10-Q 1 a41979.htm ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

x

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

 

 

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2006

 

 

OR

 

 

o

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

 

 

 

 

For the transition period from

to

Commission file number 001-11967

ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Delaware

 

 

 

11-3170868

 


 

 

 


 

(State or other jurisdiction of

 

 

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification

 

incorporation or organization)

 

 

 

Number)

 


 

 

 

 

 

One Astoria Federal Plaza, Lake Success, New York

 

 

11042-1085

 


 

 


 

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)     


 

 

 

 

(516) 327-3000

 

 


 

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
YES
o   NO x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Classes of Common Stock

 

 

Number of Shares Outstanding, April 30, 2006

 

 


 

 


 

 

  .01 Par Value

  102,121,448

 


 

 


 



PART I -- FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page

 

 


Item 1.

Financial Statements (Unaudited):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 and
March 31, 2005

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Three Months Ended
March 31, 2006

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 and
March 31, 2005

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

6

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

12

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

35

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

38

 

 

 

 

 

PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

38

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

39

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

39

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

39

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

40

 

 

 

 

 

Item 5.

Other Information

40

 

 

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

40

 

 

 

 

 

Signatures

40

 

1


ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

At

 

At

 

(In Thousands, Except Share Data)

 

March 31, 2006

 

December 31, 2005

 





 

ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and due from banks

 

 

$

118,316

 

 

 

$

169,234

 

 

Repurchase agreements

 

 

 

241,912

 

 

 

 

182,803

 

 

Available-for-sale securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Encumbered

 

 

 

1,493,219

 

 

 

 

1,598,320

 

 

Unencumbered

 

 

 

253,166

 

 

 

 

243,031

 

 













 

 

 

 

1,746,385

 

 

 

 

1,841,351

 

 

Held-to-maturity securities, fair value of $4,339,590 and $4,627,013, respectively:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Encumbered

 

 

 

4,327,855

 

 

 

 

4,500,867

 

 

Unencumbered

 

 

 

153,011

 

 

 

 

230,086

 

 













 

 

 

 

4,480,866

 

 

 

 

4,730,953

 

 

Federal Home Loan Bank of New York stock, at cost

 

 

 

143,341

 

 

 

 

145,247

 

 

Loans held-for-sale, net

 

 

 

22,779

 

 

 

 

23,651

 

 

Loans receivable:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage loans, net

 

 

 

14,094,510

 

 

 

 

13,879,804

 

 

Consumer and other loans, net

 

 

 

495,434

 

 

 

 

512,489

 

 













 

 

 

 

14,589,944

 

 

 

 

14,392,293

 

 

Allowance for loan losses

 

 

 

(81,143

)

 

 

 

(81,159

)

 













Loans receivable, net

 

 

 

14,508,801

 

 

 

 

14,311,134

 

 

Mortgage servicing rights, net

 

 

 

16,468

 

 

 

 

16,502

 

 

Accrued interest receivable

 

 

 

76,007

 

 

 

 

80,318

 

 

Premises and equipment, net

 

 

 

150,348

 

 

 

 

151,494

 

 

Goodwill

 

 

 

185,151

 

 

 

 

185,151

 

 

Bank owned life insurance

 

 

 

378,145

 

 

 

 

382,613

 

 

Other assets

 

 

 

169,411

 

 

 

 

159,820

 

 













Total assets

 

 

$

22,237,930

 

 

 

$

22,380,271

 

 













 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Savings

 

 

$

2,438,090

 

 

 

$

2,510,897

 

 

Money market

 

 

 

598,766

 

 

 

 

648,730

 

 

NOW and demand deposit

 

 

 

1,562,612

 

 

 

 

1,569,859

 

 

Liquid certificates of deposit

 

 

 

843,131

 

 

 

 

619,784

 

 

Certificates of deposit

 

 

 

7,546,339

 

 

 

 

7,461,185

 

 













Total deposits

 

 

 

12,988,938

 

 

 

 

12,810,455

 

 

Reverse repurchase agreements

 

 

 

5,480,000

 

 

 

 

5,780,000

 

 

Federal Home Loan Bank of New York advances

 

 

 

1,679,000

 

 

 

 

1,724,000

 

 

Other borrowings, net

 

 

 

435,475

 

 

 

 

433,526

 

 

Mortgage escrow funds

 

 

 

169,762

 

 

 

 

124,929

 

 

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

 

 

 

175,335

 

 

 

 

157,134

 

 













Total liabilities

 

 

 

20,928,510

 

 

 

 

21,030,044

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $1.00 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series A (1,800,000 shares authorized and -0- shares issued and outstanding)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series B (2,000,000 shares authorized and -0- shares issued and outstanding)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $.01 par value; (200,000,000 shares authorized;
166,494,888 shares issued; and 102,872,427 and 104,967,280 shares outstanding, respectively)

 

 

 

1,665

 

 

 

 

1,665

 

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

 

829,661

 

 

 

 

824,102

 

 

Retained earnings

 

 

 

1,797,162

 

 

 

 

1,774,924

 

 

Treasury stock (63,622,461 and 61,527,608 shares, at cost, respectively)

 

 

 

(1,236,746

)

 

 

 

(1,171,604

)

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 

 

(58,926

)

 

 

 

(49,536

)

 

Unallocated common stock held by ESOP (6,385,675 and 6,465,273 shares, respectively)

 

 

 

(23,396

)

 

 

 

(23,688

)

 

Deferred compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5,636

)

 













Total stockholders’ equity

 

 

 

1,309,420

 

 

 

 

1,350,227

 

 













 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

 

$

22,237,930

 

 

 

$

22,380,271

 

 













See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

2


ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 



(In Thousands, Except Share Data)

 

2006

 

2005

 







Interest income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage loans:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One-to-four family

 

$

124,885

 

$

111,582

 

Multi-family, commercial real estate and construction

 

 

62,259

 

 

58,196

 

Consumer and other loans

 

 

8,847

 

 

6,781

 

Mortgage-backed and other securities

 

 

71,895

 

 

93,922

 

Repurchase agreements

 

 

1,643

 

 

1,449

 

Federal Home Loan Bank of New York stock

 

 

1,689

 

 

1,173

 









Total interest income

 

 

271,218

 

 

273,103

 









Interest expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits

 

 

82,705

 

 

64,960

 

Borrowings

 

 

76,967

 

 

82,930

 









Total interest expense

 

 

159,672

 

 

147,890

 









Net interest income

 

 

111,546

 

 

125,213

 

Provision for loan losses

 

 

 

 

 









Net interest income after provision for loan losses

 

 

111,546

 

 

125,213

 









Non-interest income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Customer service fees

 

 

16,598

 

 

14,946

 

Other loan fees

 

 

810

 

 

1,164

 

Mortgage banking income, net

 

 

1,482

 

 

2,946

 

Income from bank owned life insurance

 

 

4,075

 

 

4,175

 

Other

 

 

(4,068

)

 

1,511

 









Total non-interest income

 

 

18,897

 

 

24,742

 









Non-interest expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General and administrative:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compensation and benefits

 

 

30,311

 

 

30,790

 

Occupancy, equipment and systems

 

 

16,808

 

 

16,025

 

Federal deposit insurance premiums

 

 

434

 

 

448

 

Advertising

 

 

1,927

 

 

3,905

 

Other

 

 

6,829

 

 

9,344

 









Total non-interest expense

 

 

56,309

 

 

60,512

 









Income before income tax expense

 

 

74,134

 

 

89,443

 

Income tax expense

 

 

25,200

 

 

29,964

 









Net income

 

$

48,934

 

$

59,479

 









Basic earnings per common share

 

$

0.50

 

$

0.58

 









Diluted earnings per common share

 

$

0.49

 

$

0.57

 









Dividends per common share

 

$

0.24

 

$

0.20

 









Basic weighted average common shares

 

 

97,306,058

 

 

103,160,491

 

Diluted weighted average common and common equivalent shares

 

 

99,899,188

 

 

104,957,469

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

3


ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (Unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In Thousands, Except Share Data)

 

Total

 

Common
Stock

 

Additional
Paid-in
Capital

 

Retained
Earnings

 

Treasury
Stock

 

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss

 

Unallocated
Common
Stock
Held
by ESOP

 

Deferred
Compensation

 



















 

Balance at December 31, 2005

 

$

1,350,227

 

$

1,665

 

$

824,102

 

$

1,774,924

 

$

(1,171,604

)

$

(49,536

)

$

(23,688

)

$

(5,636

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reclassification of deferred compensation upon adoption of SFAS No. 123(R)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,890

)

 

(3,746

)

 

 

 

 

 

5,636

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

48,934

 

 

 

 

 

 

48,934

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net unrealized loss on securities

 

 

(9,438

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(9,438

)

 

 

 

 

Reclassification of loss on cash flow hedge

 

 

48

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

48

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

 

 

39,544

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock repurchased (2,480,000 shares)

 

 

(72,584

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(72,584

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends on common stock ($0.24 per share)

 

 

(23,376

)

 

 

 

 

 

(23,376

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercise of stock options and related tax benefit (581,975 shares issued)

 

 

12,065

 

 

 

 

2,307

 

 

(1,430

)

 

11,188

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization relating to stock-based compensation and allocation of ESOP stock

 

 

3,544

 

 

 

 

3,252

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

292

 

 

 



























 

Balance at March 31, 2006

 

$

1,309,420

 

$

1,665

 

$

829,661

 

$

1,797,162

 

$

(1,236,746

)

$

(58,926

)

$

(23,396

)

$

 



























See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

4


ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 


 

(In Thousands)

 

2006

 

2005

 







Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

48,934

 

$

59,479

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net premium amortization on mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities

 

 

2,787

 

 

4,344

 

Net amortization on consumer and other loans, other securities and borrowings

 

 

1,091

 

 

1,088

 

Net provision for real estate losses

 

 

22

 

 

56

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

3,542

 

 

3,456

 

Net gain on sales of loans

 

 

(586

)

 

(694

)

Originations of loans held-for-sale

 

 

(52,597

)

 

(76,417

)

Proceeds from sales and principal repayments of loans held-for-sale

 

 

54,055

 

 

68,364

 

Amortization relating to stock-based compensation and allocation of ESOP stock

 

 

3,544

 

 

2,762

 

Decrease (increase) in accrued interest receivable

 

 

4,311

 

 

(1,147

)

Mortgage servicing rights amortization, valuation allowance adjustments and capitalized amounts, net

 

 

34

 

 

(1,736

)

Insurance proceeds received, net of income from bank owned life insurance

 

 

4,468

 

 

(4,175

)

Increase in other assets

 

 

(2,947

)

 

(531

)

Increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities

 

 

19,963

 

 

34,206

 









Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

86,621

 

 

89,055

 









Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Originations of loans receivable

 

 

(666,746

)

 

(722,408

)

Loan purchases through third parties

 

 

(106,138

)

 

(285,463

)

Principal payments on loans receivable

 

 

571,049

 

 

705,523

 

Purchases of securities held-to-maturity

 

 

 

 

(177,599

)

Purchases of securities available-for-sale

 

 

 

 

(25

)

Principal payments on securities held-to-maturity

 

 

250,398

 

 

399,717

 

Principal payments on securities available-for-sale

 

 

78,916

 

 

128,449

 

Net redemptions of FHLB-NY stock

 

 

1,906

 

 

39,400

 

Proceeds from sales of real estate owned, net

 

 

160

 

 

519

 

Purchases of premises and equipment, net of proceeds from sales

 

 

(2,396

)

 

(1,751

)









Net cash provided by investing activities

 

 

127,149

 

 

86,362

 









Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase in deposits

 

 

178,483

 

 

246,112

 

Net decrease in borrowings with original terms of three months or less

 

 

(241,000

)

 

(490,000

)

Proceeds from borrowings with original terms greater than three months

 

 

200,000

 

 

300,000

 

Repayments of borrowings with original terms greater than three months

 

 

(304,000

)

 

(300,000

)

Net increase in mortgage escrow funds

 

 

44,833

 

 

46,903

 

Common stock repurchased

 

 

(72,584

)

 

(28,344

)

Cash dividends paid to stockholders

 

 

(23,376

)

 

(20,624

)

Cash received for stock options exercised

 

 

9,758

 

 

3,759

 

Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements

 

 

2,307

 

 

 









Net cash used in financing activities

 

 

(205,579

)

 

(242,194

)









Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

8,191

 

 

(66,777

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

 

352,037

 

 

406,387

 









Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

360,228

 

$

339,610

 









Supplemental disclosures:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the period:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$

153,145

 

$

147,283

 









Income taxes

 

$

3,757

 

$

913

 









Additions to real estate owned

 

$

317

 

$

106

 









See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

5


ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

1. Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Astoria Financial Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries: Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association and its subsidiaries, referred to as Astoria Federal, and AF Insurance Agency, Inc. As used in this quarterly report, “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Astoria Financial Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

In addition to Astoria Federal and AF Insurance Agency, Inc., we have another subsidiary, Astoria Capital Trust I, which is not consolidated with Astoria Financial Corporation for financial reporting purposes in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, revised interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51.” Astoria Capital Trust I was formed in 1999 for the purpose of issuing $125.0 million aggregate liquidation amount of 9.75% Capital Securities due November 1, 2029, or Capital Securities, and $3.9 million of common securities which are 100% owned by Astoria Financial Corporation, and using the proceeds to acquire Junior Subordinated Debentures issued by Astoria Financial Corporation. The Junior Subordinated Debentures total $128.9 million, have an interest rate of 9.75%, mature on November 1, 2029 and are the sole assets of Astoria Capital Trust I. The Junior Subordinated Debentures are prepayable, in whole or in part, at our option on or after November 1, 2009 at declining premiums to November 1, 2019, after which the Junior Subordinated Debentures are prepayable at par value. The Capital Securities have the same prepayment provisions as the Junior Subordinated Debentures. Astoria Financial Corporation has fully and unconditionally guaranteed the Capital Securities along with all obligations of Astoria Capital Trust I under the trust agreement relating to the Capital Securities. See Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of our 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K for restrictions on our subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends to us.

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of our financial condition as of March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, changes in our stockholders’ equity for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and our cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities for the consolidated statements of financial condition as of March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, and amounts of revenues and expenses in the consolidated statements of income for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2006 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the remainder of the year. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC.

These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our December 31, 2005 audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

6


2. Earnings Per Share, or EPS

The following table is a reconciliation of basic and diluted EPS.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 




 

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

 

Basic
EPS

 

Diluted
EPS (1)

 

Basic
EPS

 

Diluted
EPS (2)

 










 

 

Net income

 

$

48,934

 

$

48,934

 

$

59,479

 

$

59,479

 














 

Total weighted average basic common shares outstanding

 

 

97,306

 

 

97,306

 

 

103,160

 

 

103,160

 

Effect of dilutive securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options

 

 

 

 

2,582

 

 

 

 

1,797

 

Restricted stock

 

 

 

 

11

 

 

 

 

 














 

Total weighted average basic and diluted common shares outstanding

 

 

97,306

 

 

99,899

 

 

103,160

 

 

104,957

 














 

 

Net earnings per common share

 

$

0.50

 

$

0.49

 

$

0.58

 

$

0.57

 














 


 

 

(1)

Options to purchase 1,278,100 shares of common stock at prices between $29.02 per share and $29.79 per share were outstanding as of March 31, 2006, but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the options were anti-dilutive for the three months ended March 31, 2006.

 

 

(2)

Options to purchase 2,008,800 shares of common stock at prices between $26.23 per share and $26.63 per share were outstanding as of March 31, 2005, but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the options were anti-dilutive for the three months ended March 31, 2005.

3. Stock Incentive Plans

Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted revised Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, or SFAS, No. 123, “Share-Based Payment,” or SFAS No. 123(R), which requires us to recognize the cost of employee services received in exchange for awards of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of those awards. SFAS No. 123(R) applies to all awards granted after January 1, 2006 and to awards modified, repurchased or cancelled after that date. Additionally, beginning January 1, 2006, we recognize compensation cost for the portion of outstanding awards for which the requisite service has not yet been rendered, based on the grant-date fair value of those awards calculated under SFAS No. 123 for pro forma disclosures.

Prior to January 1, 2006, we applied the intrinsic value method of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations in accounting for our stock incentive plans. Accordingly, no stock-based compensation cost was reflected in net income for stock option grants, as all options granted under our stock incentive plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. However, we recognized stock-based compensation cost during the 2005 fourth quarter related to restricted stock grants and the acceleration of vesting of certain stock option grants. The purpose of the acceleration of vesting of certain stock option grants was to eliminate compensation expense associated with these options in future periods upon our adoption of SFAS No. 123(R). The accelerated vesting eliminated pre-tax compensation expense of approximately $10.4 million, which would have been recognized in future periods, including approximately $1.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006, or approximately $6.7 million for the year ending December 31, 2006. See Note 16 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” of our 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a further discussion of the acceleration of vesting of certain stock option grants.

7


Our adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) reduced net income for the three months ended March 31, 2006 by $432,000, net of taxes of $314,000, as a result of compensation expense recognized for our December 2005 option grants to employees and our January 2006 option grants to directors. Additional compensation expense to be recognized with respect to our December 2005 option grants will further reduce our net income over the remainder of 2006 by approximately $812,000. Additional equity grants that may be made in 2006 will also result in compensation expense.

Stock-based compensation expense recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2006 totaled $695,000, net of taxes of $504,000. The following table illustrates the effect on net income and EPS if we had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123(R) to stock-based compensation for the three months ended March 31, 2005.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

 

For the Three Months Ended
March 31, 2005

 







 

Net income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

 

$

59,479

 

 

Add: Total stock-based compensation expense included in net income as reported

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deduct: Total stock-based compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax benefit of $1,087

 

 

 

1,850

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

Pro forma

 

 

$

57,629

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

 

$

0.58

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

Pro forma

 

 

$

0.56

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

 

$

0.57

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

Pro forma

 

 

$

0.55

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

The following disclosures, which are generally not required in interim period financial statements, are included herein as a result of our adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) in the first quarter of 2006.

In 2005, we adopted the 2005 Re-designated, Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan for Officers and Employees of Astoria Financial Corporation, or the 2005 Employee Stock Incentive Plan. In 1999, we adopted the 1999 Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors of Astoria Financial Corporation, or the 1999 Directors’ Option Plan. As a result of the adoption of these plans, all previous employee and director option plans were frozen and no further option grants were made pursuant to those plans. The number of shares reserved for option, restricted stock and/or stock appreciation right grants was 5,250,000 under the 2005 Employee Stock Incentive Plan. The number of shares reserved for option grants was 525,000 under the 1999 Directors’ Option Plan. At March 31, 2006, remaining shares available for issuance of future grants totaled 3,829,072 under the 2005 Employee Stock Incentive Plan and 69,000 under the 1999 Directors’ Option Plan.

Options and restricted stock granted under the 2005 Employee Stock Incentive Plan vest approximately three years after the grant date, with a maximum term of seven years for option grants. Options granted to employees under plans other than the 2005 Employee Stock Incentive Plan have a maximum term of ten years. Under plans involving grants of options or restricted stock to employees, in the event the grantee terminates his/her employment due to death, disability, retirement or in the event we experience a change in control, as defined and specified in such plans, all options and restricted stock granted immediately vest. Under plans involving grants to outside directors, all options granted have a maximum term of ten years and are

8


exercisable immediately on their grant date. Options granted under all plans were granted in tandem with limited stock appreciation rights exercisable only in the event we experience a change in control, as defined by the plans.

Prior to our adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), we “recognized” compensation cost for purposes of the pro forma disclosures required by SFAS No. 123 over the vesting period regardless of whether or not an employee was retirement-eligible. As a result of our adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), the fair value of future awards of equity instruments to retirement-eligible employees will be recognized as compensation cost on the grant date, as the vesting conditions are considered non-substantive because upon retirement, the award vests immediately regardless of the award’s stated vesting period. During the three months ended March 31, 2006, we recognized $271,000 of stock-based compensation cost related to options and restricted stock awards granted to retirement-eligible employees prior to our adoption of SFAS 123(R). At March 31, 2006, compensation cost of $3.1 million will be recognized over the remaining stated vesting period for such awards granted to retirement-eligible employees.

In December 2005, 196,828 shares of restricted stock were granted to select officers with a fair value of $29.02 per share on the grant date. Compensation cost related to restricted stock grants is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. We recognized pre-tax compensation expense of $454,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2006 related to restricted stock grants. There was no other restricted stock activity for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005.

Option activity in our stock incentive plans for the three months ended March 31, 2006 is summarized as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number
of Options

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 








 

Outstanding at January 1, 2006

 

 

11,128,700

 

$

20.50

 

Granted

 

 

54,000

 

 

29.79

 

Exercised

 

 

(581,975

)

 

(16.77

)

 

 



 

 

 

 

Outstanding at March 31, 2006

 

 

10,600,725

 

 

20.75

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Options exercisable at March 31, 2006

 

 

9,376,625

 

 

19.67

 

At March 31, 2006, there were 10,600,725 options outstanding, with a weighted average exercise price of $20.75 per share, a weighted average remaining contractual term of approximately 6.3 years and an aggregate intrinsic value of approximately $108.3 million. Of the total options outstanding, 9,376,625 options were exercisable, with a weighted average exercise price of $19.67 per share, a weighted average remaining contractual term of approximately 6.2 years and an aggregate intrinsic value of approximately $105.9 million. At March 31, 2006, compensation cost related to all nonvested awards of options and restricted stock not yet recognized totaled $10.5 million and will be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.8 years.

During the three months ended March 31, 2006, 581,975 options were exercised with a total intrinsic value of $7.3 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2005, 271,296 options were exercised with a total intrinsic value of $3.1 million. Shares issued upon the exercise of stock options are issued from treasury stock. We have an adequate number of treasury shares available for future stock option exercises.

9


During the three months ended March 31, 2006, 54,000 options were granted to outside directors with a grant date fair value of $5.16 per share and 60,000 options were granted to outside directors with a grant date fair value of $5.36 per share during the three months ended March 31, 2005. The per share fair value of option grants was estimated on the grant dates using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 








 

Expected dividend yield

 

3.22

%

 

2.54

%

 

Expected stock price volatility

 

20.94

 

 

24.66

 

 

Risk-free interest rate based upon equivalent-term U.S. Treasury rates

 

4.17

 

 

3.66

 

 

Expected option term

 

5.00

 years

 

5.00

 years

 

The per share fair value of option grants was calculated using the above assumptions, based on our analyses of our historical experience and our judgments regarding future option exercise experience and market conditions. These assumptions are subjective in nature, involve uncertainties and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision. The Black-Scholes option pricing model also contains certain inherent limitations when applied to options that are not traded on public markets.

4. Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

The following table sets forth information regarding the components of net periodic cost for our defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pension Benefits

 

Other Postretirement
Benefits

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

For the Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 


 


 

(In Thousands)

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 






 




 

Service cost

 

$

974

 

$

897

 

$

150

 

$

137

 

Interest cost

 

 

2,574

 

 

2,512

 

 

283

 

 

261

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

 

(3,041

)

 

(2,994

)

 

 

 

 

Amortization of prior service cost

 

 

92

 

 

40

 

 

42

 

 

10

 

Recognized net actuarial loss

 

 

845

 

 

695

 

 

 

 

 














 

Net periodic cost

 

$

1,444

 

$

1,150

 

$

475

 

$

408

 














 

5. Goodwill Litigation

We are a party to two actions pending in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims against the United States, involving assisted acquisitions made in the early 1980’s and supervisory goodwill accounting utilized in connection therewith, which could result in a gain.

The trial in one of the actions, which is entitled The Long Island Savings Bank, FSB et al vs. The United States, or the LISB goodwill litigation, commenced on January 18, 2005 and concluded on July 7, 2005. We asked the Court to award damages totaling $594.0 million from the U.S. government for breach of contract in connection with a 1983 Assistance Agreement between the Long Island Savings Bank, FSB, which was acquired by us in 1998, and the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation. The Court rendered a decision on September 15, 2005 awarding us $435.8 million in damages from the U.S. government in this action. On December 14, 2005, the United States filed an appeal of such decision. The appeal remains pending before the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. No assurance can be given as to the timing, content or ultimate outcome of any such appeal. No portion of the $435.8 million award has

10


been recognized in our consolidated financial statements. Legal expense has been recognized as it was incurred.

The other action, entitled Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association vs. United States, has not yet been scheduled for trial. The Court is currently considering a summary judgment motion filed by the U.S. government.

The ultimate outcomes of the two actions pending against the United States and the timing of such outcomes are uncertain and there can be no assurance that we will benefit financially from such litigation.

6. Impact of Accounting Standards and Interpretations

In March 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 156, “Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets – an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 140,” which amends SFAS No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities” with respect to the accounting for separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities. SFAS No. 156 requires all separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities to be initially measured at fair value, if practicable, and permits an entity to choose either the amortization or fair value measurement method for subsequent measurements. Additionally, at the initial adoption, SFAS No. 156 permits a one-time reclassification of available-for-sale securities to trading securities by entities with recognized servicing rights, without calling into question the treatment of other available-for-sale securities, provided that the securities are identified in some manner as offsetting the entity’s exposure to changes in the fair value of servicing assets or servicing liabilities that a servicer elects to subsequently measure at fair value. SFAS No. 156 is effective as of the beginning of the first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006. We intend to apply the amortization method for measurements of our mortgage servicing rights, or MSR, and do not expect our adoption of SFAS No. 156 to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

In February 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 155, “Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments – an Amendment of FASB Statements No. 133 and 140,” which amends SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” and SFAS No. 140 and allows an entity to re-measure at fair value a hybrid financial instrument that contains an embedded derivative that otherwise would require bifurcation from the host, if the holder irrevocably elects to account for the whole instrument on a fair value basis. SFAS No. 155 is effective for all financial instruments acquired or issued after the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006. Any difference between the total carrying amount of the individual components of the existing bifurcated hybrid financial instrument and the fair value of the combined hybrid financial instrument should be recognized as a cumulative-effect adjustment to beginning retained earnings. We do not expect our adoption of SFAS No. 155 to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

11


 

 

ITEM 2. 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains a number of forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. These statements may be identified by the use of the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “outlook,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “will,” “would” and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions.

Forward-looking statements are based on various assumptions and analyses made by us in light of our management’s experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors we believe are appropriate under the circumstances. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors (many of which are beyond our control) that could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, without limitation, the following:

 

 

 

 

the timing and occurrence or non-occurrence of events may be subject to circumstances beyond our control;

 

 

 

 

there may be increases in competitive pressure among financial institutions or from non-financial institutions;

 

 

 

 

changes in the interest rate environment may reduce interest margins or affect the value of our investments;

 

 

 

 

changes in deposit flows, loan demand or real estate values may adversely affect our business;

 

 

 

 

changes in accounting principles, policies or guidelines may cause our financial condition to be perceived differently;

 

 

 

 

general economic conditions, either nationally or locally in some or all areas in which we do business, or conditions in the securities markets or the banking industry may be less favorable than we currently anticipate;

 

 

 

 

legislative or regulatory changes may adversely affect our business;

 

 

 

 

technological changes may be more difficult or expensive than we anticipate;

 

 

 

 

success or consummation of new business initiatives may be more difficult or expensive than we anticipate; or

 

 

 

 

litigation or other matters before regulatory agencies, whether currently existing or commencing in the future, may delay the occurrence or non-occurrence of events longer than we anticipate.

We have no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this document.

Executive Summary

The following overview should be read in conjunction with our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, or MD&A, in its entirety.

Astoria Financial Corporation is a Delaware corporation organized as the unitary savings and loan association holding company of Astoria Federal. Our primary business is the operation of Astoria Federal. Astoria Federal’s principal business is attracting retail deposits from the general public and investing those deposits, together with funds generated from operations, principal

12


repayments on loans and securities and borrowings, primarily in one-to-four family mortgage loans, multi-family mortgage loans, commercial real estate loans and mortgage-backed securities. Our results of operations are dependent primarily on our net interest income, which is the difference between the interest earned on our assets, primarily our loan and securities portfolios, and the interest paid on our deposits and borrowings. Our earnings are also significantly affected by general economic and competitive conditions, particularly changes in market interest rates and U.S. Treasury yield curves, government policies and actions of regulatory authorities.

As a premier Long Island community bank, our goal is to enhance shareholder value while building a solid banking franchise. We focus on growing our core businesses of mortgage lending and retail banking while maintaining superior asset quality and controlling operating expenses. Additionally, we continue to provide returns to shareholders through increased dividends and stock repurchases. We have been successful in achieving this goal over the past several years and that trend has continued into 2006.

During the three months ended March 31, 2006, the national and local real estate markets remained strong and continued to support new and existing home sales. The Federal Open Market Committee, or FOMC, continued its policy of monetary tightening with its fifteenth consecutive Federal Funds rate increase. This policy has resulted in a significant flattening of the U.S. Treasury yield curve which continued throughout the first quarter of 2006, albeit at a slightly higher level than previously.

As a result of the U.S. Treasury yield curve environment that prevailed during 2005 and has continued in 2006, we pursued a strategy of shrinking the balance sheet through a reduction in the securities and borrowings portfolios through normal cash flow, while emphasizing deposit and loan growth.

Our total loan portfolio increased during the three months ended March 31, 2006. This increase was a result of our mortgage loan origination and purchase volume outpacing the levels of repayments during the first three months of 2006.

Total deposits increased during the three months ended March 31, 2006. This increase was primarily attributable to our Liquid certificates of deposit, or Liquid CDs, and our certificates of deposit, which include all time deposits other than Liquid CDs. Liquid CDs have maturities of three months, require the maintenance of a minimum balance and allow depositors the ability to make periodic deposits to and withdrawals from their account. We consider Liquid CDs as part of our core deposits, along with savings accounts, money market accounts and NOW and demand deposit accounts, due to their depositor flexibility. Certificates of deposit and Liquid CDs increased as a result of the continued success of our marketing campaigns which have focused on attracting these types of deposits. Growth in our certificates of deposit and Liquid CDs contributes to the management of interest rate risk, enables us to reduce our borrowing levels and continues to produce new customers from our communities, creating relationship development opportunities.

Our securities and borrowings portfolios decreased from December 31, 2005, which is consistent with our strategy of reducing these portfolios through normal cash flow in response to the continued flat U.S. Treasury yield curve.

Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2006 decreased compared to the three months ended March 31, 2005. The decrease in net income was primarily due to decreases in net interest income and non-interest income, partially offset by a decrease in non-interest expense. The

13


decrease in net interest income was the result of an increase in interest expense, coupled with a slight decrease in interest income. The increase in interest expense is primarily due to the impact of the increase in short- and medium-term interest rates on our borrowings and certificates of deposit and increases in the average balances of our certificates of deposit and Liquid CDs, partially offset by a decrease in the average balance of borrowings. The decrease in non-interest income is primarily due to a $5.5 million charge for the termination of our interest rate swap agreements in March 2006. The decrease in non-interest expense is primarily due to decreases in other expense and advertising expense.

The net interest margin and the net interest rate spread decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2006, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2005. These decreases were primarily due to the cost of our interest-bearing liabilities rising more rapidly than the yield on our interest-earning assets.

We expect the operating environment to remain challenging throughout 2006 as rising interest rates, coupled with a flat to inverted yield curve, exert further pressure on the net interest margin. As a result, we expect to continue our strategy of shrinking the balance sheet through reductions in the securities and borrowings portfolios through normal cash flow, while we emphasize deposit and loan growth, all of which should continue to improve both the quality of the balance sheet and earnings. Additionally, we expect modest net interest margin compression to continue throughout 2006 with the net interest margin declining to an average of slightly below 2.00% for the full year. As we continue to reduce the size of the balance sheet, we will continue to focus on the repurchase of our stock as a very desirable use of capital. This strategy should better position us to take advantage of more profitable asset growth opportunities when the yield curve steepens.

Available Information

Our internet website address is www.astoriafederal.com. Financial information, including our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports, can be obtained free of charge from our investor relations website at http://ir.astoriafederal.com. The above reports are available on our website immediately after they are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. Such reports are also available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

Critical Accounting Policies

Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” of our 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as supplemented by this report, contains a summary of our significant accounting policies. Various elements of our accounting policies, by their nature, are inherently subject to estimation techniques, valuation assumptions and other subjective assessments. Our policies with respect to the methodologies used to determine the allowance for loan losses, the valuation of MSR and stock-based compensation and judgments regarding goodwill and securities impairment are our most critical accounting policies because they are important to the presentation of our financial condition and results of operations, involve a higher degree of complexity and require management to make difficult and subjective judgments which often require assumptions or estimates about highly uncertain matters. The use of different judgments, assumptions and estimates could result in material differences in our results of operations or financial condition. These critical accounting policies and their application are reviewed quarterly with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. The following description of these policies should be read in conjunction with the corresponding section of our 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

14


Allowance for Loan Losses

Our allowance for loan losses is established and maintained through a provision for loan losses based on our evaluation of the risks inherent in our loan portfolio. We evaluate the adequacy of our allowance on a quarterly basis. The allowance is comprised of both specific valuation allowances and general valuation allowances.

Specific valuation allowances are established in connection with individual loan reviews and the asset classification process, including the procedures for impairment recognition under SFAS No. 114, “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan, an Amendment of FASB Statements No. 5 and 15,” and SFAS No. 118, “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan - Income Recognition and Disclosures, an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 114.” Such evaluation, which includes a review of loans on which full collectibility is not reasonably assured, considers the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, if any, current and anticipated economic and regulatory conditions, current and historical loss experience of similar loans and other factors that determine risk exposure to arrive at an adequate loan loss allowance.

Individual loan loss reviews are completed quarterly for all classified loans. Individual loan loss reviews are generally completed annually for multi-family, commercial real estate and construction loans in excess of $2.5 million, commercial business loans in excess of $200,000, one-to-four family loans in excess of $1.0 million and debt restructurings. In addition, we generally review annually at least fifty percent of the outstanding balances of multi-family, commercial real estate and construction loans to single borrowers with concentrations in excess of $2.5 million.

The primary considerations in establishing specific valuation allowances are the appraised value of a loan’s underlying collateral and the loan’s payment history. Other current and anticipated economic conditions on which our specific valuation allowances rely are the impact that national and/or local economic and business conditions may have on borrowers, the impact that local real estate markets may have on collateral values and the level and direction of interest rates and their combined effect on real estate values and the ability of borrowers to service debt. We also review all regulatory notices, bulletins and memoranda with the purpose of identifying upcoming changes in regulatory conditions which may impact our calculation of specific valuation allowances. The Office of Thrift Supervision, or OTS, periodically reviews our specific reserve methodology during regulatory examinations and any comments regarding changes to reserves are considered by management in determining specific valuation allowances.

Pursuant to our policy, loan losses are charged-off in the period the loans, or portions thereof, are deemed uncollectible. The determination of the loans on which full collectibility is not reasonably assured, the estimates of the fair value of the underlying collateral and the assessments of economic and regulatory conditions are subject to assumptions and judgments by management. Specific valuation allowances could differ materially as a result of changes in these assumptions and judgments.

General valuation allowances represent loss allowances that have been established to recognize the inherent risks associated with our lending activities, but which, unlike specific allowances, have not been allocated to particular problem loans. The determination of the adequacy of the valuation allowance takes into consideration a variety of factors. We segment our loan portfolio into like categories by composition and size and perform analyses against each category. These include historical loss experience and delinquency levels and trends. We analyze our historical loan loss experience by category (loan type) over 3, 5, 10 and 12-year periods. Losses within

15


each loan category are stress tested by applying the highest level of charge-offs and the lowest amount of recoveries as a percentage of the average portfolio balance during those respective time horizons. The resulting allowance percentages are used as an integral part of our judgment in developing estimated loss percentages to apply to the portfolio. We also consider the growth in the portfolio as well as our credit administration and asset management philosophies and procedures. In addition, we evaluate and consider the impact that existing and projected economic and market conditions may have on the portfolio as well as known and inherent risks in the portfolio. We also evaluate and consider the allowance ratios and coverage percentages set forth in both peer group and regulatory agency data; however, our focus is primarily on our historical loss experience and the impact of current economic conditions. After evaluating these variables, we determine appropriate allowance coverage percentages for each of our portfolio segments and the appropriate level of our allowance for loan losses.

Our allowance coverage percentages are used to estimate the amount of probable losses inherent in our loan portfolio in determining our general valuation allowances. Our evaluations of general valuation allowances are inherently subjective because, even though they are based on objective data, it is management’s interpretation of that data that determines the amount of the appropriate allowance. Therefore, we annually review the actual performance and charge-off history of our portfolio and compare that to our previously determined allowance coverage percentages and specific valuation allowances. In doing so, we evaluate the impact the previously mentioned variables may have had on the portfolio to determine which changes, if any, should be made to our assumptions and analyses.

Our loss experience in 2006 has been consistent with our experience over the past several years. Our 2006 analyses did not result in any change in our methodology for determining our general and specific valuation allowances or our emphasis on the factors that we consider in establishing such allowances. Accordingly, such analyses did not indicate that changes in our allowance coverage percentages were required. We believe our current allowance for loan losses is adequate to reflect the risks inherent in our loan portfolio.

Actual results could differ from our estimates as a result of changes in economic or market conditions. Changes in estimates could result in a material change in the allowance for loan losses. While we believe that the allowance for loan losses has been established and maintained at levels that reflect the risks inherent in our loan portfolio, future adjustments may be necessary if economic or market conditions differ substantially from the conditions that existed at the time of the initial determinations.

For additional information regarding our allowance for loan losses, see “Provision for Loan Losses” and “Asset Quality” in this document and Part II, Item 7, “MD&A,” in our 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Valuation of MSR

The cost of MSR is amortized over the estimated remaining lives of the loans serviced. MSR are carried at amortized cost less impairment, if any, which is recognized through a valuation allowance through charges to earnings. Impairment exists if the carrying value of MSR exceeds the estimated fair value. The estimated fair value of MSR is obtained through independent third party valuations.

At March 31, 2006, our MSR, net, had an estimated fair value of $16.5 million and were valued based on expected future cash flows considering a weighted average discount rate of 9.05%, a weighted average constant prepayment rate on mortgages of 14.96% and a weighted average life

16


of 5.0 years. At December 31, 2005, our MSR, net, had an estimated fair value of $16.5 million and were valued based on expected future cash flows considering a weighted average discount rate of 9.07%, a weighted average constant prepayment rate on mortgages of 15.84% and a weighted average life of 4.7 years.

The fair value of MSR is highly sensitive to changes in assumptions. Changes in prepayment speed assumptions have the most significant impact on the fair value of our MSR. Generally, as interest rates decline, mortgage loan prepayments accelerate due to increased refinance activity, which results in a decrease in the fair value of MSR. As interest rates rise, mortgage loan prepayments slow down, which results in an increase in the fair value of MSR. Assuming an increase in interest rates of 100 basis points at March 31, 2006, the estimated fair value of our MSR would have been $3.1 million greater. Assuming a decrease in interest rates of 100 basis points at March 31, 2006, the estimated fair value of our MSR would have been $5.1 million lower.

Stock-Based Compensation

We recognize the cost of employee services received in exchange for awards of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of those awards, in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R), for all awards granted, modified, repurchased or cancelled after January 1, 2006 and for the portion of outstanding awards for which the requisite service has not yet been rendered, based on the grant-date fair value of those awards calculated under SFAS No. 123 for pro forma disclosures. See Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements (Unaudited),” for further discussion of the impact of our adoption of SFAS No. 123(R).

We estimate the per share fair value of option grants on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using assumptions for the expected dividend yield, expected stock price volatility, risk-free interest rate and expected option term. These assumptions are based on our analysis of our historical option exercise experience and our judgments regarding future option exercise experience and market conditions. These assumptions are subjective in nature, involve uncertainties and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision. The Black-Scholes option pricing model also contains certain inherent limitations when applied to options that are not traded on public markets.

The per share fair value of options is highly sensitive to changes in assumptions. In general, the per share fair value of options will move in the same direction as changes in the expected stock price volatility, risk-free interest rate and expected option term, and in the opposite direction as changes in the expected dividend yield. For example, the per share fair value of options will generally increase as expected stock price volatility increases, risk-free interest rate increases, expected option term increases and expected dividend yield decreases. The use of different assumptions or different option pricing models could result in materially different per share fair values of options.

Goodwill Impairment

Goodwill is presumed to have an indefinite useful life and is tested, at least annually, for impairment at the reporting unit level. Impairment exists when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. At March 31, 2006, the carrying amount of our goodwill totaled $185.2 million. When performing the impairment test, if the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not considered impaired.

17


On September 30, 2005 we performed our annual goodwill impairment test. We determined the fair value of our reporting unit to be in excess of its carrying amount by $1.44 billion, using the quoted market price of our common stock on our impairment testing date as the basis for determining the fair value. Accordingly, as of our annual impairment test date, there was no indication of goodwill impairment. We would test our goodwill for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of our reporting unit below its carrying amount. No events have occurred and no circumstances have changed since our annual impairment test date that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of our reporting unit below its carrying amount. The identification of additional reporting units or the use of other valuation techniques could result in materially different evaluations of impairment.

Securities Impairment

Our available-for-sale securities portfolio is carried at estimated fair value, with any unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, reported as accumulated other comprehensive income/loss in stockholders’ equity. Debt securities which we have the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity and are carried at amortized cost. The fair values of our securities, which are primarily fixed rate mortgage-backed securities at March 31, 2006, are based on published or securities dealers’ market values and are affected by changes in interest rates. In general, as interest rates rise, the fair value of fixed rate securities will decrease; as interest rates fall, the fair value of fixed rate securities will increase. We conduct a periodic review and evaluation of the securities portfolio to determine if the decline in the fair value of any security below its cost basis is other-than-temporary. We generally view changes in fair value caused by changes in interest rates as temporary, which is consistent with our experience. If we deem such decline to be other-than-temporary, the security is written down to a new cost basis and the resulting loss is charged to earnings as a component of non-interest income. At March 31, 2006, we had 234 securities with an estimated fair value totaling $5.97 billion which had an unrealized loss totaling $243.1 million. Of the securities in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2006, $4.20 billion, with an unrealized loss of $205.7 million, have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for more than twelve months. At March 31, 2006, the impairments are deemed temporary based on the direct relationship of the decline in fair value to movements in interest rates, the estimated remaining life and high credit quality of the investments and our ability and intent to hold these investments until there is a full recovery of the unrealized loss, which may be maturity. There were no other-than-temporary impairment write-downs during the three months ended March 31, 2006.

In November 2005, the FASB issued Staff Position Nos. 115-1 and 124-1, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments,” or FSP No. 115-1, which addresses the determination of when an investment is considered impaired, whether the impairment is other-than-temporary and how to measure an impairment loss. FSP No. 115-1 was effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2005. Our application of FSP No. 115-1 effective January 1, 2006 did not have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary source of funds is cash provided by principal and interest payments on loans and securities. The most significant liquidity challenge we face is the variability in cash flows as a result of changes in mortgage refinance activity. Principal payments on loans and securities totaled $900.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and $1.23 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2005. The decrease in loan and securities repayments was primarily

18


the result of the lower levels of mortgage loan refinance activity we experienced during the three months ended March 31, 2006, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2005.

In addition to cash provided by principal and interest payments on loans and securities, our other sources of funds include cash provided by operating activities, deposits and borrowings. Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $86.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2006 and $89.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2005. Deposits increased $178.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2006 and $246.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2005. The net increases in deposits for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 reflect our continued emphasis on attracting customer deposits through competitive rates, extensive product offerings, quality service and marketing campaigns. As previously discussed, the net increases in deposits for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 are primarily attributable to increases in certificates of deposit and Liquid CDs as a result of the success of our marketing campaigns which have focused on attracting these types of deposits. During the three months ended March 31, 2006, certificates of deposit that were issued or repriced with a term of twelve months or longer totaled $564.7 million and had a weighted average rate of 4.58% and a weighted average maturity at inception of eighteen months.

Net borrowings decreased $343.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2006 and $488.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2005. The decreases in net borrowings during the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 reflect our strategy of reducing the securities and borrowings portfolios through normal cash flow in response to the continued flat U.S. Treasury yield curve.

Our primary use of funds is for the origination and purchase of mortgage loans. Gross mortgage loans originated and purchased during the three months ended March 31, 2006 totaled $750.4 million, of which $645.3 million were originations and $105.1 million were purchases. This compares to gross mortgage loans originated and purchased during the three months ended March 31, 2005 totaling $1.01 billion, of which $726.7 million were originations and $282.9 million were purchases. Total mortgage loans originated include originations of loans held-for-sale totaling $51.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2006 and $75.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2005. Consistent with our strategy of reducing our securities and borrowing portfolios in the continued flat yield curve environment, we did not purchase any securities during the three months ended March 31, 2006.

We maintain liquidity levels to meet our operational needs in the normal course of our business. The levels of our liquid assets during any given period are dependent on our operating, investing and financing activities. Cash and due from banks and repurchase agreements, our most liquid assets, totaled $360.2 million at March 31, 2006 and $352.0 million at December 31, 2005. Borrowings maturing over the next twelve months total $2.20 billion with a weighted average rate of 3.34%. We have the flexibility to either repay or rollover these borrowings as they mature. In addition, we have $5.25 billion in certificates of deposit and Liquid CDs with a weighted average rate of 3.82% maturing over the next twelve months. We expect to retain or replace a significant portion of such deposits based on our competitive pricing and historical experience.

19


The following table details our borrowing, certificate of deposit and Liquid CD maturities and their weighted average rates at March 31, 2006:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings

 

Certificates of Deposit
and Liquid CDs

 

 

 


 


 

(Dollars in Millions)

 

Amount

 

Weighted
Average

Rate

 

Amount

 

Weighted
Average

Rate

 






 





Contractual Maturity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Within twelve months

 

$

2,199

 (1)

 

  3.34%

 

$

5,249

 

 

  3.82%

 

Thirteen to twenty-four months

 

 

1,720

 (2)

 

3.32

 

 

1,816

 

 

4.09

 

Twenty-five to thirty-six months

 

 

2,500

 (3)

 

4.92

 

 

851

 

 

4.22

 

Thirty-seven to forty-eight months

 

 

300

 

 

4.75

 

 

298

 

 

4.14

 

Forty-nine to sixty months

 

 

 

 

 

 

149

 

 

4.38

 

Over five years

 

 

879

 (4)

 

5.19

 

 

26

 

 

4.24

 















Total

 

$

7,598

 

 

  4.13%

 

$

8,389

 

 

  3.94%

 
















 

 

(1)

Includes $579.0 million of overnight and other short-term borrowings with a weighted average rate of 4.91%.

(2)

Includes $300.0 million of borrowings, with a weighted average rate of 5.18%, which are callable by the counterparty within the next twelve months and at various times thereafter.

(3)

Includes $1.88 billion of borrowings, with a weighted average rate of 5.29%, which are callable by the counterparty within the next twelve months and at various times thereafter.

(4)

Includes $200.0 million of borrowings, with a weighted average rate of 3.79%, which are callable by the counterparty within the next twelve months and at various times thereafter, and $300.0 million of borrowings, with a weighted average rate of 3.70%, which are callable by the counterparty within thirteen to twenty-four months and at various times thereafter.

Additional sources of liquidity at the holding company level have included issuances of securities into the capital markets, including private issuances of trust preferred securities through our subsidiary, Astoria Capital Trust I, and senior debt. Holding company debt obligations are included in other borrowings. Our ability to continue to access the capital markets for additional financing at favorable terms may be limited by, among other things, market demand, interest rates, our capital levels, Astoria Federal’s ability to pay dividends to Astoria Financial Corporation, our credit profile and ratings and our business model.

Astoria Financial Corporation’s primary uses of funds include payment of dividends, payment of principal and interest on its debt obligations and repurchases of common stock. Astoria Financial Corporation paid interest on its debt obligations totaling $1.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2006. Our payment of dividends and repurchases of our common stock totaled $96.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2006. Our ability to pay dividends, service our debt obligations and repurchase common stock is dependent primarily upon receipt of capital distributions from Astoria Federal. Since Astoria Federal is a federally chartered savings association, there are limits on its ability to make distributions to Astoria Financial Corporation. During the three months ended March 31, 2006, Astoria Federal paid dividends to Astoria Financial Corporation totaling $150.0 million.

On March 1, 2006, we paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.24 per share on shares of our common stock outstanding as of the close of business on February 15, 2006 totaling $23.4 million. On April 19, 2006, we declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.24 per share on shares of our common stock payable on June 1, 2006 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on May 15, 2006.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2006, we completed our tenth stock repurchase plan, which was approved by our Board of Directors on May 19, 2004 and authorized the purchase, at management’s discretion, of 12,000,000 shares, or approximately 10% of our common stock then outstanding, over a two year period in open-market or privately negotiated transactions. On

20


December 21, 2005, our Board of Directors approved our eleventh stock repurchase plan authorizing the purchase, at management’s discretion, of 10,000,000 shares, or approximately 10% of our common stock outstanding, through December 31, 2007 in open-market or privately negotiated transactions. Stock repurchases under our eleventh stock repurchase plan commenced immediately following the completion of the tenth stock repurchase plan on January 10, 2006. Under these plans, during the three months ended March 31, 2006, we repurchased 2,480,000 shares of our common stock, at an aggregate cost of $72.6 million, of which 2,217,700 shares were acquired pursuant to our eleventh stock repurchase plan. For further information on our common stock repurchases, see Part II, Item 2, “Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.”

See “Financial Condition” for a further discussion of the changes in stockholders’ equity.

At March 31, 2006, Astoria Federal’s capital levels exceeded all of its regulatory capital requirements with a tangible capital ratio of 6.19%, leverage capital ratio of 6.19% and total risk-based capital ratio of 11.75%. The minimum regulatory requirements are a tangible capital ratio of 1.50%, leverage capital ratio of 4.00% and total risk-based capital ratio of 8.00%. As of March 31, 2006, Astoria Federal continues to be a well capitalized institution.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations

We are a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of our business in order to meet the financing needs of our customers and in connection with our overall interest rate risk management strategy. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit, interest rate and liquidity risk. In accordance with GAAP, these instruments are either not recorded in the consolidated financial statements or are recorded in amounts that differ from the notional amounts. Such instruments primarily include lending commitments, lease commitments and derivative instruments.

Lending commitments include commitments to originate and purchase loans and commitments to fund unused lines of credit. Derivative instruments may include interest rate caps, locks and swaps which are recorded as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial condition at fair value. Additionally, in connection with our mortgage banking activities, we have commitments to fund loans held-for-sale and commitments to sell loans which are considered derivative instruments. Commitments to sell loans totaled $59.2 million at March 31, 2006. The fair values of our mortgage banking derivative instruments are immaterial to our financial condition and results of operations. We also have contractual obligations related to operating lease commitments which have not changed significantly from December 31, 2005.

The following table details our contractual obligations at March 31, 2006.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payments due by period

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

Total

 

Less than
One Year

 

One to
Three Years

 

Three to
Five Years

 

More than
Five Years

 













Contractual Obligations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings with original terms greater than three months

 

$

7,018,866

 

$

1,620,000

 

$

4,220,000

 

$

300,000

 

$

878,866

 

Commitments to originate and purchase loans (1)

 

 

445,017

 

 

445,017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments to fund unused lines of credit (2)

 

 

440,415

 

 

440,415

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


















Total

 

$

7,904,298

 

$

2,505,432

 

$

4,220,000

 

$

300,000

 

$

878,866

 



















 

 

(1)

Includes $45.8 million of commitments to originate loans held-for-sale.

(2)

Unused lines of credit relate primarily to home equity lines of credit.

In addition to the contractual obligations previously discussed, we have contingent liabilities related to assets sold with recourse and standby letters of credit. Contingent liabilities related to assets sold with recourse and standby letters of credit as of March 31, 2006 have not changed significantly from December 31, 2005.

21


For further information regarding our off-balance sheet arrangements and contractual obligations, see Part II, Item 7, “MD&A,” in our 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Loan Portfolio

The following table sets forth the composition of our loans receivable portfolio in dollar amounts and in percentages of the portfolio at the dates indicated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At March 31, 2006

 

At December 31, 2005

 

 

 





(Dollars in Thousands)

 

Amount

 

Percent
of Total

 

Amount

 

Percent
of Total

 











 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage loans (gross):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One-to-four family

 

$

9,846,475

 

 

67.92

%

$

9,757,920

 

 

68.24

%

Multi-family

 

 

2,910,438

 

 

20.08

 

 

2,826,807

 

 

19.77

 

Commercial real estate

 

 

1,104,193

 

 

7.62

 

 

1,075,914

 

 

7.52

 

Construction

 

 

148,932

 

 

1.03

 

 

137,012

 

 

0.96

 















Total mortgage loans

 

 

14,010,038

 

 

96.65

 

 

13,797,653

 

 

96.49

 















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer and other loans (gross):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Home equity

 

 

444,455

 

 

3.07

 

 

460,064

 

 

3.22

 

Commercial

 

 

24,954

 

 

0.17

 

 

24,644

 

 

0.17

 

Other

 

 

16,349

 

 

0.11

 

 

17,796

 

 

0.12

 















Total consumer and other loans

 

 

485,758

 

 

3.35

 

 

502,504

 

 

3.51

 















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total loans (gross)

 

 

14,495,796

 

 

100.00

%

 

14,300,157

 

 

100.00

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net unamortized premiums and deferred loan costs

 

 

94,148

 

 

 

 

 

92,136

 

 

 

 















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total loans

 

 

14,589,944

 

 

 

 

 

14,392,293

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for loan losses

 

 

(81,143

)

 

 

 

 

(81,159

)

 

 

 















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total loans, net

 

$

14,508,801

 

 

 

 

$

14,311,134

 

 

 

 















22


Securities Portfolio

The following table sets forth the amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities available-for-sale and held-to-maturity at the dates indicated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At March 31, 2006

 

At December 31, 2005

 

 

 




 

(In Thousands)

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Estimated
Fair

Value

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Estimated
Fair

Value

 















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Securities available-for-sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage-backed securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REMICs and CMOs (1):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GSE (2) issuance

 

$

1,576,493

 

$

1,480,383

 

$

1,645,961

 

$

1,567,312

 

Non-GSE issuance

 

 

59,078

 

 

54,805

 

 

61,735

 

 

57,938

 

GSE pass-through certificates

 

 

85,900

 

 

87,417

 

 

91,211

 

 

93,124

 















Total mortgage-backed securities

 

 

1,721,471

 

 

1,622,605

 

 

1,798,907

 

 

1,718,374

 















Other securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FNMA and FHLMC preferred stock

 

 

123,495

 

 

122,550

 

 

123,495

 

 

120,495

 

Other securities

 

 

1,252

 

 

1,230

 

 

2,503

 

 

2,482

 















Total other securities

 

 

124,747

 

 

123,780

 

 

125,998

 

 

122,977

 















Total securities available-for-sale

 

$

1,846,218

 

$

1,746,385

 

$

1,924,905

 

$

1,841,351

 















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Securities held-to-maturity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage-backed securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REMICs and CMOs:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GSE issuance

 

$

4,121,178

 

$

3,994,630

 

$

4,346,631

 

$

4,250,726

 

Non-GSE issuance

 

 

334,843

 

 

320,000

 

 

354,395

 

 

346,099

 

GSE pass-through certificates

 

 

5,101

 

 

5,227

 

 

5,737

 

 

5,926

 















Total mortgage-backed securities

 

 

4,461,122

 

 

4,319,857

 

 

4,706,763

 

 

4,602,751

 

Obligations of states and political sub-divisions and corporate debt securities

 

 

19,744

 

 

19,733

 

 

24,190

 

 

24,262

 















Total securities held-to-maturity

 

$

4,480,866

 

$

4,339,590

 

$

4,730,953

 

$

4,627,013

 
















 

 

(1)

Real estate mortgage investment conduits and collateralized mortgage obligations

(2)

Government-sponsored enterprise

23


Comparison of Financial Condition as of March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 and Operating Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 and 2005

Financial Condition

Total assets decreased $142.3 million to $22.24 billion at March 31, 2006, from $22.38 billion at December 31, 2005, consistent with our strategy of balance sheet reduction in the current flat yield curve environment. The decrease in total assets primarily reflects a decrease in securities, partially offset by an increase in loans receivable.

Mortgage loans, net, increased $214.7 million to $14.09 billion at March 31, 2006, from $13.88 billion at December 31, 2005. This increase was due to increases in each of our mortgage loan portfolios. Gross mortgage loans originated and purchased during the three months ended March 31, 2006 totaled $750.4 million, of which $645.3 million were originations and $105.1 million were purchases. This compares to gross mortgage loans originated and purchased during the three months ended March 31, 2005 totaling $1.01 billion, of which $726.7 million were originations and $282.9 million were purchases. Total mortgage loans originated include originations of loans held-for-sale totaling $51.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2006 and $75.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2005. Mortgage loan repayments decreased to $498.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006, from $638.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005, which reflects the lower levels of refinance activity.

Our mortgage loan portfolio, as well as our originations and purchases, continues to consist primarily of one-to-four family mortgage loans. Our one-to-four family mortgage loans increased $88.6 million to $9.85 billion at March 31, 2006, from $9.76 billion at December 31, 2005, and represented 67.9% of our total loan portfolio at March 31, 2006. The lower levels of loan prepayments and continued purchase mortgage market activity resulted in continued one-to-four family mortgage loan portfolio growth.

Our multi-family mortgage loan portfolio increased $83.6 million to $2.91 billion at March 31, 2006, from $2.83 billion at December 31, 2005. Our commercial real estate loan portfolio increased $28.3 million to $1.10 billion at March 31, 2006, from $1.08 billion at December 31, 2005. These increases were the result of continued strong origination volume, coupled with reduced prepayment activity. Multi-family and commercial real estate loan originations totaled $217.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and $256.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005. The average loan balance within our combined multi-family and commercial real estate portfolio continues to be less than $1.0 million and the average loan-to-value ratio, based on current principal balance and original appraised value, continues to be less than 65%.

Securities decreased $345.1 million to $6.23 billion at March 31, 2006, from $6.57 billion at December 31, 2005. This decrease was primarily the result of principal payments received of $329.3 million, which reflects our previously discussed strategy of reducing the securities and borrowings portfolios through normal cash flow in the current interest rate environment, coupled with a net decrease of $16.3 million in the fair value of our securities available-for-sale. Our securities portfolio is comprised primarily of fixed rate REMIC and CMO securities. The amortized cost of our fixed rate REMICs and CMOs totaled $6.08 billion at March 31, 2006 and had a weighted average current coupon of 4.30%, a weighted average collateral coupon of 5.74% and a weighted average life of 3.9 years.

Deposits increased $178.5 million to $12.99 billion at March 31, 2006, from $12.81 billion at December 31, 2005, primarily due to increases in Liquid CDs and certificates of deposit, partially offset by decreases in savings, money market and NOW and demand deposit accounts.

24


Liquid CDs increased $223.3 million to $843.1 million at March 31, 2006, from $619.8 million at December 31, 2005. Certificates of deposit increased $85.2 million to $7.55 billion at March 31, 2006, from $7.46 billion at December 31, 2005. Our Liquid CDs and certificates of deposit increased primarily as a result of the continued success of our marketing campaigns previously discussed. We continue to experience intense competition for deposits. Savings accounts decreased $72.8 million since December 31, 2005 to $2.44 billion at March 31, 2006. Money market accounts decreased $50.0 million since December 31, 2005 to $598.8 million at March 31, 2006. NOW and demand deposit accounts decreased slightly since December 31, 2005 to $1.56 billion at March 31, 2006.

Total borrowings, net, decreased $343.1 million to $7.59 billion at March 31, 2006, from $7.94 billion at December 31, 2005, primarily due to a decrease in reverse repurchase agreements. The net decrease in total borrowings reflects our previously discussed strategy of reducing the securities and borrowings portfolios. For additional information, see “Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

Stockholders’ equity decreased to $1.31 billion at March 31, 2006, from $1.35 billion at December 31, 2005. The decrease in stockholders’ equity was the result of common stock repurchased of $72.6 million, dividends declared of $23.4 million and an increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, of $9.4 million, which was primarily due to the net decrease in the fair value of our securities available-for-sale. These decreases were partially offset by net income of $48.9 million, the effect of stock options exercised and related tax benefit of $12.1 million and amortization relating to stock-based compensation and the allocation of shares held by the employee stock ownership plan, or ESOP, of $3.5 million.

Results of Operations

General

Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2006 decreased $10.6 million to $48.9 million, from $59.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005. Diluted earnings per common share totaled $0.49 per share for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and $0.57 per share for the three months ended March 31, 2005. Return on average assets decreased to 0.88% for the three months ended March 31, 2006, from 1.02% for the three months ended March 31, 2005. Return on average stockholders’ equity decreased to 14.77% for the three months ended March 31, 2006, from 17.42% for the three months ended March 31, 2005. Return on average tangible stockholders’ equity, which represents average stockholders’ equity less average goodwill, decreased to 17.17% for the three months ended March 31, 2006, from 20.15% for the three months ended March 31, 2005. The decreases in these returns were primarily due to the decrease in net income. As previously discussed, we recognized a $5.5 million pre-tax ($3.6 million after tax) charge in March 2006 for the termination of our interest rate swap agreements. See “Non-Interest Income” for further discussion.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income represents the difference between income on interest-earning assets and expense on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income depends primarily upon the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the corresponding interest rates earned or paid. Our net interest income is significantly impacted by changes in interest rates and market yield curves and their related impact on cash flows. See Item 3, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” for further discussion of the potential impact of changes in interest rates on our results of operations.

For the three months ended March 31, 2006, net interest income decreased $13.7 million to $111.5 million, from $125.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005. The decrease in net

25


interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2006 was the result of an increase in interest expense, coupled with a slight decrease in interest income. The increase in interest expense was primarily due to the impact of the increase in short- and medium-term interest rates on our borrowings and certificates of deposit and increases in the average balances of our certificates of deposit and Liquid CDs, partially offset by a decrease in the average balance of borrowings. The decrease in interest income was primarily due to a decrease in the average balance of mortgage-backed and other securities, partially offset by an increase in the average balance of mortgage loans.

The average balance of net interest-earning assets increased $18.2 million to $667.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006, from $649.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005. This increase was primarily due to a decrease in the average balance of borrowings and an increase in the average balance of mortgage loans, substantially offset by a decrease in the average balance of mortgage-backed and other securities and an increase in the average balance of deposits.

The net interest margin decreased to 2.10% for the three months ended March 31, 2006, from 2.24% for the three months ended March 31, 2005. The net interest rate spread decreased to 2.01% for the three months ended March 31, 2006, from 2.16% for the three months ended March 31, 2005. The decreases in the net interest margin and the net interest rate spread were primarily due to the cost of our interest-bearing liabilities rising more rapidly than the yield on our interest-earning assets. Our short-term borrowings reprice frequently, reflecting increases in interest rates more rapidly than our mortgage loans and securities which have longer repricing intervals and terms.

The changes in average interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and their related yields and costs are discussed in greater detail under “Interest Income” and “Interest Expense.”

Analysis of Net Interest Income

The following table sets forth certain information about the average balances of our assets and liabilities and their related yields and costs for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005. Average yields are derived by dividing income by the average balance of the related assets and average costs are derived by dividing expense by the average balance of the related liabilities, for the periods shown. Average balances are derived from average daily balances. The yields and costs include amortization of fees, costs, premiums and discounts which are considered adjustments to interest rates.

26


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 



 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 





(Dollars in Thousands)

 

Average
Balance

 

Interest

 

 

Average
Yield/
Cost

Average
Balance

 

Interest

 

 

Average
Yield/
Cost















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Annualized)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Annualized)

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest-earning assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage loans (1):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One-to-four family

 

$

9,890,392

 

$

124,885

 

 

5.05

%

$

9,270,153

 

$

111,582

 

 

4.81

%

Multi-family, commercial real estate and construction

 

 

4,091,568

 

 

62,259

 

 

6.09

 

 

3,680,918

 

 

58,196

 

 

6.32

 

Consumer and other loans (1)

 

 

506,184

 

 

8,847

 

 

6.99

 

 

522,515

 

 

6,781

 

 

5.19

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

Total loans

 

 

14,488,144

 

 

195,991

 

 

5.41

 

 

13,473,586

 

 

176,559

 

 

5.24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage-backed and other securities (2)

 

 

6,428,383

 

 

71,895

 

 

4.47

 

 

8,524,571

 

 

93,922

 

 

4.41

 

Repurchase agreements

 

 

150,950

 

 

1,643

 

 

4.35

 

 

243,598

 

 

1,449

 

 

2.38

 

FHLB-NY stock

 

 

138,804

 

 

1,689

 

 

4.87

 

 

142,347

 

 

1,173

 

 

3.30

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

Total interest-earning assets

 

 

21,206,281

 

 

271,218

 

 

5.12

 

 

22,384,102

 

 

273,103

 

 

4.88

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

 

185,151

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

185,151

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other non-interest-earning assets

 

 

807,781

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

863,209

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

22,199,213

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

23,432,462

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest-bearing liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Savings

 

$

2,468,120

 

 

2,450

 

 

0.40

 

$

2,870,120

 

 

2,842

 

 

0.40

 

Money market

 

 

620,969

 

 

1,473

 

 

0.95

 

 

915,147

 

 

1,922

 

 

0.84

 

NOW and demand deposit

 

 

1,516,024

 

 

220

 

 

0.06

 

 

1,560,087

 

 

230

 

 

0.06

 

Liquid CDs

 

 

729,669

 

 

7,055

 

 

3.87

 

 

176,275

 

 

1,073

 

 

2.43

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

Total core deposits

 

 

5,334,782

 

 

11,198

 

 

0.84

 

 

5,521,629

 

 

6,067

 

 

0.44

 

Certificates of deposit

 

 

7,550,703

 

 

71,507

 

 

3.79

 

 

6,933,248

 

 

58,893

 

 

3.40

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

Total deposits

 

 

12,885,485

 

 

82,705

 

 

2.57

 

 

12,454,877

 

 

64,960

 

 

2.09

 

Borrowings

 

 

7,653,012

 

 

76,967

 

 

4.02

 

 

9,279,580

 

 

82,930

 

 

3.57

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

Total interest-bearing liabilities

 

 

20,538,497

 

 

159,672

 

 

3.11

 

 

21,734,457

 

 

147,890

 

 

2.72

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Non-interest-bearing liabilities

 

 

335,757

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

331,872

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

 

 

20,874,254

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

22,066,329

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity

 

 

1,324,959

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,366,133

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’equity

 

$

22,199,213

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

23,432,462

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net interest income/net interest rate spread (3)

 

 

 

 

$

111,546

 

 

2.01

%

 

 

 

$

125,213

 

 

2.16

%

 

 

 

 

 



 

 


 

 

 

 



 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net interest-earning assets/net interest margin (4)

 

$

667,784

 

 

 

 

 

2.10

%

$

649,645

 

 

 

 

 

2.24

%

 

 



 

 

 

 

 


 



 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities

 

 

1.03

x

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.03

x

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

(1)

Mortgage loans and consumer and other loans include loans held-for-sale and non-performing loans and exclude the allowance for loan losses.

(2)

Securities available-for-sale are included at average amortized cost.

(3)

Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the average yield on average interest-earning assets and the average cost of average interest-bearing liabilities.

(4)

Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.

27


Rate/Volume Analysis

The following table presents the extent to which changes in interest rates and changes in the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities have affected our interest income and interest expense during the periods indicated. Information is provided in each category with respect to (1) the changes attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate), (2) the changes attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume), and (3) the net change. The changes attributable to the combined impact of volume and rate have been allocated proportionately to the changes due to volume and the changes due to rate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2006
Compared to

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2005

 

 

 



 

 

Increase (Decrease)

 

 

 



(In Thousands)

 

Volume

 

Rate

 

Net

 









Interest-earning assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage loans:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One-to-four family

 

$

7,620

 

$

5,683

 

$

13,303

 

Multi-family, commercial real estate and construction

 

 

6,256

 

 

(2,193

)

 

4,063

 

Consumer and other loans

 

 

(218

)

 

2,284

 

 

2,066

 

Mortgage-backed and other securities

 

 

(23,296

)

 

1,269

 

 

(22,027

)

Repurchase agreements

 

 

(694

)

 

888

 

 

194

 

FHLB-NY stock

 

 

(30

)

 

546

 

 

516

 












Total

 

 

(10,362

)

 

8,477

 

 

(1,885

)












Interest-bearing liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Savings

 

 

(392

)

 

 

 

(392

)

Money market

 

 

(677

)

 

228

 

 

(449

)

NOW and demand deposit

 

 

(10

)

 

 

 

(10

)

Liquid CDs

 

 

5,032

 

 

950

 

 

5,982

 

Certificates of deposit

 

 

5,513

 

 

7,101

 

 

12,614

 

Borrowings

 

 

(15,614

)

 

9,651

 

 

(5,963

)












Total

 

 

(6,148

)

 

17,930

 

 

11,782

 












Net change in net interest income

 

$

(4,214

)

$

(9,453

)

$

(13,667

)












Interest Income

Interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2006 decreased $1.9 million to $271.2 million, from $273.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005. This decrease was primarily the result of a decrease of $1.17 billion in the average balance of interest-earning assets to $21.21 billion, from $22.38 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2005, partially offset by an increase in the average yield on interest-earning assets to 5.12% for the three months ended March 31, 2006, from 4.88% for the three months ended March 31, 2005. The decrease in the average balance of interest-earning assets was primarily due to a decrease in the average balance of mortgage-backed and other securities, partially offset by an increase in the average balance of mortgage loans. The increase in the average yield on interest-earning assets was primarily the result of rising interest rates.

Interest income on one-to-four family mortgage loans increased $13.3 million to $124.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006, from $111.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005, which was primarily the result of an increase of $620.2 million in the average balance of such loans, coupled with an increase in the average yield to 5.05% for the three months ended March 31, 2006, from 4.81% for the three months ended March 31, 2005. The increase in the average balance of one-to-four family mortgage loans is the result of the strong levels of originations and purchases which have outpaced the levels of repayments over the past

28


year. The increase in the average yield on one-to-four family mortgage loans is primarily due to the impact of the rising interest rate environment on our adjustable rate mortgage loans, coupled with a decrease in net premium amortization. Net premium amortization on one-to-four family mortgage loans decreased $1.2 million to $3.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006, from $4.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005, primarily due to lower repayment levels.

Interest income on multi-family, commercial real estate and construction loans increased $4.1 million to $62.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006, from $58.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005, which was primarily the result of an increase of $410.7 million in the average balance of such loans, partially offset by a decrease in the average yield to 6.09% for the three months ended March 31, 2006, from 6.32% for the three months ended March 31, 2005. The increase in the average balance of multi-family, commercial real estate and construction loans reflects the continued strong levels of originations, which have outpaced the levels of repayments. Repayment activity within this portfolio is generally not as significant as in our one-to-four family mortgage loan portfolio due, in part, to the prepayment penalties associated with these loans. The decrease in the average yield on multi-family, commercial real estate and construction loans is primarily due to a decrease of $1.8 million in prepayment penalties to $1.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006, compared to $3.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005.

Interest income on consumer and other loans increased $2.0 million to $8.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006, from $6.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005, primarily due to an increase in the average yield to 6.99% for the three months ended March 31, 2006, from 5.19% for the three months ended March 31, 2005, slightly offset by a decrease of $16.3 million in the average balance of the portfolio. The increase in the average yield on consumer and other loans was primarily the result of an increase in the average yield on our home equity lines of credit which are adjustable rate loans which generally reset monthly and are indexed to the prime rate. The prime rate increased 200 basis points during 2005 and 50 basis points during the three months ended March 31, 2006. Home equity lines of credit represented 91.5% of this portfolio at March 31, 2006.

Interest income on mortgage-backed and other securities decreased $22.0 million to $71.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006, from $93.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005. This decrease was primarily the result of a decrease of $2.10 billion in the average balance of the portfolio, slightly offset by an increase in the average yield to 4.47% for the three months ended March 31, 2006, from 4.41% for the three months ended March 31, 2005. The decrease in the average balance of mortgage-backed and other securities reflects our previously discussed strategy of reducing the securities and borrowings portfolios.

Interest Expense

Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2006 increased $11.8 million to $159.7 million, from $147.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005. This increase was primarily the result of an increase in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities to 3.11% for the three months ended March 31, 2006, from 2.72% for the three months ended March 31, 2005, partially offset by a $1.19 billion decrease in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities to $20.54 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2006, from $21.73 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2005. The decrease in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities was primarily due to a decrease in the average balance of borrowings, partially offset by an increase in the average balance of deposits. The increase in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities was primarily due to the impact of the increase in short- and medium-term

29


interest rates over the past year on our short-term borrowings and certificates of deposit, coupled with the impact of the increases in the average balances of certificates of deposit and Liquid CDs, which have a higher average cost than our other deposit products.

Interest expense on deposits increased $17.7 million to $82.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006, from $65.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005, primarily due to an increase of $430.6 million in the average balance of total deposits, coupled with an increase in the average cost of total deposits to 2.57% for the three months ended March 31, 2006, from 2.09% for the three months ended March 31, 2005. The increase in the average balance of total deposits was primarily the result of increases in the average balances of certificates of deposit and Liquid CDs, partially offset by decreases in the average balances of savings, money market and NOW and demand deposit accounts primarily as a result of continued intense competition for these types of deposits. The increase in the average cost of total deposits was primarily due to the impact of the increase in short- and medium-term interest rates on our certificates of deposit, coupled with the increases in the average balances of certificates of deposit and Liquid CDs.

Interest expense on certificates of deposit increased $12.6 million to $71.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006, from $58.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005, primarily due to an increase in the average cost to 3.79% for the three months ended March 31, 2006, from 3.40% for the three months ended March 31, 2005, coupled with an increase of $617.5 billion in the average balance. During the three months ended March 31, 2006, $1.31 billion of certificates of deposit, with a weighted average rate of 3.14% and a weighted average maturity at inception of sixteen months, matured and $1.32 billion of certificates of deposit were issued or repriced, with a weighted average rate of 4.41% and a weighted average maturity at inception of ten months. Interest expense on Liquid CDs increased $6.0 million to $7.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006, from $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005, primarily due to an increase of $553.4 million in the average balance, coupled with an increase in the average cost to 3.87% for the three months ended March 31, 2006, from 2.43% for the three months ended March 31, 2005. The increases in the average balances of certificates of deposit and Liquid CDs were primarily a result of the success of our marketing campaigns which focused on attracting these types of deposits. Growth in our certificates of deposit and Liquid CDs contributes to the management of interest rate risk, enables us to reduce our borrowing levels and continues to produce new customers from our communities, creating relationship development opportunities.

Interest expense on borrowings for the three months ended March 31, 2006 decreased $5.9 million to $77.0 million, from $82.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005, resulting from a decrease of $1.63 billion in the average balance, partially offset by an increase in the average cost to 4.02% for the three months ended March 31, 2006, from 3.57% for the three months ended March 31, 2005. The decrease in the average balance of borrowings was primarily the result of our previously discussed strategy of reducing the securities and borrowings portfolios. The increase in the average cost of borrowings reflects the impact of the increase in short-term interest rates over the past year on our short-term borrowings.

Provision for Loan Losses

During the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, no provision for loan losses was recorded. The allowance for loan losses totaled $81.1 million at March 31, 2006 and $81.2 million at December 31, 2005. We believe our allowance for loan losses has been established and maintained at levels that reflect the risks inherent in our loan portfolio, giving consideration

30


to the composition and size of our loan portfolio, our charge-off experience and our non-accrual and non-performing loans. The composition of our loan portfolio has remained consistent over the last several years. At March 31, 2006, our loan portfolio was comprised of 68% one-to-four family mortgage loans, 20% multi-family mortgage loans, 8% commercial real estate loans and 4% other loan categories. Our non-performing loans continue to remain at low levels relative to the size of our loan portfolio. Non-performing loans, which are comprised primarily of mortgage loans, decreased $15.0 million to $50.0 million, or 0.34% of total loans, at March 31, 2006, from $65.0 million, or 0.45% of total loans, at December 31, 2005. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in non-performing multi-family mortgage loans, which was primarily attributable to five non-performing loans at December 31, 2005, totaling $11.7 million, returning to performing status as all payments were brought current by the borrowers during the three months ended March 31, 2006. The average loan-to-value ratio of our non-performing mortgage loans was 65.6% at March 31, 2006 and 66.1% at December 31, 2005, which is indicative of the substantial collateral value supporting these loans. Loan-to-value ratios are based on current principal balance and original appraised value.

We review our allowance for loan losses on a quarterly basis. Material factors considered during our quarterly review are our historical loss experience and the impact of current economic conditions. Our net charge-off experience was less than one basis point of average loans outstanding, annualized, for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005. Net loan charge-offs totaled $16,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2006 compared to $28,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2005. In addition to our consistent charge-off experience, general economic conditions in our market area remained consistent with prior periods. Based on the foregoing factors, our 2006 analyses did not indicate that a change in our allowance for loan losses was warranted.

The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of non-performing loans increased to 162.13% at March 31, 2006, from 124.81% at December 31, 2005, primarily due to the decrease in non-performing loans from December 31, 2005 to March 31, 2006. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans was 0.56% at both March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005. For further discussion of the methodology used to evaluate the allowance for loan losses, see “Critical Accounting Policies” and for further discussion of non-performing loans, see “Asset Quality.”

Non-Interest Income

Non-interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2006 decreased $5.8 million to $18.9 million, from $24.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005. The decrease in non-interest income was primarily due to a decrease in other non-interest income and mortgage banking income, net, partially offset by an increase in customer service fees.

Other non-interest income decreased $5.6 million primarily due to a $5.5 million charge for the termination of our interest rate swap agreements. The rising interest rate environment reduced the potential future economic value of maintaining the swaps. Accordingly, the swap agreements were terminated on March 8, 2006.

Mortgage banking income, net, which includes loan servicing fees, net gain on sales of loans, amortization of MSR and valuation allowance adjustments for the impairment of MSR, decreased $1.4 million to $1.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006, from $2.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005, primarily due to a decrease in the recovery of the valuation allowance for the impairment of MSR. For the three months ended March 31, 2006, we recorded a recovery of $677,000, compared to $2.4 million for the three months ended

31


March 31, 2005. The recoveries recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 reflect decreases in projected loan prepayment speeds resulting from increases in interest rates.

Customer service fees increased $1.7 million to $16.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006, from $14.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005, primarily due to an increase in insufficient fund fees related to transaction accounts resulting from the implementation of an enhanced overdraft protection program in 2005.

Non-Interest Expense

Non-interest expense decreased $4.2 million to $56.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006, from $60.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005, primarily due to decreases in other expense and advertising expense.

Other expense decreased $2.5 million to $6.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006, from $9.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005, primarily due to decreased legal fees and other costs as a result of the completion of the trial phase of the LISB goodwill litigation in the first half of 2005. See Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements (Unaudited),” for further discussion of the goodwill litigation.

Advertising expense decreased $2.0 million to $1.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006, from $3.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005, primarily due to the introduction of a business banking marketing campaign in the 2005 first quarter, which was not repeated in the first quarter of 2006.

Compensation and benefits expense decreased $479,000 to $30.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006, from $30.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005, primarily due to cost savings associated with the outsourcing of our mortgage loan servicing activities effective December 1, 2005 and other company-wide cost saving initiatives initiated during the 2005 third quarter, partially offset by stock-based compensation cost recognized in 2006 reflecting our adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), effective January 1, 2006. During the 2006 first quarter, we recognized $1.2 million in stock-based compensation cost related to restricted stock and stock options granted to select officers in December 2005 and stock options granted to directors in January 2006. See Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements (Unaudited),” for further discussion of the impact of our adoption of SFAS No. 123(R).

Our percentage of general and administrative expense to average assets was 1.01% for the three months ended March 31, 2006, compared to 1.03% for the three months ended March 31, 2005. The efficiency ratio, which represents general and administrative expense divided by the sum of net interest income plus non-interest income, increased to 43.17% for the three months ended March 31, 2006, from 40.35% for the three months ended March 31, 2005, primarily due to the previously discussed decreases in net interest income and non-interest income.

Income Tax Expense

For the three months ended March 31, 2006, income tax expense totaled $25.2 million representing an effective tax rate of 34.0%, compared to $30.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005, representing an effective tax rate of 33.5%.

32


Asset Quality

One of our key operating objectives has been and continues to be to maintain a high level of asset quality. Our concentration on one-to-four family mortgage lending, the maintenance of sound credit standards for new loan originations and a strong real estate market have resulted in our maintaining a low level of non-performing assets relative to the size of our loan portfolio. Through a variety of strategies, including, but not limited to, aggressive collection efforts and marketing of foreclosed properties, we have been proactive in addressing problem and non-performing assets which, in turn, has helped to maintain the strength of our financial condition.

Non-Performing Assets

The following table sets forth information regarding non-performing assets at the dates indicated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

At March 31,
2006

 

At December 31,
2005

 


Non-accrual delinquent mortgage loans (1)

 

 

$

49,541

 

 

 

$

64,351

 

 

Non-accrual delinquent consumer and other loans

 

 

 

403

 

 

 

 

500

 

 

Mortgage loans delinquent 90 days or more and still accruing interest (2)

 

 

 

104

 

 

 

 

176

 

 













Total non-performing loans

 

 

 

50,048

 

 

 

 

65,027

 

 

Real estate owned, net (3)

 

 

 

1,202

 

 

 

 

1,066

 

 













Total non-performing assets

 

 

$

51,250

 

 

 

$

66,093

 

 













 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-performing loans to total loans

 

 

 

0.34

%

 

 

 

0.45

%

 

Non-performing loans to total assets

 

 

 

0.23

 

 

 

 

0.29

 

 

Non-performing assets to total assets

 

 

 

0.23

 

 

 

 

0.30

 

 

Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans

 

 

 

162.13

 

 

 

 

124.81

 

 

Allowance for loan losses to total loans

 

 

 

0.56

 

 

 

 

0.56

 

 


 

 

(1)

Includes multi-family and commercial real estate loans totaling $15.6 million at March 31, 2006 and $28.6 million at December 31, 2005.

(2)

Mortgage loans delinquent 90 days or more and still accruing interest consist solely of loans delinquent 90 days or more as to their maturity date but not their interest due.

(3)

Real estate acquired as a result of foreclosure or by deed in lieu of foreclosure is recorded at the lower of cost or fair value, less estimated selling costs.

Non-performing assets decreased $14.8 million to $51.3 million at March 31, 2006, from $66.1 million at December 31, 2005. Non-performing loans, the most significant component of non-performing assets, decreased $15.0 million to $50.0 million at March 31, 2006, from $65.0 million at December 31, 2005. As previously discussed, these decreases were primarily due to a decrease in non-performing multi-family mortgage loans, which was primarily attributable to five non-performing loans at December 31, 2005, totaling $11.7 million, returning to performing status as all payments were brought current by the borrowers during the three months ended March 31, 2006. At March 31, 2006, non-performing multi-family loans totaled $14.2 million and had an average loan-to-value ratio of 68.6%. At March 31, 2006, non-performing one-to-four family mortgage loans totaled $34.0 million and had an average loan-to-value ratio of 64.3%. Loan-to-value ratios are based on current principal balance and original appraised value. Our non-performing loans continue to remain at low levels relative to the size of our loan portfolio. The ratio of non-performing loans to total loans decreased to 0.34% at March 31, 2006, from 0.45% at December 31, 2005. Our ratio of non-performing assets to total assets decreased to 0.23% at March 31, 2006, from 0.30% at December 31, 2005.

33


We discontinue accruing interest on mortgage loans when such loans become 90 days delinquent as to their interest due, even though in some instances the borrower has only missed two payments. At March 31, 2006, $10.4 million of mortgage loans classified as non-performing had missed only two payments, compared to $28.1 million at December 31, 2005. We discontinue accruing interest on consumer and other loans when such loans become 90 days delinquent as to their payment due. In addition, we reverse all previously accrued and uncollected interest through a charge to interest income. While loans are in non-accrual status, interest due is monitored and income is recognized only to the extent cash is received until a return to accrual status is warranted.

If all non-accrual loans had been performing in accordance with their original terms, we would have recorded interest income, with respect to such loans, of $794,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and $451,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2005. This compares to actual payments recorded as interest income, with respect to such loans, of $165,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and $111,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2005.

In addition to the non-performing loans, we had $449,000 of potential problem loans at March 31, 2006, compared to $813,000 at December 31, 2005. Such loans are 60-89 days delinquent as shown in the following table.

Delinquent Loans

The following table shows a comparison of delinquent loans at the dates indicated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At March 31, 2006

 

At December 31, 2005

 

 

 


 

 

60-89 Days

 

90 Days or More

 

60-89 Days

 

90 Days or More

 

 

 


(Dollars in Thousands)

 

Number
of
Loans

 

Amount

 

Number
of
Loans

 

Amount

 

Number
of
Loans

 

Amount

 

Number
of
Loans

 

Amount

 


Mortgage loans:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One-to-four family

 

1

 

 

$

125

 

137

 

 

$

34,019

 

6

 

 

$

174

 

152

 

 

$

35,727

 

Multi-family

 

1

 

 

 

83

 

21

 

 

 

14,175

 

1

 

 

 

101

 

26

 

 

 

26,256

 

Commercial real estate

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

1,451

 

 

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

2,544

 

Consumer and other loans

 

30

 

 

 

241

 

26

 

 

 

403

 

47

 

 

 

538

 

47

 

 

 

500

 



























 

Total delinquent loans

 

32

 

 

$

449

 

186

 

 

$

50,048

 

54

 

 

$

813

 

231

 

 

$

65,027

 



























 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Delinquent loans to total loans

 

 

 

 

 

0.00

%

 

 

 

 

0.34

%

 

 

 

 

0.01

%

 

 

 

 

0.45

%

Allowance for Loan Losses

The following table sets forth the change in our allowance for losses on loans for the three months ended March 31, 2006.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

Balance at December 31, 2005

 

 

$

81,159

 

 

Provision charged to operations

 

 

 

 

 

Charge-offs:

 

 

 

 

 

 

One-to-four family

 

 

 

(25

)

 

Consumer and other loans

 

 

 

(90

)

 








Total charge-offs

 

 

 

(115

)

 








Recoveries:

 

 

 

 

 

 

One-to-four family

 

 

 

4

 

 

Consumer and other loans

 

 

 

95

 

 








Total recoveries

 

 

 

99

 

 








Net charge-offs

 

 

 

(16

)

 








Balance at March 31, 2006

 

 

$

81,143

 

 








34


ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

As a financial institution, the primary component of our market risk is interest rate risk, or IRR. The objective of our IRR management policy is to maintain an appropriate mix and level of assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet items to enable us to meet our earnings and/or growth objectives, while maintaining specified minimum capital levels as required by the OTS, in the case of Astoria Federal, and as established by our Board of Directors. We use a variety of analyses to monitor, control and adjust our asset and liability positions, primarily interest rate sensitivity gap analysis, or gap analysis, and net interest income sensitivity, or NII sensitivity, analysis. Additional IRR modeling is done by Astoria Federal in conformity with OTS requirements.

Gap Analysis

Gap analysis measures the difference between the amount of interest-earning assets anticipated to mature or reprice within specific time periods and the amount of interest-bearing liabilities anticipated to mature or reprice within the same time periods. The following table, referred to as the Gap Table, sets forth the amount of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities outstanding at March 31, 2006 that we anticipate will reprice or mature in each of the future time periods shown using certain assumptions based on our historical experience and other market-based data available to us. As indicated in the Gap Table, our one-year cumulative gap at March 31, 2006 was negative 11.61%. This compares to a one-year cumulative gap of negative 6.79% at December 31, 2005. The change in our one-year cumulative gap is primarily attributable to a decrease in projected mortgage loan and securities repayments as a result of rising interest rates.

The Gap Table does not indicate the impact of general interest rate movements on our net interest income because the actual repricing dates of various assets and liabilities will differ from our estimates and it does not give consideration to the yields and costs of the assets and liabilities or the projected yields and costs to replace or retain those assets and liabilities. Callable features of certain assets and liabilities, in addition to the foregoing, may also cause actual experience to vary from that indicated.

35


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At March 31, 2006

 

 

 



(Dollars in Thousands)

 

One Year
or Less

 

More than
One Year
to
Three Years

 

More than
Three Years
to
Five Years

 

More than
Five Years

 

Total

 


Interest-earning assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage loans (1)

 

$

3,730,035

 

$

5,355,574

 

$

4,501,808

 

$

394,181

 

$

13,981,598

 

Consumer and other loans (1)

 

 

454,500

 

 

21,987

 

 

10,442

 

 

 

 

486,929

 

Repurchase agreements

 

 

241,912

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

241,912

 

Securities available-for-sale

 

 

234,261

 

 

677,033

 

 

600,583

 

 

338,557

 

 

1,850,434

 

Securities held-to-maturity

 

 

1,227,518

 

 

2,013,994

 

 

1,243,787

 

 

3,123

 

 

4,488,422

 

FHLB-NY stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

143,341

 

 

143,341

 


















Total interest-earning assets

 

 

5,888,226

 

 

8,068,588

 

 

6,356,620

 

 

879,202

 

 

21,192,636

 

Net unamortized purchase premiums and deferred costs (2)

 

 

24,515

 

 

29,994

 

 

25,937

 

 

1,930

 

 

82,376

 


















Net interest-earning assets (3)

 

 

5,912,741

 

 

8,098,582

 

 

6,382,557

 

 

881,132

 

 

21,275,012

 


















Interest-bearing liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Savings

 

 

280,000

 

 

226,799

 

 

226,799

 

 

1,704,492

 

 

2,438,090

 

Money market

 

 

190,000

 

 

163,958

 

 

103,958

 

 

140,850

 

 

598,766

 

NOW and demand deposit

 

 

77,037

 

 

154,073

 

 

154,073

 

 

1,177,429

 

 

1,562,612

 

Liquid CDs

 

 

843,131

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

843,131

 

Certificates of deposit

 

 

4,406,969

 

 

2,666,601

 

 

446,845

 

 

25,924

 

 

7,546,339

 

Borrowings, net

 

 

2,698,301

 

 

4,218,743

 

 

299,123

 

 

378,308

 

 

7,594,475

 


















Total interest-bearing liabilities

 

 

8,495,438

 

 

7,430,174

 

 

1,230,798

 

 

3,427,003

 

 

20,583,413

 


















Interest sensitivity gap

 

 

(2,582,697

)

 

668,408

 

 

5,151,759

 

 

(2,545,871

)

$

691,599

 


















Cumulative interest sensitivity gap

 

$

(2,582,697

)

$

(1,914,289

)

$

3,237,470

 

$

691,599

 

 

 

 


















 

Cumulative interest sensitivity gap as a percentage of total assets

 

 

(11.61

)%

 

(8.61

)%

 

14.56

%

 

3.11

%

 

 

 

Cumulative net interest-earning assets as a percentage of interest-bearing liabilities

 

 

69.60

%

 

87.98

%

 

118.87

%

 

103.36

%

 

 

 


 

 

(1)

Mortgage loans and consumer and other loans include loans held-for-sale and exclude non-performing loans and the allowance for loan losses.

(2)

Net unamortized purchase premiums and deferred costs are prorated.

(3)

Includes securities available-for-sale at amortized cost.

36


NII Sensitivity Analysis

In managing IRR, we also use an internal income simulation model for our NII sensitivity analyses. These analyses measure changes in projected net interest income over various time periods resulting from hypothetical changes in interest rates. The interest rate scenarios most commonly analyzed reflect gradual and reasonable changes over a specified time period, which is typically one year. The base net interest income projection utilizes similar assumptions as those reflected in the Gap Table, assumes that cash flows are reinvested in similar assets and liabilities and that interest rates as of the reporting date remain constant over the projection period. For each alternative interest rate scenario, corresponding changes in the cash flow and repricing assumptions of each financial instrument are made to determine the impact on net interest income.

Assuming the entire yield curve was to increase 200 basis points, through quarterly parallel increments of 50 basis points and remain at that level thereafter, our projected net interest income for the twelve month period beginning April 1, 2006 would decrease by approximately 6.00% from the base projection. At December 31, 2005, in the up 200 basis point scenario, our projected net interest income for the twelve month period beginning January 1, 2006 would have decreased by approximately 5.94% from the base projection. Assuming the entire yield curve was to decrease 200 basis points, through quarterly parallel decrements of 50 basis points, and remain at that level thereafter, our projected net interest income for the twelve month period beginning April 1, 2006 would increase by approximately 2.07% from the base projection. At December 31, 2005, in the down 200 basis point scenario, our projected net interest income for the twelve month period beginning January 1, 2006 would have increased by approximately 2.12% from the base projection.

Various shortcomings are inherent in both the Gap Table and NII sensitivity analyses. Certain assumptions may not reflect the manner in which actual yields and costs respond to market changes. Similarly, prepayment estimates and similar assumptions are subjective in nature, involve uncertainties and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision. Changes in interest rates may also affect our operating environment and operating strategies as well as those of our competitors. In addition, certain adjustable rate assets have limitations on the magnitude of rate changes over specified periods of time. Accordingly, although our NII sensitivity analyses may provide an indication of our IRR exposure, such analyses are not intended to and do not provide a precise forecast of the effect of changes in market interest rates on our net interest income and our actual results will differ. Additionally, certain assets, liabilities and items of income and expense which may be affected by changes in interest rates, albeit to a much lesser degree, and which do not affect net interest income, are excluded from this analysis. These include income from bank owned life insurance, changes in the fair value of MSR and the mark-to-market adjustments on certain derivative instruments. With respect to these items alone, and assuming the entire yield curve was to increase 200 basis points, through quarterly parallel increments of 50 basis points, and remain at that level thereafter, our projected net income for the twelve month period beginning April 1, 2006 would increase by approximately $4.1 million. Conversely, assuming the entire yield curve was to decrease 200 basis points, through quarterly parallel decrements of 50 basis points, and remain at that level thereafter, our projected net income for the twelve month period beginning April 1, 2006 would decrease by approximately $8.9 million with respect to these items alone.

For further information regarding our market risk and the limitations of our gap analysis and NII sensitivity analysis, see Part II, Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk,” included in our 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

37


ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures

George L. Engelke, Jr., our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Monte N. Redman, our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, as of March 31, 2006. Based upon their evaluation, they each found that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file and submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported as and when required and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2006 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings

In the ordinary course of our business, we are routinely made defendant in or a party to a number of pending or threatened legal actions or proceedings which, in some cases, seek substantial monetary damages from or other forms of relief against us. In our opinion, after consultation with legal counsel, we believe it unlikely that such actions or proceedings will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

As previously discussed, we are a party to two actions pending against the United States, involving assisted acquisitions made in the early 1980’s and supervisory goodwill accounting utilized in connection therewith, which could result in a gain.

On September 15, 2005, the Court rendered a decision in the LISB goodwill litigation awarding us $435.8 million in damages from the U.S. government. On December 14, 2005, the United States filed an appeal of such award. The appeal is currently pending in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. No assurance can be given as to the timing, content or ultimate outcome of any such appeal. See Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements (Unaudited),” for further discussion of the LISB goodwill litigation.

The other action, entitled Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association vs. United States, has not yet been scheduled for trial. The Court is currently considering a summary judgment motion filed by the U.S. government.

The ultimate outcomes of the two actions pending against the United States and the timing of such outcomes are uncertain and there can be no assurance that we will benefit financially from such litigation.

On or about February 24, 2005, the Attorney General of the State of New York, or the Attorney General, served on Astoria Federal a subpoena duces tecum, or the Subpoena, seeking documents and information concerning, among other things, our contractual relationship with Independent Financial Marketing Group, Inc., or IFMG, IFMG Securities, Inc. and IFS Agencies, Inc., and the marketing and sale of Alternative Investment Products (i.e., financial products that are not bank instruments insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation). On several occasions

38


thereafter in 2005, and again in January 2006, the Attorney General supplemented the Subpoena with requests for additional documents and information.

Our arrangements with IFMG impose on IFMG compliance, disclosure and oversight-related obligations in connection with their sale of Alternative Investment Products to our customers at our branch locations. In this regard, we believe we are in full compliance with the Interagency Statement on Retail Sales of Nondeposit Investment Products issued by the federal bank regulatory authorities and Part 536 of the OTS Regulations regarding Consumer Protection in the Sale of Insurance.

We are cooperating with the Attorney General’s inquiry. No charges of wrongdoing on our part in connection with the sale of Alternative Investment Products have been filed by the Attorney General against us. Given the current status of the inquiry, no assurance can be given as to when the inquiry may be concluded, the ultimate result of the inquiry or any potential impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

ITEM 1A. Risk Factors

For a summary of risk factors relevant to our operations, see Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in our 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There has been no material change in risk factors relevant to our operations since December 31, 2005.

ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The following table sets forth the repurchases of our common stock by month during the three months ended March 31, 2006.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Period

 

Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased

 

Average
Price Paid
per Share

 

Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as Part
of Publicly
Announced Plans

 

Maximum
Number of Shares
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans

 


January 1, 2006 through January 31, 2006

 

 

1,000,000

 

$

29.71

 

1,000,000

 

 

9,262,300

 

 

February 1, 2006 through February 28, 2006

 

 

950,000

 

$

28.31

 

950,000

 

 

8,312,300

 

 

March 1, 2006 through March 31, 2006

 

 

530,000

 

$

30.15

 

530,000

 

 

7,782,300

 

 















Total

 

 

2,480,000

 

$

29.27

 

2,480,000

 

 

 

 

 















During the quarter ended March 31, 2006, we completed our tenth stock repurchase plan which was approved by our Board of Directors on May 19, 2004 and authorized the purchase, at management’s discretion, of 12,000,000 shares, or approximately 10% of our common stock then outstanding, over a two year period in open-market or privately negotiated transactions. On December 21, 2005, our Board of Directors approved our eleventh stock repurchase plan authorizing the purchase, at management’s discretion, of 10,000,000 shares, or approximately 10% of our common stock outstanding, through December 31, 2007 in open-market or privately negotiated transactions. Stock repurchases under our eleventh stock repurchase plan commenced immediately following the completion of the tenth stock repurchase plan on January 10, 2006.

ITEM 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable.

39


ITEM 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

Not applicable.

ITEM 5. Other Information

Not applicable.

ITEM 6. Exhibits

 

 

 

Exhibit No.

 

Identification of Exhibit


 


 

 

 

31.1

 

Certifications of Chief Executive Officer.

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certifications of Chief Financial Officer.

 

 

 

32.1

 

Written Statement of Chief Executive Officer furnished pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. Pursuant to SEC rules, this exhibit will not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the liability of that section.

 

 

 

32.2

 

Written Statement of Chief Financial Officer furnished pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. Pursuant to SEC rules, this exhibit will not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the liability of that section.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Astoria Financial Corporation

 

 

 

Dated: May 10, 2006

By: 

/s/ Monte N. Redman

 

 


 

 

Monte N. Redman

 

 

Executive Vice President

 

 

and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

(Principal Accounting Officer)

40


Exhibit Index

 

 

 

Exhibit No.

 

Identification of Exhibit


 


 

 

 

31.1

 

Certifications of Chief Executive Officer.

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certifications of Chief Financial Officer.

 

 

 

32.1

 

Written Statement of Chief Executive Officer furnished pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. Pursuant to SEC rules, this exhibit will not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the liability of that section.

 

 

 

32.2

 

Written Statement of Chief Financial Officer furnished pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. Pursuant to SEC rules, this exhibit will not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the liability of that section.

41