10-Q 1 q063008edgar.htm 10-Q PERIOD ENDING JUNE 30, 2008 q063008edgar.htm


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

FORM 10-Q

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

For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2008

OR
*                                                                 TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File Number: 1-9566

FIRSTFED FINANCIAL CORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                     
Delaware
 95-4087449
 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
                                                                                         
12555 W. Jefferson Boulevard, Los Angeles, California
90066
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
 
 
(310) 302-5600
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Common Stock, $0.01 par value
Title of Class

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act:
None

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes    R                        No    *

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):
Large accelerated filer                          Accelerated filer R                             Non-accelerated filer *

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).


 Yes   *             No  R

As of August 1, 2008, 13,684,553 shares of the Registrant's $0.01 par value common stock were outstanding.

 
1

 

FirstFed Financial Corp.
 
Index
 
Report on Form 10-Q
 
For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2008
 
         
         
     
Page
 
Part I.
Financial Information
 
         
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements
   
         
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2008, December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2007
3
 
         
   
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007
4
 
         
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007
5
 
         
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
6
 
         
 
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Operations
16
 
         
 
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
33
 
         
 
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
33
 
         
Part II.
Other Information 
(omitted items are inapplicable)
 
         
 
Item 4.
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
34
 
         
 
Item 6.
Exhibits
34
 
         
Signatures
   
35
 
         
Exhibits
       
 
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
36
 
         
 
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
37
 
         
 
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 USC Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
38
 
         
 
32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 USC Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 39
 


 
2

 

PART I - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Item 1. Financial Statements

FirstFed Financial Corp. and Subsidiary
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)
   
June 30,
2008
   
December 31, 2007
   
June 30,
2007
 
ASSETS
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 49,869     $ 53,974     $ 89,896  
Investment securities, available-for-sale (at fair value)
    340,586       316,788       296,046  
Mortgage-backed securities, available-for-sale (at fair value)
    43,233       46,435       50,569  
Loans receivable, held for sale (fair value $0, $0 and $63,056)
                62,338  
Loans receivable, net of allowances for loan losses of $259,695, $128,058 and $114,894
    6,299,039       6,518,214       6,932,088  
Accrued interest and dividends receivable
    35,409       45,492       46,083  
Real estate owned, net (REO)       96,665        21,090        11,774  
Office properties and equipment, net
    20,197       17,785       16,480  
Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) stock, at cost
    121,307       104,387       84,431  
Other assets
    171,831       98,816       79,581  
    $ 7,178,136     $ 7,222,981     $ 7,669,286  
                         
LIABILITIES
                       
Deposits
  $ 3,850,828     $ 4,156,692     $ 4,848,040  
FHLB advances
    2,199,000       2,084,000       945,000  
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
    370,000       120,000       900,900  
Senior debentures
    150,000       150,000       150,000  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    57,411       57,790       101,012  
      6,627,239       6,568,482       6,944,952  
                         
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
                       
                         
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                       
Common stock, par value $.01 per share; authorized 100,000,000 shares;
                       
issued 24,002,093, 23,970,227 and 23,966,227 shares; outstanding 13,684,553, 13,640,997, and 16,009,977 shares
        240           240           240  
Additional paid-in capital
    56,504       55,232       54,313  
Retained earnings
    760,118       865,411       833,992  
Unreleased shares to employee stock ownership plan
          (339 )     (1,365 )
Treasury stock, at cost, 10,317,540, 10,329,230, and 7,956,250 shares
    (266,040 )     (266,040 )     (160,291 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes
    75       (5 )     (2,555 )
      550,897       654,499       724,334  
    $ 7,178,136     $ 7,222,981     $ 7,669,286  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
3

 
FirstFed Financial Corp. and Subsidiary
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
   
Three months ended June 30,
   
Six months ended June 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Interest and dividend income:
                       
Interest on loans
  $ 95,193     $ 148,512     $ 204,666     $ 311,833  
Interest on mortgage-backed securities
    523       681       1,116       1,390  
Interest and dividends on investments
    5,876       5,543       11,398       11,930  
Total interest income
    101,592       154,736       217,180       325,153  
Interest expense:
                               
Interest on deposits
    33,122       54,053       73,458       115,118  
Interest on borrowings
    23,766       30,991       49,677       65,125  
Total interest expense
    56,888       85,044       123,135       180,243  
                                 
Net interest income
    44,704       69,692       94,045       144,910  
Provision for loan losses
    90,200       3,100       240,500       6,900  
Net interest (loss) income after provision for loan losses
    (45,496 )     66,592       (146,455 )     138,010  
                                 
Other income:
                               
Loan servicing and other fees
    2,785       854       3,258       1,814  
Banking service fees
    1,752       1,686       3,458       3,372  
Gain on sale of loans
    7       1,482       20       4,438  
Net gain (loss) on real estate owned
    3,371       (103 )     3,187       (189 )
Other operating income
    1,706       423       2,724       759  
Total other income
    9,621       4,342       12,647       10,194  
                                 
Non-interest expense:
                               
Salaries and employee benefits
    13,143       12,044       24,351       24,753  
Occupancy
    2,849       2,997       7,903       5,800  
Advertising
    300       208       335       442  
Amortization of core deposit intangible
    126       126       253       625  
Federal deposit insurance
    1,352       924       1,896       1,552  
Data processing
    571       582       1,108       1,203  
OTS assessment
    454       577       908       1,153  
Legal
    494       522       1,183       993  
Real estate owned operations
    3,153       369       4,389       555  
Other operating expense
    2,632       2,591       4,866       4,711  
Total non-interest expense
    25,074       20,940       47,192       41,787  
                                 
(Loss) income before income taxes
    (60,949 )     49,994       (181,000 )     106,417  
Income taxes (benefit) expenses
    (25,437 )     20,923       (75,707 )     44,962  
Net (loss) income
  $ (35,512 )   $ 29,071     $ (105,293 )   $ 61,455  
                                 
Net (loss) income
  $ (35,512 )   $ 29,071     $ (105,293 )   $ 61,455  
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of taxes (benefits)
    (1,052 )     (656 )     80       (711 )
Comprehensive (loss) income
  $ (36,564 )   $ 28,415     $ (105,213 )   $ 60,744  
                                 
(Loss) earnings per share:
                               
Basic
  $ (2.60 )   $ 1.77     $ (7.71 )   $ 3.72  
Diluted
  $ (2.60 )   $ 1.74     $ (7.71 )   $ 3.66  
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                               
Basic
    13,668,097       16,458,283       13,661,856       16,539,440  
Diluted
    13,668,097       16,671,802       13,661,856       16,774,887  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
4

 
FirstFed Financial Corp. and Subsidiary
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
   
Six months ended June 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
           
  Net (loss) income
  $ (105,293 )   $ 61,455  
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to
               
Net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Net change in loans held for sale
          79,548  
Stock option compensation
    1,082       912  
 Excess tax benefits related to stock option awards
    (29 )     (794 )
 Depreciation and amortization
    1,239       1,233  
 Provision for loan losses
    240,500       6,900  
 Amortization of fees and premiums/discounts
    7,830       20,601  
 Increase in interest income accrued in excess of borrower payments
    (586     (51,679
 Gain on sale of real estate owned, net
    (9,705 )     80  
 REO write down
    6,518       109  
 Gain on sale of loans
    (20 )     (4,438 )
 FHLB stock dividends
    (2,755 )     (2,933 )
 Change in deferred taxes
    (54,496 )     (15,210 )
 Change in current taxes
    (20,315 )     1,412  
 Decrease in interest and dividends receivable
    10,083       8,729  
 Decrease in interest payable
    (4,451 )     (28,771 )
 Amortization of core deposit intangible asset
    253       625  
 Decrease in other assets
    1,468       2,064  
 Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities
    4,071       (251 )
        Total adjustments
    180,705       18,137  
    Net cash provided by operating activities
    75,412       79,592  
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Loans made to customers and principal collections on loans, net
     (154,344 )      1,456,973  
Loans purchased
    (5,935 )      
Proceeds from sale of real estate
    59,100       4,343  
Proceeds from maturities and principal payments of investment securities, available for sale
     26,715        34,630  
Principal reductions on mortgage-backed securities, available for sale
     3,198        6,485  
Purchase of investment securities, available for sale
    (50,129 )     (20,000 )
(Purchase) redemption of FHLB stock, net
    (14,165 )     37,481  
Purchases of premises and equipment
    (3,651 )     (1,144 )
   Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
    (139,211 )     1,518,768  
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Net increase in retail and commercial deposits
    17,649       158,061  
Net decrease  in  brokered deposits
    (323,513 )     (1,199,902 )
Net increase (decrease) in short term borrowings
    70,000       (622,548 )
Net increase in long term borrowings
    295,000       50,000  
Proceeds from stock options exercised
    529       2,473  
Purchases of treasury stock
          (46,515 )
Excess tax benefits related to stock option awards
    29       794  
Other
          (1,917 )
      Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    59,694       (1,659,554 )
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (4,105 )     (61,194 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    53,974       151,090  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ $49,869     $ 89,896  

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
5

 

FirstFed Financial Corp. and Subsidiary
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)

1. Basis of Presentation

 
The unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. In the opinion of the Company, all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the results of operations for the periods covered have been made. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.
 
 
  It is suggested that these condensed financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s latest annual report on Form 10-K, which contains the latest available audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, which are as of and for the year ended December 31, 2007. The results for the periods covered hereby are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for a full year.
 

  2. (Loss) Earnings per Share

 
Basic (loss) earnings per share were computed by dividing net (loss) income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Additionally diluted earnings per share include the effect of stock options and non-vested restricted stock, if dilutive. (Loss) earnings per common share have been computed based on the following:
 
   
Three months ended
June 30,
 
2008
 
2007
   
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
    Net (loss) income
$
(35,512)
$
29,071
         
    Average number of common shares outstanding
 
13,668,097
 
16,458,283
    Effect of dilutive stock options
 
 
213,519
           Average number of common shares outstanding used to
                calculate (loss) earnings per common share
 
13,668,097
 
16,671,802

 
There was no dilutive effect during the second quarter of 2008, since the Company was in a net loss position. There were 866,747 and 248,944 anti-dilutive shares excluded from the weighted average shares outstanding calculation during the second quarter of 2008 and 2007.




6





   
Six months ended
June 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
 
             
Net (loss) income
  $ (105,293 )   $ 61,455  
                 
Average number of common shares outstanding
    13,661,856       16,539,440  
Effect of dilutive stock options
          235,447  
Average number of common shares outstanding used to calculate diluted (loss) earnings per common share
    13,661,856       16,774,887  


There was no dilutive effect during the first six months of 2008, since the Company was in a net loss position. There were 866,747 and 248,944 anti-dilutive shares excluded from the weighted average shares outstanding calculation during the six months of 2008 and 2007.

  3. Cash and Cash Equivalents

 
For purposes of reporting cash flows on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash, overnight investments and securities purchased under agreements to resell which mature within 90 days of the date of purchase.
 
 
4. Loan Loss Allowances

Listed below is a summary of activity in the general valuation allowance and the valuation allowance for impaired loans during the periods indicated.

   
 
General Valuation Allowance
   
Valuation Allowances
 For
 Impaired Loans
   
 
 
 
Total
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Balance at December 31, 2007
  $ 127,503     $ 555     $ 128,058  
Provision for loan losses
    204,648       35,852       240,500  
Charge-offs:
                       
Single family
    (109,472 )           (109,472 )
Total charge-offs
    (109,472 )           (109,472 )
Recoveries
    609             609  
Net (charge-offs)/recoveries
    (108,863 )           (108,863 )
Transfers
    3,589       (3,589 )      
Balance at June 30, 2008
  $ 226,877     $ 32,818     $ 259,695  



7


   
 
General Valuation Allowance
   
Valuation Allowances
 For
 Impaired Loans
   
 
 
 
Total
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Balance at December 31, 2006:
  $ 109,768     $     $ 109,768  
Provision for loan losses
    6,900             6,900  
Charge-offs:
                       
Single family
    (1,801 )           (1,801 )
Consumer loans
    (50 )           (50 )
Total charge-offs
    (1,851 )           (1,851 )
Recoveries
    77             77  
Net (charge-offs)/recoveries
    (1,774 )           (1,774 )
Balance at June 30, 2007:
  $ 114,894     $     $ 114,894  
 
5. Impaired Loans and Troubled Debt Restructurings

  The Company considers a loan impaired when management believes that it is probable that the Company willnot be able to collect all amounts due under the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Estimatedimpairment losses are recorded as separate valuation allowances and may be subsequently adjusted based upon changes in the measurement of impairment. Impaired loans, disclosed net of valuation allowances, include non-accrual major loans (commercial business loans with an outstanding principal amount greater than or equal to $500 thousand, single family loans greater than or equal to $1.0 million, and income property loans with an outstanding principal amount greater than or equal to $1.5 million), modified loans which are considered troubled debt restructurings because they do not meet the Company’s current product offerings and underwriting standards, and major loans less than 90 days delinquent for which full payment of principal and interest is not expected to be received.

The following is a summary of impaired loans, net of valuation allowances for impairment, at the datesindicated:

   
June 30, 2008
 
December 31, 2007
 
June 30, 2007
   
(Dollars in thousands)
     Troubled debt
        restructurings
 
$
 
308,700
 
$
 
1,799
 
$
 
     Non-accrual loans
 
29,910
 
20,112
 
11,489
     Other impaired loans
 
744
 
1,625
 
3,997
 
$
339,354
$
23,536
$
15,486

  When a loan is considered impaired, the Company measures impairment based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate. However, if the loan is "collateral-dependent" or foreclosure is probable, impairment is measured based on the fair value of the collateral. When the measure of an impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, the Company records an impairment allowance equal to the excess of the recorded investment in the loan over its measured value.






8

 
 
 
The following is a summary of information pertaining to impaired loans at the dates indicated:

   
June 30,
2008
   
December 31,
 2007
   
June 30,
 2007
 
 
 (Dollars in thousands)
 
           Impaired loans without valuation allowances
  $ 12,941     $ 16,606     $ 15,486  
           Impaired loans with valuation allowances
    359,231       7,485        
           Valuation allowances on impaired loans
    (32,818 )     (555 )      



   
Six months ended
 
   
June 30,
2008
   
June 30,
 2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 Average investment in impaired loans
  $ 260,386     $ 11,431  
 Interest recognized on impaired loans using the accrual basis of income recognition
    1,952        83  
         Interest recognized on impaired loans using the cash basis of income recognition
    1,954       82  
 
6. Real Estate Owned Activity

    The following table shows activity in real estate owned (REO) during the periods indicated:

   
Six months ended
 
   
June 30, 2008
   
June 30,
2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Beginning Balance
  $ 21,090     $ 1,094  
Acquisitions
    131,488       15,212  
Write-downs
    (6,518 )     (109 )
Sales of REO
    (49,395 )     (4,423 )
Ending Balance
  $ 96,665     $ 11,774  

Net gain (loss) on real estate owned is comprised of the following items for the periods indicated:

   
Three months ended
June 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
  Gain on sale of REO
  $ 7,359     $ 101  
  Loss on sale of REO
    (234 )     (180 )
  Write downs on REO
    (3,754 )     (24 )
    $ 3,371     $ (103 )
                 
   
Six months ended
June 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
  Gain on sale of REO
  $ 10,007     $ 101  
  Loss on sale of REO
    (302 )     (181 )
  Write downs on REO
    (6,518 )     (109 )
    $ 3,187     $ (189 )
                 


9

The following items are included in real estate owned operations for the periods indicated:

   
Three months ended
June 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
  Single family expense
  $ 3,098     $ 277  
  Single family income
    (23 )      
  Multi-family expense
    78       92  
    $ 3,153     $ 369  

   
Six months ended
June 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
  Single family expense
  $ 4,309     $ 362  
  Single family income
    (32 )      
  Multi-family expense
    112       193  
    $ 4,389     $ 555  
 
 
 
7. Income Taxes
   
 
 
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, requires that, when determining the need for a valuationallowance against a deferred tax asset, management must asses both positive and negative evidencewith regard to the realizability of the tax losses represented by that asset. To the extent that available sources of taxable income are insufficient to absorb tax losses, a valuation allowance is necessary. Sources of taxable income for this analysis include prior years’ tax returns, the expected reversals of taxable temporary differences between book and tax income, prudent and feasible tax planning strategies and future taxable income. The Company’s tax asset has increased substantially during the first six months of 2008 due to a significant increase in its loan loss allowances. The deferred tax asset related to loan loss allowances will be realized when actual charge-offs are made against the loan loss allowances. Based on the availability of loss carry-backs and projected taxable income during the periods for which loss carry-forwards are available, management believes that no valuation allowance is necessary at this time.
 
 
The deferred tax asset increased to $135.2 million at June 30, 2008 compared to $80.7 million at December 31, 2007 and $71.4 million at June 30, 2007. Income taxes receivable increased to $29.4 million at June 30, 2008 from $9.1 million at December 31, 2007. At June 30, 2007, income taxes payable were $559 thousand.
 
8. Fair Value Measurements
 
SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurement and enhances disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follow:
 
       
 
Level 1
  
inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
     
 
Level 2
  
inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
     
 
Level 3
  
inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value
measurement.
 
10

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy:
 
Assets
 
Securities
 
Where quoted prices are available in an active market, securities are classified within level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Level 1 includes securities that have quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. If quoted market prices are not available, then fair values are estimated by using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics, or discounted cash flow. Examples of such instruments, which would generally be classified within level 2 of the valuation hierarchy, include certain collateralized mortgage and debt obligations and certain high-yield debt securities. In certain cases where there is limited activity or less transparency around inputs to the valuation, securities are classified within level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. The Company did not have any level 1 or level 3 securities as of June 30, 2008.
 
Loans held for sale
 
Loans held for sale are required to be measured based on the lower of cost or fair value. Under SFAS No. 157, market value is used to represent fair value. When management has loans held for sale, it obtains quotes or bids on all or part of these loans directly from the purchasing financial institutions. At June 30, 2008, the Company had no loans held for sale.
 
Impaired loans
 
SFAS No. 157 applies to loans measured for impairment using the practical expedients permitted by SFAS No. 114, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan, including impaired loans measured at an observable market price (if available), or at the fair value of the loan’s collateral (if the loan is collateral dependent). When a modified loan is considered impaired, the Company measures impairment based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate. The effective interest rate of the loan is the interest rate of the loan prior to restructuring, including adjustment for deferred loan fees or costs. However, if the loan is "collateral-dependent" or a probable foreclosure, impairment is measured based on the fair value of the collateral. Fair value of the loan’s collateral, when the loan is dependent on collateral, is determined by appraisals or independent valuation which is then adjusted for the cost related to liquidation of the collateral. When the measure of an impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, the Company records an impairment allowance equal to the excess of our recorded investment in the loan over its measured value.
 
Real estate owned
 
Certain assets such as real estate owned (REO) are measured at fair value less the estimated cost to sell. The Company believes that using fair value as a basis for measuring REO follows the provisions of SFAS No. 157. The fair value of REO at June 30, 2008 was determined either by appraisals or independent valuations which are then adjusted for the cost related to liquidation of the subject property, or by sales agreement.
 

 

 
11


 
 
Assets measured at fair value at June 30, 2008 are as follows:
 
                   
     
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
Description
Total
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
       
(Dollars in thousands)
Recurring Items:
       
Available-for-sale securities:
                 
Collateralized mortgage obligations
$
340,586
 
 
$
340,586
 
Mortgage-backed securities
 
43,233
 
  
 
43,233
  
Total available-for-sale securities
$
383,819
 
 
$
383,819
 
                   
     
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
Description
Total
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
       
(Dollars in thousands)
Non-Recurring Items:
       
        Impaired loans
$
339,354
 
 
$
339,354
 
        Real estate owned
 
96,665
 
  
 
96,665
  
 
$
436,019
 
 
$
436,019
 
         
  
   
  
 
 
Liabilities
 
The Bank did not identify any liabilities to be presented at fair value as of June 30, 2008.

  9. Stock Options and Restricted Stock

The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $482 thousand and $968 thousand, net of tax, for the second quarter and the first six months of 2008, respectively. For the second quarter and the first six months of 2007, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $363 thousand and $1.0 million, net of tax, respectively.

At June 30, 2008, the Company had options outstanding issued under two share-based compensation programs, the 1994 Stock Option and Appreciation Rights Plan (“1994 Plan”) and the 1997 Non-employee Directors Stock Incentive Plan (“Directors 1997 Plan”). At June 30, 2008, the number of shares available to be granted for option awards under the 1994 Plan totaled 1,666,215. The Directors 1997 Plan was terminated in connection with the implementation of a new restricted stock plan during 2007. No new grants were made in 2008 under the Directors 1997 Plan.

Options granted under the 1994 Plan are vested over a six year period and have a maximum contractual term of 10 years. Options previously granted to non-employee directors under the Directors 1997 Plan vest in one year and have a maximum contractual term of 10 years.



12



Options under all of the share-based compensation programs are granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of the Company’s stock at the date of grant. The fair value of each grant has been estimated as of the grant date using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. The expected life is estimated based on the actual weighted average life of historical exercise activity of the grantee population. The volatility factors are based on the historical volatilities of the Company’s stock, and these are used to estimate volatilities over the expected life of the options. The risk-free interest rate is the implied yield available on zero coupons (U.S. Treasury Rate) at the grant date with a remaining term equal to the expected life of the options. Estimates of fair value are not intended to predict actual future events or the value ultimately realized by employees who receive stock incentive awards, and subsequent events are not indicative of the reasonableness of the original estimates of fair value calculated by the Company.

The weighted average fair value of options granted under the 1994 Plan during the first quarter of 2008 was $10.91 per share using the following assumptions: expected volatility of 24%; risk-free interest rate of 3.15%; and an expected average life of 5.9 years. The weighted average fair value of options granted under the 1994 Plan during the first quarter of 2007 was $25.30 per share using the following assumptions; expected volatility of 27%; risk-free interest rate of 4.87%; and an expected average life of 6.0 years.

The following is a summary of the Company’s stock option activity for the six months ended June 30, 2008:

 
 
 
 
Stock Options:
 
 Number of Shares
   
Weighted
Average Exercise Price ($)
   
Weighted
Average Remaining Contractual Term (years)
   
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
(In thousands)
 
                         
Outstanding at January 1, 2008
    781,787     $ 42.67              
Granted
    160,800       36.07              
Exercised
    (31,866 )     16.59              
Forfeited
    (58,364 )     42.54              
Outstanding at June 30, 2008
    852,357     $ 42.41       6.16     $  
Exercisable at June 30, 2008
    388,145     $ 29.27       5.55     $  

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the second quarter and the first six months of 2008 was $6 and $445 thousand, respectively. This compares to $1.2 million and $5.2 million during the second quarter and the first six months of 2007, respectively. Cash received from options exercised during the second quarter and the first six months of 2008 was $117 thousand and $529 thousand, respectively. Cash received from options exercised during the second quarter and the first six months of 2007 was $1.2 million and $2.5 million, respectively.

As of June 30, 2008, the unearned compensation cost related to non-vested stock options totaled $3.4 million to be recognized over a weighted average period of 4.27 years.

Restricted Stock

On April 26, 2007, the stockholders of the Company adopted the 2007 Non-employee Directors Restricted Stock Plan (“2007 Plan”). Under the 2007 Plan, the Company may grant up to 200,000 shares to non-employee directors of the Company. 50% of the restricted shares will vest on the first anniversary date of the issuance and the remaining 50% will vest on the second anniversary date of the issuance. The Company issued 1,670 shares of restricted stock to each of the seven non-employee directors during the first quarter of 2008 compared to 900 shares during the first quarter of 2007. Upon retirement of a non-employee director, any non-vested shares of stock shall automatically vest.



13


The following is a summary of the Company’s non-vested restricted stock as of June 30, 2008.
 
 
 
Non-vested Stock:
 
 
 
 Number of Shares
   
Weighted Average
Grant
Date Fair
Value
 
             
Outstanding at January 1, 2008
    5,400     $ 67.26  
Granted
    11,690     $ 36.07  
Vested
    (2,700 )   $ 67.26  
Forfeited
             
Outstanding at June 30, 2008
    14,390     $ 41.92  

The total fair value of the restricted stock awards that vested during the six months ended June 30, 2008 was $97 thousand compared to $54 thousand during the same period in prior year.

Stock-based compensation expense recorded in connection with the 2007 Plan totaled $118 thousand, net of tax, during the six months ended June 30, 2008. As of June 30, 2008, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted awards totaled $309 thousand to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.35 years.

  10. Supplementary Executive Retirement Plan

The following table sets forth the net periodic benefit cost attributable to the Company’s Supplementary Executive Retirement Plan:

   
Pension Benefits
 
             
   
Three months ended
June 30,
   
Six months ended
June 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                         
  Service cost
  $ 86     $ 76     $ 172     $ 152  
  Interest cost
    257       216       514       432  
  Amortization of net loss
    190       96       380       192  
  Amortization of prior service cost
                       
    Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 533     $ 388     $ 1,066     $ 776  
                                 
Weighted Average Assumptions
                               
  Discount rate
    6.25 %     5.75 %     6.25 %     5.75 %
  Rate of compensation increase
    4.00 %     4.00 %     4.00 %     4.00 %
  Expected return on plan assets
    N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A  

The Company does not expect any significant changes to the amounts previously disclosed as contributions for benefit payments. The quarterly expense has increased compared to the prior period mainly due to an increase in covered pay for the participants in 2007.




14




11. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

   In December 2007, the FASB issued two new statements: (a) SFAS No. 141(revised 2007), Business Combinations, and (b) SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements. These statements are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and the application of these standards will improve, simplify and converge internationally the accounting for business combinations and the reporting of noncontrolling interests in financial statements. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact, if any, on SFAS 141 (R) and SFAS 160 and does not anticipate that the adoption of these standards will have any impact on its financial statements.

(a)  SFAS No. 141 (R) requires an acquiring entity in a business combination to: (i) recognize all (and only) the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed in the transaction, (ii) establish an acquisition-date fair value as the measurement objective for all assets acquired and the liabilities assumed, and (iii) disclose to investors and other users all of the information they will need to evaluate and understand the nature of, and the financial effect of, the business combination, and (iv) recognize and measure the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase.

(b) SFAS No. 160 will improve the relevance, comparability and transparency of financial information provided to investors by requiring all entities to: (i) report noncontrolling (minority) interests in subsidiaries in the same manner, as equity but separate from the parent’s equity, in financial statements, (ii) net income attributable to the parent and to the non-controlling interest must be clearly identified and presented on the face of the statement of income, and (iii) any changes in the parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains the controlling financial interest in its subsidiary be accounted for consistently. The Company has no minority interest in subsidiaries at the present time.

In December 2007, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 110, Share-Based Payment, which amends SAB No. 107, Share-Based Payment, to permit public companies, under certain circumstances, to continue to use the simplified method in SAB No. 107, to estimate the expected term of their plain vanilla employee options. Although the Company’s stock options fit the definition of plain vanilla according to SAB 110, because it has sufficient relevant historical option exercise data to provide a reasonable basis to estimate an option’s expected term, SAB No. 110 does not apply to the Company.

In November 2007, the SEC issued SAB No. 109, Written Loan Commitments Recorded at Fair Value Through Earnings. SAB No. 109 was effective for fiscal quarters beginning after December 15, 2007. SAB 109 was issued to clarify the SEC staff position that internally developed intangible assets should not be included in the fair value of derivative loan commitments and other written loan commitments that are accounted for at fair value through earnings. The Company did not have any derivative loan commitments or written loan commitments that were accounted for at fair value through earnings as of June 30, 2008. Therefore, this bulletin did not have any impact on the Company’s financial results.

In February 2007, SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities-Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115, was issued. This statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The objective is to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. This statement was effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company has not chosen to measure additional financial instruments at fair value. Therefore, the adoption of this statement on January 1, 2008 did not have any impact on the Company’s financial results.
 

 
15

 

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Operations

The following narrative is written with the presumption that the users have read or have access to our 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which contains the latest audited financial statements and notes thereto, together with Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, as of December 31, 2007, and for the year then ended. Therefore, only material changes in the consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of operations are discussed herein.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) maintains a web site which contains reports, proxy statements, and other information pertaining to registrants that file electronically with the SEC, including the Company. The internet address is: www.sec.gov. In addition, our periodic and current reports are available free of charge on our website at www.firstfedca.com as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC.

Note regarding forward-looking statements:  This quarterly report contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this quarterly report that address activities, events or developments that we expect, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future, are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by us in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors the Company believe are appropriate in the circumstances. These forward-looking statements are subject to various factors, many of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the general business environment, interest rate fluctuations that may affect operating margins, the California real estate market, branch openings, regulatory actions, and competitive conditions in the business and geographic areas in which the Company conducts business. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions as to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change. The Company makes no guarantees or promises regarding future results and assumes no responsibility to update such forward-looking statements, except to the extent that it is required to do so under applicable law.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 
At June 30, 2008, FirstFed Financial Corp. ("Company"), the holding company for First Federal Bank of California and its subsidiaries ("Bank"), had consolidated stockholders’ equity of $550.9 million compared to $654.5 million at December 31, 2007 and $724.3 million at June 30, 2007. Stockholders’ equity decreased from December 31, 2007 to June 30, 2008 due to a $105.3 million loss recorded during the first six months of 2008. Stockholders’ equity decreased from June 30, 2007 to December 31, 2007 due primarily to stock repurchases, which totaled $105.7 million during the last six months of 2007. Total assets decreased to $7.2 billion at June 30, 2008 from $7.7 billion at June 30, 2007 due to decreased loan originations and continued loan payoffs. The slight decrease from $7.2 billion at December 31, 2007 was due primarily to an increase in the allowance for loan losses.
 
The loss during the second quarter of 2008 was due primarily to the provision for loan losses relating to the Bank’s single family loan portfolio. The provision was necessary due to the level of charge-offs recorded in the second quarter and increases in non-performing assets. During the second quarter of 2008, the Bank was successful in modifying loan terms for borrowers with aggregate loan balances of approximately $226.4 million that were close to their payment reset date. During the first six months of 2008, the Bank modified loans of approximately $348.1 million.


 

 
16

 
 
 
Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets increased to 8.20% at June 30, 2008 compared to 2.79% at December 31, 2007 and 0.85% at June 30, 2007. Recently published reports indicate that most financial institutions that have originated single family loans over the past few years have experienced increased loan defaults and foreclosures. The increase in loan defaults and foreclosures is due to: (1) the inability of borrowers to afford their loan payments after recast, (2) the inability of borrowers to sell their homes in the current real estate market, (3) the inability of borrowers to refinance their loans due to tighter credit, more stringent underwriting standards by mortgage lenders and home values which may be less than the mortgage indebtedness. Foreclosed properties have significantly added to the inventory of homes for sale as well as the time required to sell a single family home in California.
 
 
In a press release dated July 25, 2008, the California Association of Realtors (“CAR”) reported that the median price of an existing home in the State of California fell 37.7% compared with the same period one year ago. However, due to increased affordability as a result of recent price declines, the rate of home sales has actually started to increase over the last two months. According to CAR, “With lower prices and favorable interest rates, affordability also has improved significantly in recent months, paving the way for many buyers to purchase their first home.” CAR further reported that statewide home resale activity increased 17.5% from the pace recorded in 2007 and their June 2008 Unsold Inventory Index (the number of months needed to sell the existing inventory of homes for sale at the current sales rate) was 7.7 months, compared with 10.2 months for the same period of 2007.
 
 
However, most economists agree that the real estate market will remain weak through 2008 and possibly into 2009.
 
 
Due to the current weakness in the California real estate market, the Bank’s single family non-accrual loans (loans greater than 90 days delinquent or in foreclosure) increased to $491.7 million as of June 30, 2008 from $393.6 million at March 31, 2008 and $179.7 million as of December 31, 2007. Non-accrual loans were $53.3 million as of June 30, 2007. However, the rate of increase in the Bank’s non-performing loans has slowed in recent months. After having reached $273.3 million as of March 31, 2008, single family loans delinquent less than 90 days decreased to $207.7 million as of June 30, 2008. In comparison, single family loans delinquent less than 90 days were $236.7 million as of December 31, 2007 and $35.2 million as of June 30, 2007.
 
 
A contributing factor to the increase in foreclosures is the high volume of adjustable rate loans originated by mortgage lenders over the last few years that give borrowers the option of making less than a fully amortizing loan payment for initial periods ranging from one to five years. Borrowers who choose to make less than the fully amortizing loan payment experience high levels of negative amortization, which causes a large payment increase at the end of the initial period. Defaults may occur because, very often, the minimum required payment significantly increases when the payment adjusts to an amount that will fully amortize the loan. While the Bank did not originate sub prime loans, we did originate adjustable rate loans with lower payment options that allowed for negative amortization.
 
 
Because substantially all of our loans are collateralized by properties located in California, the Company continuously monitors the California real estate market and the sufficiency of the collateral supporting our real estate loan portfolio. The Company considers several factors when evaluating the underlying collateral of the real estate loan portfolio, including the property location, the date of loan origination, the original loan-to-value ratio and the current loan-to-value ratio.
 

 
17

 

 
Lending Activities
 
 
The following table shows the components of our loan portfolio (including loans held for sale) by type at the dates indicated:
 

   
June 30,
2008
   
December 31,
2007
   
June 30,
2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
REAL ESTATE LOANS:
                 
First trust deed residential loans
                 
One-to-four units
  $ 4,495,508     $ 4,652,876     $ 5,151,530  
Five or more units
    1,787,336       1,709,815       1,649,551  
Residential loans
    6,282,844       6,362,691       6,801,081  
                         
OTHER REAL ESTATE LOANS:
                       
Commercial and industrial
    148,998       159,052       162,799  
Second trust deeds
    2,021       2,159       2,965  
Other
    4,226       4,242       4,270  
Real estate loans
    6,438,089       6,528,144       6,971,115  
                         
 
NON-REAL ESTATE LOANS:
                       
Deposit accounts
    1,364       2,061       1,123  
Commercial business loans
    86,927       75,848       78,949  
Consumer loans
    33,230       33,136       37,799  
Loans receivable
    6,559,610       6,639,189       7,088,986  
                         
LESS:
                       
General valuation allowances
    226,877       127,503       114,894  
Valuation allowances for impaired loans
    32,818       555        
           Deferred loan origination costs, net      876        (7,083 )      (20,334 )
Net loans receivable
  $ 6,299,039     $ 6,518,214     $ 6,994,426  
 

 
 
Loan originations increased by 77% during the first six months of 2008 compared to the first six months of 2007 due to higher originations of both single family and multi-family real estate loans. However, the balance of single family loans decreased by $157.4 million during the first six months of the year because loan originations were offset by $228.9 million in loans transferred to real estate owned. Current loan originations are fully-documented, within our credit standards and contain no negative amortization provisions. Originations of multi-family mortgage loans increased due to the popularity of the Bank’s standard income property lending programs. Also, unlike the single family loans, the Bank's multi-family loans have shown no sign of weakness. Therefore, the Bank grew multi-family and commercial mortgage loans to 41% of total loan originations during the first six months of 2008 from 17% of total loan originations during the first six months of 2007.
 

The following table summarizes total loan funding by type:

   
Six months ended
June 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Single family real estate
  $ 431,714     $ 351,405  
Single family loans purchased
    5,935        
Multi-family and commercial real estate
    314,744       76,947  
Other
    24,562       11,533  
Total
  $ 776,955     $ 439,885  



18


From time-to-time the Bank originates loans for other mortgage lenders. These loans are not funded by the Bank, but are brokered to another mortgage lender for a fee. Loan originations funded by other mortgage lenders totaled only $3.9 million during the first six months of 2008 compared to $78.6 million for the first six months of 2007. The fees received on brokered loans totaled $61 thousand during the first six months of 2008 compared to $750 thousand for the same period in 2007. Brokered loans decreased due to the Bank’s focus on originating loans for its own portfolio.

The following table summarizes single family loan funding by borrower documentation type for the periods indicated:

   
Six months ended
June 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Verified Income/Verified Asset
  $ 426,345     $ 57,097  
Stated Income/Verified Asset
    5,369       178,803  
Stated Income/Stated Asset
          59,897  
No Income/No Asset
          55,608  
Total
  $ 431,714     $ 351,405  

On Verified Income/Verified Asset loans (VIVA), the borrower includes information on his/her income and assets, which is then verified. Loans that allow for a reduced level of documentation at origination are becoming a less significant percentage of single family loans originated in our market areas. On Stated Income/Stated Assets (SISA) loans, the borrower includes information on his/her level of income and assets that is not subject to verification. On Stated Income/Verified Assets (SIVA) loans, the borrower includes information on his/her level of income and that information is not subject to verification, although information provided by the borrower on his/her assets is verified. For No Income/No Assets (NINA) loans, the borrower is not required to submit information on his/her level of income or assets. However, all single family loans, including NINA loans, require credit reports and appraisals. The Bank required higher credit scores, higher rates and lower loan to values on NINA loans.
 
The Bank stopped originating NINA and SISA loans in 2007 and ceased originating SIVA loans in February 2008. All multi-family loans and other real estate loans have consistently required complete and customary documentation from the borrowers.
 
The creditworthiness of the borrower is based on the borrower’s credit score (“FICO”), prior use and repayment of credit, job history and stability. The average borrower FICO score and average loan-to-value ratio on single family loan originations were 755 and 67.5%, respectively, for the first six months of 2008, compared to 719 and 70.0% for the first six months of 2007.

At June 30, 2008, 79.7% of our loan portfolio was invested in adjustable rate products. Loans with interest rates that adjust monthly based on the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”).Eleventh District Cost of Funds Index (“COFI”) comprised 31.5% of the loan portfolio. Loans with interest rates that adjust monthly based on the 3-Month Certificate of Deposit Index (“CODI”) comprised 31.4% of the loan portfolio. Loans with interest rates that adjust monthly based on the 12-month average U.S. Treasury Security rate (“12MAT”) comprised 14.7% of the loan portfolio. Loans with interest rates that adjust monthly based on the London Inter-Bank Offering Rate (“LIBOR”) and other indices comprised 2.1% of the loan portfolio.




19

 
 

The following table summarizes total loan funding by type of index for the periods indicated:

   
Six months ended
June 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
CODI
  $     $ 4,275  
12MAT
    5,701       62,479  
COFI
    38,346       131,296  
Other
    30,497       18,774  
Hybrid and Fixed
    702,411       223,061  
            Total
  $ 776,955     $ 439,885  

Only 10% of loan originations were in adjustable rate products during the first six months of 2008 compared to 49% of originations during the first six months of 2007.

The following table shows the composition of our single family loan portfolio by borrower documentation type at the dates indicated:

Documentation Type:
 
June 30, 2008
   
December 31, 2007
   
June 30, 2007
 
         
(Dollars in thousands)
       
                   
Verified Income/Verified Asset
  $ 1,460,341     $ 1,135,358     $ 1,094,518  
Stated Income/Verified Asset
    1,275,025       1,468,686       1,676,326  
Stated Income/Stated Asset
    1,314,207       1,506,627       1,770,105  
No Income/No Asset
    445,935       542,205       610,581  
    Total
  $ 4,495,508     $ 4,652,876     $ 5,151,530  


While the Bank originated reduced documentation loans in the past, we attempted to mitigate the inherent risk of making these loans by evaluating the other characteristics of the loan, such as the creditworthiness of the borrower and the loan-to-value ratio (“LTV”) based on the collateral’s appraised value at the origination date. The underwriting of these loans was based on the borrower’s credit score and credit history, intended occupancy, reasonableness of stated income and the value of the collateral.

The following table shows the composition of our single family loan portfolio by borrower documentation type at the dates indicated with weighted average LTV Ratio and FICO Score at origination. Due to changes in the real estate market and in borrower creditworthiness, the average LTV and FICO score at origination are subject to change.

   
June 30, 2008
   
December 31, 2007
   
June 30, 2007
 
   
LTV Ratio
   
FICO Score
   
LTV Ratio
   
FICO Score
   
LTV Ratio
   
FICO Score
 
 
Verified Income/Verified Asset
    71.9 %     690       73.3 %     709       73.7 %     705  
 
Stated Income/Verified Asset
    74.1       713       74.0       715       73.9       715  
 
Stated Income/Stated Asset
    75.0       712       74.6       714       74.1       715  
 
No Income/No Asset
    71.1       726       70.8       728       70.4       729  
 
    Total Weighted Average
    73.3 %     706       73.6 %     715       73.5 %     714  



20

The following table shows the composition of our single family loan portfolio at the dates indicated by the
FICO score of the borrower at origination:

FICO Score at Origination:
   
June 30, 2008
   
December 31, 2007
   
June 30, 2007
 
     
(Dollars In thousands)
 
 
<620
    $ 26,411     $ 27,667     $ 31,037  
 
        620-659
      378,378       431,307       483,340  
 
        660-719
       2,042,924        2,162,687        2,390,860  
 
>720
      1,989,698       1,982,220       2,201,498  
 
Not Available
      58,097       48,995       44,795  
 
Total
    $ 4,495,508     $ 4,652,876     $ 5,151,530  

The following table shows the composition of our single family loan portfolio at the dates indicated by original loan-to-value ratio:

Original LTV Ratio:
   
June 30, 2008
   
December 31, 2007
   
June 30, 2007
 
     
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 <65%
    $ 816,910     $ 817,580     $ 930,601  
 
         65-70%
    512,392       505,320       559,165  
           70-75%     608,860       593,386       638,813  
           75-80%     2,236,273       2,348,772       2,581,858  
           80-85%     63,043       73,564       82,049  
           85-90%     210,132       262,719       303,047  
       >90%
      47,898       51,535       55,997  
Total
    $ 4,495,508     $ 4,652,876     $ 5,151,530  

The following table shows the composition of our single family loan portfolio at June 30, 2008 by estimated current LTV ratio:

Current LTV Ratio
Price Adjusted (1):
   
Loan Balance
   
% of Portfolio
   
Average Current LTV Ratio
 
     
(Dollars in thousands)
             
 
 <70%
    $ 1,163,215       25.9 %     51.8 %
           70-80%     894,098       19.9       75.5  
           80-90%     1,076,694       24.0       85.0  
           90-100%     963,230       21.4       95.0  
          100-110%     277,624       6.2       103.9  
          110-120%     61,959       1.3       114.6  
Not in MSAs
      58,688       1.3       N/A  
Total
    $ 4,495,508       100.0 %     78.1 %

(1)  The current estimated loan to value ratio is based on Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (“OFHEO”) March 2008 data. The OFHEO housing price index provides a broad measure of the housing price movements by Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). In evaluating the potential for loan losses within the bank’s portfolio, the Bank considers both the fact that OFHEO data cannot reflect price movements for the most recent three months, and that individual areas within an MSA will perform worse than the average for the larger area. The Bank therefore also looks at sales data that is available by zip code, as well as the Bank’s experience with marketing foreclosed properties in estimating the loan loss allowance that is required.



21




The Bank generally requires that borrowers obtain private mortgage insurance on loans in excess of 80% of the appraised property value. Prior to April 2006, on certain loans originated for the portfolio, the Bank charged premium rates and/or fees in exchange for waiving the insurance requirement. Management believes that the additional rates and fees that the Bank received for these loans compensated for the additional risk associated with this type of loan. In certain of these cases when the Bank waived the insurance requirement, the Bank purchased private mortgage insurance with its own funds. At June 30, 2008, 71% of loans with mortgage insurance were insured by the Republic Mortgage Insurance Company (RMIC), and 27% were insured by the Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corporation (MGIC). Under certain mortgage insurance programs, the Bank continues to act as co-insurer and participate with the insurer in absorbing any future loss.

As of June 30, 2008, December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2007, loans with co-insurance totaled $167.5 million, $212.0 million, and $225.5 million, respectively. Loans with initial loan-to-value ratios greater than 80% with no private mortgage insurance totaled $153.9 million at June 30, 2008, $175.9 million at December 31, 2007, and $215.6 million at June 30, 2007.

The following table shows the composition of our single family loan portfolio by geographic distribution at the date indicated:

   
June 30,
   
  December 31,
   
  June 30,
 
 
2008
   
  2007
      2007
                (Dollars in thousands)        
Los Angeles County
$
1,185,376
 
26.4%
$
1,148,942
 
24.7%
$
1,228,812
 
23.8%
Bay Area
 
756,335
 
16.8
 
775,303
 
16.7
 
884,443
 
17.2
Central California Coast
 
584,317
 
13.0
 
592,547
 
12.7
 
672,711
 
13.0
San Diego Area
 
501,929
 
11.2
 
558,452
 
12.0
 
610,765
 
11.9
Orange County
 
444,080
 
9.9
 
428,667
 
9.2
 
475,324
 
9.2
San Bernardino/ Riverside
 
336,630
 
7.5
 
374,303
 
8.1
 
426,772
 
8.3
San Joaquin Valley
 
259,053
 
5.8
 
298,788
 
6.4
 
329,712
 
6.4
Sacramento Valley
 
242,384
 
5.4
 
275,313
 
5.9
 
302,458
 
5.9
Other
 
185,404
 
4.0
 
200,561
 
4.3
 
220,533
 
4.3
   Total
$
4,495,508
 
100.0%
$
4,652,876
 
100.0%
$
5,151,530
 
100.0%

The following table shows the composition of our single family loan portfolio by year of origination as of June 30, 2008 (dollars in thousands):

2003 and Prior
  $ 346,289       7.7 %
2004
    630,690       14.0  
2005
    1,748,128       38.9  
2006
    984,204       21.9  
2007
    357,479       8.0  
2008
    428,718       9.5  
    Total
  $ 4,495,508       100.0 %

Substantially all adjustable single family loans in the Bank’s loan portfolio allow for negative amortization when a scheduled monthly payment is not sufficient to pay the monthly interest accruing on the loan. Adjustable loans comprised 83.8% of the single family loan portfolio as of June 30, 2008. Negative amortization, which results when interest earned by the Bank is added to borrowers’ loan balances, was $302.3 million at June 30, 2008, $301.7 million at December 31, 2007 and $267.5 million at June 30, 2007. Negative amortization as a percentage of single family loans that have negative amortization in the Bank’s loan portfolio was 8.89% at June 30, 2008 compared to 7.68% at December 31, 2007 and 5.19% at June 30, 2007. Negative amortization increased by $586 thousand during the first six months of 2008 compared to an increase of $51.7 million during the first six months of 2007. Negative amortization is increasing at a slower rate due to loan payoffs, loan foreclosures, declines in the underlying indices on adjustable rate loans, and payment increases required under the terms of our adjustable rate loan notes. During the first six months of 2008, hybrid loans with initial fixed interest rates comprised 90.4% of originations compared to 50.7% of origination during the same period in the prior year.


22

The portfolio of single family loans with a one-year fixed payment period totaled $2.8 billion at June 30, 2008, compared to $3.2 billion at December 31, 2007 and $3.6 billion at June 30, 2007. The portfolio of single family loans with a three-to-five year fixed payment period totaled $901.3 million at June 30, 2008 compared to $1.1 billion at December 31, 2007 and $1.3 billion at June 30, 2007.

The amount of negative amortization that may occur in the loan portfolio is uncertain and is influenced by a number of factors outside of our control, including changes in the underlying index, the amount and timing of borrowers’ monthly payments, and unscheduled principal payments. If the applicable index were to increase and remain at relatively high levels, the amount of negative amortization occurring in the loan portfolio would be expected to trend higher, absent other mitigating factors such as increased prepayments or borrowers making monthly payments that meet or exceed the amount of interest then accruing on their mortgage loans. Similarly, if the index were to decline and remain at relatively low levels, the amount of negative amortization occurring in the loan portfolio would be expected to trend lower.

The “recast” of adjustable loans to a higher payment amount appears to have been a substantial factor in the higher delinquency levels experienced by the Bank during 2007 and the first six months of 2008 because many borrowers appear to be unable to afford the higher payments. The percentage increase in the payment amount and the loan-to-value ratios are important considerations in the future collectability of the loans.

The following tables show the number and dollar amount of performing loans expected to recast by current estimated loan-to-value ratios for the periods indicated (updated for both current loan balance and current estimated market value):

     
2008
   
2009
   
Thereafter
 
Current LTV Ratio
Price Adjusted (1):
   
Recast Balance
   
Number of Loans
   
Recast Balance
   
Number of Loans
   
Recast Balance
   
Number of Loans
 
     
(Dollars in thousands)
 
< 70%
    $ 47,474       129     $ 210,541       527     $ 292,818       738  
 70-80%     52,077       122       146,540       324       295,094       586  
 80-90%     66,589       131       129,443       247       432,734       794  
 90-100%     76,315       156       139,506       266       403,100       760  
 100-110%     17,509       40       21,305       45       108,386       224  
>110%
      6,298       16       5,650       13       16,756       40  
Grand total
    $ 266,262       594     $ 652,985       1,422     $ 1,548,888       3,142  
                                                     

(1)  The current estimated loan to value ratio is based on OFHEO March 2008 data. The OFHEO housing price index provides a broad measure of the housing price movements by Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). In evaluating the potential for loan losses within the bank’s portfolio, the Bank considers both the fact that OFHEO data cannot reflect price movements for the most recent three months, and that individual areas within an MSA will perform worse than the average for the larger area. The Bank therefore also looks at sales data that is available by zip code, as well as the Bank’s experience with marketing foreclosed properties in estimating the loan loss allowance that is required.

The following tables show the number and dollar amount of loans expected to recast by projected payment increase for the periods indicated:

     
2008
   
2009
   
Thereafter
 
Projected Payment Increase
   
Recast Balance
   
Number of Loans
   
Recast Balance
   
Number of Loans
   
Recast Balance
   
Number of Loans
 
                 
(Dollars in thousands)
             
< 50%
    $ 15,748       40     $ 88,554       214     $ 225,851       492  
 50-100%       148,399       339       354,841       755       826,146       1,643  
 100-125%       67,593       140       150,695       345       236,748       496  
 125-150%       60,542       66       47,173       85       212,594       416  
>150%
      3,980       9       11,722       23       47,549       95  
Grand total
    $ 266,262       594     $ 652,985       1,422     $ 1,548,888       3,142  
                                                     


23



 
Loan Loss Allowances

Listed below is a summary of activity in the general valuation allowance and valuation allowance for impaired loans during the periods indicated.

   
 
General Valuation Allowance
   
Valuation Allowances
 For
 Impaired Loans
   
 
 
 
Total
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Balance at December 31, 2007
  $ 127,503     $ 555     $ 128,058  
Provision for loan losses
    204,648       35,852       240,500  
Charge-offs:
                       
Single family
    (109,472 )           (109,472 )
Total charge-offs
    (109,472 )           (109,472 )
Recoveries
    609             609  
Net (charge-offs)/recoveries
    (108,863 )           (108,863 )
Transfers
    3,589       (3,589 )      
Balance at June 30, 2008
  $ 226,877     $ 32,818     $ 259,695  


   
 
General Valuation Allowance
   
Valuation Allowances
 For
 Impaired Loans
   
 
 
 
Total
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Balance at December 31, 2006
  $ 109,768     $     $ 109,768  
Provision for loan losses
    6,900             6,900  
Charge-offs:
                       
Single family
    (1,801 )           (1,801 )
Consumer loans
    (50 )           (50 )
Total charge-offs
    (1,851 )           (1,851 )
Recoveries
    77             77  
Net (charge-offs)/recoveries
    (1,774 )           (1,774 )
Balance at June 30, 2007
  $ 114,894     $     $ 114,894  

The Bank recorded total net loan charge-offs of $80.4 million and $108.9 million for the second quarter and the first six months of 2008, respectively. This compares to net loan charge-offs of $1.1 million and $1.8 million for the second quarter and the first six months of 2007, respectively. The allowance for loan losses totaled $259.7 million or 3.96% of gross loans outstanding at June 30, 2008. This compares with $114.9 million or 1.62% at June 30, 2007.

All of the charge-offs recorded during the first six months of 2008 were for single family loans. The total valuation allowance associated with single family loans totaled $247.9 million or 5.5% of single family loans outstanding at June 30, 2008. This compares with $94.0 million or 1.83% at June 30, 2007.

Management is unable to predict future levels of loan loss provisions. Among other things, loan loss provisions are based on the level of loan charge-offs, foreclosure activity, other risks inherent in the loan portfolio, and the California economy.




24


Investment Securities

The mortgage-backed securities portfolio, classified as available-for-sale, was recorded at fair value as of June 30, 2008. An unrealized gain of $31 thousand, net of taxes, was reflected in stockholders’ equity as of June 30, 2008. This compares to net unrealized gains of $34 thousand at December 31, 2007. There was no unrealized gain or loss at June 30, 2007.

The investment securities portfolio, classified as available-for-sale, was recorded at fair value as of June 30, 2008. An unrealized gain of $2.1 million, net of taxes, was reflected in stockholders' equity as of June 30, 2008. This compares to a net unrealized gain of $2.0 million at December 31, 2007 and a net unrealized loss of $406 thousand at June 30, 2007.

Asset/Liability Management

Market risk is the risk of loss from adverse changes in market prices and interest rates. Our market risk arises primarily from the interest rate risk inherent in our lending and liability funding activities.

Our interest rate spread typically decreases during periods of increasing interest rates. There is a three-month time lag before changes in COFI, and a two-month time lag before changes in 12MAT, CODI and LIBOR, can be implemented with respect to our adjustable rate loans. Therefore, during periods immediately following interest rate increases, our cost of funds tends to increase faster than the yield earned on our adjustable rate loan portfolio. The reverse is true during periods immediately following interest rate decreases. The composition of our financial instruments that are subject to market risk has not changed materially since December 31, 2007. 
 
The one year GAP, the difference between rate-sensitive assets and liabilities repricing within one year or less, was a negative $786.4 million or 11.01% of total assets at June 30, 2008. In comparison, the one year GAP was a positive $119.3 million or 1.65% of total assets at December 31, 2007 and a positive $465.5 million or 6.07% of total assets at June 30, 2007. The change from a positive GAP at the end of the year to a negative GAP at June 30, 2008 was due to the fact that we increased our originations of loans with fixed interest rates for five years. These originations were partially matched with longer term FHLB advances. Generally, a negative GAP benefits a company during periods of decreasing interest rates (because liabilities reprice faster than assets). The reverse is true during periods of increasing interest rates.

Capital

Quantitative measures established by regulations to ensure capital adequacy require the Company to maintain minimum amounts and percentages of total capital to assets. The Company meets the standards necessary to be deemed “well–capitalized” under the applicable regulatory requirements.

The following table summarizes our actual capital and required capital at June 30, 2008:

   
Tangible Capital
   
Core Capital
   
Tier 1
Risk-based Capital
   
Risk-based Capital
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Actual Capital:
                       
Amount
  $ 677,003     $ 677,003     $ 677,003     $ 730,818  
Ratio
    9.45 %     9.45 %     16.52 %     17.83 %
FDICIA minimum required capital:
                               
Amount
  $ 107,405     $ 286,413     $     $ 327,943  
Ratio
    1.50 %     4.00 %           8.00 %
FDICIA “well-capitalized” required capital:
                               
Amount
  $     $ 358,017     $ 245,958     $ 409,929  
Ratio
          5.00 %     6.00 %     10.00 %


25



During 2007, the Company repurchased 3,140,934 shares at an average price of $48.48 per share. The Company did not repurchase any shares during the first six months of 2008. The shares eligible for repurchase remained at 1,181,145 shares as of June 30, 2008. Any share repurchase would require a dividend from the Bank. A dividend from the Bank would require approval from the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS).

The Company had $150.0 million in unsecured fixed/floating rate senior debentures as of June 30, 2008. The first $50.0 million transaction was completed in June 2005 and is due in 2015. The debentures have a fixed rate of 5.65% for the first five years and are adjustable afterwards based on a rate of 1.55% over the three-month LIBOR. The second $50.0 million transaction was completed in December 2005 and is due in 2016. The debentures have a fixed rate of 6.23% for the first five years and are adjustable afterwards based on a rate of 1.55% over the three-month LIBOR. The third $50.0 million transaction was completed in April 2007 and is due in 2017. The debentures have a fixed rate of 6.585% for the first five years and are adjustable afterwards based on a rate of 1.60% over the three-month LIBOR. The debentures in each transaction are redeemable at par after the first five years.

Negative covenants contained in the indentures governing the terms of these debentures generally prohibit us from selling or otherwise disposing of shares of voting stock of the Company or permitting liens on the Company’s stock other than certain permitted liens. The indentures also impose certain affirmative covenants on the Company, none of which is believed to have a material adverse effect on our ability to operate our business.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

The Company reported a consolidated net loss of $35.5 million or $2.60 per diluted share of common stock during the second quarter of 2008, compared to consolidated net income of $29.1 million or $1.74 per diluted share of common stock during the second quarter of 2007.

The second quarter loss resulted primarily from a $90.2 million provision for loan losses due to increased delinquencies and charge-offs on single family loans and declines in the value of single family loan collateral throughout California. In comparison, the provision for loan losses was $3.1 million during the second quarter of 2007.

The Company reported a consolidated net loss of $105.3 million or $7.71 per diluted share of common stock during the first six months of 2008, compared to consolidated net income of $61.5 million or $3.66 per diluted share of common stock during the first six months of 2007.

The loss during the first six months of 2008 resulted primarily from a $240.5 million provision for loan losses due to increased delinquencies and charge-offs on single family loans and declines in the value of single family loan collateral throughout California. In comparison, the provision for loan losses was $6.9 million during the first six months of 2007. Also, net interest income decreased 35% during the first six months of 2008 compared to the first six months of 2007.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income decreased by $25.0 million or 36% to $44.7 million for the second quarter of 2008 from $69.7 million for the second quarter of 2007 due to a 13% decrease in average interest-earning assets during the second quarter of 2008 compared to the second quarter of 2007. The interest rate spread decreased by 71 basis points to 2.45% during the second quarter of 2008 from 3.16% during the second quarter of 2007 due to an increase in non-accrual loans which lessened the loan yield by 115 basis points during the second quarter of 2008. Also, early payoff fees and late charges on loans, which are calculated as part of the loan yield, decreased to $1.4 million for the second quarter of 2008 from $6.1 million during the second quarter of 2007. An increasing number of our loans have surpassed the period for which there is a prepayment penalty.



26




Net interest income decreased by 35% to $94.0 million for the six months of 2008 from $144.9 million for the first six months of 2007 due to an 18% decrease in average interest-earning assets during the first six months of 2008 compared to the first six months of 2007. The interest rate spread decreased by 51 basis points during the first six months of 2008 from 3.08% during the first six months of 2007. The decrease was caused by an increase in non-accrual loans which lessened the loan yield by 92 basis points during the first six months of 2008. Also, early payoff fees and late charges on loans, which are calculated as part of the loan yield, decreased to $2.9 million for the first six months of 2008 from $12.9 million during the first six months of 2007. An increasing number of our loans have surpassed the period for which there is a prepayment penalty.

The following table sets forth: (i) the average daily dollar amounts of and average yields earned on loans and investment securities, (ii) the average daily dollar amounts of and average rates paid on savings deposits and borrowings, (iii) the average daily dollar differences, (iv) the interest rate spreads, and (v) the effective net spreads for the periods indicated:

   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2008
 
2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Average loans (1)
  $ 6,317,025     $ 7,806,242  
Average investment securities
    491,355       487,832  
Average interest-earning assets
    6,808,380       8,294,074  
Average savings deposits
    4,059,543       5,201,614  
Average borrowings
    2,405,607       2,436,988  
Average interest-bearing liabilities
    6,465,150       7,638,602  
Excess of interest-earning assets over
    interest-bearing liabilities
  $ 343,230     $ 655,472  
                 
Yields earned on average interest-earning assets
    6.38 %     7.84 %
Rates paid on average interest-bearing liabilities
    3.81       4.76  
Interest rate spread
    2.57       3.08  
Effective net spread (2)
    2.76       3.49  
                 
Interest on loans
  $ 204,666     $ 311,833  
Interest and dividends on investments
    12,514       13,320  
  Total interest income
    217,180       325,153  
Interest on deposits
    73,458       115,118  
Interest on borrowings
    49,677       65,125  
  Total interest expense
    123,135       180,243  
Net interest income
  $ 94,045     $ 144,910  

(1)  Non-accrual loans are included in the average dollar amount of loans outstanding; however, there was no income included for
     the period in which loans were on non-accrual status.

(2)  The effective net spread is a fraction, the numerator of which is net interest income and the denominator of which is the average
     amount of interest-earning assets.

Non-Interest Income and Expense

Non-interest income increased to $9.6 million during the second quarter of 2008 from $4.3 million during the second quarter of 2007. The increase was primarily due to gains on the sale of foreclosed real estate, additional loan income recognized upon the reversal of a $2.5 million reserve on spread accounts receivable and higher income from investment services. These increases were offset by lower gains on the sale of loans due to unfavorable secondary market conditions.

Non-interest income increased to $12.6 million during the first six months of 2008 from $10.2 million during the second quarter of 2007. The increase during the first six months was also due to gains on the sale of foreclosed real estate, additional loan income resulting from the reversal of the reserve on accounts receivable and higher income from investment services, offset by lower gains on the sale of loans.


27


Net gain (loss) on real estate owned is comprised of the following items for the periods indicated:

   
Three months ended
June 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
  Gain on sale of REO
  $ 7,359     $ 101  
  Loss on sale of REO
    (234 )     (180 )
  Write downs on REO
    (3,754 )     (24 )
    $ 3,371     $ (103 )
                 
   
Six months ended
June 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
  Gain on sale of REO
  $ 10,007     $ 101  
  Loss on sale of REO
    (302 )     (181 )
  Write downs on REO
    (6,518 )     (109 )
    $ 3,187     $ (189 )
                 

Non-interest expense increased to $25.1 million for the second quarter of 2008 from $20.9 million for the second quarter of 2007. The increase was primarily due to higher expenses on foreclosed assets which increased to $3.1 million during the second quarter of 2008 from $369 thousand during the second quarter of 2007. Also, expenses increased due to higher loan incentive costs and higher FDIC insurance premiums.  The ratio of non-interest expense to average total assets increased to 1.41% during the second quarter of 2008 from 1.03% during the second quarter of 2007 due to the increased expenses mentioned above and a decrease in average total assets compared to the second quarter of 2007.

Non-interest expense increased to $47.2 million for the first six months of 2008 from $41.8 million for the first six months of 2007. The increase was primarily due to occupancy costs associated with newly opened branches and a $1.1 million write off of lease-related expenses associated with the early abandonment of our former corporate headquarters during the first quarter of 2008. Also, foreclosed asset expense increased to $4.4 million during the first six months of 2008 from $555 thousand during the first six months of 2007. The ratio of non-interest expense to average total assets increased to 1.32% during the first six months of 2008 from 0.98% during the first six months of 2007 due to the increased expenses mentioned above and a decrease in average total assets compared to the first six months of 2007.

Non-accrual, Past Due, Modified and Restructured Loans

The Bank establishes allowances for delinquent interest equal to the amount of accrued interest on all loans 90 days or more past due or in foreclosure. This practice effectively places such loans on non-accrual status for financial reporting purposes. Loans requiring delinquent interest allowances (non-accrual loans) totaled $491.7 million at June 30, 2008, compared to $180.4 million at December 31, 2007 and $53.3 million at June 30, 2007. Delinquent interest allowances for loans in foreclosure and delinquent greater than 90 days increased to $24.6 million at June 30, 2008 compared to $7.8 million at December 31, 2007 and $2.3 million at June 30, 2007.

Many loans became delinquent because borrowers chose to make less than a fully amortizing payment on “payment option” adjustable rate mortgages. This caused the loans to experience very large amounts of negative amortization which in turn contributed to a large payment adjustment at the end of the initial term. Also, if the negative amortization became so large that it caused the loan to reach its lifetime negative amortization cap, the loan was required to be re-amortized over its remaining loan term before the end of its initial term. As a result, many borrowers found their adjusted loan payments difficult to afford because their adjusted payments may have been significantly higher than their initial loan payment. Further, due to the weak single family real estate market and the tighter credit standards required by mortgage lenders, many borrowers found that they could not sell or refinance their home to remedy their situation.
 

28

 
 
The rate of increase in the Bank’s non-performing loans has slowed in recent months. After having reached $273.3 million as of March 31, 2008, single family loans delinquent less than 90 days decreased to $207.7 million as of June 30, 2008. In comparison, single family loans delinquent less than 90 days were $236.7 million as of December 31, 2007 and $35.2 million as of June 30, 2007.
 

The Bank has a program to reach out to borrowers faced with loan recasts to encourage them to modify their loans before the recast date. At June 30, 2008, 708 loans with principal balances totaling $348.1 million had been modified. Of these modified loans, 681 loans with principal balances totaling $335.0 million are considered troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) and are included in impaired loans. Valuation allowances on these loans totaled $32.8 million. Another $13.2 million in loans were modified as of June 30, 2008 but were not considered TDRs, and therefore had no valuation allowances. Modified loans are not considered TDRs when the loan terms are consistent with the Bank’s current product offerings and the borrowers meet the Bank’s current underwriting standards with regard to FICO score, debt-to-income ratio and loan-to-value ratio. At June 30, 2007, the Bank had no modified loans outstanding.

The Bank considers a loan impaired when management believes that it is probable that the Bank will not be able to collect all amounts due under the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Estimated impairment losses are recorded as separate valuation allowances and may be subsequently adjusted based upon changes in the measurement of impairment. Impaired loans, disclosed net of valuation allowances, include non-accrual major loans (commercial business loans with an outstanding principal amount greater than or equal to $500 thousand, single family loans greater than or equal to $1.0 million, and income property loans with an outstanding principal amount greater than or equal to $1.5 million), modified loans, and major loans less than 90 days delinquent in which full payment of principal and interest is not expected to be received.

The following is a summary of impaired loans, net of valuation allowances for impairment, at the dates indicated:

   
June 30, 2008
   
December 31, 2007
   
June 30, 2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Restructured loans
  $ 308,700     $ 1,799     $  
Non-accrual loans
    29,910       20,112       11,489  
Other impaired loans
    744       1,625       3,997  
    $ 339,354     $ 23,536     $ 15,486  

When a loan is considered impaired, the Bank measures impairment based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate. However, if the loan is "collateral-dependent" or foreclosure is probable, impairment is measured based on the fair value of the collateral. When the measure of an impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, the Bank records an impairment allowance equal to the excess of our recorded investment in the loan over its measured value.
 
The following is a summary of information pertaining to impaired loans at the dates indicated:

   
June 30,
2008
   
December 31,
 2007
   
June 30,
 2007
 
 
 (Dollars in thousands)
 
Impaired loans without valuation allowances
  $ 12,941     $ 16,606     $ 15,486  
Impaired loans with valuation allowances
    359,231       7,485        
Valuation allowances related to impaired loans
    (32,818 )     (555 )      




29








   
Six months ended
 
   
June 30,
2008
   
June 30,
 2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 Average investment in impaired loans
  $ 260,386     $ 11,431  
 Interest recognized on impaired loans using the accrual basis of income recognition
    1,952        83  
 Interest recognized on impaired loans using the cash basis of income recognition
    1,954       82  



Asset Quality

The following table sets forth certain asset quality ratios at the dates indicated:

   
June 30,
2008
   
December 31, 2007
   
June 30,
2007
 
Non-performing loans to gross loans receivable (1)
    7.50 %     2.72 %     0.75 %
Non-performing assets to total assets (2)
    8.20 %     2.79 %     0.85 %
Loan loss allowances to non-performing loans (3)
    53 %     71 %     215 %
Loan loss allowances to gross loans receivable
    3.96 %     1.93 %     1.62 %

(1)   Loans receivable are before deducting unrealized loan fees (costs), general valuation allowance and valuation allowances for impaired loans.
(2)   Non-performing assets are net of valuation allowances related to those assets and include both loans and real estate acquired by foreclosure.
(3)  Loan loss allowances include the general valuation allowance and valuation allowances for impaired loans.

Non-performing Assets

The Bank defines non-performing assets as non-accrual loans (loans delinquent over 90 days or in foreclosure) and real estate acquired by foreclosure (REO). The following is an analysis of non-performing assets at the dates indicated:

   
June 30,
2008
   
December 31, 2007
   
June 30,
2007
 
   
 (Dollars in thousands)
 
Non-accrual loans :
                 
Single family
  $ 491,693     $ 179,679     $ 53,330  
Other
    19       734       14  
Total non-accrual loans
    491,712       180,413       53,344  
Real estate owned
    96,665       21,090       11,774  
Total non-performing assets
  $ 588,377     $ 201,503     $ 65,118  

The Bank has experienced an increase in non-performing assets primarily due to defaults on single family loans. Single family real estate owned and non-accrual loans have continued to increase during the first six months due to the downturn in the California real estate market and higher payment requirements on adjustable rate loans that reached their maximum allowed negative amortization. Because real estate prices in California have decreased substantially over the past few quarters, delinquent borrowers are no longer able to sell their homes for sufficient amounts to repay their mortgages. Also, some borrowers have taken out second trust deeds with other lenders since their loan was originated. This makes it more likely that the total encumbrances on their property will exceed its value.

30

Single family loan delinquencies are likely to continue during the rest of 2008 and 2009. The Bank forecasts that another 594 loans with principal balances totaling $266.3 million will recast during the remainder of 2008 and that another 1,422 loans with principal balances totaling $653.0 million will recast during 2009.

The following table shows activity in real estate owned during the periods indicated:

   
Six months ended
 
   
June 30, 2008
   
June 30,2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Beginning Balance
  $ 21,090     $ 1,094  
Acquisitions
    131,488       15,212  
Write-downs
    (6,518 )     (109 )
Sales of REO
    (49,395 )     (4,423 )
Ending Balance
  $ 96,665     $ 11,774  


Sources of Funds

External sources of funds include savings deposits from several sources, advances from the FHLB of San Francisco, and securitized borrowings.

Savings deposits are accepted from retail banking offices, national deposit brokers, telemarketing sources and the internet. As the cost of each source of funds fluctuates from time to time, based on market rates of interest offered by us and other depository institutions, the Bank selects funds from the lowest cost source until the relative costs change. We do not deem our use of any specific source of funds to have a material impact on our operations because the cost of funds and operating margins associated with all of the sources are comparable.

Total retail and commercial deposits at branch offices decreased by $45.6 million during the second quarter of 2008, but increased by $60.6 million during the first six months of 2008. This brought total retail and commercial deposits to 83% of deposits at June 30, 2008 compared to 63% at June 30, 2007. The Bank is actively seeking to expand its retail sources of deposits through the establishment of additional branch offices. Two new retail branch offices were opened during the second quarter of 2008 in addition to the one branch opened during the first quarter of 2008. Three additional retail branches are scheduled to open later in 2008. The Bank is continuing to evaluate these and other potential branch sites in the Southern California area. However, there can be no assurance that any of these evaluations will result in the establishment of additional branch offices.

Telemarketing deposits decreased by $50.7 million and $39.1 million during the second quarter and the first six months of 2008. These are normally large deposits from pension plans, managed trusts and other financial institutions. The level of these deposits fluctuates based on the attractiveness of our rates compared to returns available to investors on alternative investments. Telemarketing deposits comprised 3% of total deposits at both June 30, 2008 and June 30, 2007.

The Bank also accepts internet deposits by posting our rates on internet rate boards. Internet deposits decreased by $7.6 million and $3.9 million during the second quarter and the first six months of 2008. Internet deposits comprised 1% of total deposits at both June 30, 2008 and June 30, 2007.

Brokered deposits decreased by $94.1 million and $323.5 million during the second quarter and the first six months of 2008 because FHLB advances were generally the lowest cost source of funds during the first six months of 2008. As a result, brokered deposits decreased to 13% of total deposits at June 30, 2008 from 33% at June 30, 2007. The Bank may solicit brokered funds without special regulatory approval because the Bank has sufficient capital to be deemed “well-capitalized” under the standards established by the OTS.

Total borrowings increased by $324.0 million during the second quarter of 2008 due to an increase in FHLB advances. Total borrowings increased by $365.0 million during the first six months of 2008 due to $250.0 million in additional borrowings under reverse repurchase agreements from the FHLB and a net increase of $115.0 million in FHLB advances.


31




Internal sources of funds include amortized principal payments that can vary based upon the borrower’s option to adjust their loan payment amounts, as well as prepayments. The level of prepayment activity fluctuates based upon the availability of loans with lower interest rates and lower monthly payments. Loan prepayments and principal reductions totaled $299.7 million and $619.8 million during the second quarter and the first six months of 2008, compared to $806.0 million and $1.6 billion during the second quarter and the first six months of 2007. Proceeds from the sale of loans to other financial institutions are another internal source of funds. However, the Bank sold only one loan during the second quarter and two loans during the first six months of 2008, due to the unfavorable secondary market conditions that started in the second quarter of 2007. Since that time, the Bank has been focusing on originating loans for its own portfolio.




 
32

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Income- Asset/Liability Management” on page 25 hereof for Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about market risk.
 
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under SEC rules, the Company is required to maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Within the 90-day period prior to the filing date of this report, the Company carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, supervised and participated in the evaluation. Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of the evaluation date, our disclosure controls and procedures the were effective in alerting management to material information that may be required to be included in our public filings. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any such controls and procedures can provide only reasonable assurance as to the control objectives. Management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of such controls and procedures.

Changes in Internal Controls

There were no significant changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation.

 
33

 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Securities Holders

On April 30, 2008, the Company held its Annual Meeting of Stockholders for the purpose of voting on two proposals. The following are matters voted on at the meeting and the votes cast for, against or withheld, and abstentions as to each such matter. There were no broker non-votes as to these matters.

 
 
1) Election of Directors.     
     For  Withhold
  Brian E. Argrett 
12,185,586
162,101
  William G. Ouchi 
11,985,691
361,996
  William P. Rutledge 
12,178,857
168,830
 

 
 2)  Ratification of Grant Thornton LLP as the Company’s independent public auditors for 2008.
     
  For
 12,285,274
 
  Against 
 54,389
 
  Abstain 
 8,024
 
 
 
 
Item 6.                       Exhibits
 

(3i))          Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999 and incorporated by reference.
(3(ii))        Amended and Restated Bylaws filed as Exhibit 3(ii) to Form 8-K filed June 27, 2008 and incorporated by reference.
(4.1)         Amended and Restated Rights Agreement dated as of September 25, 1998, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-A/A, dated September 25, 1998 and
                incorporated by reference.
(10.1)       Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan dated January 16, 1986 filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1992 and
                incorporated by reference.
(10.2)       Change of Control Agreement effective September 26, 1996 filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended September 30, 1996 and Amendment
                filed as Exhibit 10.3 and
                 10.4 for change of control to Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended June 30, 2001 and incorporated by reference.
(10.3)       1997 Non-employee Directors Stock Incentive Plan file as Exhibit 1 to Form S-8 date August 12, 1997 and Amendment file as Exhibit 10.5 to Form 10-Q for
                the Quarter ended June 30, 2001, and incorporated by reference. 
(10.4)       2007 Non-employee Directors Restricted Stock Plan filed as Appendix A to Schedule 14A, Proxy Statement for the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held
                on April 26, 2006.
(31.1)       Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(31.2)       Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(32.1)       Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(32.2)       Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 
34

 

 



 

 
 
SIGNATURES
 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.



                                                                                                                                                    FIRSTFED FINANCIAL CORP.
                                                                                                                                                    Registrant
 
 



Date:  August 11, 2008                                                                                                            By: /s/ Douglas J. Goddard
                                                                                                                                                                Douglas J. Goddard
                                                                                                                                                               Chief Financial Officer and
                                                                                                                                                               Executive Vice President


 
35

 
Exhibit 31.1
 
 
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
 
 
I, Babette E. Heimbuch, certify that:
 
 
(1)    I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of FirstFed Financial Corp.;
 
(2)    Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the
        statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly
         report;
 
(3)    Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the
        financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;
 
(4)    The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange
        Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
         (i)    Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure
                 that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly
                during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared; and
 
         (ii)   Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision,
                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; and
 
         (iii)  Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness
                of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
         (iv)  Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter
                that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
(5)    The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s
        auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors:
 
         (i)    All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to
                adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
         (ii)   Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over
                financial reporting; and
 
(6)    The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal control over
        financial reporting or in other factors that could significantly affect internal control over financial reporting subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation,
        including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.
 

Dated this 11th day of August, 2008

                                                                                                                                              By: /s/ Babette E. Heimbuch
                                                                                                                                                          Babette E. Heimbuch
                                                                                                                                                         Chief Executive Officer

 
36

 
Exhibit 31.2

 
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
 
 
I, Douglas J. Goddard, certify that:
 
 
(1)    I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of FirstFed Financial Corp.;
 
(2)    Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the
        statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly
         report;
 
(3)    Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the
        financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;
 
(4)    The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange
        Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
         (i)    Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure
                 that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly
                during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared; and
 
         (ii)   Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision,
                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; and
 
         (iii)  Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness
                of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
         (iv)  Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter
                that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
(5)    The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s
        auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors:
 
         (i)    All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to
                adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
         (ii)   Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over
                financial reporting; and
 
(6)    The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal control over
        financial reporting or in other factors that could significantly affect internal control over financial reporting subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation,
        including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.
 

Dated this 11th day of August, 2008
 
                                                                                                                                              By: /s/ Douglas J. Goddard
                                                                                                                                                          Douglas J. Goddard
                                                                                                                                                         Chief Financial Officer
 
37




EXHIBIT 32.1

 
CEO CERTIFICATION
 

The undersigned, as Chief Executive Officer hereby certifies, to the best of her knowledge and belief, that:

  (1) the Form 10-Q of FirstFed Financial Corp. (the "Company") for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2008 (the "Report ") accompanying this certification fully
       complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)); and

  (2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company for such period.


                                                                                                                                              FIRSTFED FINANCIAL CORP.
                                                                                                                                              Registrant


Date: August 11, 2008
                                                                                                                                              By: /s/ Babette E. Heimbuch
                                                                                                                                                          Babette E. Heimbuch
                                                                                                                                                         Chief Executive Officer



This certification is made solely for purposes of complying with the provisions of Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
and is not being filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing
of the Company, whether made before or after the date of hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language into such filing.
 
 

 
38

 
 

 
EXHIBIT 32.2
 
 
CFO CERTIFICATION
 

The undersigned, as Chief Financial Officer hereby certifies, to the best of his knowledge and belief, that:

  (1) the Form 10-Q of FirstFed Financial Corp. (the "Company") for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2008 (the "Report ") accompanying this certification fully
       complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)); and

  (2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company for such period.
 

                                                                                                                                              FIRSTFED FINANCIAL CORP.
                                                                                                                                              Registrant


Date: August 11, 2008
                                                                                                                                              By:  /s/ Douglas J. Goddard
                                                                                                                                                           Douglas J. Goddard
                                                                                                                                                          Chief Financial Officer and
                                                                                                                                                          Executive Vice President


This certification is made solely for purposes of complying with the provisions of Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
and is not being filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing
of the Company, whether made before or after the date of hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language into such filing.



 
39