss included in net income |
|
| 1,889 |
|
| (785 | ) |
| 1,104 |
|
|
| |||||||||
|
|
| 11,627 |
|
| (4,995 | ) |
| 6,632 |
|
Prior service cost on pension plans and other postretirement benefits: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prior service cost adjustment arising during the year |
|
| 1,111 |
|
| (473 | ) |
| 638 |
|
Reclassification adjustment for prior service cost included in net income |
|
| 536 |
|
| (223 | ) |
| 313 |
|
|
| |||||||||
|
|
| 1,647 |
|
| (696 | ) |
| 951 |
|
Reclassification adjustment for loss on cash flow hedge included in net income |
|
| 330 |
|
| (139 | ) |
| 191 |
|
Other comprehensive income |
| $ | 33,161 |
| $ | (14,307 | ) | $ | 18,854 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31, 2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net unrealized holding gains on securities arising during the year |
| $ | 17,485 |
| $ | (7,350 | ) | $ | 10,135 |
|
Reclassification adjustment for loss on cash flow hedge included in net income |
|
| 329 |
|
| (138 | ) |
| 191 |
|
Minimum pension liability adjustment |
|
| 216 |
|
| (91 | ) |
| 125 |
|
Other comprehensive income |
| $ | 18,030 |
| $ | (7,579 | ) | $ | 10,451 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31, 2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net unrealized holding losses on securities arising during the year |
| $ | (36,374 | ) | $ | 15,291 |
| $ | (21,083 | ) |
Reclassification adjustment for loss on cash flow hedge included in net income |
|
| 330 |
|
| (139 | ) |
| 191 |
|
Minimum pension liability adjustment |
|
| (90 | ) |
| 38 |
|
| (52 | ) |
Other comprehensive loss |
| $ | (36,134 | ) | $ | 15,190 |
| $ | (20,944 | ) |
115
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(15) Benefit Plans
Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits
The following tables set forth information regarding our defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plan.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Pension Benefits |
| Other Postretirement |
| ||||||||
|
|
|
| ||||||||||
|
| At or For the Year Ended |
| At or For the Year Ended |
| ||||||||
|
|
|
| ||||||||||
(In Thousands) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||||
|
| ||||||||||||
Change in benefit obligation: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit obligation at beginning of year |
| $ | 186,122 |
| $ | 190,019 |
| $ | 19,124 |
| $ | 20,455 |
|
Service cost |
|
| 3,314 |
|
| 3,458 |
|
| 464 |
|
| 498 |
|
Interest cost |
|
| 10,497 |
|
| 10,183 |
|
| 1,026 |
|
| 1,014 |
|
Amendments |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| (1,112 | ) |
| — |
|
Actuarial gain |
|
| (14,501 | ) |
| (8,287 | ) |
| (2,002 | ) |
| (1,708 | ) |
Benefits paid |
|
| (9,212 | ) |
| (9,251 | ) |
| (1,022 | ) |
| (1,135 | ) |
Benefit obligation at end of year |
|
| 176,220 |
|
| 186,122 |
|
| 16,478 |
|
| 19,124 |
|
Change in plan assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year |
|
| 165,131 |
|
| 156,435 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
Actual return on plan assets |
|
| 6,082 |
|
| 17,175 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
Employer payments for benefits on unfunded plans |
|
| 761 |
|
| 772 |
|
| 1,022 |
|
| 1,135 |
|
Benefits paid |
|
| (9,212 | ) |
| (9,251 | ) |
| (1,022 | ) |
| (1,135 | ) |
Fair value of plan assets at end of year |
|
| 162,762 |
|
| 165,131 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
Funded status at end of year |
| $ | (13,458 | ) | $ | (20,991 | ) | $ | (16,478 | ) | $ | (19,124 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Funded status at end of year recognized in consolidated statements of financial condition: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other assets |
| $ | 5,874 |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
|
Other liabilities |
|
| (19,332 | ) |
| (20,991 | ) |
| (16,478 | ) |
| (19,124 | ) |
Funded status at end of year |
| $ | (13,458 | ) | $ | (20,991 | ) | $ | (16,478 | ) | $ | (19,124 | ) |
The following table sets forth the pre-tax components of accumulated other comprehensive loss related to pension plans and other postretirement benefits. We expect that $851,000 in net actuarial loss and $206,000 in prior service cost will be recognized as components of net periodic cost in 2008.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Pension Benefits |
| Other Postretirement |
| ||||||||
|
|
|
| ||||||||||
|
| At December 31, |
| At December 31, |
| ||||||||
|
|
|
| ||||||||||
(In Thousands) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||||
Net actuarial loss (gain) |
| $ | 22,799 |
| $ | 32,447 |
| $ | (3,474 | ) | $ | (1,495 | ) |
Prior service cost |
|
| 1,057 |
|
| 1,423 |
|
| (423 | ) |
| 858 |
|
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss (income) |
| $ | 23,856 |
| $ | 33,870 |
| $ | (3,897 | ) | $ | (637 | ) |
The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $162.4 million at December 31, 2007 and $168.7 million at December 31, 2006. The measurement date for our defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plan is December 31.
116
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Included in the tables of pension benefits are the Astoria Federal Excess Benefit and Supplemental Benefit Plans, Astoria Federal Directors Retirement Plan, The Greater New York Savings Bank, or Greater, Directors’ Retirement Plan and Long Island Bancorp, Inc., or LIB, Directors’ Retirement Plan, which are unfunded plans. The projected benefit obligation and accumulated benefit obligation for these plans are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| At December 31, |
| ||||
|
|
| |||||
(In Thousands) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||
| |||||||
Projected benefit obligation |
| $ | 19,332 |
| $ | 19,448 |
|
Accumulated benefit obligation |
|
| 17,115 |
|
| 16,829 |
|
The assumptions used to determine the benefit obligations at December 31 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Discount Rate |
| Rate of |
| ||||||||
|
|
|
| ||||||||||
|
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||
Pension Benefit Plans: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Astoria Federal Pension Plan |
|
| 6.45 | % |
| 5.75 | % |
| 5.10 | % |
| 5.10 | % |
Astoria Federal Excess Benefit and Supplemental Benefit Plans |
|
| 6.34 |
|
| 5.75 |
|
| 6.10 |
|
| 6.10 |
|
Astoria Federal Directors’ Retirement Plan |
|
| 6.22 |
|
| 5.75 |
|
| 4.00 |
|
| 4.00 |
|
Greater Directors’ Retirement Plan |
|
| 5.83 |
|
| 5.75 |
|
| N/A |
|
| N/A |
|
LIB Directors’ Retirement Plan |
|
| 5.32 |
|
| 5.75 |
|
| N/A |
|
| N/A |
|
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Astoria Federal Retiree Health Care Plan |
|
| 6.42 |
|
| 5.75 |
|
| N/A |
|
| N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The components of net periodic cost and the related assumptions are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Pension Benefits |
| Other Postretirement Benefits |
| ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||
|
| For the Year Ended December 31, |
| For the Year Ended December 31, |
| ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| 2005 |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| 2005 |
| ||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
Service cost |
| $ | 3,314 |
| $ | 3,458 |
| $ | 3,264 |
| $ | 464 |
| $ | 498 |
| $ | 504 |
|
Interest cost |
|
| 10,497 |
|
| 10,183 |
|
| 9,856 |
|
| 1,026 |
|
| 1,014 |
|
| 1,037 |
|
Expected return on plan assets |
|
| (12,846 | ) |
| (12,156 | ) |
| (11,974 | ) |
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
Amortization of prior service cost |
|
| 368 |
|
| 368 |
|
| 221 |
|
| 168 |
|
| 169 |
|
| 41 |
|
Recognized net actuarial loss (gain) |
|
| 1,911 |
|
| 3,187 |
|
| 2,645 |
|
| (22 | ) |
| — |
|
| — |
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Net periodic cost |
| $ | 3,244 |
| $ | 5,040 |
| $ | 4,012 |
| $ | 1,636 |
| $ | 1,681 |
| $ | 1,582 |
|
|
Assumptions used to determine the net periodic cost:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Discount Rate |
| Expected Return |
| Rate of |
| ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||||
|
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||
Pension Benefit Plans: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Astoria Federal Pension Plan |
|
| 5.75 | % |
| 5.50 | % |
| 8.00 | % |
| 8.00 | % |
| 5.10 | % |
| 5.00 | % |
Astoria Federal Excess Benefit and Supplemental Benefit Plans |
|
| 5.75 |
|
| 5.50 |
|
| N/A |
|
| N/A |
|
| 6.10 |
|
| 8.00 |
|
Astoria Federal Directors’ Retirement Plan |
|
| 5.75 |
|
| 5.50 |
|
| N/A |
|
| N/A |
|
| 4.00 |
|
| 4.00 |
|
Greater Directors’ Retirement Plan |
|
| 5.75 |
|
| 5.50 |
|
| N/A |
|
| N/A |
|
| N/A |
|
| N/A |
|
LIB Directors’ Retirement Plan |
|
| 5.75 |
|
| 5.50 |
|
| N/A |
|
| N/A |
|
| N/A |
|
| N/A |
|
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Astoria Federal Retiree Health Care Plan |
|
| 5.75 |
|
| 5.50 |
|
| N/A |
|
| N/A |
|
| N/A |
|
| N/A |
|
To determine the expected return on plan assets, we consider the long-term historical return information on plan assets, the mix of investments that comprise plan assets and the historical returns on indices comparable to the fund classes in which the plan invests.
117
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The assumed health care cost trend rates are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| At December 31, |
| ||||
|
| ||||||
|
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year |
|
| 6.00 | % |
| 6.50 | % |
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate) |
|
| 5.00 | % |
| 5.00 | % |
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate |
|
| 2009 |
|
| 2009 |
|
Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plan. A one-percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
(In Thousands) |
| One Percentage |
| One Percentage |
| ||||||
Effect on total service and interest cost components |
|
| $ | 237 |
|
|
| $ | (180 | ) |
|
Effect on the postretirement benefit obligation |
|
|
| 1,658 |
|
|
|
| (1,361 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The asset allocations, by asset category, for the Astoria Federal Pension Plan are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Plan Assets At December 31, |
| ||||
|
| ||||||
|
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||
Asset Category: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Astoria Financial Corporation common stock |
|
| 11.06 | % |
| 14.12 | % |
Insurance company pooled separate accounts and trust company trust funds |
|
| 88.94 |
|
| 85.88 |
|
Total |
|
| 100.00 | % |
| 100.00 | % |
The overall strategy of the Astoria Federal Pension Plan Investment Policy is to have a diverse portfolio that reasonably spans established risk/return levels, preserves liquidity and provides long-term investment returns equal to or greater than the actuarial assumptions. The strategy allows for a moderate risk approach in order to achieve greater long-term asset growth. The asset mix within the various insurance company pooled separate accounts and trust company trust funds can vary but should not be more than 80% in equity securities, 50% in debt securities and 25% in liquidity funds. Within equity securities, the mix is further clarified to have ranges not to exceed 10% in any one company, 30% in any one industry, 50% in funds that mirror the S&P 500, 50% in large-cap equity securities, 20% in mid-cap equity securities, 20% in small-cap equity securities and 10% in international equities. In addition, up to 15% of total plan assets may be held in Astoria Financial Corporation common stock. However, the Astoria Federal Pension Plan will not acquire Astoria Financial Corporation common stock to the extent that, after the acquisition, such common stock would represent more than 10% of total plan assets.
We do not expect to make any contributions to the Astoria Federal Pension Plan during 2008 and no pension plan assets are expected to be returned to us.
Total benefits expected to be paid under our defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plan as of December 31, 2007, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Pension |
| Other Postretirement |
| |||
Year |
|
| Benefits |
| Benefits |
| |||
| |||||||||
|
| (In Thousands) |
| ||||||
2008 |
| $ | 9,537 |
|
| $ | 1,232 |
|
|
2009 |
|
| 10,109 |
|
|
| 1,225 |
|
|
2010 |
|
| 10,477 |
|
|
| 1,178 |
|
|
2011 |
|
| 10,797 |
|
|
| 1,107 |
|
|
2012 |
|
| 11,182 |
|
|
| 1,061 |
|
|
2013-2017 |
|
| 62,219 |
|
|
| 5,175 |
|
|
118
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Incentive Savings Plan
Astoria Federal maintains a 401(k) incentive savings plan, or the 401(k) Plan, which provides for contributions by both Astoria Federal and its participating employees. Under the 401(k) Plan, which is a qualified, defined contribution pension plan, participants may contribute up to 15% of their pre-tax base salary, generally not to exceed $15,500 for the calendar year ended December 31, 2007. Matching contributions, if any, may be made at the discretion of Astoria Federal. No matching contributions were made for 2007, 2006 and 2005. Participants vest immediately in their own contributions and after a period of five years for Astoria Federal contributions.
Employee Stock Ownership Plan
Astoria Federal maintains an ESOP for its eligible employees, which is also a defined contribution pension plan. To fund the purchase of the ESOP shares, the ESOP borrowed funds from us. The ESOP loans bear an interest rate of 6.00%, mature on December 31, 2029 and are collateralized by our common stock purchased with the loan proceeds. Astoria Federal makes scheduled discretionary contributions to fund debt service. Astoria Federal’s contributions, prior to 2010, may be reduced by dividends paid on unallocated shares and investment earnings realized on such dividends. Beginning in 2010, dividends paid on unallocated shares will be credited to participant accounts as investment earnings. Dividends paid on unallocated shares, which reduced Astoria Federal’s contribution to the ESOP, totaled $6.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, $6.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 and $5.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. The ESOP loans had an aggregate outstanding principal balance of $30.8 million at December 31, 2007 and $32.1 million at December 31, 2006.
Shares purchased by the ESOP are held in trust for allocation among participants as the loans are repaid. Pursuant to the loan agreements, the number of shares released annually is based upon a specified percentage of aggregate eligible payroll for our covered employees. Shares allocated to participants totaled 394,527 for the year ended December 31, 2007, 309,355 for the year ended December 31, 2006 and 336,873 for the year ended December 31, 2005. Through December 31, 2007, 9,307,171 shares have been allocated to participants. As of December 31, 2007, 5,761,391 shares which had a fair value of $134.1 million remain unallocated. In addition to shares allocated, Astoria Federal makes an annual cash contribution to participant accounts. This cash contribution, which was funded from the dividends paid on unallocated shares, totaled $2.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, $2.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 and $2.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, and will total not less than $1.2 million each year through 2009. Beginning in 2010, the only cash contributions Astoria Federal is required to make are to fund debt service.
We recorded compensation expense relating to the ESOP of $13.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, $12.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 and $11.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, which was equal to the shares allocated by the ESOP multiplied by the average fair value of our common stock during the year of allocation, plus the cash contribution made to participant accounts.
(16) Stock Incentive Plans
In 2005, we adopted the 2005 Re-designated, Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan for Officers and Employees of Astoria Financial Corporation, or the 2005 Employee Stock Plan. As a result of the adoption of this plan, the previous employee option plan was frozen and no further option grants were made pursuant to that plan. Under the 2005 Employee Stock Plan, 5,250,000 shares were reserved for option, restricted stock and/or stock appreciation right grants, of which 3,559,561 shares remain available for issuance of future grants at December 31, 2007. Historically, option and restricted stock grants to employees have occurred annually in December upon approval by our board of directors on the date of their regular monthly meeting, although no employee grants were made during 2007. Beginning in 2008, employee grants will generally occur annually in January, upon approval by our board of directors, on the third business day after we issue a press release announcing annual financial results for the prior year.
Restricted stock granted in 2006 vests approximately five years after the grant date. There were no options granted in 2006. Options and restricted stock granted in 2005 vest approximately three years after the grant date. Pursuant to the terms of the options granted under the 2005 Employee Stock Plan, such options have a maximum term of seven years, while options previously granted to employees under plans other than the 2005 Employee Stock Plan have a maximum term of ten years. In the event the grantee terminates his/her employment due to death or
119
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
disability, or in the event we experience a change in control, as defined and specified in the 2005 Employee Stock Plan, all options and restricted stock granted pursuant to such plan immediately vest. Additionally, most grants have accelerated vesting provisions in the event the grantee terminates his/her employment due to retirement, at or after normal retirement age as specified in such grants. Options granted under all plans were granted in tandem with limited stock appreciation rights exercisable only in the event we experience a change in control, as defined by the plans.
In 2007, we adopted the Astoria Financial Corporation 2007 Non-Employee Directors Stock Plan, or the 2007 Director Stock Plan. As a result of the adoption of the 2007 Director Stock Plan, the 1999 Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors of Astoria Financial Corporation, or the 1999 Director Option Plan, was frozen and no further option grants were made pursuant to that plan. Under the 2007 Director Stock Plan, 100,000 shares of common stock were reserved for restricted stock grants, all of which remain available for issuance of future grants at December 31, 2007. Annual awards and discretionary grants, as such terms are defined in the plan, are authorized under the 2007 Director Stock Plan. Options granted to non-employee directors in 2007 were made pursuant to the 1999 Director Option Plan in January 2007, prior to the adoption of the 2007 Director Stock Plan. Option grants to non-employee directors have occurred annually on January 15thor the next business day. Commencing in 2008 and annually thereafter, annual awards will occur in January on the third business day after we issue a press release announcing annual financial results for the prior year. Discretionary grants may be made to eligible directors from time to time as consideration for services rendered or promised to be rendered. Such grants are made on such terms and conditions as determined by a committee of independent directors.
Under plans involving option grants to non-employee directors, all options granted have a maximum term of ten years and are exercisable immediately on their grant date. Options granted under all plans were granted in tandem with limited stock appreciation rights exercisable only in the event we experience a change in control, as defined by the plans. Under the 2007 Director Stock Plan, restricted stock awards will vest 100% on the third anniversary of the grant date, although awards will immediately vest upon death, disability, mandatory retirement, involuntary termination or a change in control, as such terms are defined in the plan. Shares awarded will be forfeited in the event a recipient ceases to be a director prior to the third anniversary of the grant date for any reason other than death, disability, mandatory retirement, involuntary termination or a change in control, as defined in the plan.
Restricted stock activity in our stock incentive plans for the year ended December 31, 2007 is summarized as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Number of Shares |
| Weighted Average |
| ||||
| |||||||||
Nonvested at beginning of year |
|
| 475,028 |
|
| $ | 29.93 |
|
|
Forfeited |
|
| (8,689 | ) |
|
| (29.67 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Nonvested at end of year |
|
| 466,339 |
|
|
| 29.94 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option activity in our stock incentive plans for the year ended December 31, 2007 is summarized as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Number of |
| Weighted Average |
| ||||
| |||||||||
Outstanding at beginning of year |
|
| 9,811,031 |
|
| $ | 21.08 |
|
|
Granted |
|
| 48,000 |
|
|
| 29.72 |
|
|
Exercised |
|
| (530,424 | ) |
|
| (17.29 | ) |
|
Expired |
|
| (15,600 | ) |
|
| (27.84 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Outstanding at end of year |
|
| 9,313,007 |
|
|
| 21.32 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Options exercisable at end of year |
|
| 8,088,907 |
|
|
| 20.16 |
|
|
At December 31, 2007, options outstanding and options exercisable each had a weighted average remaining contractual term of approximately 4.8 years and an aggregate intrinsic value of approximately $33.7 million.
The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised totaled $5.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2007, $17.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2006 and $12.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2005. Shares issued upon the exercise of stock options are issued from treasury stock. We have an adequate number of treasury shares available for future stock option exercises.
120
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The following table summarizes the per share weighted-average fair value of options granted.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| For the Year Ended December 31, |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| 2005 |
| ||||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| Options |
| Weighted |
| Options |
| Weighted |
| Options |
| Weighted |
| ||||||||||||
Employees |
|
| — |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| — |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 1,224,100 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outside directors |
|
| 48,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 54,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 60,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
|
|
| 48,000 |
|
| $ | 4.88 |
|
|
| 54,000 |
|
| $ | 5.16 |
|
|
| 1,284,100 |
|
| $ | 4.83 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The per share weighted-average fair value of option grants was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| For the Year Ended December 31, |
| |||||||
|
| |||||||||
|
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| 2005 |
| |||
Expected dividend yield |
| 3.50 | % |
| 3.22 | % |
| 3.27 | % |
|
Expected stock price volatility |
| 19.59 |
|
| 20.94 |
|
| 21.28 |
|
|
Risk-free interest rate based upon equivalent-term U.S. Treasury rates |
| 4.63 |
|
| 4.17 |
|
| 4.25 |
|
|
Expected option term |
| 5.00 | years |
| 5.00 | years |
| 4.47 | years |
|
The per share weighted-average fair value of options was calculated using the above assumptions, based on our analyses of our historical experience and our judgments regarding future option exercise experience and market conditions. These assumptions are subjective in nature, involve uncertainties and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision. The Black-Scholes option pricing model also contains certain inherent limitations when applied to options which are not immediately exercisable and are not traded on public markets. The increase in the weighted-average expected option term from 2005 to 2006 reflects only the expected option term for non-employee director grants as there were no options granted to employees in 2006. The 2005 expected option term is a weighted average of non-employee director and employee expected option terms.
Total stock-based compensation expense recognized for stock options and restricted stock for the year ended December 31, 2007 totaled $3.8 million, net of taxes of $2.1 million, and totaled $2.7 million, net of taxes of $2.0 million, for the year ended December 31, 2006. The following table illustrates the effect on net income and EPS if we had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123(R) to stock-based compensation for the year ended December 31, 2005.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| (In Thousands, Except Per Share Data) |
| For the Year |
| |||
| |||||||
| Net income: |
|
|
|
| ||
| As reported |
|
| $ | 233,803 |
|
|
| Add: Total stock-based employee compensation expense included in net income as reported, net of related tax benefit of $69 |
|
|
| 118 |
|
|
| Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax benefit of $8,517 |
|
|
| (11,803 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
| Pro forma |
|
| $ | 222,118 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
| Basic earnings per common share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| As reported |
|
| $ | 2.30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
| Pro forma |
|
| $ | 2.19 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
| Diluted earnings per common share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| As reported |
|
| $ | 2.26 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
| Pro forma |
|
| $ | 2.14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
121
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Prior to our adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), we “recognized” compensation cost for purposes of the pro forma disclosures required by SFAS No. 123 over the stated vesting period regardless of whether or not an employee was retirement-eligible. As a result of our adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), the fair value of awards of equity instruments that have accelerated vesting provisions upon retirement which are granted to retirement-eligible employees on or after January 1, 2006 is recognized as compensation cost on the grant date, as the vesting conditions are considered non-substantive because, upon retirement, the award vests immediately regardless of the award’s stated vesting period. Additionally, for awards of equity instruments that have accelerated vesting provisions upon retirement which are granted to employees who will become retirement-eligible prior to the award’s stated vesting date, compensation cost will be recognized over the period to retirement eligibility, as it is shorter than the period to the stated vesting date. We recognized pre-tax stock-based compensation cost related to options and restricted stock awards granted to retirement-eligible employees prior to our adoption of SFAS 123(R) totaling $1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006. At December 31, 2007, compensation cost of approximately $1.2 million will be recognized over the remaining stated vesting period for such awards granted to retirement-eligible employees.
At December 31, 2007, pre-tax compensation cost related to all nonvested awards of options and restricted stock not yet recognized totaled $9.9 million and will be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.6 years.
On December 22, 2005, we accelerated the vesting of all outstanding unvested options which were granted to employees on December 17, 2003 and December 15, 2004 under the 2003 Employee Option Plan. On December 22, 2005 there were 1,402,950 unvested shares under the December 17, 2003 grants with an exercise price of $24.40 per share and a vest date of January 10, 2007 and 1,897,200 unvested shares under the December 15, 2004 grants with an exercise price of $26.63 and a vest date of January 10, 2008. In total, 64 employees were affected by the accelerated vesting. The fair value of our stock on the effective date of the acceleration was $29.72 per share, therefore, these options were in-the-money at the time of the acceleration. We recognized pre-tax compensation expense in 2005 of $111,000 as a result of the accelerated vesting of these options. The purpose of the acceleration was to eliminate compensation expense associated with these options in future periods upon our adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) effective January 1, 2006. The accelerated vesting eliminated pre-tax compensation expense which would have been recognized in future periods of approximately $10.4 million, including approximately $6.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 and approximately $3.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. Subsequent to December 22, 2005, shares acquired through the exercise of options granted on December 17, 2003 or December 15, 2004 may not be sold prior to the earlier of the date the optionee terminates employment with us or the original vesting date. A number of the options which were accelerated were intended to qualify as incentive stock options when granted. The accelerated vesting disqualified most of such options from incentive stock option tax treatment. Upon the optionees’ exercise of such disqualified options, we may realize certain tax benefits that would not have otherwise been available.
(17) Regulatory Matters
Federal law requires that savings associations, such as Astoria Federal, maintain minimum capital requirements. These capital standards are required to be no less stringent than standards applicable to national banks. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, Astoria Federal was in compliance with all regulatory capital requirements.
The following table sets forth information regarding the regulatory capital requirements applicable to Astoria Federal.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| At December 31, 2007 |
| ||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) |
| Capital |
| % |
| Actual |
| % |
| Excess |
| % |
| ||||||
Tangible |
| $ | 324,113 |
|
| 1.50 | % | $ | 1,421,664 |
|
| 6.58 | % | $ | 1,097,551 |
|
| 5.08 | % |
Leverage |
|
| 864,301 |
|
| 4.00 |
|
| 1,421,664 |
|
| 6.58 |
|
| 557,363 |
|
| 2.58 |
|
Risk-based |
|
| 996,845 |
|
| 8.00 |
|
| 1,500,620 |
|
| 12.04 |
|
| 503,775 |
|
| 4.04 |
|
122
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| At December 31, 2006 |
| ||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) |
| Capital |
| % |
| Actual |
| % |
| Excess |
| % |
| ||||||
Tangible |
| $ | 321,027 |
|
| 1.50 | % | $ | 1,415,484 |
|
| 6.61 | % | $ | 1,094,457 |
|
| 5.11 | % |
Leverage |
|
| 856,072 |
|
| 4.00 |
|
| 1,415,484 |
|
| 6.61 |
|
| 559,412 |
|
| 2.61 |
|
Risk-based |
|
| 978,819 |
|
| 8.00 |
|
| 1,498,451 |
|
| 12.25 |
|
| 519,632 |
|
| 4.25 |
|
Astoria Federal’s Tier I risked-based capital ratio was 11.41% at December 31, 2007 and 11.57% at December 31, 2006.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991, or FDICIA, established a system of prompt corrective action to resolve the problems of undercapitalized institutions. The regulators adopted rules which require them to take action against undercapitalized institutions, based upon the five categories of capitalization which FDICIA created: “well capitalized,” “adequately capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized” and “critically undercapitalized.” The rules adopted generally provide that an insured institution whose total risk-based capital ratio is 10% or greater, Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio is 6% or greater, leverage capital ratio is 5% or greater and is not subject to any written agreement, order, capital directive or prompt corrective action directive issued by the FDIC shall be considered a “well capitalized” institution. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, Astoria Federal was a “well capitalized” institution.
(18) Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Quoted market prices available in formal trading marketplaces are typically the best evidence of fair value of financial instruments. In many cases, financial instruments we hold are not bought or sold in formal trading marketplaces. Accordingly, fair values are derived or estimated based on a variety of valuation techniques in the absence of quoted market prices. Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any possible tax ramifications, estimated transaction costs, or any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time our entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no market exists for a certain portion of our financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics, and other such factors. These estimates are subjective in nature, involve uncertainties and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates. For these reasons and others, the estimated fair value disclosures presented herein do not represent our entire underlying value. As such, readers are cautioned in using this information for purposes of evaluating our financial condition and/or value either alone or in comparison with any other company.
123
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The following table summarizes the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our financial instruments.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| At December 31, |
| ||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||
|
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||
(In Thousands) |
| Carrying |
| Estimated |
| Carrying |
| Estimated |
| ||||
Financial Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Repurchase agreements |
| $ | 24,218 |
| $ | 24,218 |
| $ | 71,694 |
| $ | 71,694 |
|
Securities available-for-sale |
|
| 1,313,306 |
|
| 1,313,306 |
|
| 1,560,325 |
|
| 1,560,325 |
|
Securities held-to-maturity |
|
| 3,057,544 |
|
| 3,013,014 |
|
| 3,779,356 |
|
| 3,681,514 |
|
FHLB-NY stock |
|
| 201,490 |
|
| 201,490 |
|
| 153,640 |
|
| 153,640 |
|
Loans held-for-sale, net |
|
| 6,306 |
|
| 6,362 |
|
| 16,542 |
|
| 16,636 |
|
Loans receivable, net |
|
| 16,076,068 |
|
| 16,068,813 |
|
| 14,891,749 |
|
| 14,793,294 |
|
MSR, net |
|
| 12,910 |
|
| 12,932 |
|
| 15,944 |
|
| 15,969 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deposits |
|
| 13,049,438 |
|
| 13,111,419 |
|
| 13,224,024 |
|
| 13,207,401 |
|
Borrowings, net |
|
| 7,184,658 |
|
| 7,453,682 |
|
| 6,836,002 |
|
| 6,918,742 |
|
Methods and assumptions used to estimate fair values are as follows:
Repurchase agreements
The carrying amounts of repurchase agreements approximate fair values since all mature in one month or less.
Securities available-for-sale and held-to-maturity
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.
FHLB-NY stock
The carrying amount of FHLB-NY stock equals cost. The fair value of FHLB-NY stock is based on redemption at par value.
Loans held-for-sale, net
Fair values of loans held-for-sale are estimated based on current secondary market prices for loans with similar terms.
Loans receivable, net
Fair values of loans are estimated by discounting the expected future cash flows of pools of loans with similar characteristics. The loans are first segregated by type, such as one-to-four family, multi-family, commercial real estate, construction and consumer and other, and then further segregated into fixed and adjustable rate and seasoned and nonseasoned categories. Expected future cash flows are then projected based on contractual cash flows, adjusted for prepayments. Prepayment estimates are based on a variety of factors including our experience with respect to each loan category, the effect of current economic and lending conditions and regional statistics for each loan category, if available. The discount rates used are based on market rates for new loans of similar type and purpose, adjusted, when necessary, for factors such as servicing cost, credit risk and term.
As previously mentioned, this technique of estimating fair value is extremely sensitive to the assumptions and estimates used. While we have attempted to use assumptions and estimates which are the most reflective of the loan portfolio and the current market, a greater degree of subjectivity is inherent in determining these fair values than for fair values obtained from formal trading marketplaces.
MSR, net
The fair value of MSR is 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.
124
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Deposits
The fair values of deposits with no stated maturity, such as savings accounts, NOW accounts, money market accounts and demand deposits, are equal to the amount payable on demand. The fair values of certificates of deposit and Liquid CDs are based on discounted contractual cash flows using rates which approximate the rates we offer for deposits of similar remaining maturities.
Borrowings, net
Fair values of borrowings are based on securities dealers’ estimated market values, when available, or estimated using discounted contractual cash flows using rates which approximate the rates offered for borrowings of similar remaining maturities.
Outstanding commitments
Outstanding commitments include (1) commitments to extend credit and unadvanced lines of credit for which fair values were estimated based on an analysis of the interest rates and fees currently charged to enter into similar transactions, considering the remaining terms of the commitments and the creditworthiness of the potential borrowers and (2) commitments to sell residential mortgage loans for which fair values were estimated based on current secondary market prices for commitments with similar terms. Due to the short-term nature of our outstanding commitments, the fair values of these commitments are immaterial to our financial condition.
(19) Condensed Parent Company Only Financial Statements
The following condensed parent company only financial statements reflect our investments in our wholly-owned consolidated subsidiaries, Astoria Federal and AF Insurance Agency, Inc., using the equity method of accounting.
Astoria Financial Corporation - Condensed Statements of Financial Condition
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| At December 31, |
| ||||
|
| ||||||
(In Thousands) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||
Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash |
| $ | 1 |
| $ | 3 |
|
Repurchase agreements |
|
| 24,218 |
|
| 71,694 |
|
Securities available-for-sale |
|
| — |
|
| 125 |
|
ESOP loans receivable |
|
| 30,754 |
|
| 32,052 |
|
Accrued interest receivable |
|
| 3 |
|
| 80 |
|
Other assets |
|
| 552 |
|
| 803 |
|
Investment in Astoria Federal |
|
| 1,575,509 |
|
| 1,552,767 |
|
Investment in AF Insurance Agency, Inc. |
|
| 816 |
|
| 1,330 |
|
Investment in Astoria Capital Trust I |
|
| 3,929 |
|
| 3,929 |
|
Total assets |
| $ | 1,635,782 |
| $ | 1,662,783 |
|
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other borrowings, net |
| $ | 396,658 |
| $ | 416,002 |
|
Other liabilities |
|
| 4,329 |
|
| 6,378 |
|
Amounts due to subsidiaries |
|
| 23,451 |
|
| 24,649 |
|
Stockholders’ equity |
|
| 1,211,344 |
|
| 1,215,754 |
|
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity |
| $ | 1,635,782 |
| $ | 1,662,783 |
|
125
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Astoria Financial Corporation - Condensed Statements of Income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| For the Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
|
|
| ||||||||
(In Thousands) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| 2005 |
| |||
Interest income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Repurchase agreements and other securities |
| $ | 1,759 |
| $ | 6,417 |
| $ | 6,130 |
|
ESOP loans receivable |
|
| 1,923 |
|
| 1,973 |
|
| 2,027 |
|
Total interest income |
|
| 3,682 |
|
| 8,390 |
|
| 8,157 |
|
Interest expense on borrowings |
|
| 29,858 |
|
| 31,117 |
|
| 30,153 |
|
Net interest expense |
|
| 26,176 |
|
| 22,727 |
|
| 21,996 |
|
Non-interest income |
|
| — |
|
| (5,401 | ) |
| 713 |
|
Cash dividends from subsidiaries |
|
| 162,300 |
|
| 253,000 |
|
| 200,000 |
|
Non-interest expense: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation and benefits |
|
| 3,192 |
|
| 3,010 |
|
| 2,979 |
|
Other |
|
| 2,720 |
|
| 3,207 |
|
| 2,901 |
|
Total non-interest expense |
|
| 5,912 |
|
| 6,217 |
|
| 5,880 |
|
Income before income taxes and equity in (overdistributed) undistributed earnings of subsidiaries |
|
| 130,212 |
|
| 218,655 |
|
| 172,837 |
|
Income tax benefit |
|
| 13,293 |
|
| 14,235 |
|
| 11,238 |
|
Income before equity in (overdistributed) undistributed earnings of subsidiaries |
|
| 143,505 |
|
| 232,890 |
|
| 184,075 |
|
Equity in (overdistributed) undistributed earnings of subsidiaries (1) |
|
| (18,683 | ) |
| (57,993 | ) |
| 49,728 |
|
Net income |
| $ | 124,822 |
| $ | 174,897 |
| $ | 233,803 |
|
|
|
(1) | The equity in overdistributed earnings of subsidiaries for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 represent dividends paid to us in excess of our subsidiaries’ 2007 and 2006 earnings. |
126
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Astoria Financial Corporation - Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| For the Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
|
| |||||||||
(In Thousands) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| 2005 |
| |||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
| $ | 124,822 |
| $ | 174,897 |
| $ | 233,803 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity in overdistributed (undistributed) earnings of subsidiaries |
|
| 18,683 |
|
| 57,993 |
|
| (49,728 | ) |
Decrease (increase) in accrued interest receivable |
|
| 77 |
|
| 24 |
|
| (26 | ) |
Amortization of premiums and deferred costs |
|
| 986 |
|
| 1,043 |
|
| 1,148 |
|
(Increase) decrease in other assets, net of other liabilities and amounts due to subsidiaries |
|
| (9,556 | ) |
| (11,345 | ) |
| (4,848 | ) |
Net cash provided by operating activities |
|
| 135,012 |
|
| 222,612 |
|
| 180,349 |
|
Cash flows from investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal payments on ESOP loans receivable |
|
| 1,298 |
|
| 829 |
|
| 915 |
|
Principal payments on securities available-for-sale |
|
| 125 |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
Net cash provided by investing activities |
|
| 1,423 |
|
| 829 |
|
| 915 |
|
Cash flows from financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Repayments of borrowings with original terms greater than three months |
|
| (20,000 | ) |
| (20,000 | ) |
| (20,000 | ) |
Common stock repurchased |
|
| (80,055 | ) |
| (251,216 | ) |
| (180,944 | ) |
Cash dividends paid to stockholders |
|
| (95,176 | ) |
| (92,097 | ) |
| (81,199 | ) |
Cash received for options exercised |
|
| 9,170 |
|
| 22,622 |
|
| 16,103 |
|
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements |
|
| 2,148 |
|
| 6,144 |
|
| — |
|
Net cash used in financing activities |
|
| (183,913 | ) |
| (334,547 | ) |
| (266,040 | ) |
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents |
|
| (47,478 | ) |
| (111,106 | ) |
| (84,776 | ) |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
|
| 71,697 |
|
| 182,803 |
|
| 267,579 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
| $ | 24,219 |
| $ | 71,697 |
| $ | 182,803 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental disclosure: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid during the year for interest |
| $ | 29,631 |
| $ | 30,547 |
| $ | 29,321 |
|
127
Q U A R T E R L Y R E S U L T S O F O P E R A T I O N S (Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| For the Year Ended December 31, 2007 | |||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data) |
| First |
| Second |
| Third |
| Fourth |
| ||||
Interest income |
| $ | 271,969 |
| $ | 272,951 |
| $ | 277,632 |
| $ | 282,770 |
|
Interest expense |
|
| 184,442 |
|
| 190,060 |
|
| 196,455 |
|
| 200,837 |
|
Net interest income |
|
| 87,527 |
|
| 82,891 |
|
| 81,177 |
|
| 81,933 |
|
Provision for loan losses |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| 500 |
|
| 2,000 |
|
Net interest income after provision for loan losses |
|
| 87,527 |
|
| 82,891 |
|
| 80,677 |
|
| 79,933 |
|
Non-interest income |
|
| 22,597 |
|
| 26,280 |
|
| 24,805 |
|
| 2,108 | (1) |
Total income |
|
| 110,124 |
|
| 109,171 |
|
| 105,482 |
|
| 82,041 |
|
General and administrative expense |
|
| 57,120 |
|
| 58,707 |
|
| 56,544 |
|
| 58,902 |
|
Income before income tax expense |
|
| 53,004 |
|
| 50,464 |
|
| 48,938 |
|
| 23,139 |
|
Income tax expense |
|
| 17,227 |
|
| 16,400 |
|
| 13,630 |
|
| 3,466 |
|
Net income |
| $ | 35,777 |
| $ | 34,064 |
| $ | 35,308 |
| $ | 19,673 |
|
Basic earnings per common share |
| $ | 0.39 |
| $ | 0.38 |
| $ | 0.39 |
| $ | 0.22 |
|
Diluted earnings per common share |
| $ | 0.38 |
| $ | 0.37 |
| $ | 0.39 |
| $ | 0.22 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) | Includes a $20.5 million charge for an other-than-temporary securities impairment write-down. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| For the Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data) |
| First |
| Second |
| Third |
| Fourth |
| ||||
Interest income |
| $ | 271,218 |
| $ | 271,189 |
| $ | 271,028 |
| $ | 273,379 |
|
Interest expense |
|
| 159,672 |
|
| 169,873 |
|
| 180,361 |
|
| 186,523 |
|
Net interest income |
|
| 111,546 |
|
| 101,316 |
|
| 90,667 |
|
| 86,856 |
|
Provision for loan losses |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
Net interest income after provision for loan losses |
|
| 111,546 |
|
| 101,316 |
|
| 90,667 |
|
| 86,856 |
|
Non-interest income |
|
| 18,897 | (2) |
| 25,727 |
|
| 22,864 |
|
| 23,862 |
|
Total income |
|
| 130,443 |
|
| 127,043 |
|
| 113,531 |
|
| 110,718 |
|
General and administrative expense |
|
| 56,309 |
|
| 55,219 |
|
| 53,315 |
|
| 56,960 |
|
Income before income tax expense |
|
| 74,134 |
|
| 71,824 |
|
| 60,216 |
|
| 53,758 |
|
Income tax expense |
|
| 25,200 |
|
| 24,061 |
|
| 19,122 |
|
| 16,652 |
|
Net income |
| $ | 48,934 |
| $ | 47,763 |
| $ | 41,094 |
| $ | 37,106 |
|
Basic earnings per common share |
| $ | 0.50 |
| $ | 0.50 |
| $ | 0.44 |
| $ | 0.40 |
|
Diluted earnings per common share |
| $ | 0.49 |
| $ | 0.49 |
| $ | 0.43 |
| $ | 0.39 |
|
|
|
(2) | Includes a $5.5 million charge for the termination of our interest rate swap agreements. |
|
|
128
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX OF EXHIBITS
|
|
|
|
Exhibit No. |
| Identification of Exhibit | |
| |||
|
|
|
|
3.1 |
|
| Certificate of Incorporation of Astoria Financial Corporation, as amended effective as of June 3, 1998 and as further amended on September 6, 2006 and September 20, 2006. (1) |
|
|
|
|
3.2 |
|
| Bylaws of Astoria Financial Corporation, as amended May 19, 2004. (2) |
|
|
|
|
4.1 |
|
| Astoria Financial Corporation Specimen Stock Certificate. (3) |
|
|
|
|
4.2 |
|
| Federal Stock Charter of Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association. (4) |
|
|
|
|
4.3 |
|
| Bylaws of Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association, as amended effective April 19, 2006. (5) |
|
|
|
|
4.4 |
|
| Indenture, dated as of October 28, 1999, between Astoria Financial Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company, as Debenture Trustee, including as Exhibit A thereto the Form of Certificate of Exchange Junior Subordinated Debentures. (6) |
|
|
|
|
4.5 |
|
| Form of Certificate of Junior Subordinated Debenture. (6) |
|
|
|
|
4.6 |
|
| Form of Certificate of Exchange Junior Subordinated Debenture. (6) |
|
|
|
|
4.7 |
|
| Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of Astoria Capital Trust I, dated as of October 28, 1999. (6) |
|
|
|
|
4.8 |
|
| Common Securities Guarantee Agreement of Astoria Financial Corporation, dated as of October 28, 1999. (6) |
|
|
|
|
4.9 |
|
| Form of Certificate Evidencing Common Securities of Astoria Capital Trust I. (6) |
|
|
|
|
4.10 |
|
| Form of Exchange Capital Security Certificate for Astoria Capital Trust I. (6) |
|
|
|
|
4.11 |
|
| Series A Capital Securities Guarantee Agreement of Astoria Financial Corporation, dated as of October 28, 1999. (6) |
|
|
|
|
4.12 |
|
| Form of Series B Capital Securities Guarantee Agreement of Astoria Financial Corporation. (6) |
|
|
|
|
4.13 |
|
| Form of Capital Security Certificate of Astoria Capital Trust I. (6) |
|
|
|
|
4.14 |
|
| Indenture between Astoria Financial Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company, as Debenture Trustee, dated as of October 16, 2002, relating to the Senior Notes due 2012. (7) |
|
|
|
|
4.15 |
|
| Form of 5.75% Senior Note due 2012, Series B. (7) |
|
|
|
|
4.16 |
|
| Astoria Financial Corporation Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan. (8) |
129
|
|
|
|
Exhibit No. |
| Identification of Exhibit | |
| |||
|
|
|
|
10.1 |
|
| Agreement dated as of December 28, 2000 by and between Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association, Astoria Financial Corporation, the Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association Employee Stock Ownership Plan Trust and The Long Island Savings Bank FSB Employee Stock Ownership Plan Trust. (4) |
|
|
|
|
10.2 |
|
| Amended and Restated Loan Agreement by and between Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association Employee Stock Ownership Plan Trust and Astoria Financial Corporation made and entered into as of January 1, 2000. (4) |
|
|
|
|
10.3 |
|
| Promissory Note of Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association Employee Stock Ownership Plan Trust dated January 1, 2000. (4) |
|
|
|
|
10.4 |
|
| Pledge Agreement made as of January 1, 2000 by and between Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association Employee Stock Ownership Plan Trust and Astoria Financial Corporation. (4) |
|
|
|
|
10.5 |
|
| Amended and Restated Loan Agreement by and between The Long Island Savings Bank FSB Employee Stock Ownership Plan Trust and Astoria Financial Corporation made and entered into as of January 1, 2000. (4) |
|
|
|
|
10.6 |
|
| Promissory Note of The Long Island Savings Bank FSB Employee Stock Ownership Plan Trust dated January 1, 2000. (4) |
|
|
|
|
10.7 |
|
| Pledge Agreement made as of January 1, 2000 by and between The Long Island Savings Bank FSB Employee Stock Ownership Plan Trust and Astoria Financial Corporation. (4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Exhibits 10.8 through 10.57 are management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements required to be filed as exhibits to this Form 10-K pursuant to Item 15(c) of this report. |
|
|
|
|
10.8 |
|
| Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association and Astoria Financial Corporation Directors’ Retirement Plan, as amended and restated effective April 1, 2006. (5) |
|
|
|
|
10.9 |
|
| The Long Island Bancorp, Inc., Non-Employee Director Retirement Benefit Plan, as amended. (9) |
|
|
|
|
10.10 |
|
| Astoria Financial Corporation Death Benefit Plan for Outside Directors. (3) |
|
|
|
|
10.11 |
|
| Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors of Astoria Financial Corporation. (3) |
|
|
|
|
10.12 |
|
| 1996 Stock Option Plan for Officers and Employees of Astoria Financial Corporation, as amended December 29, 2005. (10) |
|
|
|
|
10.13 |
|
| 1996 Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors of Astoria Financial Corporation, as amended December 29, 2005. (10) |
|
|
|
|
10.14 |
|
| 1999 Stock Option Plan for Officers and Employees of Astoria Financial Corporation, as amended December 29, 2005. (10) |
|
|
|
|
10.15 |
|
| 1999 Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors of Astoria Financial Corporation, as amended December 29, 2005. (10) |
|
|
|
|
10.16 |
|
| 2003 Stock Option Plan for Officers and Employees of Astoria Financial Corporation, as amended December 29, 2005. (10) |
130
|
|
|
|
Exhibit No. |
| Identification of Exhibit | |
| |||
|
|
|
|
10.17 |
|
| 2005 Re-designated, Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan for Officers and Employees of Astoria Financial Corporation. (11) |
|
|
|
|
10.18 |
|
| Astoria Financial Corporation 2007 Non-Employee Director Stock Plan. (12) |
|
|
|
|
10.19 |
|
| Form of Restricted Stock Award Notice and General Terms and Conditions by and between Astoria Financial Corporation and George L. Engelke, Jr. utilized in connection with the award dated December 20, 2006 pursuant to the Astoria Financial Corporation 2005 Re-designated, Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan for Officers and Employees. (13) |
|
|
|
|
10.20 |
|
| Form of Restricted Stock Award Notice and General Terms and Conditions by and between Astoria Financial Corporation and award recipients other than George L. Engelke, Jr. utilized in connection with awards dated December 20, 2006 pursuant to the Astoria Financial Corporation 2005 Re-designated, Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan for Officers and Employees. (13) |
|
|
|
|
10.21 |
|
| Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association Annual Incentive Plan for Select Executives. (9) |
|
|
|
|
10.22 |
|
| Astoria Financial Corporation Executive Officer Annual Incentive Plan, as amended. (14) |
|
|
|
|
10.23 |
|
| Astoria Financial Corporation Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with George L. Engelke, Jr., dated as of January 1, 2000. (15) |
|
|
|
|
10.24 |
|
| 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. (16) |
|
|
|
|
10.25 |
|
| Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with George L. Engelke, Jr., dated as of January 1, 2000. (15) |
|
|
|
|
10.26 |
|
| 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. (16) |
|
|
|
|
10.27 |
|
| Astoria Financial Corporation Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Gerard C. Keegan, dated as of January 1, 2000. (15) |
|
|
|
|
10.28 |
|
| 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. (16) |
|
|
|
|
10.29 |
|
| Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Gerard C. Keegan, dated as of January 1, 2000. (15) |
|
|
|
|
10.30 |
|
| 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. (16) |
|
|
|
|
10.31 |
|
| Astoria Financial Corporation Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Arnold K. Greenberg dated as of January 1, 2000. (15) |
131
|
|
|
|
Exhibit No. |
| Identification of Exhibit | |
| |||
|
|
|
|
10.32 |
|
| 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. (16) |
|
|
|
|
10.33 |
|
| Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Arnold K. Greenberg, dated as of January 1, 2000. (15) |
|
|
|
|
10.34 |
|
| 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. (16) |
|
|
|
|
10.35 |
|
| Astoria Financial Corporation Employment Agreement with Gary T. McCann, dated as of December 1, 2003. (3) |
|
|
|
|
10.36 |
|
| 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. (16) |
|
|
|
|
10.37 |
|
| Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association Employment Agreement with Gary T. McCann, dated as of December 1, 2003. (3) |
|
|
|
|
10.38 |
|
| 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. (16) |
|
|
|
|
10.39 |
|
| Astoria Financial Corporation Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Monte N. Redman dated as of January 1, 2000. (15) |
|
|
|
|
10.40 |
|
| 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. (16) |
|
|
|
|
10.41 |
|
| Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Monte N. Redman, dated as of January 1, 2000. (15) |
|
|
|
|
10.42 |
|
| 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. (16) |
|
|
|
|
10.43 |
|
| Astoria Financial Corporation Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Alan P. Eggleston dated as of January 1, 2000. (15) |
|
|
|
|
10.44 |
|
| 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. (16) |
|
|
|
|
10.45 |
|
| Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Alan P. Eggleston, dated as of January 1, 2000. (15) |
|
|
|
|
10.46 |
|
| 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. (16) |
132
|
|
|
|
Exhibit No. |
| Identification of Exhibit | |
| |||
|
|
|
|
10.47 |
|
| 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. (16) |
|
|
|
|
10.48 |
|
| 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. (16) |
|
|
|
|
10.49 |
|
| Change of Control Severance Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2000, by and among Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association, Astoria Financial Corporation and Josie Callari. (15) |
|
|
|
|
10.50 |
|
| Change of Control Severance Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2000, by and among Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association, Astoria Financial Corporation and Robert J. DeStefano. (15) |
|
|
|
|
10.51 |
|
| Change of Control Severance Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2000, by and among Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association, Astoria Financial Corporation and Robert T. Volk. (15) |
|
|
|
|
10.52 |
|
| Change of Control Severance Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2000, by and among Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association, Astoria Financial Corporation and Ira M. Yourman. (15) |
|
|
|
|
10.53 |
|
| Change of Control Severance Agreement, dated as of December 20, 2000, by and among Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association, Astoria Financial Corporation and Brian T. Edwards. (4) |
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10.54 |
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| Change of Control Severance Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2005, by and among Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association, Astoria Financial Corporation and Anthony S. DiCostanzo. (10) |
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10.55 |
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| Change of Control Severance Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2005, by and among Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association, Astoria Financial Corporation and Thomas E. Lavery. (10) |
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10.56 |
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| Change of Control Severance Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2005, by and among Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association, Astoria Financial Corporation and William J. Mannix. (10) |
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10.57 |
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| Retirement Medical and Dental Benefit Policy for Senior Officers. (17) |
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12.1 |
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| Statement regarding computation of ratios. (*) |
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21.1 |
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| Subsidiaries of Astoria Financial Corporation. (*) |
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23.1 |
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| Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. (*) |
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31.1 |
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| Certifications of Chief Executive Officer. (*) |
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31.2 |
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| Certifications of Chief Financial Officer. (*) |
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Exhibit No. |
| Identification of Exhibit | |
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32.1 |
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| 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. (*) |
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32.2 |
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| 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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99.1 |
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| Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 21, 2008, which will be filed with the SEC within 120 days from December 31, 2007, is incorporated herein by reference. |
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* | Filed herewith. Copies of exhibits will be provided to shareholders upon written request to Astoria Financial Corporation, Investor Relations Department, One Astoria Federal Plaza, Lake Success, New York 11042 at a charge of $0.10 per page. Copies are also available at no charge through the SEC website at www.sec.gov/edgar/searchedgar/webusers.htm. |
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(1) | Incorporated by reference to (i) Astoria Financial Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A for the quarter ended June 30, 1998, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 10, 1998 (File Number 000-22228), (ii) Astoria Financial Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated September 6, 2006, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 11, 2006 (File Number 001-11967) and (iii) Astoria Financial Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated September 20, 2006, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 22, 2006 (File Number 001-11967). |
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(2) | Incorporated by reference to Astoria Financial Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated May 19, 2004, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 19, 2004 (File Number 001-11967). |
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(3) | Incorporated by reference to Astoria Financial Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 12, 2004 (File Number 001-11967). |
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(4) | Incorporated by reference to Astoria Financial Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 26, 2001 (File Number 000-22228). |
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(5) | Incorporated by reference to Astoria Financial Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 18, 2006, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 19, 2006 (File Number 001-11967). |
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(6) | Incorporated by reference to Form S-4 Registration Statement, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 18, 2000 (File Number 333-30792). |
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(7) | Incorporated by reference to Form S-4 Registration Statement, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 6, 2002 (File Number 333-101694). |
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(8) | Incorporated by reference to Form 424B3 Prospectus Supplement, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 1, 2000 (File Number 033-98532). |
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(9) | Incorporated by reference to Astoria Financial Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 24, 1999 (File Number 000-22228). |
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(10) | Incorporated by reference to Astoria Financial Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 10, 2006 (File Number 001-11967). |
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(11) | Incorporated by reference to Astoria Financial Corporation’s Schedule 14A Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 11, 2005 (File Number 001-11967). |
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(12) | Incorporated by reference to Astoria Financial Corporation’s Schedule 14A Definitive Proxy Statement, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 10, 2007 (File Number 001-11967). |
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(13) | Incorporated by reference to Astoria Financial Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 2007 (File Number 001-11967), as amended by Astoria Financial Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, Amendment No. 1, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 25, 2008 (File Number 001-11967). |
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(14) | Incorporated by reference to Astoria Financial Corporation’s Schedule 14A Definitive Proxy Statement, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 16, 2004 (File Number 001-11967). |
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(15) | Incorporated by reference to Astoria Financial Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 24, 2000 (File Number 000-22228). |
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(16) | Incorporated by reference to Astoria Financial Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 8, 2007 (File Number 001-11967), as amended by Astoria Financial Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A, Amendment No. 1, for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 25, 2008 (File Number 001-11967). |
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(17) | Incorporated by reference to Astoria Financial Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 25, 1998 (File Number 000-22228). |
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