10-Q 1 v305784_10q.htm FORM 10-Q

 

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, 2012

 

OR

 

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

 

 For the transition period from                                       to

 

Commission file number 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 ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). YES x  NO ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company (as these items are defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). 

Large accelerated filer x  Accelerated filer ¨  Non-accelerated filer ¨  Smaller reporting company ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES ¨  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 27, 2012
   
$.01 Par Value 98,448,461

 

 
 

  

PART I -- FINANCIAL INFORMATION
    Page
     
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited):  
     
  Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 2
     
  Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 3
     
  Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 4
     
  Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 5
     
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 6
     
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 7
     
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 29
     
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 62
     
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 65
     
PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION
     
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 65
     
Item 1A. Risk Factors 67
     
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 67
     
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities 68
     
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 68
     
Item 5. Other Information 68
     
Item 6. Exhibits 68
     
Signatures 68

 

1
 

 

ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

 

 

   (Unaudited)    
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)  At March 31, 2012  At December 31, 2011
Assets:          
Cash and due from banks  $121,653   $132,704 
Available-for-sale securities:          
Encumbered   173,938    268,725 
Unencumbered   134,694    75,462 
Total available-for-sale securities   308,632    344,187 
Held-to-maturity securities, fair value of $2,255,457 and $2,176,925, respectively:          
Encumbered   1,583,807    1,601,003 
Unencumbered   622,063    529,801 
Total held-to-maturity securities   2,205,870    2,130,804 
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York stock, at cost   146,598    131,667 
Loans held-for-sale, net   22,918    32,394 
Loans receivable   13,380,647    13,274,604 
Allowance for loan losses   (149,899)   (157,185)
Loans receivable, net   13,230,748    13,117,419 
Mortgage servicing rights, net   8,057    8,136 
Accrued interest receivable   45,723    46,528 
Premises and equipment, net   118,388    119,946 
Goodwill   185,151    185,151 
Bank owned life insurance   411,138    409,637 
Real estate owned, net   39,931    48,059 
Other assets   266,871    315,423 
Total assets  $17,111,678   $17,022,055 
Liabilities:          
Deposits:          
Savings  $2,811,218   $2,750,715 
Money market   1,166,443    1,114,404 
NOW and demand deposit   1,925,073    1,861,488 
Certificates of deposit   5,209,914    5,519,007 
Total deposits   11,112,648    11,245,614 
Reverse repurchase agreements   1,600,000    1,700,000 
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York advances   2,355,000    2,043,000 
Other borrowings, net   378,666    378,573 
Mortgage escrow funds   142,154    110,841 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities   252,869    292,829 
Total liabilities   15,841,337    15,770,857 
           
Stockholders' Equity:          
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value (5,000,000 shares authorized;          
none issued and outstanding)   -    - 
Common stock, $.01 par value (200,000,000 shares authorized;          
166,494,888 shares issued; and 98,442,461 and 98,537,715          
shares outstanding, respectively)   1,665    1,665 
Additional paid-in capital   876,479    875,395 
Retained earnings   1,860,023    1,861,592 
Treasury stock (68,052,427 and 67,957,173 shares, at cost, respectively)   (1,406,279)   (1,404,311)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (55,079)   (75,661)
Unallocated common stock held by ESOP (1,765,686 and 2,042,367          
shares, respectively)   (6,468)   (7,482)
Total stockholders' equity   1,270,341    1,251,198 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity  $17,111,678   $17,022,055 

 

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)  2012   2011 
Interest income:          
One-to-four family mortgage loans  $99,292   $114,676 
Multi-family and commercial real estate mortgage loans   36,470    44,492 
Consumer and other loans   2,341    2,507 
Mortgage-backed and other securities   18,021    22,423 
Repurchase agreements and interest-earning cash accounts   53    93 
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York stock   1,602    2,317 
Total interest income   157,779    186,508 
Interest expense:          
Deposits   29,427    37,032 
Borrowings   40,156    47,947 
Total interest expense   69,583    84,979 
Net interest income   88,196    101,529 
Provision for loan losses   10,000    7,000 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   78,196    94,529 
Non-interest income:          
Customer service fees   10,482    11,722 
Other loan fees   887    932 
Gain on sales of securities   2,477    - 
Mortgage banking income, net   1,355    2,433 
Income from bank owned life insurance   2,423    2,235 
Other   1,943    721 
Total non-interest income   19,567    18,043 
Non-interest expense:          
General and administrative:          
Compensation and benefits   42,160    36,533 
Occupancy, equipment and systems   16,724    16,566 
Federal deposit insurance premiums   11,203    5,514 
Advertising   1,834    1,684 
Other   10,280    9,322 
Total non-interest expense   82,201    69,619 
Income before income tax expense   15,562    42,953 
Income tax expense   5,566    15,569 
Net income  $9,996   $27,384 
Basic earnings per common share  $0.11   $0.29 
Diluted earnings per common share  $0.11   $0.29 
Basic weighted average common shares   95,018,867    92,734,401 
Diluted weighted average common and          
common equivalent shares   95,018,867    92,734,401 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

3
 

 

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

 

 For the Three Months Ended
 March 31,
(In Thousands)   2012     2011  
           
Net income  $9,996   $27,384 
           
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:          
Net unrealized (loss) gain on securities available-for-sale:          
Net unrealized holding (losses) gains on securities arising during the period   (814)   1,163 
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income   (1,604)   - 
Net unrealized (loss) gain on securities available-for-sale   (2,418)   1,163 
           
Net actuarial loss adjustment on pension plans and other postretirement benefits:          
Net actuarial loss adjustment arising during the period   24,286    - 
Reclassification adjustment for net actuarial loss included in net income   2,201    1,362 
Net actuarial loss adjustment on pension plans and other postretirement benefits   26,487    1,362 
           
Prior service cost adjustment on pension plans and other postretirement benefits:          
Prior service cost adjustment arising during the period   (3,537)   - 
Reclassification adjustment for prior service cost included in net income   2    15 
Prior service cost adjustment on pension plans and other postretirement benefits   (3,535)   15 
           
Reclassification adjustment for loss on cash flow hedge included in net income   48    48 
           
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax   20,582    2,588 
           
Comprehensive income  $30,578   $29,972 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

4
 

 

ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012

 

(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  
                                                         
Balance at December 31, 2011   $ 1,251,198     $ 1,665     $ 875,395     $ 1,861,592     $ (1,404,311 )   $ (75,661 )   $ (7,482 )
                                                         
Net income     9,996       -       -       9,996       -       -       -  
                                                         
Other comprehensive income, net of tax     20,582       -       -       -       -       20,582       -  
                                                         
Dividends on common stock ($0.13 per share)     (12,545 )     -       -       (12,545 )     -       -       -  
                                                         
Restricted stock grants (6,000 shares)     -       -       (49 )     (75 )     124       -       -  
                                                         
Forfeitures of restricted stock (101,254 shares)     -       -       1,406       686       (2,092 )     -       -  
                                                         
Stock-based compensation     519       -       150       369       -       -       -  
                                                         
Net tax benefit shortfall from stock-based                                                        
compensation     (1,912 )     -       (1,912 )     -       -       -       -  
                                                         
Allocation of ESOP stock     2,503       -       1,489       -       -       -       1,014  
                                                         
Balance at March 31, 2012   $ 1,270,341     $ 1,665     $ 876,479     $ 1,860,023     $ (1,406,279 )   $ (55,079 )   $ (6,468 )

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

 

5
 

 

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

 

 For the Three Months Ended
 March 31,
(In Thousands)  2012   2011 
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net income  $9,996   $27,384 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:          
Net amortization on loans   6,746    7,313 
Net amortization on securities and borrowings   3,406    1,498 
Net provision for loan and real estate losses   11,391    7,795 
Depreciation and amortization   2,969    2,906 
Net gain on sales of loans and securities   (4,688)   (1,343)
Net loss (gain) on dispositions of equipment   52    (20)
Other asset impairment charges   54    523 
Originations of loans held-for-sale   (77,283)   (58,088)
Proceeds from sales and principal repayments of loans held-for-sale   72,471    86,727 
Stock-based compensation and allocation of ESOP stock   3,022    5,019 
Decrease in accrued interest receivable   805    643 
Mortgage servicing rights amortization and valuation allowance adjustments, net   911    37 
Bank owned life insurance income and insurance proceeds received, net   (1,501)   6,259 
Decrease in other assets   38,366    35,501 
Decrease in accrued expenses and other liabilities   (4,542)   (19,177)
Net cash provided by operating activities   62,175    102,977 
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Originations of loans receivable   (925,868)   (515,994)
Loan purchases through third parties   (321,174)   (214,448)
Principal payments on loans receivable   1,103,257    1,115,822 
Proceeds from sales of delinquent and non-performing loans   15,587    6,501 
Purchases of securities held-to-maturity   (308,420)   (356,744)
Purchases of securities available-for-sale   (66,350)   - 
Principal payments on securities held-to-maturity   230,086    241,572 
Principal payments on securities available-for-sale   46,118    73,496 
Proceeds from sales of securities available-for-sale   54,318    - 
Net (purchases) redemptions of Federal Home Loan Bank of New York stock   (14,931)   12,561 
Proceeds from sales of real estate owned, net   19,724    21,480 
Purchases of premises and equipment   (1,463)   (2,570)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities   (169,116)   381,676 
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Net decrease in deposits   (132,966)   (123,661)
Net increase in borrowings with original terms of three months or less   331,000    124,000 
Proceeds from borrowings with original terms greater than three months   100,000    - 
Repayments of borrowings with original terms greater than three months   (219,000)   (416,000)
Net increase in mortgage escrow funds   31,313    32,149 
Cash dividends paid to stockholders   (12,545)   (12,350)
Net tax benefit shortfall from stock-based compensation   (1,912)   (23)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   95,890    (395,885)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents   (11,051)   88,768 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   132,704    119,016 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period  $121,653   $207,784 
           
Supplemental disclosures:          
Interest paid  $64,389   $79,854 
Income taxes paid  $1,022   $18,606 
Additions to real estate owned  $12,987   $19,912 
Loans transferred to held-for-sale  $-   $6,082 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

 

6
 

 

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. Astoria Capital Trust I was formed 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 owned by Astoria Financial Corporation, and used the proceeds to acquire Junior Subordinated Debentures issued by Astoria Financial Corporation. The Junior Subordinated Debentures total $128.9 million, have an interest rate of 9.75%, mature on November 1, 2029 and are the sole assets of Astoria Capital Trust I. The Junior Subordinated Debentures are prepayable, in whole or in part, at our option 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 2011 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, 2012 and December 31, 2011, our results of operations and other comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, changes in our stockholders’ equity for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and our cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011. 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, 2012 and December 31, 2011, and amounts of revenues, expenses and other comprehensive income/loss in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011. The results of operations and other comprehensive income/loss for the three months ended March 31, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations and other comprehensive income/loss 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. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to the current year presentation.

 

7
 

 

These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our December 31, 2011 audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

 

2. Securities

 

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

 

   At March 31, 2012
         Gross    Gross    Estimated 
    Amortized    Unrealized    Unrealized    Fair 
(In Thousands)   Cost     Gains    Losses    Value 
Available-for-sale:                    
Residential mortgage-backed securities:                    
GSE (1) issuance REMICs and CMOs (2)  $232,060   $7,643   $-   $239,703 
Non-GSE issuance REMICs and CMOs   15,195    2    (188)   15,009 
GSE pass-through certificates   23,345    1,071    (2)   24,414 
Total residential mortgage-backed securities   270,600    8,716    (190)   279,126 
Obligations of GSEs   24,950    -    (64)   24,886 
Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae stock   15    4,620    (15)   4,620 
Total securities available-for-sale  $295,565   $13,336   $(269)  $308,632 
Held-to-maturity:                    
Residential mortgage-backed securities:                    
GSE issuance REMICs and CMOs  $2,162,717   $49,542   $(100)  $2,212,159 
Non-GSE issuance REMICs and CMOs   9,875    92    (3)   9,964 
GSE pass-through certificates   390    18    -    408 
Total residential mortgage-backed securities   2,172,982    49,652    (103)   2,222,531 
Obligations of GSEs   29,999    -    (44)   29,955 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions   2,889    82    -    2,971 
Total securities held-to-maturity  $2,205,870   $49,734   $(147)  $2,255,457 

 

(1)   Government-sponsored enterprise

(2)   Real estate mortgage investment conduits and collateralized mortgage obligations

 

   At December 31, 2011 
         Gross     Gross     Estimated  
    Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Fair  
(In Thousands)    Cost     Gains     Losses     Value  
Available-for-sale:                    
Residential mortgage-backed securities:                    
GSE issuance REMICs and CMOs  $286,862   $11,759   $(1)  $298,620 
Non-GSE issuance REMICs and CMOs   16,092    -    (297)   15,795 
GSE pass-through certificates   24,168    1,026    (2)   25,192 
Total residential mortgage-backed securities   327,122    12,785    (300)   339,607 
Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae stock   15    4,580    (15)   4,580 
Total securities available-for-sale  $327,137   $17,365   $(315)  $344,187 
Held-to-maturity:                    
Residential mortgage-backed securities:                    
GSE issuance REMICs and CMOs  $2,054,380   $45,929   $(146)  $2,100,163 
Non-GSE issuance REMICs and CMOs   15,105    92    (1)   15,196 
GSE pass-through certificates   475    24    -    499 
Total residential mortgage-backed securities   2,069,960    46,045    (147)   2,115,858 
Obligations of GSEs   57,868    140    -    58,008 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions   2,976    83    -    3,059 
Total securities held-to-maturity  $2,130,804   $46,268   $(147)  $2,176,925 

 

8
 

 

The following tables set forth the estimated fair values of securities with gross unrealized losses at the dates indicated, segregated between securities that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than twelve months and those that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for twelve months or longer at the dates indicated.

 

   At March 31, 2012
   Less Than Twelve Months  Twelve Months or Longer  Total
         Gross         Gross         Gross 
    Estimated    Unrealized    Estimated    Unrealized    Estimated    Unrealized 
(In Thousands)   Fair Value    Losses    Fair Value    Losses    Fair Value    Losses 
Available-for-sale:                              
Non-GSE issuance REMICs and CMOs  $43   $(1)  $14,568   $(187)  $14,611   $(188)
GSE pass-through certificates   92    (1)   23    (1)   115    (2)
Obligations of GSEs   24,886    (64)   -    -    24,886    (64)
Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae stock   -    -    -    (15)   -    (15)
Total temporarily impaired securities
available-for-sale
  $25,021   $(66)  $14,591   $(203)  $39,612   $(269)
Held-to-maturity:                              
GSE issuance REMICs and CMOs  $72,340   $(100)  $-   $-   $72,340   $(100)
Non-GSE issuance REMICs and CMOs   1,777    (3)   -    -    1,777    (3)
Obligations of GSEs   29,955    (44)   -    -    29,955    (44)
Total temporarily impaired securities
held-to-maturity
  $104,072   $(147)  $-   $-   $104,072   $(147)

  

    At December 31, 2011
   Less Than Twelve Months    Twelve Months or Longer   Total
         Gross          Gross          Gross  
    Estimated     Unrealized     Estimated     Unrealized     Estimated    Unrealized  
(In Thousands)    Fair Value    Losses    Fair Value    Losses    Fair Value    Losses 
Available-for-sale:                              
GSE issuance REMICs and CMOs  $360   $(1)  $-   $-   $360   $(1)
Non-GSE issuance REMICs and CMOs   495    (21)   15,261    (276)   15,756    (297)
GSE pass-through certificates   623    (2)   -    -    623    (2)
Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae stock   -    -    -    (15)   -    (15)
Total temporarily impaired securities
available-for-sale
  $1,478   $(24)  $15,261   $(291)  $16,739   $(315)
Held-to-maturity:                              
GSE issuance REMICs and CMOs  $53,347   $(146)  $-   $-   $53,347   $(146)
Non-GSE issuance REMICs and CMOs   1,247    (1)   -    -    1,247    (1)
Total temporarily impaired securities
held-to-maturity
  $54,594   $(147)  $-   $-   $54,594   $(147)

 

We held 33 securities which had an unrealized loss at March 31, 2012 and 36 at December 31, 2011. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, substantially all of the securities in an unrealized loss position had a fixed interest rate and the cause of the temporary impairment is directly related to the change in interest rates. In general, as interest rates rise, the fair value of fixed rate securities will decrease; as interest rates fall, the fair value of fixed rate securities will increase. We generally view changes in fair value caused by changes in interest rates as temporary, which is consistent with our experience. None of the unrealized losses are related to credit losses. Therefore, at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the impairments are deemed temporary based on (1) the direct relationship of the decline in fair value to movements in interest rates, (2) the estimated remaining life and high credit quality of the investments and (3) the fact that we do not intend to sell these securities and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell these securities before their anticipated recovery of the remaining amortized cost basis and we expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security.

 

9
 

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, proceeds from sales of securities from the available-for-sale portfolio totaled $54.3 million, resulting in gross realized gains totaling $2.5 million. There were no sales of securities from the available-for-sale portfolio during the three months ended March 31, 2011.

 

At March 31, 2012, we held available-for-sale debt securities, excluding mortgage-backed securities, with a contractual maturity in 2021 which had an amortized cost of $25.0 million and fair value of $24.9 million. Held-to-maturity debt securities, excluding mortgage-backed securities, had an amortized cost and fair value of $32.9 million at March 31, 2012. These securities have contractual maturities between 2017 and 2021. Actual maturities will differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to prepay or call obligations with or without prepayment penalties.

 

The balance of accrued interest receivable for securities totaled $7.4 million at March 31, 2012 and $7.5 million at December 31, 2011.

 

At March 31, 2012, we held securities with an amortized cost of $54.9 million which are callable within one year and at various times thereafter.

 

3.     Loans Held-for-Sale

 

Loans held-for-sale, net, includes fifteen and thirty year fixed rate one-to-four family mortgage loans originated for sale that conform to GSE guidelines (conforming loans), as well as certain delinquent and non-performing loans. Upon our decision to sell certain delinquent and non-performing loans held in portfolio, we reclassify them to held-for-sale at the lower of cost or fair value, less estimated selling costs. Non-performing loans held-for-sale, included in loans held-for-sale, net, totaled $4.9 million, net of a valuation allowance of $54,000, at March 31, 2012 and $19.7 million, net of a valuation allowance of $63,000, at December 31, 2011. Non-performing loans held-for-sale were comprised primarily of multi-family and commercial real estate mortgage loans at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

 

We sold certain delinquent and non-performing mortgage loans totaling $14.6 million, net of charge-offs of $8.1 million, during the three months ended March 31, 2012, primarily multi-family loans, and $6.6 million, net of charge-offs of $2.3 million, during the three months ended March 31, 2011, primarily multi-family and one-to-four family loans. Net gain on sales of non-performing loans totaled $950,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and net loss on sales of non-performing loans totaled $100,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

 

We recorded net lower of cost or market write-downs on non-performing loans held-for-sale totaling $54,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and $523,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011. Net lower of cost or market write-downs on non-performing loans held-for-sale and gains and losses recognized on sales of such loans are included in other non-interest income in the consolidated statements of income.

 

10
 

 

4.     Loans Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses

 

The following tables set forth the composition of our loans receivable portfolio in dollar amounts and percentages of the portfolio and an aging analysis by segment and class at the dates indicated.

 

   At March 31, 2012
   30-59 Days   60-89 Days   90 Days or More Past Due   Total           Percent
 
(Dollars in Thousands)  Past Due   Past Due   Accruing   Non-Accrual   Past Due   Current   Total   of Total 
Mortgage loans (gross):                                        
One-to-four family:                                        
Full documentation:                                        
Interest-only  $30,202   $10,907   $-   $101,662   $142,771   $2,334,818   $2,477,589    18.62%
Amortizing   20,156    6,046    -    46,471    72,673    6,470,084    6,542,757    49.18 
Reduced documentation:                                        
Interest-only   28,798    8,681    -    126,656    164,135    942,496    1,106,631    8.32 
Amortizing   16,065    2,225    -    37,413    55,703    362,681    418,384    3.14 
Total one-to-four family   95,221    27,859    -    312,202    435,282    10,110,079    10,545,361    79.26 
Multi-family   19,628    5,502    -    35,497    60,627    1,800,138    1,860,765    13.99 
Commercial real estate   2,942    6,415    -    1,432    10,789    611,615    622,404    4.68 
Total mortgage loans   117,791    39,776    -    349,131    506,698    12,521,832    13,028,530    97.93 
Consumer and other loans (gross):                                        
Home equity lines of credit   3,843    1,725    -    6,356    11,924    240,987    252,911    1.90 
Other   152    45    -    81    278    22,842    23,120    0.17 
Total consumer and other loans   3,995    1,770    -    6,437    12,202    263,829    276,031    2.07 
Total loans  $121,786   $41,546   $-   $355,568   $518,900   $12,785,661   $13,304,561    100.00%
Net unamortized premiums and
deferred loan origination costs
                                 76,086      
Loans receivable                                 13,380,647      
Allowance for loan losses                                 (149,899)     
Loans receivable, net                                $13,230,748      

 

   At December 31, 2011 
   30-59 Days   60-89 Days   90 Days or More Past Due   Total           Percent
 
(Dollars in Thousands)  Past Due   Past Due   Accruing   Non-Accrual   Past Due   Current   Total   of Total 
Mortgage loans (gross):                                        
One-to-four family:                                        
Full documentation:                                        
Interest-only  $40,582   $9,047   $-   $107,503   $157,132   $2,538,808   $2,695,940    20.43%
Amortizing   33,376    7,056    14    43,923    84,369    6,223,678    6,308,047    47.79 
Reduced documentation:                                        
Interest-only   38,570    9,695    -    131,301    179,566    965,774    1,145,340    8.68 
Amortizing   16,034    5,455    -    35,126    56,615    355,597    412,212    3.12 
Total one-to-four family   128,562    31,253    14    317,853    477,682    10,083,857    10,561,539    80.02 
Multi-family   29,109    14,915    148    7,874    52,046    1,641,825    1,693,871    12.84 
Commercial real estate   4,882    1,060    -    900    6,842    652,864    659,706    5.00 
Total mortgage loans   162,553    47,228    162    326,627    536,570    12,378,546    12,915,116    97.86 
Consumer and other loans (gross):                                        
Home equity lines of credit   3,975    1,391    -    5,995    11,361    247,675    259,036    1.96 
Other   212    196    -    73    481    22,927    23,408    0.18 
Total consumer and other loans   4,187    1,587    -    6,068    11,842    270,602    282,444    2.14 
Total loans  $166,740   $48,815   $162   $332,695   $548,412   $12,649,148   $13,197,560    100.00%
Net unamortized premiums and
deferred loan origination costs
                                 77,044      
Loans receivable                                 13,274,604      
Allowance for loan losses                                 (157,185)     
Loans receivable, net                                $13,117,419      

 

11
 

 

The following table sets forth the changes in our allowance for loan losses by loan receivable segment for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

 

   Mortgage Loans   Consumer      
   One-to-Four    Multi-    Commercial   and Other      
(In Thousands)  Family    Family    Real Estate    Loans    Total  
Balance at January 1, 2012  $105,991   $35,422   $11,972   $3,800   $157,185 
Provision charged to operations   988    9,860    (1,232)   384    10,000 
Charge-offs   (17,704)   (432)   (339)   (600)   (19,075)
Recoveries   1,623    77    1    88    1,789 
Balance at March 31, 2012  $90,898   $44,927   $10,402   $3,672   $149,899 

 

We segment our one-to-four family mortgage loan portfolio by interest-only and amortizing loans, full documentation and reduced documentation loans and year of origination and analyze our historical loss experience and delinquency levels and trends of these segments. We analyze multi-family and commercial real estate loans by portfolio and geographic location. We segment our consumer and other loan portfolio by home equity lines of credit, business loans, revolving credit lines and installment loans and perform similar historical loss analyses. In our analysis of non-performing loans, we consider our aggregate historical loss experience with respect to the ultimate disposition of the underlying collateral based on the portfolio segments noted above. These analyses and the resulting loss rates are used as an integral part of our judgment in developing estimated loss percentages to apply to the portfolio segments. We update our analyses quarterly and we are continually refining our evaluations as experience provides clearer guidance, our product offerings change and as economic conditions evolve.

 

We analyze our historical loss experience over twelve month, fifteen month, eighteen month and twenty-four month periods, however our quantitative allowance coverage percentages are based on our twelve month loss history. We believe the twelve month loss analysis is most reflective of current conditions and the potential impact on our future loss exposure. However, the longer periods provide further insight into trends or anomalies and can be a factor in making adjustments to the twelve month analysis. Also, for a particular loan type we may not have sufficient loss history to develop a reasonable estimate of loss. In that circumstance we would consider our loss experience for other, similar loan types. Additionally, multi-family and commercial real estate loss experience may be adjusted based on the composition of the losses (loan sales, short sales and partial charge-offs). We update our historical loss analyses quarterly and evaluate the need to modify our quantitative allowance as a result of our updated charge-off and loss analyses. The historical loss component of the allowance for loan losses is determined by applying the results of this quantitative analysis to each of our loans.

 

12
 

 

We then consider qualitative factors with the purpose of assessing the adequacy of the overall allowance for loan losses as well as the allocation of the allowance for loan losses by portfolio. The qualitative factors we consider can generally be categorized as: economic (unemployment levels, home values, general economic outlook); portfolio composition (loan types, product types, geography); and analytical (coverage ratios, peer analysis, uncertainties in assumptions).

 

Allowance adequacy calculations are adjusted quarterly, based on the results of the above quantitative and qualitative analyses, to reflect our current estimates of the amount of probable losses inherent in our loan portfolio in determining our allowance for loan losses. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, we refined our historical loss analyses on all of the portfolios, including further segmenting one-to-four family non-performing loans and segmenting multi-family and commercial real estate portfolios by property type and geographic location, and re-assessed the application of the qualitative factors noted above to each of the respective loan portfolios. Allocations of the allowance to each loan category are adjusted quarterly to reflect indicative inherent probable losses using the same quantitative and qualitative analyses used in connection with the overall allowance adequacy calculations. The portion of the allowance allocated to each loan category does not represent the total available to absorb losses which may occur within the loan category, since the total allowance for loan losses is available for losses applicable to the entire loan portfolio.

 

All of our one-to-four family mortgage loans are individually evaluated for impairment at 180 days delinquent and annually thereafter. Additionally, beginning in the 2012 first quarter, all of our one-to-four family loans to borrowers who have filed for bankruptcy are also individually evaluated for impairment initially when we are notified of the bankruptcy filing, using updated collateral values. Updated estimates of collateral values on one-to-four family loans are obtained primarily through automated valuation models. In accordance with regulatory guidelines, we record a charge-off for the portion of the recorded investment in the loan in excess of the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral less estimated selling costs. These partial charge-offs on one-to-four family loans impact our credit quality metrics and trends. The impact of updating the estimates of collateral value and recognizing any required charge-offs is to increase charge-offs and reduce the allowance for loan losses required on these loans. This accounting lowers our allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans and, more significantly, lowers our allowance for loan losses as a percentage of non-performing loans. We and our peers are required by regulatory guidelines to record such charge-offs. If any of our peers did not record such charge-offs, then we would expect our credit quality metrics to be lower than that of our peers, assuming all other factors are the same.

 

13
 

 

The following tables set forth the balances of our loans receivable by segment and impairment evaluation and the allowance for loan losses associated with such loans at the dates indicated.

 

   At March 31, 2012
   Mortgage Loans       
(In Thousands) 

One-to-Four

Family

  

Multi-

Family

  

Commercial

Real Estate

  

Consumer and Other

Loans

   Total 
Loans:                         
Individually evaluated for impairment  $345,707   $1,084,720   $299,237   $4,563   $1,734,227 
Collectively evaluated for impairment   10,199,654    776,045    323,167    271,468    11,570,334 
Total loans  $10,545,361   $1,860,765   $622,404   $276,031   $13,304,561 
Allowance for loan losses:                         
Individually evaluated for impairment  $11,014   $38,249   $7,988   $68   $57,319 
Collectively evaluated for impairment   79,884    6,678    2,414    3,604    92,580 
Total allowance for loan losses  $90,898   $44,927   $10,402   $3,672   $149,899 

 

   At December 31, 2011
  Mortgage Loans       
(In Thousands) 

One-to-Four

Family

  

Multi-

Family

  

Commercial

Real Estate

  

Consumer and Other

Loans

   Total 
Loans:                         
Individually evaluated for impairment  $337,116   $889,137   $318,318   $4,535   $1,549,106 
Collectively evaluated for impairment   10,224,423    804,734    341,388    277,909    11,648,454 
Total loans  $10,561,539   $1,693,871   $659,706   $282,444   $13,197,560 
Allowance for loan losses:                         
Individually evaluated for impairment  $10,967   $22,517   $7,996   $68   $41,548 
Collectively evaluated for impairment   95,024    12,905    3,976    3,732    115,637 
Total allowance for loan losses  $105,991   $35,422   $11,972   $3,800   $157,185 

 

The following table summarizes information related to our impaired loans by segment and class at the dates indicated. Impaired one-to-four family mortgage loans consist primarily of loans where a portion of the outstanding principal has been charged off.

 

 At March 31, 2012   At December 31, 2011
(In Thousands)  Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   Recorded
Investment
   Related
Allowance
   Net
Investment
   Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   Recorded
Investment
   Related
Allowance
   Net
Investment
 
With an allowance recorded:                                        
One-to-four family:                                        
Full documentation:                                        
Interest-only  $10,343   $10,343   $(222)  $10,121   $10,588   $10,588   $(1,240)  $9,348 
Amortizing   3,981    3,981    (79)   3,902    3,885    3,885    (439)   3,446 
Reduced documentation:                                        
Interest-only   11,215    11,215    (280)   10,935    11,713    11,713    (1,409)   10,304 
Amortizing   2,013    2,013    (121)   1,892    1,779    1,779    (217)   1,562 
Multi-family   64,593    63,884    (14,561)   49,323    39,399    36,273    (8,650)   27,623 
Commercial real estate   12,012    12,012    (1,983)   10,029    19,946    17,095    (3,193)   13,902 
Without an allowance recorded:                                        
One-to-four family:                                        
Full documentation:                                        
Interest-only   117,824    83,315    -    83,315    107,332    75,791    -    75,791 
Amortizing   25,447    19,513    -    19,513    22,184    17,074    -    17,074 
Reduced documentation:                                        
Interest-only   164,173    115,826    -    115,826    156,083    109,582    -    109,582 
Amortizing   22,177    16,527    -    16,527    20,021    15,259    -    15,259 
Multi-family   13,153    9,144    -    9,144    2,496    2,496    -    2,496 
Commercial real estate   9,180    6,001    -    6,001    -    -    -    - 
Total impaired loans  $456,111   $353,774   $(17,246)  $336,528   $395,426   $301,535   $(15,148)  $286,387 

 

14
 

 

The following table sets forth the average recorded investment, interest income recognized and cash basis interest income related to our impaired loans by segment and class for the periods indicated.

 

   For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012   For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 
(In Thousands)  Average
Recorded
Investment
   Interest
Income
Recognized
   Cash Basis
Interest
Income
   Average
Recorded
Investment
   Interest
Income
Recognized
   Cash Basis
Interest
Income
 
With an allowance recorded:                              
One-to-four family:                              
Full documentation:                              
Interest-only  $10,466   $91   $93   $10,861   $114   $102 
Amortizing   3,933    40    40    7,630    109    93 
Reduced documentation:                              
Interest-only   11,464    117    121    10,631    144    145 
Amortizing   1,896    23    22    1,169    13    13 
Multi-family   50,079    554    802    59,819    699    668 
Commercial real estate   14,554    159    169    19,058    315    308 
Without an allowance recorded:                              
One-to-four family:                              
Full documentation:                              
Interest-only   79,553    345    341    64,371    252    252 
Amortizing   18,294    52    56    11,871    14    14 
Reduced documentation:                              
Interest-only   112,704    522    536    107,626    449    430 
Amortizing   15,893    124    123    12,982    56    54 
Multi-family   5,820    174    174    639    -    - 
Commercial real estate   3,001    139    131    -    -    - 
Total impaired loans  $327,657   $2,340   $2,608   $306,657   $2,165   $2,079 

 

The following tables set forth the balances of our one-to-four family mortgage and consumer and other loan receivable segments by class and credit quality indicator at the dates indicated.

 

   At March 31, 2012
   One-to-Four Family Mortgage Loans   Consumer and Other Loans
   Full Documentation   Reduced Documentation   Home Equity
   
(In Thousands)  Interest-only   Amortizing   Interest-only   Amortizing   Lines of Credit  Other 
Performing  $2,375,927   $6,496,286   $979,975   $380,971   $246,555      $23,039 
Non-performing   101,662    46,471    126,656    37,413    6,356       81 
Total  $2,477,589   $6,542,757   $1,106,631   $418,384   $252,911      $23,120 

 

   At December 31, 2011
   One-to-Four Family Mortgage Loans   Consumer and Other Loans
   Full Documentation   Reduced Documentation   Home Equity
   
(In Thousands)  Interest-only   Amortizing   Interest-only   Amortizing   Lines of Credit  Other 
Performing  $2,588,437   $6,264,110   $1,014,039   $377,086   $253,041      $23,335 
Non-performing   107,503    43,937    131,301    35,126    5,995       73 
Total  $2,695,940   $6,308,047   $1,145,340   $412,212   $259,036      $23,408 

 

15
 

 

The following table sets forth the balances of our one-to-four family interest-only mortgage loans at March 31, 2012 by the period in which such loans are scheduled to enter their amortization period.

 

(In Thousands)Recorded
Investment
Amortization scheduled to begin:     
Within one year  $12,835 
More than one year to three years   841,349 
More than three years to five years   1,648,153 
Over five years   1,081,883 
Total  $3,584,220 

 

The following table sets forth the balances of our multi-family and commercial real estate mortgage loan receivable segments by credit quality indicator at the dates indicated.

 

   At March 31, 2012  At December 31, 2011
(In Thousands)  Multi-Family   Commercial
Real Estate
   Multi-Family   Commercial
Real Estate
 
Not classified  $1,700,674   $555,390   $1,557,315   $596,799 
Classified   160,091    67,014    136,556    62,907 
Total  $1,860,765   $622,404   $1,693,871   $659,706 

 

The following table sets forth information about our loans receivable by segment and class at March 31, 2012 which were modified in a troubled debt restructuring during the three months ended March 31, 2012.

 

(Dollars In Thousands)  Number
of Loans
   Pre-
Modification Recorded Investment
   Recorded
 Investment
Mortgage loans:               
One-to-four family:               
Reduced documentation:               
Interest-only   3   $914   $914 
Amortizing   4    1,549    1,473 
Multi-family   6    26,037    25,233 
Commercial real estate   1    999    941 
Total   14   $29,499   $28,561 

 

At March 31, 2011, we held twenty-one loans with a recorded investment of $8.8 million which were modified in a troubled debt restructuring during the three months ended March 31, 2011 with a pre-modification recorded investment of $8.9 million.

  

The following table sets forth information about our loans receivable by segment and class at March 31, 2012 which were modified in a troubled debt restructuring during the twelve months ended March 31, 2012 and had a payment default subsequent to the modification during the three months ended March 31, 2012.

 

(Dollars In Thousands)  Number
of Loans
   Recorded Investment
Mortgage loans:          
One-to-four family:          
Full documentation:          
Interest-only   2   $524 
Amortizing   1    81 
Reduced documentation:          
Interest-only   7    3,493 
Amortizing   6    1,780 
Multi-family   1    1,785 
Total   17   $7,663 

 

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For additional information regarding our loans receivable and allowance for loan losses, see “Asset Quality” and “Critical Accounting Policies” in Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” or “MD&A.”

 

5.     Earnings Per Share

 

The following table is a reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings per share.

 

 For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)  2012   2011 
Net income  $9,996   $27,384 
Income allocated to participating securities (restricted stock)   -    (661)
Income attributable to common shareholders  $9,996   $26,723 
Average number of common shares outstanding – basic   95,018,867    92,734,401 
Dilutive effect of stock options (1)   -    - 
Average number of common shares outstanding – diluted   95,018,867    92,734,401 
Income per common share attributable to common shareholders:          
Basic  $0.11   $0.29 
Diluted  $0.11   $0.29 

(1) Excludes options to purchase 5,822,224 shares of common stock which were outstanding during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and options to purchase 6,915,789 shares of common stock which were outstanding during the three months ended March 31, 2011 because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

 

6.     Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

 

On March 6, 2012, our Board of Directors and the Board of Directors of Astoria Federal approved amendments to the Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association Employees’ Pension Plan, or the Pension Plan, the Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association Excess Benefit Plan and the Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association Supplemental Benefit Plan, or the Excess and Supplemental Plans, and the Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association Directors’ Retirement Plan, effective April 30, 2012 to change the manner in which benefits are computed for service through April 30, 2012 and to suspend accrual of additional benefits for all of the aforementioned plans effective April 30, 2012.

 

As a result, we remeasured our benefit obligations and the funded status of our defined benefit pension plans at March 31, 2012, updating the pension measurement assumptions. The remeasurement resulted in a $40.6 million increase in the funded status at March 31, 2012 compared to December 31, 2011. The increase is the result of a $20.4 million decrease in the projected pension benefit obligation at March 31, 2012 compared to December 31, 2011 resulting from the plan amendments and an increase of $20.2 million in the fair value of plan assets at March 31, 2012 compared to December 31, 2011 resulting from the return on plan assets and employer contributions during the 2012 first quarter.

 

The remeasurement also resulted in a $32.0 million reduction in the pre-tax component of accumulated other comprehensive loss at March 31, 2012 compared to December 31, 2011 related to pension plans. We expect that $5.6 million in net actuarial loss and $151,000 in prior service cost will be recognized as components of net periodic cost for 2012.

 

We expect the plan amendments will reduce estimated net periodic cost for our defined benefit pension plans to approximately $9.4 million for 2012 compared to $14.8 million for 2011. In addition, we expect to record approximately $2.0 million in settlement charges in the latter half

 

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of 2012 in the Excess and Supplemental Plans related to the settlement of employment agreements associated with previously announced executive retirements.

 

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

 

       Other Postretirement
   Pension Benefits  Benefits
   For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
  For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
(In Thousands)  2012   2011   2012   2011 
Service cost  $1,514   $1,145   $195   $139 
Interest cost   3,002    3,057    363    335 
Expected return on plan assets   (2,618)   (2,675)   -    - 
Recognized net actuarial loss   3,238    2,075    162    29 
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)   11    48    (7)   (25)
Curtailment and settlement   7    28    -    - 
Net periodic cost  $5,154   $3,678   $713   $478 

 

7.     Stock Incentive Plans

 

The following table summarizes restricted stock activity in our stock incentive plans for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

 

   

Number of

Shares

 

Weighted Average

Grant Date Fair Value

Nonvested at January 1, 2012     1,936,225        $ 16.53    
Granted     6,000         8.24    
Vested     (305,970 )       (27.54 )  
Forfeited     (101,254 )       (13.89 )  
Nonvested at March 31, 2012     1,535,001         14.48    

 

As a result of the resignation and retirement of several executive officers, coupled with our cost control initiatives during the 2012 first quarter, 101,254 shares of restricted stock were forfeited during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and an additional 167,522 shares will be forfeited on or before May 1, 2012. This level of forfeitures significantly exceeds our original estimate of restricted stock forfeitures based on our prior experience. As a result, we reversed stock-based compensation expense totaling $569,000, net of taxes of $310,000, representing stock-based compensation expense previously recognized on unvested shares of restricted stock which will not vest as a result of forfeitures. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period and totaled $336,000, net of taxes of $184,000, for the three months ended March 31, 2012, and $1.4 million, net of taxes of $771,000, for the three months ended March 31, 2011. At March 31, 2012, pre-tax compensation cost related to all nonvested awards of restricted stock not yet recognized totaled $13.5 million and will be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.8 years, which includes $860,000 of pre-tax compensation cost related to 65,000 shares granted in 2011 under a performance-based award for which compensation cost will begin to be recognized when the achievement of the performance conditions becomes probable.

 

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8.     Fair Value Measurements

 

We use fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. Our securities available-for-sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, from time to time, we may be required to record at fair value other assets or liabilities on a non-recurring basis, such as mortgage servicing rights, or MSR, loans receivable, certain assets held-for-sale and real estate owned, or REO. These non-recurring fair value adjustments involve the application of lower of cost or market accounting or impairment write-downs of individual assets. 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 free-standing derivative instruments, the fair values of which are not material to our financial condition or results of operations.

 

We group our assets and liabilities at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. These levels are:

 

•     Level 1 – Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets.
     
•     Level 2 – Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.
     
•     Level 3 – Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use significant assumptions not observable in the market.  These unobservable assumptions reflect our own estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.  Valuation techniques include the use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques.  The results cannot be determined with precision and may not be realized in an actual sale or immediate settlement of the asset or liability.

 

We base our fair values on the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, with additional considerations when the volume and level of activity for an asset or liability have significantly decreased and on identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly. GAAP requires us to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.

 

The following is a description of valuation methodologies used for assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

 

Securities available-for-sale

Our available-for-sale securities portfolio is carried at estimated fair value on a recurring basis, with any unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, reported as accumulated other comprehensive income/loss in stockholders' equity.

 

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Residential mortgage-backed securities

Our securities available-for-sale portfolio consists primarily of residential mortgage-backed securities. The fair values for these securities are obtained from an independent nationally recognized pricing service. Our pricing service uses various modeling techniques to determine pricing for our mortgage-backed securities, including option pricing and discounted cash flow models. The inputs to these models include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, benchmark securities, bids, offers, reference data, monthly payment information and collateral performance. At March 31, 2012, 95% of our available-for-sale residential mortgage-backed securities portfolio was comprised of GSE securities for which an active market exists for similar securities, making observable inputs readily available.

 

We analyze changes in the pricing service fair values from month to month taking into consideration changes in market conditions including changes in mortgage spreads, changes in treasury yields and changes in generic pricing on fifteen year and thirty year securities. Each month we conduct a review of the estimated values of our fixed rate REMICs and CMOs available-for-sale which represent primarily all of these securities priced by our pricing service. We generate prices based upon a “spread matrix” approach for estimating values. Market spreads are obtained from independent third party firms who trade these types of securities. Any notable differences between the pricing service prices and “spread matrix” prices on individual securities are analyzed further, including a review of prices provided by other independent parties, a yield analysis and review of average life changes using Bloomberg analytics and a review of historical pricing on the particular security. Based upon our review of the prices provided by our pricing service, the fair values of securities incorporate observable market inputs commonly used by buyers and sellers of these types of securities at the measurement date in orderly transactions between market participants, and, as such, are classified as Level 2.

 

Obligations of GSEs

Obligations of GSEs in our available-for-sale securities portfolio consists of a debt security issued by the Federal Home Loan Banks. The fair value of this security is obtained from an independent nationally recognized pricing service. Our pricing service gathers information from market sources and integrates relative credit information, observed market movement and sector news into their pricing applications and models. Spread scales, representing credit risk, are created and are based on the new issue market, secondary trading and dealer quotes. Option adjusted spread models are incorporated to adjust spreads of issues that have early redemption features. Based upon our review of the prices provided by our pricing service, the fair value of this security incorporates observable market inputs commonly used by buyers and sellers of this type of security at the measurement date in orderly transactions between market participants, and, as such, is classified as Level 2.

 

Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae stock

The fair values of the Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae stock in our available-for-sale securities portfolio are obtained from quoted market prices for identical instruments in active markets and, as such, are classified as Level 1.

 

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The following tables set forth the carrying value of our assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurement falls at the dates indicated.

 

   Carrying Value at March 31, 2012
(In Thousands)  Total   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3
Securities available-for-sale:                    
Residential mortgage-backed securities:                    
GSE issuance REMICs and CMOs  $239,703   $-   $239,703   $-    
Non-GSE issuance REMICs and CMOs   15,009    -    15,009    -    
GSE pass-through certificates   24,414    -    24,414    -    
Obligations of GSEs   24,886    -    24,886    -    
Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae stock   4,620    4,620    -    -    
Total securities available-for-sale  $308,632   $4,620   $304,012   $-    

 

   Carrying Value at December 31, 2011
(In Thousands)  Total   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3
Securities available-for-sale:                    
Residential mortgage-backed securities:                    
GSE issuance REMICs and CMOs  $298,620   $-   $298,620   $-    
Non-GSE issuance REMICs and CMOs   15,795    -    15,795    -    
GSE pass-through certificates   25,192    -    25,192    -    
Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae stock   4,580    4,580    -    -    
Total securities available-for-sale  $344,187   $4,580   $339,607   $-    

 

The following is a description of valuation methodologies used for assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis.

 

Non-performing loans held-for-sale, net

Non-performing loans held-for-sale were comprised primarily of multi-family and commercial real estate mortgage loans at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. Fair values of non-performing loans held-for-sale are estimated through either bids received on the loans or a discounted cash flow analysis of the underlying collateral and adjusted as necessary, by management, to reflect current market conditions and, as such, are classified as Level 3.

 

Loans receivable, net (impaired loans)

Loans which meet certain criteria are evaluated individually for impairment. A loan is considered impaired when, based upon current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due, including principal and interest, according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impaired loans, including impaired loans for which a fair value adjustment was recognized, consisted primarily of one-to-four family mortgage loans at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. Our impaired loans are generally collateral dependent and, as such, are carried at the estimated fair value of the collateral less estimated selling costs.

 

We obtain updated estimates of collateral value on impaired one-to-four family loans at 180 days past due and annually thereafter. Updated estimates of collateral value on one-to-four family loans are obtained primarily through automated valuation models. Additionally, our loan servicer performs property inspections to monitor and manage the collateral on our one-to-four family loans when they become 45 days past due and monthly thereafter until the foreclosure process is complete. We obtain updated estimates of collateral value using third party appraisals on non-performing impaired multi-family and commercial real estate loans with balances of $1.0 million or greater when the loans initially become non-performing. Annually thereafter, we

 

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perform inspections of these properties to monitor the collateral. Appraisals on multi-family and commercial real estate loans are reviewed by our internal certified appraisers. Adjustments to final appraised values obtained from independent third party appraisers and automated valuation models are not made. The fair values of impaired loans cannot be determined with precision and may not be realized in an actual sale or immediate settlement of the loan and, as such, are classified as Level 3.

 

MSR, net

The right to service loans for others is generally obtained through the sale of one-to-four family mortgage loans with servicing retained. MSR are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value. The estimated fair value of MSR is obtained through independent third party valuations through an analysis of future cash flows, incorporating estimates of assumptions market participants would use in determining fair value including market discount rates, prepayment speeds, servicing income, servicing costs, default rates and other market driven data, including the market’s perception of future interest rate movements and, as such, are classified as Level 3. At March 31, 2012, our MSR were valued based on expected future cash flows considering a weighted average discount rate of 10.95%, a weighted average constant prepayment rate on mortgages of 20.32% and a weighted average life of 3.8 years. At December 31, 2011, our MSR were valued based on expected future cash flows considering a weighted average discount rate of 10.94%, a weighted average constant prepayment rate on mortgages of 20.30% and a weighted average life of 3.7 years. Management reviews the assumptions used to estimate the fair value of MSR to ensure they reflect current and anticipated market conditions.

 

REO, net

REO represents real estate acquired as a result of foreclosure or by deed in lieu of foreclosure, all of which were one-to-four family properties at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, and is carried, net of allowances for losses, at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated selling costs. The fair value of REO is estimated through current appraisals, in conjunction with a drive-by inspection and comparison of the REO property with similar properties in the area by either a licensed appraiser or real estate broker. As these properties are actively marketed, estimated fair values are periodically adjusted by management to reflect current market conditions and, as such, are classified as Level 3.

 

The following table sets forth the carrying value of those of our assets which were measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at the dates indicated. The fair value measurement for all of these assets falls within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

  Carrying Value
(In Thousands)   At March 31, 2012   At December 31, 2011
Non-performing loans held-for-sale, net   $ 4,923         $ 19,744  
Impaired loans     252,346           232,849  
MSR, net     8,057           8,136  
REO, net     29,630           36,956  
Total   $ 294,956         $ 297,685  

 

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The following table provides information regarding the losses recognized on our assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis for the periods indicated.

 

    For the Three
Months Ended
March 31,
   
   
(In Thousands)   2012 2011
Non-performing loans held-for-sale, net (1)   $ 54   $ 2,587  
Impaired loans (2)     15,875     14,582  
MSR, net (3)     -     -  
REO, net (4)     2,534     3,505  
Total   $ 18,463   $ 20,674  

 

(1) Losses are charged against the allowance for loan losses in the case of a write-down upon the reclassification of a loan to held-for-sale.  Losses subsequent to the reclassification of a loan to held-for-sale are charged to other non-interest income.
(2) Losses are charged against the allowance for loan losses.
(3) Losses are charged to mortgage banking income, net.
(4)

Losses are charged against the allowance for loan losses in the case of a write-down upon the transfer of a loan to REO. Losses subsequent to the transfer of a loan to REO are charged to REO expense which is a component of other non-interest expense.

 

9.Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

Quoted market prices available in formal trading marketplaces are typically the best evidence of fair value of financial instruments. In many cases, financial instruments we hold are not bought or sold in formal trading marketplaces. Accordingly, fair values are derived or estimated based on a variety of valuation techniques in the absence of quoted market prices. Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any possible tax ramifications, estimated transaction costs, or any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time our entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no market exists for a certain portion of our financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics and other such factors. These estimates are subjective in nature, involve uncertainties and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates. For these reasons and others, the estimated fair value disclosures presented herein do not represent our entire underlying value. As such, readers are cautioned in using this information for purposes of evaluating our financial condition and/or value either alone or in comparison with any other company.

 

We consider the fair value measurements for our loans receivable, net, loans held-for-sale, net, and MSR, net, to be Level 3 fair value measurements and the fair value measurements for all of our other financial instruments to be Level 2 fair value measurements.

  

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The following table summarizes the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our financial instruments which are carried on the consolidated statements of financial condition at either cost or at lower of cost or fair value, in accordance with GAAP, and not measured or recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.

 

   At March 31, 2012  At December 31, 2011
(In Thousands)  Carrying
Amount
   Estimated
Fair Value
   Carrying
Amount
   Estimated
Fair Value
 
Financial Assets:                    
Securities held-to-maturity  $2,205,870   $2,255,457   $2,130,804   $2,176,925 
FHLB-NY stock   146,598    146,598    131,667    131,667 
Loans held-for-sale, net (1)   22,918    23,175    32,394    32,611 
Loans receivable, net (1)   13,230,748    13,473,580    13,117,419    13,368,354 
MSR, net (1)   8,057    8,061    8,136    8,137 
Financial Liabilities:                    
Deposits   11,112,648    11,245,730    11,245,614    11,416,033 
Borrowings, net   4,333,666    4,813,334    4,121,573    4,624,636 

 

 

(1)  Includes totals for assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as disclosed in Note 8.

 

Methods and assumptions used to estimate fair values are as follows:

 

Securities held-to-maturity

The fair values for substantially all of our securities held-to-maturity are obtained from an independent nationally recognized pricing service using similar methods and assumptions as used for our securities available-for-sale which are described further in Note 8.

 

Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, or FHLB-NY, stock

The carrying amount of FHLB-NY stock equals cost. The fair value of FHLB-NY stock is based on redemption at par value.

 

Loans held-for-sale, net

The fair values of fifteen and thirty year conforming fixed rate one-to-four family mortgage loans originated for sale are estimated using an option-based pricing methodology designed to take into account interest rate volatility, which has a significant effect on the value of the options embedded in loans such as prepayments. This methodology involves generating simulated interest rates, calculating the option adjusted spread, or OAS, of a mortgage-backed security whose price is known, which serves as a benchmark price, and using the benchmark OAS to estimate the pricing on an instrument level for similar mortgage instruments whose prices are not known. The fair values of non-performing loans held-for-sale are estimated through either bids received on such loans or a discounted cash flow analysis adjusted to reflect current market conditions.

 

Loans receivable, net

Fair values of loans are estimated using an option-based pricing methodology designed to take into account interest rate volatility, which has a significant effect on the value of the options embedded in loans such as prepayments and interest rate caps and floors. This pricing methodology involves generating simulated interest rates, calculating the OAS of a mortgage-backed security whose price is known, which serves as a benchmark price, and using the benchmark OAS to estimate the pricing on an instrument level for similar mortgage instruments whose prices are not known.

 

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This technique of estimating fair value is extremely sensitive to the assumptions and estimates used. While we have attempted to use assumptions and estimates which are the most reflective of the loan portfolio and the current market, a greater degree of subjectivity is inherent in determining these fair values than for fair values obtained from formal trading marketplaces. In addition, our valuation method for loans, which is consistent with accounting guidance, does not fully incorporate an exit price approach to fair value.

 

MSR, net

The fair value of MSR is obtained through independent third party valuations through an analysis of future cash flows, incorporating estimates of assumptions market participants would use in determining fair value including market discount rates, prepayment speeds, servicing income, servicing costs, default rates and other market driven data, including the market’s perception of future interest rate movements.

 

Deposits

The fair values of deposits with no stated maturity, such as savings, money market, NOW and demand deposit accounts, are equal to the amount payable on demand. The fair values of certificates of deposit are based on discounted contractual cash flows using the weighted average remaining life of the portfolio discounted by the corresponding LIBOR Swap Curve as posted by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, or OCC.

 

Borrowings, net

The fair values of callable borrowings are based upon third party dealers’ estimated market values. The fair values of non-callable borrowings are based on discounted cash flows using the weighted average remaining life of the portfolio discounted by the corresponding FHLB nominal funding rate.

 

Outstanding commitments

Outstanding commitments include (1) commitments to extend credit and unadvanced lines of credit for which fair values were estimated based on an analysis of the interest rates and fees currently charged to enter into similar transactions and (2) commitments to sell residential mortgage loans for which fair values were estimated based on current secondary market prices for commitments with similar terms. The fair values of these commitments are immaterial to our financial condition and are not presented in the table above.

 

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10.     Litigation

 

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

 

City of New York Notice of Determination

By “Notice of Determination” dated September 14, 2010 and August 26, 2011, the City of New York has notified us of alleged tax deficiencies in the amount of $13.3 million, including interest and penalties, related to our 2006 through 2008 tax years. The deficiencies relate to our operation of two subsidiaries of Astoria Federal, Fidata Service Corp., or Fidata, and Astoria Federal Mortgage Corp., or AF Mortgage. Fidata is a passive investment company which maintains offices in Connecticut. AF Mortgage is an operating subsidiary through which Astoria Federal engages in lending activities outside the State of New York through our third party loan origination program. We disagree with the assertion of the tax deficiencies and we filed Petitions for Hearings with the City of New York on December 6, 2010 and October 5, 2011 to oppose the Notices of Determination and to consolidate the hearings. A hearing in this matter is expected to occur in the latter half of 2012. At this time, management believes it is more likely than not that we will succeed in refuting the City of New York’s position, although defense costs may be significant. Accordingly, no liability or reserve has been recognized in our consolidated statement of financial condition at March 31, 2012 with respect to this matter.

 

No assurance can be given as to whether or to what extent we will be required to pay the amount of the tax deficiencies asserted by the City of New York, whether additional tax will be assessed for years subsequent to 2008, that this matter will not be costly to oppose, that this matter will not have an impact on our financial condition or results of operations or that, ultimately, any such impact will not be material.

 

Automated Transactions LLC Litigation

On November 20, 2009, an action entitled Automated Transactions LLC v. Astoria Financial Corporation and Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association was commenced in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, or the Southern District Court, against us by Automated Transactions LLC, alleging patent infringement involving integrated banking and transaction machines, including automated teller machines, or ATMs, that we utilize. We were served with the summons and complaint in such action on March 2, 2010. The plaintiff also filed a similar suit on the same day against another financial institution and its holding company. The plaintiff seeks unspecified monetary damages and an injunction preventing us from continuing to utilize the allegedly infringing machines. We are vigorously defending this lawsuit, and filed an answer and counterclaims to the plaintiff’s complaint on March 23, 2010, to which the plaintiff filed a reply on April 12, 2010.

 

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On May 18, 2010, the plaintiff filed an amended complaint at the direction of the Southern District Court, containing substantially the same allegations as the original complaint. On May 27, 2010, we moved to dismiss the amended complaint. On March 10, 2011, the Southern District Court entered an order on the record that dismissed all claims against Astoria Financial Corporation but denied the motion to dismiss the claims against Astoria Federal for alleged direct patent infringement. The order also dismissed in part the claims against Astoria Federal for alleged inducement of our customers to violate plaintiff’s patents and for Astoria Federal’s allegedly willful violation of the plaintiff’s patents, allowing claims to continue only for alleged inducement and willful infringement after our receiving notice of the pending suit from plaintiff’s counsel. Based on the Southern District Court’s ruling, on March 31, 2011, we answered the amended complaint substantially denying the allegations of the amended complaint.

 

On July 22, 2011, we filed a motion to stay the action pending the outcome of an appeal pending before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, or the Court of Appeals, of the Delaware District Court’s ruling in the case entitled Automated Transactions LLC v. IYG Holding Co et al, Civ. No. 06-043-SLR, or the IYG action. The IYG action involves the same plaintiff making substantially similar allegations with respect to identical and substantially similar patents as those involved in the action against us. The Delaware District Court granted IYG’s motion for summary judgment. In our motion to stay, we asserted that, should the Court of Appeals uphold the Delaware District Court’s rulings, the Delaware District Court decision should be binding on the plaintiff in the litigation against us. By order dated March 15, 2012, our motion to stay was denied.

 

We have tendered requests for indemnification from the manufacturer and from the transaction processor utilized with respect to the integrated banking and transaction machines, and we served third party complaints against Metavante Corporation and Diebold, Inc. seeking to enforce our indemnification rights.

 

An adverse result in this lawsuit may include an award of monetary damages, on-going royalty obligations, and/or may result in a change in our business practice, which could result in a loss of revenue. We cannot at this time estimate the possible loss or range of loss, if any. No assurance can be given at this time that this litigation against us will be resolved amicably, that if this litigation results in an adverse decision that we will be successful in seeking indemnification, that this litigation will not be costly to defend, that this litigation will not have an impact on our financial condition or results of operations or that, ultimately, any such impact will not be material.

 

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Lefkowitz Litigation

On February 27, 2012, a putative class action entitled Ellen Lefkowitz, individually and on behalf of all Persons similarly situated v. Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association was commenced in the Supreme Court of The State of New York, County of Queens, against us alleging that during the proposed class period, we improperly charged overdraft fees to customer accounts when accounts were not overdrawn, improperly reordered electronic debit transactions from the highest to the lowest dollar amount and processed debits before credits to deplete accounts and maximize overdraft fee income. The complaint contains the further assertion that we did not adequately inform our customers that they had the option to “opt-out” of overdraft services. We were served with the summons and complaint in such action on February 29, 2012 and must reply on or before April 30, 2012. We cannot at this time estimate the possible loss or range of loss, if any. No assurance can be given at this time that this litigation against us will be resolved amicably, that this litigation will not be costly to defend, that this litigation will not have an impact on our financial condition or results of operations or that, ultimately, any such impact will not be material.

 

11.Impact of Accounting Standards and Interpretations

 

Effective January 1, 2012, we adopted the guidance in Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, 2011-05, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) Presentation of Comprehensive Income,” as amended by ASU 2011-12, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standard Update No. 2011-05.” ASU 2011-05, as amended, eliminated the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity, which was one of three alternatives for presenting other comprehensive income and its components in financial statements. ASU 2011-05 requires that all non-owner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. We have elected the two-statement approach. Since the provisions of ASU 2011-05, as amended, are presentation related only, our adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

 

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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 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 real estate or securities markets or the banking industry may be less favorable than we currently anticipate;
·legislative or regulatory changes, including the implementation of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, or the Reform Act, and any actions regarding foreclosures, may adversely affect our business;
·transition of our regulatory supervisor from the Office of Thrift Supervision to the OCC;
·effects of changes in existing U.S. government or government-sponsored mortgage programs;
·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 be determined adverse to us or may delay the occurrence or non-occurrence of events longer than we anticipate.

 

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

 

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Executive Summary

 

The following overview should be read in conjunction with our 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 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 the premier Long Island community bank, our goals are to enhance shareholder value while building a solid banking franchise. We focus on growing our core businesses of mortgage portfolio lending and retail banking while maintaining strong asset quality and controlling operating expenses. We also provide returns to shareholders through dividends.

 

We are impacted by both national and regional economic factors. With one-to-four family mortgage loans from various regions of the country held in our portfolio, the condition of the national economy impacts our earnings. During 2011 and continuing into 2012, the U.S. economy has shown signs of a very slow and tenuous recovery from the recession experienced since 2008. The national unemployment rate, while still at a high level, has reflected some declines from its peak of 10.0% for October 2009. The national unemployment rate ranged in the first quarter of 2012 from 8.5% to 8.2%, somewhat improved from the year earlier period, which ranged from 9.4% to 8.9%. Still, softness in the housing and real estate markets persists, although the extent of such softness varies from region to region. In New York, where our multi-family mortgage loan origination activities were resumed in the second half of 2011, we have noted some recent strengthening of economic conditions.

 

In addition to considering the challenging economic environment in which we compete, the regulation and oversight of our business changed during 2011. As described in more detail in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K, certain aspects of the Reform Act have an impact on us, including the expanded regulatory burden resulting from oversight of Astoria Federal by the OCC and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and oversight of Astoria Financial Corporation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, changes to deposit insurance assessments, the imposition of consolidated holding company capital requirements and the roll back of federal preemption applicable to certain of our operations.

 

Total assets increased slightly during the three months ended March 31, 2012, primarily due to an increase in our loan portfolio, particularly our multi-family mortgage loan portfolio, as mortgage loan origination and purchase volume exceeded loan repayments for the first time since 2008. The increase in multi-family loans was due to the resumption of such lending in the second half of 2011. One-to-four family mortgage loan repayments remain at elevated levels,

 

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but did not accelerate during the 2012 first quarter. Such loan repayments offset our one-to-four family mortgage loan origination and purchase volume for the first quarter of 2012 resulting in a slight decline in the balance of the portfolio. One-to-four family mortgage loan origination and purchase volume for portfolio has been negatively affected for an extended period of time by the historic low interest rates on thirty year fixed rate conforming mortgage loans and the expanded conforming loan limits resulting in more borrowers opting for thirty year fixed rate conforming mortgage loans which we do not retain for portfolio. We expect further loan portfolio growth as the year proceeds based upon the strength of our multi-family mortgage loan pipeline and origination activity.

 

Total deposits decreased during the three months ended March 31, 2012. This decrease was the result of a decline in certificates of deposit as we allowed high cost certificates of deposit to run off, with such decline being partially offset by increases in low cost savings, money market and NOW and demand deposit accounts, which increased $176.1 million during the 2012 first quarter. The increases in these low cost deposits appear to reflect customer preference for the liquidity these types of deposits provide. To the extent needed to fund the aforementioned asset growth, we utilized short-term borrowings during the three months ended March 31, 2012, which resulted in an increase in our borrowings portfolio from December 31, 2011.

 

Stockholders’ equity increased as of March 31, 2012 compared to December 31, 2011. This increase primarily reflects a reduction in accumulated other comprehensive loss resulting from an adjustment related to our defined benefit pension plans. The adjustment reflects the impact of the remeasurement of our benefit obligations and the funded status of our defined benefit plans at March 31, 2012 pursuant to plan amendments approved during the 2012 first quarter. These amendments primarily related to a freeze of pension benefits effective April 30, 2012 which resulted in a decline in our benefit obligation and will result in a reduction in future pension cost.

 

Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 decreased as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011. This decrease reflected a reduced level of net interest income, increased non-interest expense and a higher provision for loan losses, partially offset by an increase in non-interest income.

 

Net interest income, the net interest rate spread and the net interest margin for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were lower, as compared to the same period one year earlier, primarily due to a more rapid decline in the yields on average interest-earning assets than the decline in the costs of average interest-bearing liabilities. Interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 declined compared to the 2011 first quarter primarily due to the decreases in the average yields on one-to-four family mortgage loans and mortgage-backed and other securities, coupled with a decrease in the average balance of mortgage loans. Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2012 also decreased, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011, reflecting decreases in the average balances and average costs of certificates of deposit and borrowings.

 

The provision for loan losses for the first quarter of 2012 totaled $10.0 million, compared with $7.0 million for the first quarter of 2011. The allowance for loan losses totaled $149.9 million at March 31, 2012, compared with $157.2 million at December 31, 2011. The decrease in the allowance for loan losses reflects the general stabilizing trend in overall asset quality we have experienced since 2010 as total delinquencies have continued a downward trend. Despite the improved credit metrics of the loan portfolio, including the decline in total loan delinquencies,

 

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we felt it prudent, at this time, to maintain our strong allowance for loan losses coverage ratio. The allowance for loan losses at March 31, 2012 reflects the levels and composition of our loan delinquencies and non-performing loans, our loss history, the size and composition of our loan portfolio and our evaluation of the housing and real estate markets and overall economy, including the unemployment rate.

 

Non-interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 increased compared to the 2011 first quarter. The increase is attributable to gain on sale of securities during the 2012 first quarter and an increase in other non-interest income, partially offset by lower customer service fees and mortgage banking income, net, in the 2012 first quarter versus the year-earlier quarter.

 

Non-interest expense increased for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011 as a result of increases in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC, insurance premium expense and higher compensation and benefits expense, which included one-time net charges associated with effecting certain cost control initiatives implemented during the 2012 first quarter.

 

On April 18, 2012, we declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.04 per share compared to a quarterly cash dividend of $0.13 per share declared in the 2012 first quarter. The reduction in the dividend is expected to result in a dividend payout ratio and dividend yield which is more in line with norms in the financial industry and to provide management with additional flexibility to redeploy capital to support growth opportunities in the future.

 

We continue to operate in a challenging environment. Economic growth remains slow, unemployment remains elevated and home values continue to remain soft. However, we are optimistic that the resumption of multi-family and commercial real estate lending should facilitate loan and balance sheet growth throughout the remainder of 2012.

 

Available Information

 

Our internet website address is www.astoriafederal.com. 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/edgar/searchedgar/webusers.htm.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” of our 2011 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, judgments regarding goodwill and securities impairment and the estimates related to our pension plans and other postretirement benefits 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

 

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require assumptions or estimates about highly uncertain matters. Actual results may differ from our estimates and judgments. The use of different judgments, assumptions and estimates could result in material differences in our results of operations or financial condition. These critical accounting policies are reviewed quarterly with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. The following description of these policies should be read in conjunction with the corresponding section of our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

 

Our allowance for loan losses is established and maintained through a provision for loan losses based on our evaluation of the probable inherent losses in our loan portfolio. We evaluate the adequacy of our allowance on a quarterly basis. The allowance is comprised of both valuation allowances related to individual loans and general valuation allowances, although the total allowance for loan losses is available for losses applicable to the entire loan portfolio.

 

Valuation allowances on particular loans are established in connection with individual loan reviews and the asset classification process, including the procedures for impairment recognition under GAAP. Such evaluation, which includes a review of loans on which full collectibility is not reasonably assured, considers delinquency status, current estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, if any, current and anticipated economic and regulatory conditions, current and historical loss experience of similar loans and other factors that determine risk exposure to arrive at an adequate loan loss allowance.

 

Loan reviews are completed quarterly for all loans individually classified by our Asset Classification Committee. Individual loan reviews are generally completed annually for multi-family and commercial real estate mortgage loans with balances of $2.0 million or greater, commercial business loans with balances of $200,000 or greater and troubled debt restructurings. In addition, we generally review annually borrowing relationships whose combined outstanding balance is $2.0 million or greater. Approximately fifty percent of the outstanding principal balance of these loans to a single borrowing entity will be reviewed annually.

 

The primary considerations in establishing individual valuation allowances are the current estimated value of a loan’s underlying collateral and the loan’s payment history. We update our estimates of collateral value for one-to-four family mortgage loans at 180 days past due and annually thereafter and for loans to borrowers who have filed for bankruptcy initially when we are notified of the bankruptcy filing. Updated estimates of collateral value for one-to-four family loans are obtained primarily through automated valuation models. Additionally, our loan servicer performs property inspections to monitor and manage the collateral on our one-to-four family loans when they become 45 days past due and monthly thereafter until the foreclosure process is complete. We update our estimates of collateral value for non-performing multi-family and commercial real estate mortgage loans with balances of $1.0 million or greater when the loans initially become non-performing and multi-family and commercial real estate loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring at the time of the modification. For multi-family and commercial real estate properties, we estimate collateral value through independent third party appraisals or internal cash flow analyses, when current financial information is available, coupled with, in most cases, an inspection of the property. Appraisals on multi-family and commercial real estate loans are reviewed by our internal certified appraisers. Annually thereafter, inspections of these properties are performed to monitor the collateral. We also obtain updated estimates of collateral for certain other loans when the Asset Classification Committee believes repayment of such

 

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loans may be dependent on the value of the underlying collateral. Adjustments to final appraised values obtained from independent third party appraisers and automated valuation models are not made. Other current and anticipated economic conditions on which our individual valuation allowances rely are the impact that national and/or local economic and business conditions may have on borrowers, the impact that local real estate markets may have on collateral values, the level and direction of interest rates and their combined effect on real estate values and the ability of borrowers to service debt. For multi-family and commercial real estate loans, additional factors specific to a borrower or the underlying collateral are considered. These factors include, but are not limited to, the composition of tenancy, occupancy levels for the property, location of the property, cash flow estimates and, to a lesser degree, the existence of personal guarantees. We also review all regulatory notices, bulletins and memoranda with the purpose of identifying upcoming changes in regulatory conditions which may impact our calculation of individual valuation allowances. Our primary banking regulator periodically reviews our reserve methodology during regulatory examinations and any comments regarding changes to reserves or loan classifications are considered by management in determining valuation allowances.

 

Pursuant to our policy, loan losses are charged-off in the period the loans, or portions thereof, are deemed uncollectible for the portion of the recorded investment in the loan in excess of the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral less estimated selling costs. Such charge-offs are taken for one-to-four family mortgage loans at 180 days past due and annually thereafter and loans to borrowers who have filed for bankruptcy initially when we are notified of the bankruptcy filing and for impaired multi-family and commercial real estate mortgage loans when the loans are identified as impaired. The determination of the loans on which full collectibility is not reasonably assured, the estimates of the fair value of the underlying collateral and the assessment of economic and regulatory conditions are subject to assumptions and judgments by management. Individual valuation allowances and charge-off amounts 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 which, unlike individual valuation allowances, have not been allocated to particular loans. The determination of the adequacy of the general valuation allowances takes into consideration a variety of factors. We segment our one-to-four family mortgage loan portfolio by interest-only and amortizing loans, full documentation and reduced documentation loans and year of origination and analyze our historical loss experience and delinquency levels and trends of these segments. We analyze multi-family and commercial real estate loans by portfolio and geographic location. We segment our consumer and other loan portfolio by home equity lines of credit, business loans, revolving credit lines and installment loans and perform similar historical loss analyses. In our analysis of non-performing loans, we consider our aggregate historical loss experience with respect to the ultimate disposition of the underlying collateral based on the portfolio segments noted above. These analyses and the resulting loss rates are used as an integral part of our judgment in developing estimated loss percentages to apply to the loan portfolio segments. We monitor credit risk on interest-only hybrid adjustable rate mortgage, or ARM, loans that were underwritten at the initial note rate, which may have been a discounted rate, in the same manner that we monitor credit risk on all interest-only hybrid ARM loans. We monitor interest rate reset dates of our loan portfolio, in the aggregate, and the current interest rate environment and consider the impact, if any, on borrowers’ ability to continue to make timely principal and interest payments in determining our allowance for loan losses. We also consider the size, composition, risk profile and delinquency levels of our loan portfolio, as well as our credit administration and asset

 

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management procedures. We monitor property value trends in our market areas by reference to various industry and market reports, economic releases and surveys, and our general and specific knowledge of the real estate markets in which we lend, in order to determine what impact, if any, such trends may have on the level of our general valuation allowances. In addition, we evaluate and consider the impact that current and anticipated economic and market conditions may have on the loan portfolio and known and inherent risks in the portfolio. We update our analyses quarterly and we are continually refining our evaluations as experience provides clearer guidance, our product offerings change and as economic conditions evolve.

 

We analyze our historical loss experience over twelve month, fifteen month, eighteen month and twenty-four month periods, however our quantitative allowance coverage percentages are based on our twelve month loss history. We believe the twelve month loss analysis is most reflective of current conditions and the potential impact on our future loss exposure. However, the longer periods provide further insight into trends or anomalies and can be a factor in making adjustments to the twelve month analysis. Also, for a particular loan type we may not have sufficient loss history to develop a reasonable estimate of loss. In that circumstance we would consider our loss experience for other, similar loan types. Additionally, multi-family and commercial real estate loss experience may be adjusted based on the composition of the losses (loan sales, short sales and partial charge-offs). We update our historical loss analyses quarterly and evaluate the need to modify our quantitative allowance as a result of our updated charge-off and loss analyses. The historical loss component of the allowance for loan losses is determined by applying the results of this quantitative analysis to each of our loans.

 

We then consider qualitative factors with the purpose of assessing the adequacy of the overall allowance for loan losses as well as the allocation of the allowance for loan losses by portfolio. The qualitative factors we consider can generally be categorized as: economic (unemployment levels, home values, general economic outlook); portfolio composition (loan types, product types, geography); and analytical (coverage ratios, peer analysis, uncertainties in assumptions).

 

We use ratio analyses as a supplemental tool for evaluating the overall reasonableness of the allowance for loan losses. As such, we evaluate and consider our asset quality ratios as well as the allowance ratios and coverage percentages set forth in both peer group and regulatory agency data. We also consider any comments from our primary banking regulator resulting from their review of our general valuation allowance methodology during regulatory examinations. We consider the observed trends in our asset quality ratios in combination with our primary focus 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. We do not determine the appropriate level of our allowance for loan losses based exclusively on a single factor or asset quality ratio. Our evaluation of general valuation allowances is inherently subjective because, even though it is based on objective data, it is management’s interpretation of that data that determines the amount of the appropriate allowance. Therefore, we periodically review the actual performance and charge-off history of our loan portfolio and compare that to our previously determined allowance coverage percentages and individual valuation allowances. In doing so, we evaluate the impact the previously mentioned variables may have had on the loan portfolio to determine which changes, if any, should be made to our assumptions and analyses.

 

Allowance adequacy calculations are adjusted quarterly, based on the results of our quantitative and qualitative analyses, to reflect our current estimates of the amount of probable losses

 

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inherent in our loan portfolio in determining our allowance for loan losses. Allocations of the allowance to each loan category are adjusted quarterly to reflect indicative inherent probable losses using the same quantitative and qualitative analyses used in connection with the overall allowance adequacy calculations. The portion of the allowance allocated to each loan category does not represent the total available to absorb losses which may occur within the loan category, since the total allowance for loan losses is available for losses applicable to the entire loan portfolio.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, we refined our historical loss analyses on all of the portfolios, including further segmenting one-to-four family non-performing loans and segmenting multi-family and commercial real estate portfolios by property type and geographic location, and re-assessed the application of the qualitative factors noted above to each of the respective loan portfolios. As a result of our updated charge-off and loss analyses, we modified certain allowance coverage percentages during the 2012 first quarter to reflect our current estimates of the amount of probable losses inherent in our loan portfolio in determining our general valuation allowances. Based on our evaluation of the housing and real estate markets and overall economy, including the unemployment rate, the levels and composition of our loan delinquencies and non-performing loans, our loss history and the size and composition of our loan portfolio, we determined that an allowance for loan losses of $149.9 million was required at March 31, 2012, compared to $157.2 million at December 31, 2011, resulting in a provision for loan losses of $10.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012. The balance of our allowance for loan losses represents management’s best estimate of the probable inherent losses in our loan portfolio at the reporting dates.

 

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

 

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 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Valuation of MSR

 

The initial asset recognized for originated MSR is measured at fair value. The fair value of MSR is estimated by reference to current market values of similar loans sold servicing released. MSR are amortized in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing income. We apply the amortization method for measurement of our MSR. MSR are assessed for impairment based on fair value at each reporting date. 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. MSR impairment, if any, is recognized in a valuation allowance through charges to earnings. Increases in the fair value of impaired MSR are recognized only up to the amount of the previously recognized valuation allowance.

 

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At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, our MSR had a fair value of $8.1 million. There were no significant changes in the assumptions used to value our MSR at March 31, 2012 compared to December 31, 2011.

 

The fair value of MSR is highly sensitive to changes in assumptions. Changes in prepayment speed assumptions generally have the most significant impact on the fair value of our MSR. Generally, as interest rates decline, mortgage loan prepayments accelerate due to increased refinance activity, which results in a decrease in the fair value of MSR. As interest rates rise, mortgage loan prepayments slow down, which results in an increase in the fair value of MSR. Thus, any measurement of the fair value of our MSR is limited by the conditions existing and the assumptions utilized as of a particular point in time, and those assumptions may not be appropriate if they are applied at a different point in time.

 

Goodwill Impairment

 

Goodwill is presumed to have an indefinite useful life and is tested, at least annually, for impairment at the reporting unit level. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, further evaluation is not necessary. However, if the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, further evaluation is required to compare the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill to its carrying amount to determine if a write-down of goodwill is required. Impairment exists when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value.

 

For purposes of our goodwill impairment testing, we have identified a single reporting unit. We consider the quoted market price of our common stock on our impairment testing date as an initial indicator of estimating the fair value of our reporting unit. We also consider our average stock price, both before and after our impairment test date, as well as market-based control premiums in determining the estimated fair value of our reporting unit. In addition to our internal goodwill impairment analysis, we periodically obtain a goodwill impairment analysis from an independent third party valuation firm. The independent third party utilizes multiple valuation approaches including comparable transactions, control premium, public market peers and discounted cash flow. Management reviews the assumptions and inputs used in the third party analysis for reasonableness.

 

At March 31, 2012, the carrying amount of our goodwill totaled $185.2 million. On September 30, 2011, we performed our annual goodwill impairment test internally and obtained an independent third party analysis and concluded there was no 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, the use of other valuation techniques or changes to the input assumptions used in our analysis or the analysis by our third party valuation firm 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

  

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stockholders’ equity. Debt securities which we have the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity and are carried at amortized cost. The fair values for our securities are obtained from an independent nationally recognized pricing service.

 

Our securities portfolio is comprised primarily of fixed rate mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by a GSE as issuer. GSE issuance mortgage-backed securities comprised 97% of our securities portfolio at March 31, 2012. Non-GSE issuance mortgage-backed securities at March 31, 2012 comprised 1% of our securities portfolio and had an amortized cost of $25.1 million, of which 61% are classified as available-for-sale and 39% are classified as held-to-maturity. Primarily all of our non-GSE issuance securities are investment grade securities and they have performed similarly to our GSE issuance securities. Credit quality concerns have not significantly impacted the performance of our non-GSE securities or our ability to obtain reliable prices.

 

The fair value of our securities portfolio is primarily impacted by changes in interest rates. In general, as interest rates rise, the fair value of fixed rate securities will decrease; as interest rates fall, the fair value of fixed rate securities will increase. We conduct a periodic review and evaluation of the securities portfolio to determine if a decline in the fair value of any security below its cost basis is other-than-temporary. Our evaluation of other-than-temporary impairment, or OTTI, considers the duration and severity of the impairment, our assessments of the reason for the decline in value, the likelihood of a near-term recovery and our intent and ability to not sell the securities. We generally view changes in fair value caused by changes in interest rates as temporary, which is consistent with our experience. If such decline is deemed other-than-temporary, the security is written down to a new cost basis and the resulting loss is charged to earnings as a component of non-interest income, except for the amount of the total OTTI for a debt security that does not represent credit losses which is recognized in other comprehensive income/loss, net of applicable taxes. At March 31, 2012, we held 33 securities with an estimated fair value totaling $143.7 million which had an unrealized loss totaling $416,000. Of the securities in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2012, $14.6 million, with an unrealized loss of $203,000, have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for more than twelve months. At March 31, 2012, the impairments are deemed temporary based on (1) the direct relationship of the decline in fair value to movements in interest rates, (2) the estimated remaining life and high credit quality of the investments and (3) the fact that we do not intend to sell these securities and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell these securities before their anticipated recovery of the remaining amortized cost basis and we expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security.

 

Pension Benefits and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans

 

Astoria Federal has a qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plan covering employees meeting specified eligibility criteria. In addition, Astoria Federal has non-qualified and unfunded supplemental retirement plans covering certain officers and directors. We also sponsor a health care plan that provides for postretirement medical and dental coverage to select individuals.

 

We recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of our defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plan, which is measured as the difference between plan assets at fair value and the benefit obligation at the measurement date, in other assets or other liabilities in our

 

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consolidated statements of financial condition. Changes in the funded status are recognized through comprehensive income/loss in the period in which the changes occur.

 

There are several key assumptions which we provide our actuary which have a significant impact on the pension benefits and other postretirement benefit obligations as well as benefits expense. These include the discount rate and the expected return on plan assets. We continually review and evaluate all actuarial assumptions affecting the pension benefits and other postretirement benefit plans. We monitor these rates in relation to the current market interest rate environment and update our actuarial analysis accordingly.

 

The discount rate is used to calculate the present value of the benefit obligations at the measurement date and the expense to be recorded in the following period. A lower discount rate will result in a higher benefit obligation and expense, while a higher discount rate will result in a lower benefit obligation and expense. Discount rate assumptions are determined by reference to the Citigroup Pension Discount Curve, adjusted for Astoria Federal benefit plan specific cash flows. We compare these rates to other yield curves and market indices, such as the Mercer Mature Plan Index and Bloomberg AA Discount Curve, for reasonableness and make adjustments, as necessary, so the discount rates used reflect current market data and trends.

 

To determine the expected return on plan assets, we consider the long-term historical return information on plan assets, the mix of investments that comprise plan assets and the historical returns on indices comparable to the fund classes in which the plan invests.

 

For further information on the actuarial assumptions used for our pension benefits and other postretirement benefit plans see Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

During the 2012 first quarter, our Board of Directors approved amendments to our defined benefit pension plans which will, among other things, suspend the accrual of additional pension benefits effective April 30, 2012. As a result, we remeasured our benefit obligations and the funded status of our defined benefit pension plans at March 31, 2012. For additional information on the impact of the plan amendments, see Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1, “Financial Statements (Unaudited).”

 

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 $1.38 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to $1.43 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The decrease in loan and securities repayments for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011, was primarily due to a decrease in securities repayments. The decrease in securities repayments is primarily due to a reduction in the securities portfolio at January 1, 2012 compared to January 1, 2011. Loan repayments decreased slightly for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011, primarily due to a decrease in one-to-four family mortgage loan repayments. One-to-four family mortgage loan repayments remain at elevated levels, but did not accelerate during the 2012 first quarter.

 

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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 $62.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and $103.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011. Deposits decreased $133.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and decreased $123.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2011. The net decreases in deposits for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were due to decreases in certificates of deposit, partially offset by increases in savings, money market and NOW and demand deposit accounts. During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, we continued to allow high cost certificates of deposit to run off. The increases in low cost savings, money market and NOW and demand deposit accounts during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 appear to reflect customer preference for the liquidity these types of deposits provide. Net borrowings increased $212.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and decreased $291.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2011. The increase in net borrowings during the three months ended March 31, 2012 was primarily due to an increase in short-term FHLB-NY advances, partially offset by a decrease in reverse repurchase agreements, as we utilized low cost short-term FHLB-NY advances as a funding source, in part, to fund asset growth. The decrease in net borrowings during the three months ended March 31, 2011 was primarily due to cash flows from mortgage loan and securities repayments in excess of mortgage loan originations and purchases, securities purchases and deposit outflows which enabled us to repay a portion of our matured borrowings.

 

Our primary use of funds is for the origination and purchase of mortgage loans and, to a lesser degree, for the purchase of securities. Gross mortgage loans originated and purchased for portfolio during the three months ended March 31, 2012 totaled $1.22 billion, of which $344.3 million were multi-family loan originations, reflecting the resumption of such lending in the second half of 2011, $562.9 million were one-to-four family originations and $317.5 million were one-to-four family purchases of individual mortgage loans through our third party loan origination program. This compares to gross mortgage loans originated and purchased for portfolio during the three months ended March 31, 2011 totaling $707.4 million, of which $495.0 million were originations and $212.4 million were purchases, all of which were one-to-four family mortgage loans. Despite the increases in originations and purchases of one-to-four family mortgage loans, origination and purchase volume for portfolio has been negatively affected for an extended period of time by the historic low interest rates on thirty year fixed rate conforming mortgage loans and the expanded conforming loan limits resulting in more borrowers opting for thirty year fixed rate conforming mortgage loans which we do not retain for portfolio. Purchases of securities totaled $374.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and $356.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2011.

 

Our policies and procedures with respect to managing funding and liquidity risk are established to ensure our safe and sound operation in compliance with applicable bank regulatory requirements. Our liquidity management process is sufficient to meet our daily funding needs and cover both expected and unexpected deviations from normal daily operations. Processes are in place to appropriately identify, measure, monitor and control liquidity and funding risk. The primary tools we use for measuring and managing liquidity risk include cash flow projections, diversified funding sources, stress testing, a cushion of liquid assets and contingency funding plans.

 

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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 totaled $121.7 million at March 31, 2012 and $132.7 million at December 31, 2011. At March 31, 2012, we had $1.53 billion in borrowings with a weighted average rate of 3.08% maturing over the next twelve months. We have the flexibility to either repay or rollover these borrowings as they mature. Included in our borrowings are various obligations which, by their terms, may be called by the securities dealers and the FHLB-NY. At March 31, 2012, we had $1.95 billion of borrowings which are callable within three months and at various times thereafter. We believe the potential for these borrowings to be called does not present liquidity concerns as they have various call dates and coupons and we believe we can readily obtain replacement funding, albeit at higher rates. At March 31, 2012, FHLB-NY advances totaled $2.36 billion, or 54% of total borrowings. We do not believe any of our borrowing counterparty concentrations represent a material risk to our liquidity. In addition, we had $3.27 billion in certificates of deposit at March 31, 2012 with a weighted average rate of 1.57% maturing over the next twelve months. We have the ability to retain or replace a significant portion of such deposits based on our pricing and historical experience.

 

The following table details our borrowing and certificate of deposit maturities and their weighted average rates at March 31, 2012.

 

   Borrowings   Certificates of Deposit 
(Dollars in Millions)  Amount      Weighted
Average
Rate
   Amount   Weighted
Average
Rate
 
Contractual Maturity:                       
Twelve months or less  $1,530   (1)   3.08%  $3,269    1.57%
Thirteen to thirty-six months   575   (2)   2.33    1,053    2.49 
Thirty-seven to sixty months   1,150   (3)   3.68    888    2.49 
Over sixty months   1,079   (4)   4.98    -    - 
Total  $4,334       3.61%  $5,210    1.91%

 

(1) Includes $250.0 million of 5.75% senior notes which mature on October 15, 2012.
(2) Includes $100.0 million of borrowings, with a rate of 4.16%, which are callable by the counterparty within the next three months and at various times thereafter.
(3) Includes $900.0 million of borrowings, with a weighted average rate of 4.35%, which are callable by the counterparty within the next three months and at various times thereafter.
(4) Includes $950.0 million of borrowings, with a weighted average rate of 4.34%, which are callable by the counterparty within the next three 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 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 conditions, 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.

 

On May 19, 2010, we filed an automatic shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC, which was declared effective immediately upon filing. This shelf registration statement allows us to periodically offer and sell, from time to time, in one or more offerings, individually or in

 

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any combination, common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, capital securities, guarantees, warrants to purchase common stock or preferred stock and units consisting of one or more of the foregoing. The shelf registration statement provides us with greater capital management flexibility and enables us to more readily access the capital markets in order to pursue growth opportunities that may become available to us in the future or should there be any changes in the regulatory environment that call for increased capital requirements. Although the shelf registration statement does not limit the amount of the foregoing items that we may offer and sell pursuant to the shelf registration statement, our ability and any decision to do so is subject to market conditions and our capital needs.

 

Astoria Financial Corporation’s primary uses of funds include payment of dividends, payment of interest on its debt obligations and repurchases of common stock. On March 1, 2012, we paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.13 per share on shares of our common stock outstanding as of the close of business on February 15, 2012 totaling $12.5 million. On April 18, 2012, we declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.04 per share on shares of our common stock payable on June 1, 2012 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on May 15, 2012. The reduction in the dividend per share declared during the 2012 second quarter, compared to the 2012 first quarter, is expected to result in a dividend payout ratio and dividend yield which is more in line with norms in the financial industry and to provide management with additional flexibility to redeploy capital to support growth opportunities in the future. Our twelfth stock repurchase plan, approved by our Board of Directors on April 18, 2007, authorized the purchase of 10,000,000 shares, or approximately 10% of our common stock then outstanding, in open-market or privately negotiated transactions. At March 31, 2012, a maximum of 8,107,300 shares may yet be purchased under this plan. However, we are not currently repurchasing additional shares of our common stock and have not since the 2008 third quarter.

 

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 regulatory limits on its ability to make distributions to Astoria Financial Corporation. See Part I, Item 1, “Regulation and Supervision,” in our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion of these regulatory limits. On April 20, 2012, Astoria Federal paid a dividend to Astoria Financial Corporation totaling $13.3 million.

 

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

 

At March 31, 2012, our tangible capital ratio, which represents stockholders’ equity less goodwill divided by total assets less goodwill, was 6.41%. At March 31, 2012, Astoria Federal’s capital levels exceeded all of its regulatory capital requirements with a tangible capital ratio of 8.75%, leverage capital ratio of 8.75% and total risk-based capital ratio of 16.19%. Astoria Federal’s Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 14.92% at March 31, 2012. As of March 31, 2012, Astoria Federal continues to be a well capitalized institution for all bank regulatory purposes.

 

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

 

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not recorded in the consolidated financial statements or are recorded in amounts that differ from the notional amounts. Such instruments primarily include lending commitments and lease commitments.

 

Lending commitments include commitments to originate and purchase loans and commitments to fund unused lines of credit. Additionally, in connection with our mortgage banking activities, we have commitments to fund loans held-for-sale and commitments to sell loans which are considered derivative instruments. Commitments to sell loans totaled $79.7 million at March 31, 2012. 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, 2011.

 

The following table details our contractual obligations at March 31, 2012.

 

   Payments due by period 
(In Thousands)  Total   Less than
One Year
   One to
Three Years
   Three to
Five Years
   More than
Five Years
 
On-balance sheet contractual obligations:                         
Borrowings with original terms greater than three months  $3,828,866   $1,025,000   $575,000   $1,150,000   $1,078,866 
Off-balance sheet contractual obligations:                         
Commitments to originate and purchase loans (1)   879,033    879,033    -    -    - 
Commitments to fund unused lines of credit (2)   233,266    233,266    -    -    - 
Total  $4,941,165   $2,137,299   $575,000   $1,150,000   $1,078,866 

 

(1)    Includes commitments to originate loans held-for-sale of $50.5 million.

(2)    Primarily related to home equity lines of credit.

 

In addition to the contractual obligations previously discussed, we have liabilities for gross unrecognized tax benefits and interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions which have not changed significantly from December 31, 2011. For further information regarding these liabilities, see Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” in our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We also have contingent liabilities related to assets sold with recourse and standby letters of credit which have not changed significantly from December 31, 2011.

 

For further information regarding our off-balance sheet arrangements and contractual obligations, see Part II, Item 7, “MD&A,” in our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Comparison of Financial Condition as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 and Operating Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011

 

Financial Condition

 

Total assets increased slightly to $17.11 billion at March 31, 2012, from $17.02 billion at December 31, 2011. The increase in total assets was primarily due to an increase in loans receivable.

 

Loans receivable, net, increased $113.3 million to $13.23 billion at March 31, 2012, from $13.12 billion at December 31, 2011, primarily due to an increase in mortgage loans. Mortgage loans increased $113.4 million to $13.03 billion at March 31, 2012, from $12.92 billion at December 31, 2011, primarily due to an increase in our multi-family mortgage loan portfolio, partially offset by decreases in our commercial real estate and one-to-four family mortgage loan

 

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portfolios. Gross mortgage loans originated and purchased for portfolio during the three months ended March 31, 2012 totaled $1.22 billion, of which $344.3 million were multi-family loan originations, $562.9 million were one-to-four family loan originations and $317.5 million were one-to-four family purchases. This compares to gross mortgage loans originated and purchased for portfolio during the three months ended March 31, 2011 totaling $707.4 million, of which $495.0 million were originations and $212.4 million were purchases, all of which were one-to-four family mortgage loans. Mortgage loan repayments decreased slightly to $1.08 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to $1.09 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2011, primarily due to a decrease in one-to-four family mortgage loan repayments.

 

Our mortgage loan portfolio continues to consist primarily of one-to-four family mortgage loans. Our one-to-four family mortgage loan portfolio decreased slightly to $10.55 billion at March 31, 2012, from $10.56 billion at December 31, 2011, and represented 79% of our total loan portfolio at March 31, 2012. One-to-four family mortgage loan repayments remain at elevated levels, but did not accelerate during the 2012 first quarter. However, the levels of repayments outpaced our origination and purchase volume during the three months ended March 31, 2012, resulting in the slight decline in the portfolio. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, the loan-to-value ratio of our one-to-four family mortgage loan originations and purchases for portfolio, at the time of origination or purchase, averaged approximately 59% and the loan amount averaged approximately $747,000.

 

Our multi-family mortgage loan portfolio increased $166.9 million to $1.86 billion at March 31, 2012, from $1.69 billion at December 31, 2011, and our commercial real estate loan portfolio decreased $37.3 million to $622.4 million at March 31, 2012, from $659.7 million at December 31, 2011. The increase in our multi-family mortgage loan portfolio was the result of the originations during the 2012 first quarter which outpaced repayments. We resumed originations of multi-family and commercial real estate loans during the latter half of 2011, primarily in New York. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, the loan-to-value of our multi-family mortgage loan originations, at the time of origination, averaged approximately 52% and the loan amount averaged approximately $3.4 million. The decrease in the commercial real estate loan portfolio is attributable to repayments and the absence of new commercial real estate loan originations during the 2012 first quarter.

 

Securities increased $39.5 million to $2.51 billion at March 31, 2012, from $2.47 billion at December 31, 2011. This increase was primarily the result of purchases of $374.8 million, partially offset by principal payments received of $276.2 million and sales of $51.8 million. At March 31, 2012, our securities portfolio was comprised primarily of fixed rate REMIC and CMO securities which had an amortized cost of $2.42 billion, a weighted average current coupon of 3.49%, a weighted average collateral coupon of 4.85% and a weighted average life of 2.6 years. For additional information regarding our securities portfolio, see Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1, “Financial Statements (Unaudited).”

 

Deposits decreased $133.0 million to $11.11 billion at March 31, 2012, from $11.25 billion at December 31, 2011, due to a decrease in certificates of deposit, partially offset by an increase of $176.1 million in NOW and demand deposit, savings and money market accounts. Certificates of deposit decreased $309.1 million since December 31, 2011 to $5.21 billion at March 31, 2012. NOW and demand deposit accounts increased $63.6 million since December 31, 2011 to $1.93 billion at March 31, 2012. Savings accounts increased $60.5 million since December 31, 2011 to $2.81 billion at March 31, 2012. Money market accounts increased $52.0 million since

 

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December 31, 2011 to $1.17 billion at March 31, 2012. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, we continued to allow high cost certificates of deposit to run off. The increases in low cost savings, money market and NOW and demand deposit accounts during the three months ended March 31, 2012 appear to reflect customer preference for the liquidity these types of deposits provide.

 

Total borrowings, net, increased $212.1 million to $4.33 billion at March 31, 2012, from $4.12 billion at December 31, 2011. The increase in net borrowings is primarily due to an increase in short-term FHLB-NY advances, partially offset by a decrease in reverse repurchase agreements, at March 31, 2012, compared to December 31, 2011.

 

Stockholders’ equity increased $19.1 million to $1.27 billion at March 31, 2012, from $1.25 billion at December 31, 2011. The increase in stockholders’ equity was primarily due to a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss of $20.6 million and net income of $10.0 million, partially offset by dividends declared of $12.5 million. The decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss was primarily due to an increase in the funded status of our defined benefit pension plans at March 31, 2012, compared to December 31, 2011. The change in the funded status was due to the remeasurement of the plan obligations and assets as of March 31, 2012 in response to plan amendments approved during the 2012 first quarter. The plan amendments primarily related to the suspension of accrual of additional pension benefits effective April 30, 2012. For further information on our defined benefit pension plans, see Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1, “Financial Statements (Unaudited).”

 

Results of Operations

 

General

 

Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 decreased $17.4 million to $10.0 million, from $27.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, primarily due to a reduced level of net interest income, increased non-interest expense and higher provision for loan losses, partially offset by an increase in non-interest income. Diluted earnings per common share decreased to $0.11 per share for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from $0.29 per share for the three months ended March 31, 2011. Return on average assets decreased to 0.23% for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from 0.61% for the three months ended March 31, 2011, due to the decrease in net income, partially offset by a decrease in average assets. Return on average stockholders’ equity decreased to 3.19% for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from 8.76% for the three months ended March 31, 2011. Return on average tangible stockholders’ equity, which represents average stockholders’ equity less average goodwill, decreased to 3.75% for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from 10.29% for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The decreases in the returns on average stockholders’ equity and average tangible stockholders’ equity for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011, were primarily due to the decrease in net income.

 

Our result of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2012 include net charges of $3.4 million ($2.2 million, after tax) included in non-interest expense related to compensation and benefits expense associated with cost control initiatives implemented in the 2012 first quarter. For the three months ended March 31, 2012, these net charges reduced diluted earnings per common share by $0.02 per share, return on average assets by 6 basis points, return on average stockholders’ equity by 71 basis points and return on average tangible stockholders’ equity by 83

 

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basis points. See “Non-Interest Expense” for additional information on the cost control initiatives implemented in the 2012 first quarter.

 

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, 2012, net interest income decreased $13.3 million to $88.2 million, from $101.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The net interest rate spread decreased to 2.13% for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from 2.34% for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The net interest margin decreased to 2.20% for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from 2.40% for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The decreases in net interest income, the net interest rate spread and the net interest margin for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011, are primarily due to a more rapid decline in the yields on average interest-earning assets than the decline in the costs on average interest-bearing liabilities. Interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 decreased, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011, primarily due to decreases in the average yields on one-to-four family mortgage loans and mortgage-backed and other securities, coupled with a decrease in the average balance of mortgage loans. Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2012 decreased, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011, primarily due to decreases in the average balances and average costs of certificates of deposit and borrowings. The average balance of net interest-earning assets increased $62.5 million to $646.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from $584.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

 

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, 2012 and 2011. Average yields are derived by dividing income by the average balance of the related assets and average costs are derived by dividing expense by the average balance of the related liabilities, for the periods shown. Average balances are derived from average daily balances. The yields and costs include amortization of fees, costs, premiums and discounts which are considered adjustments to interest rates.

 

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    For the Three Months Ended March 31,   
    2012       2011   
(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   $ 10,646,065     $ 99,292       3.73 %   $ 10,825,492     $ 114,676       4.24 %
Multi-family and commercial real estate     2,400,624       36,470       6.08       2,884,963       44,492       6.17  
Consumer and other loans (1)     281,317       2,341       3.33       307,988       2,507       3.26  
Total loans     13,328,006       138,103       4.14       14,018,443       161,675       4.61  
Mortgage-backed and other securities (2)     2,444,341       18,021       2.95       2,533,953       22,423       3.54  
Repurchase agreements and interest-earning cash accounts     88,254       53       0.24       194,996       93       0.19  
FHLB-NY stock     138,819       1,602       4.62       147,589       2,317       6.28  
Total interest-earning assets     15,999,420       157,779       3.94       16,894,981       186,508       4.42  
Goodwill     185,151                       185,151                  
Other non-interest-earning assets     932,078                       932,212                  
Total assets   $ 17,116,649                     $ 18,012,344                  
                                                 
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:                                                
Interest-bearing liabilities:                                                
Savings   $ 2,786,380       1,762       0.25     $ 2,704,261       2,687       0.40  
Money market     1,130,700       1,853       0.66       382,756       429       0.45  
NOW and demand deposit     1,843,246       290       0.06       1,750,841       281       0.06  
Total savings, money market and NOW and demand deposit     5,760,326       3,905       0.27       4,837,858       3,397       0.28  
Certificates of deposit     5,353,472       25,522       1.91       6,646,739       33,635       2.02  
Total deposits     11,113,798       29,427       1.06       11,484,597       37,032       1.29  
Borrowings     4,238,790       40,156       3.79       4,826,055       47,947       3.97  
Total interest-bearing liabilities     15,352,588       69,583       1.81       16,310,652       84,979       2.08  
Non-interest-bearing liabilities     512,158                       451,839                  
Total liabilities     15,864,746                       16,762,491                  
Stockholders’ equity     1,251,903                       1,249,853                  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 17,116,649                     $ 18,012,344                  
                                                 
Net interest income/                                                
net interest rate spread (3)           $ 88,196       2.13 %           $ 101,529       2.34 %
                                                 
Net interest-earning assets/                                                
net interest margin (4)   $ 646,832               2.20 %   $ 584,329               2.40 %
                                                 
Ratio of interest-earning assets to                                                
interest-bearing liabilities     1.04 x                     1.04 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.

 

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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, 2012
Compared to
Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
 
   Increase (Decrease) 
(In Thousands)  Volume   Rate   Net 
Interest-earning assets:               
Mortgage loans:               
One-to-four family  $(1,863)  $(13,521)  $(15,384)
Multi-family and commercial real estate   (7,381)   (641)   (8,022)
Consumer and other loans   (219)   53    (166)
Mortgage-backed and other securities   (770)   (3,632)   (4,402)
Repurchase agreements and interest-earning cash accounts   (60)   20    (40)
FHLB-NY stock   (132)   (583)   (715)
Total   (10,425)   (18,304)   (28,729)
Interest-bearing liabilities:               
Savings   83    (1,008)   (925)
Money market   1,149    275    1,424 
NOW and demand deposit   9    -    9 
Certificates of deposit   (6,339)   (1,774)   (8,113)
Borrowings   (5,676)   (2,115)   (7,791)
Total   (10,774)   (4,622)   (15,396)
Net change in net interest income  $349   $(13,682)  $(13,333)

 

Interest Income

 

Interest income decreased $28.7 million to $157.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from $186.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, due to a decrease in the average yield on interest-earning assets to 3.94% for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from 4.42% for the three months ended March 31, 2011, coupled with a decrease of $895.6 million in the average balance of interest-earning assets to $16.00 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from $16.89 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The decrease in the average yield on interest-earning assets was primarily due to decreases in the average yields on one-to-four family mortgage loans and mortgage-backed and other securities. The decrease in the average balance of interest-earning assets was primarily due to decreases in the average balances of mortgage loans, repurchase agreements and interest-earning cash accounts and mortgage-backed and other securities.

 

Interest income on one-to-four family mortgage loans decreased $15.4 million to $99.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from $114.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, primarily due to a decrease in the average yield to 3.73% for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from 4.24% for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The decrease in

 

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the average yield was primarily due to new originations at lower interest rates than the rates on loans repaid over the past year and the impact of the downward repricing of our ARM loans. The lower interest rates are attributable to the negative impact of the U.S. government programs that impede our ability to grow one-to-four family mortgage loans profitably. Net premium and deferred loan origination cost amortization on one-to-four family mortgage loans decreased $596,000 to $6.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from $6.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The average balance of one-to-four family mortgage loans decreased $179.4 million to $10.65 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

 

Interest income on multi-family and commercial real estate mortgage loans decreased $8.0 million to $36.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from $44.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, primarily due to a decrease of $484.3 million in the average balance of such loans. The decrease in the average balance of multi-family and commercial real estate loans is attributable to repayments, the sale or transfer to held-for-sale of certain delinquent and non-performing loans and the absence of new multi-family and commercial real estate loan originations until the latter half of 2011. The average yield on multi-family and commercial real estate loans decreased to 6.08% for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from 6.17% for the three months ended March 31, 2011. This decrease is due, in part, to new originations at interest rates below the weighted average rates of the portfolios, partially offset by an increase in prepayment penalties. Prepayment penalties increased $775,000 to $2.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from $1.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

 

Interest income on mortgage-backed and other securities decreased $4.4 million to $18.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from $22.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, due to a decrease in the average yield to 2.95% for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from 3.54% for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The decrease in the average yield on mortgage-backed and other securities was primarily due to repayments on higher yielding securities and purchases of new securities with lower coupons, in the prolonged low interest rate environment, than the weighted average coupon for the portfolio, coupled with an increase in net premium amortization. Net premium amortization increased $1.9 million to $3.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The average balance of mortgage-backed and other securities decreased $89.6 million to $2.44 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

 

Interest Expense

 

Interest expense decreased $15.4 million to $69.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from $85.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, due to a decrease of $958.1 million in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities to $15.35 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from $16.31 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2011, coupled with a decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities to 1.81% for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from 2.08% for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The decrease in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities was due to decreases in the average balances of certificates of deposit and borrowings, partially offset by increases in the average balances of money market, NOW and demand deposit and savings accounts. The decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities was primarily due to decreases in the average costs of certificates of deposit and borrowings.

 

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Interest expense on total deposits decreased $7.6 million to $29.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from $37.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, due to a decrease of $370.8 million in the average balance of total deposits to $11.11 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from $11.48 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2011, coupled with a decrease in the average cost to 1.06% for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from 1.29% for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The decrease in the average balance of total deposits was due to a decrease in the average balance of certificates of deposit, partially offset by increases in the average balances of money market, NOW and demand deposit and savings accounts. The decrease in the average cost of total deposits was primarily due to the decrease in the average cost of our certificates of deposit.

 

Interest expense on certificates of deposit decreased $8.1 million to $25.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from $33.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, due to a decrease of $1.29 billion in the average balance, coupled with a decrease in the average cost to 1.91% for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from 2.02% for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The decrease in the average balance of certificates of deposit was primarily the result of our reduced focus on certificates of deposit. Since 2009, we continued to allow high cost certificates of deposit to run off as total assets declined. The decrease in the average cost of certificates of deposit reflects the impact of certificates of deposit at higher rates maturing and being replaced at lower interest rates. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, $674.0 million of certificates of deposit with a weighted average rate of 1.18% and a weighted average maturity at inception of sixteen months, matured and $369.9 million of certificates of deposit were issued or repriced, with a weighted average rate of 0.24% and a weighted average maturity at inception of fourteen months.

 

Interest expense on money market accounts increased $1.4 million to $1.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from $429,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011. This increase was primarily due to an increase of $747.9 million in the average balance of money market accounts to $1.13 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from $382.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The average cost of money market accounts increased to 0.66% for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from 0.45% for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The increase in the average balance and average cost reflects the introduction of our premium money market product during the 2011 third quarter.

 

Interest expense on borrowings decreased $7.7 million to $40.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from $47.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, due to a decrease of $587.3 million in the average balance, coupled with a decrease in the average cost to 3.79% for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from 3.97% for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The decrease in the average balance of borrowings was the result of cash flows from mortgage loan and securities repayments exceeding mortgage loan originations and purchases, securities purchases and deposit outflows which enabled us to repay a portion of our matured borrowings during 2011. The decrease in the average cost of borrowings is a result of the repayment of borrowings that matured during the 2011 fourth quarter and 2012 first quarter which had a higher weighted average rate than the weighted average rate of the portfolio, coupled with our increased utilization of low cost short-term FHLB-NY advances during the 2012 first quarter.

 

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Provision for Loan Losses

 

We review our allowance for loan losses on a quarterly basis. Material factors considered during our quarterly review are our loss experience, the composition and direction of loan delinquencies, the size and composition of our loan portfolio and the impact of current economic conditions. We continue to closely monitor the local and national real estate markets and other factors related to risks inherent in our loan portfolio. We are impacted by both national and regional economic factors. With one-to-four family mortgage loans from various regions of the country held in our portfolio, the condition of the national economy impacts our earnings. During 2011 and continuing into 2012, the U.S. economy has shown signs of a very slow and tenuous recovery from the recession experienced since 2008. The national unemployment rate, while still at a high level, has reflected some declines from its peak of 10.0% for October 2009. The national unemployment rate ranged in the first quarter of 2012 from 8.5% to 8.2%, somewhat improved from the year earlier period, which ranged from 9.4% to 8.9%. Still, softness in the housing and real estate markets persists, although the extent of such softness varies from region to region. In New York, where our multi-family mortgage loan origination activities were resumed in the second half of 2011, we have noted some recent strengthening of economic conditions.

 

The provision for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 increased to $10.0 million compared to $7.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, but remained equal to the provisions recorded for each of the last three quarters of 2011. The allowance for loan losses decreased to $149.9 million at March 31, 2012, from $157.2 million at December 31, 2011. The allowance for loan losses reflects the levels and composition of our loan delinquencies and non-performing loans, our loss history, the size and composition of our loan portfolio and our evaluation of the housing and real estate markets and overall economy, including the unemployment rate. The decrease in the allowance for loan losses reflects the generally stabilizing trend in overall asset quality experienced since 2010 as total delinquencies have continued a downward trend. Total delinquencies declined $29.5 million to $518.9 million at March 31, 2012, from $548.4 million at December 31, 2011, due to a decrease of $52.2 million in early stage loan delinquencies (loans 30-89 days past due), partially offset by an increase in non-performing loans. Non-performing loans, which are comprised primarily of mortgage loans, increased $22.7 million to $355.6 million, or 2.66% of total loans, at March 31, 2012, from $332.9 million, or 2.51% of total loans, at December 31, 2011. The increase in non-performing loans at March 31, 2012 compared to December 31, 2011 was primarily due to an increase of $27.5 million in non-performing multi-family mortgage loans, resulting from loans which were modified in a troubled debt restructuring during the 2012 first quarter, partially offset by a decrease of $5.7 million in non-performing one-to-four family mortgage loans. Net loan charge-offs totaled $17.3 million, or fifty-two basis points of average loans outstanding, annualized, for the three months ended March 31, 2012. This compares to $19.0 million, or fifty-four basis points of average loans outstanding, annualized, for the three months ended March 31, 2011. Despite the improved credit metrics of the loan portfolio, including the decline in total loan delinquencies, we felt it prudent, at this time, to maintain our strong allowance for loan losses coverage ratio. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans was 1.12% at March 31, 2012, compared to 1.18% at December 31, 2011. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of non-performing loans decreased to 42.16% at March 31, 2012, from 47.22% at December 31, 2011, primarily due to the increase in non-performing loans. The changes in non-performing loans during any period are taken into account when determining the allowance for loan losses because the allowance coverage percentages we apply to our non-

 

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performing loans are higher than the allowance coverage percentages applied to our performing loans. In determining our allowance coverage percentages for non-performing loans, we consider our aggregate historical loss experience with respect to the ultimate disposition of the underlying collateral.

 

When analyzing our asset quality trends and coverage ratios, consideration is given to the accounting for non-performing loans, particularly when reviewing our allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans ratio. Included in our non-performing loans are one-to-four family mortgage loans which are 180 days or more past due. We update our estimates of collateral values on one-to-four family mortgage loans at 180 days past due and annually thereafter. If the estimated fair value of the loan collateral less estimated selling costs is less than the recorded investment in the loan, a charge-off of the difference is recorded to reduce the loan to its estimated fair value less estimated selling costs. Therefore, certain losses inherent in our non-performing one-to-four family mortgage loans are being recognized through a charge-off at 180 days of delinquency and annually thereafter. The impact of updating these estimates of collateral value and recognizing any required charge-offs is to increase charge-offs and reduce the allowance for loan losses required on these loans. Therefore, when reviewing the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses as a percentage of non-performing loans, the impact of these charge-offs is considered. At March 31, 2012, non-performing loans included one-to-four family mortgage loans which were 180 days or more past due totaling $258.4 million, net of $80.2 million in charge-offs related to such loans, which had a related allowance for loan losses totaling $10.4 million. At December 31, 2011, non-performing loans included one-to-four family mortgage loans which were 180 days or more past due totaling $256.4 million, net of $77.1 million in charge-offs related to such loans, which had a related allowance for loan losses totaling $7.7 million.

 

While ratio analyses are used as a supplemental tool for evaluating the overall reasonableness of the allowance for loan losses, the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is ultimately determined by the actual losses and charges recognized in the portfolio. We update our loss analyses quarterly to ensure that our allowance coverage percentages are adequate and the overall allowance for loan losses is our best estimate of loss as of a particular point in time. Our 2012 first quarter analysis of loss severity on one-to-four family mortgage loans, defined as the ratio of net write-downs taken through disposition of the asset (typically the sale of REO) to the loan’s original principal balance, during the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 indicated an average loss severity of approximately 31%, compared to approximately 30% in our 2011 fourth quarter analysis. Our analysis in the 2012 first quarter primarily reviewed one-to-four family REO sales which occurred during the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 and included both full documentation and reduced documentation loans in a variety of states with varying years of origination. Our 2012 first quarter analysis of charge-offs on multi-family and commercial real estate loans, primarily related to loan sales, during the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 indicated an average loss severity of approximately 31%, compared to approximately 28% in our 2011 fourth quarter analysis. We consider our average loss severity experience as a gauge in evaluating the overall adequacy of our allowance for loan losses. However, the uniqueness of each multi-family and commercial real estate loan, particularly multi-family loans within New York City, many of which are rent stabilized, is also factored into our analyses. We believe that using the loss experience of the past year (twelve months prior to the quarterly analysis) is reflective of the current economic and real estate environment. The ratio of the allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans was approximately 42% at March 31, 2012, which exceeds our average loss severity experience for our mortgage loan portfolios,

 

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supporting our determination that our allowance for loan losses is adequate to cover potential losses.

 

We update our estimates of collateral value for one-to-four family mortgage loans at 180 days past due and annually thereafter and for loans to borrowers who have filed for bankruptcy initially when we are notified of the bankruptcy filing. Updated estimates of collateral value for one-to-four family loans are obtained primarily through automated valuation models. Additionally, our loan servicer performs property inspections to monitor and manage the collateral on our one-to-four family loans when they become 45 days past due and monthly thereafter until the foreclosure process is complete. We update our estimates of collateral value for non-performing multi-family and commercial real estate mortgage loans with balances of $1.0 million or greater when the loans initially become non-performing and multi-family and commercial real estate loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring at the time of the modification. For multi-family and commercial real estate properties, we estimate collateral value through independent third party appraisals or internal cash flow analyses, when current financial information is available, coupled with, in most cases, an inspection of the property. Appraisals on multi-family and commercial real estate loans are reviewed by our internal certified appraisers. Annually thereafter, inspections of these properties are performed to monitor the collateral. We also obtain updated estimates of collateral for certain other loans when the Asset Classification Committee believes repayment of such loans may be dependent on the value of the underlying collateral. Adjustments to final appraised values obtained from independent third party appraisers and automated valuation models are not made. We monitor property value trends in our market areas to determine what impact, if any, such trends may have on our loan-to-value ratios and the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.

 

During the 2012 first quarter, total delinquencies decreased primarily due to a decrease in early stage loan delinquencies, partially offset by an increase in non-performing loans. Net loan charge-offs decreased for the 2012 first quarter to $17.3 million compared to $31.2 million for the 2011 fourth quarter, primarily due to charge-offs in the 2011 fourth quarter related to certain delinquent and non-performing loans transferred to held-for-sale and certain impaired multi-family and commercial real estate mortgage loans. The national unemployment rate decreased to 8.2% for March 2012 and there were job gains for the quarter totaling 635,000 at the time of our analysis. We continued to update our charge-off and loss analysis during the 2012 first quarter and modified our allowance coverage percentages accordingly. As a result of these factors, our allowance for loan losses decreased compared to December 31, 2011 and totaled $149.9 million at March 31, 2012 which resulted in a provision for loan losses of $10.0 million for the 2012 first quarter.

 

There are no material assumptions relied on by management which have not been made apparent in our disclosures or reflected in our asset quality ratios and activity in the allowance for loan losses. We believe our allowance for loan losses has been established and maintained at levels that reflect the risks inherent in our loan portfolio, giving consideration to the composition and size of our loan portfolio, delinquencies and non-accrual and non-performing loans, our loss history and the current economic environment. The balance of our allowance for loan losses represents management’s best estimate of the probable inherent losses in our loan portfolio at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

 

For further discussion of the methodology used to determine the allowance for loan losses, see “Critical Accounting Policies-Allowance for Loan Losses” and for further discussion of our loan

 

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portfolio composition and non-performing loans, see “Asset Quality” and Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1, “Financial Statements (Unaudited).”

 

Non-Interest Income

 

Non-interest income increased $1.6 million to $19.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from $18.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011. This increase was primarily due to gain on sales of securities in the 2012 first quarter and an increase in other non-interest income, partially offset by decreases in customer service fees and mortgage banking income, net.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, we sold mortgage-backed securities from the available-for-sale portfolio with an amortized cost of $51.8 million resulting in gross realized gains totaling $2.5 million. There were no sales of securities during the three months ended March 31, 2011. Other non-interest income increased $1.2 million to $1.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from $721,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011. This increase was primarily due to an increase in net gain on sales of non-performing loans held-for-sale and a decrease in lower of cost or market write-downs recorded on such loans.

 

Customer service fees decreased $1.2 million to $10.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from $11.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011. This decrease was primarily due to decreases in commissions on sales of annuities, overdraft fees related to transaction accounts and ATM fees. 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 $1.0 million to $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from $2.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011. This decrease was primarily due to decreases in the recovery recorded in the valuation allowance for the impairment of MSR and net gain on sales of loans, coupled with an increase in amortization of MSR.

 

Non-Interest Expense

 

Non-interest expense increased $12.6 million to $82.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from $69.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, primarily due to increases in FDIC insurance premium expense and compensation and benefits expense. Our percentage of general and administrative expense to average assets, annualized, increased to 1.92% for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from 1.55% for the three months ended March 31, 2011, due to the increase in general and administrative expense, coupled with a decrease in average assets, for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011.

 

FDIC insurance premium expense increased $5.7 million to $11.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from $5.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011. On February 7, 2011, the FDIC adopted a final rule that redefined the assessment base for deposit insurance assessments as average consolidated total assets minus average tangible equity, rather than on deposit bases, as required by the Reform Act, and revised the risk-based assessment system for all large insured depository institutions effective April 1, 2011 which resulted in significantly higher FDIC insurance premium expense. For further discussion of the changes in

 

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FDIC insurance premiums, see Part I, Item 1, “Business – Regulation and Supervision,” and Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Compensation and benefits expense increased $5.7 million to $42.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from $36.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011. This increase was primarily due to one-time net charges totaling $3.4 million associated with cost control initiatives implemented during the 2012 first quarter and an increase of $1.7 million in pension and other postretirement benefits expense. Over the past two years, we have incurred higher overall non-interest expense related to regulatory compliance and investment in our growing business lines, particularly multi-family and commercial real estate mortgage lending. In an effort to offset such increases in our non-interest expense we completed a corporate wide review of all components of compensation and staffing levels for the purpose of identifying areas where we could potentially recognize cost savings and efficiencies. We instituted a salary freeze for executive and senior officers and eliminated stock-based compensation awards for 2012. We reviewed our staffing levels and retirement benefit plans and identified additional savings. The additional savings identified included the elimination of 142 positions. In addition, our Board of Directors approved amendments to our defined benefit pension plans which will, among other things, suspend the accrual of additional pension benefits effective April 30, 2012 which resulted in a decline in our benefit obligations and an increase in the funded status and will result in a reduction of future net periodic pension cost. It is anticipated that the savings resulting from these actions will enable us to control or limit the overall increase in our non-interest expense during the remainder of 2012.

 

Income Tax Expense

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2012, income tax expense totaled $5.6 million, representing an effective tax rate of 35.8%, compared to $15.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, representing an effective tax rate of 36.2%.

 

Asset Quality

 

One of our key operating objectives has been and continues to be to maintain a high level of asset quality. We continue to employ sound underwriting standards for new loan originations. Through a variety of strategies, including, but not limited to, collection efforts and the marketing of delinquent and non-performing loans and foreclosed properties, we have been proactive in addressing problem and non-performing assets which, in turn, has helped to maintain the strength of our financial condition.

 

The composition of our loan portfolio, by property type, has remained relatively consistent over the last several years. At March 31, 2012 our loan portfolio was comprised of 79% one-to-four family mortgage loans, 14% multi-family mortgage loans, 5% commercial real estate loans and 2% other loan categories. This compares to 80% one-to-four family mortgage loans, 13% multi-family mortgage loans, 5% commercial real estate loans and 2% other loan categories at December 31, 2011. Full documentation loans comprised 86% of our one-to-four family mortgage loan portfolio at March 31, 2012, compared to 85% at December 31, 2011 and comprised 88% of our total mortgage loan portfolio at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

 

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The following table provides further details on the composition of our one-to-four family mortgage loan portfolio in dollar amounts and percentages of the portfolio at the dates indicated.

 

   At March 31, 2012   At December 31, 2011 
(Dollars in Thousands)  Amount   Percent
of Total
   Amount   Percent
of Total
 
One-to-four family:                    
Full documentation interest-only (1)  $2,477,589    23.49%  $2,695,940    25.53%
Full documentation amortizing   6,542,757    62.05    6,308,047    59.73 
Reduced documentation interest-only (1)(2)   1,106,631    10.49    1,145,340    10.84 
Reduced documentation amortizing (2)   418,384    3.97    412,212    3.90 
Total one-to-four family  $10,545,361    100.00%  $10,561,539    100.00%

 

(1) Interest-only loans require the borrower to pay interest only during the first ten years of the loan term.  After the tenth anniversary of the loan, principal and interest payments are required to amortize the loan over the remaining loan term.  Includes interest-only hybrid ARM loans originated prior to 2007 which were underwritten at the initial note rate, which may have been a discounted rate, totaling $2.41 billion at March 31, 2012 and $2.50 billion at December 31, 2011.
(2) Includes SISA loans totaling $236.8 million at March 31, 2012 and $240.7 million at December 31, 2011.

 

We continue to adhere to prudent underwriting standards. We underwrite our one-to-four family mortgage loans primarily based upon our evaluation of the borrower’s ability to pay. We do not originate negative amortization loans, payment option loans or other loans with short-term interest-only periods. Additionally, we do not originate one-year ARM loans. The ARM loans in our portfolio which currently reprice annually represent hybrid ARM loans (interest-only and amortizing) which have passed their initial fixed rate period. In 2006, we began underwriting our one-to-four family interest-only hybrid ARM loans based on a fully amortizing loan (in effect, underwriting interest-only hybrid ARM loans as if they were amortizing hybrid ARM loans). Prior to 2007, we would underwrite our one-to-four family interest-only hybrid ARM loans using the initial note rate, which may have been a discounted rate. In 2007, we began underwriting our one-to-four family interest-only hybrid ARM loans at the higher of the fully indexed rate or the initial note rate. In 2009, we began underwriting our one-to-four family interest-only and amortizing hybrid ARM loans at the higher of the fully indexed rate, the initial note rate or 6.00%. During the 2010 second quarter, we reduced the underwriting interest rate floor from 6.00% to 5.00% to reflect the current interest rate environment. During the 2010 third quarter, we stopped offering interest-only loans. Our reduced documentation loans are comprised primarily of SIFA (stated income, full asset) loans. To a lesser extent, reduced documentation loans in our portfolio also include SISA (stated income, stated asset) loans. SIFA and SISA loans required a prospective borrower to complete a standard mortgage loan application. During the 2007 fourth quarter, we stopped offering reduced documentation loans.

 

The market does not apply a uniform definition of what constitutes “subprime” lending. Our reference to subprime lending relies upon the “Statement on Subprime Mortgage Lending” issued by the federal bank regulatory agencies, or the Agencies, on June 29, 2007, which further references the “Expanded Guidance for Subprime Lending Programs,” or the Expanded Guidance, issued by the Agencies by press release dated January 31, 2001. In the Expanded Guidance, the Agencies indicated that subprime lending does not refer to individual subprime loans originated and managed, in the ordinary course of business, as exceptions to prime risk selection standards. The Agencies recognize that many prime loan portfolios will contain such accounts. The Agencies also excluded prime loans that develop credit problems after acquisition and community development loans from the subprime arena. According to the Expanded Guidance, subprime loans are other loans to borrowers which display one or more characteristics

 

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of reduced payment capacity. Five specific criteria, which are not intended to be exhaustive and are not meant to define specific parameters for all subprime borrowers and may not match all markets or institutions’ specific subprime definitions, are set forth, including having a credit (FICO) score of 660 or below. However, we do not associate a particular FICO score with our definition of subprime loans. Consistent with the guidance provided by federal bank regulatory agencies, we consider subprime loans to be loans to borrowers with a credit history containing one or more of the following at the time of origination: (1) bankruptcy within the last four years; (2) foreclosure within the last two years; or (3) two 30 day mortgage delinquencies in the last twelve months. In addition, subprime loans generally display the risk layering of the following features: high debt-to-income ratio; low or no cash reserves; loan-to-value ratios over 90%; short-term interest-only periods or negative amortization loan products; or reduced or no documentation loans. Our current underwriting standards would generally preclude us from originating loans to borrowers with a credit history containing a bankruptcy or a foreclosure within the last five years or two 30 day mortgage delinquencies in the last twelve months. Based upon the definition and exclusions described above, we are a prime lender. Within our portfolio of one-to-four family mortgage loans, we have loans to borrowers who had FICO scores of 660 or below at the time of origination. However, as a portfolio lender we underwrite our loans considering all credit criteria, as well as collateral value, and do not base our underwriting decisions solely on FICO scores. Based on our underwriting criteria, particularly the average loan-to-value ratios at origination, we consider our loans to borrowers with FICO scores of 660 or below at origination to be prime loans.

 

Although FICO scores are considered as part of our underwriting process, they have not always been recorded on our mortgage loan system and are not available for all of the one-to-four family mortgage loans on our mortgage loan system. However, substantially all of our one-to-four family mortgage loans originated since March 2005 have FICO scores as of the loan origination date (original FICO scores) available on our mortgage loan system. One-to-four family mortgage loans which had original FICO scores available on our mortgage loan system totaled $9.33 billion at March 31, 2012 and $9.30 billion at December 31, 2011, or 88% of our total one-to-four family mortgage loan portfolio at the respective dates, of which 5%, or $424.3 million at March 31, 2012 and $433.6 million at December 31, 2011, had original FICO scores of 660 or below. Of our one-to-four family mortgage loans to borrowers with known original FICO scores of 660 or below, 71% are interest-only loans and 29% are amortizing loans at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. In addition, 67% of our loans to borrowers with known original FICO scores of 660 or below were full documentation loans and 33% were reduced documentation loans at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. We believe the aforementioned loans, when originated, were amply collateralized and otherwise conformed to our prime lending standards and do not present a greater risk of loss or other asset quality risk relative to comparable loans in our portfolio to other borrowers with higher credit scores.

 

We have enhanced the FICO score data on our mortgage loan system to record, when available, current FICO scores on our borrowers. At March 31, 2012, one-to-four family mortgage loans which had current FICO scores available on our mortgage loan system totaled $10.14 billion, or 96% of our total one-to-four family mortgage loan portfolio, of which $898.1 million, or 9%, had current FICO scores of 660 or below. At December 31, 2011, one-to-four family mortgage loans which had current FICO scores available on our mortgage loan system totaled $9.47 billion, or 90% of our total one-to-four family mortgage loan portfolio, of which $918.1 million, or 10%, had current FICO scores of 660 or below. Of our one-to-four family mortgage loans to borrowers with known current FICO scores of 660 or below, 63% are interest-only loans and

 

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37% are amortizing loans at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. In addition, 62% of our loans to borrowers with known current FICO scores of 660 or below were full documentation loans and 38% were reduced documentation loans at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

 

Non-Performing Assets

 

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

 

(Dollars in Thousands)  At March 31, 2012   At December 31, 2011 
Non-accrual delinquent mortgage loans  $349,131   $326,627 
Non-accrual delinquent consumer and other loans   6,437    6,068 
Mortgage loans delinquent 90 days or more and still accruing interest (1)   -    162 
Total non-performing loans (2)   355,568    332,857 
REO, net (3)   39,931    48,059 
Total non-performing assets  $395,499   $380,916 
Non-performing loans to total loans   2.66%   2.51%
Non-performing loans to total assets   2.08    1.96 
Non-performing assets to total assets   2.31    2.24 
Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans   42.16    47.22 
Allowance for loan losses to total loans   1.12    1.18 

 

(1) Consists primarily of loans delinquent 90 days or more as to their maturity date but not their interest due.
(2) Excludes loans which have been modified in a troubled debt restructuring and are accruing and performing in accordance with the restructured terms for a satisfactory period of time, generally six months.  Restructured accruing loans totaled $75.8 million at March 31, 2012 and $73.7 million at December 31, 2011.  Loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring included in non-performing loans totaled $43.5 million at March 31, 2012 and $18.8 million at  December 31, 2011.
(3) REO, all of which are one-to-four family properties, is net of allowance for losses totaling $2.6 million at March 31, 2012 and $2.5 million at December 31, 2011.

 

Total non-performing assets increased $14.6 million to $395.5 million at March 31, 2012, from $380.9 million at December 31, 2011, due to an increase in non-performing loans, partially offset by a decrease of $8.1 million in REO, net. Non-performing loans, the most significant component of non-performing assets, increased $22.7 million to $355.6 million at March 31, 2012, from $332.9 million at December 31, 2011, primarily due to an increase of $27.5 million in non-performing multi-family mortgage loans, partially offset by a decrease of $5.7 million in one-to-four family mortgage loans. The increase in non-performing multi-family mortgage loans at March 31, 2012, compared to December 31, 2011, is primarily the result of loans which were modified in a troubled debt restructuring during the 2012 first quarter which are placed on non-accrual status until the borrowers demonstrate a period of performance according to the restructured terms, generally for a period of six months. Non-performing one-to-four family mortgage loans continue to reflect a greater concentration of reduced documentation loans. Reduced documentation loans represent only 14% of the one-to-four family mortgage loan portfolio, yet represent 53% of non-performing one-to-four family mortgage loans at March 31, 2012. The ratio of non-performing loans to total loans increased to 2.66% at March 31, 2012, from 2.51% at December 31, 2011. The ratio of non-performing assets to total assets increased to 2.31% at March 31, 2012, from 2.24% at December 31, 2011. The increases in these ratios are primarily attributable to the increases in non-performing loans and non-performing assets at March 31, 2012 compared to December 31, 2011.

 

We proactively manage our non-performing assets, in part, through the sale of certain delinquent and non-performing loans. Included in loans held-for-sale, net, are delinquent and non-

 

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performing mortgage loans totaling $4.9 million at March 31, 2012 and $19.7 million at December 31, 2011. Non-performing loans held-for-sale were comprised primarily of multi-family and commercial real estate loans at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. Such loans are excluded from non-performing loans, non-performing assets and related ratios. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, we sold $14.6 million of delinquent and non-performing mortgage loans, primarily multi-family loans. The sale of such loans did not have an impact on our non-performing loans and non-performing assets or related ratios.

 

The following table provides further details on the composition of our non-performing one-to-four family mortgage loans in dollar amounts and percentages of the portfolio, at the dates indicated.

 

   At March 31, 2012   At December 31, 2011 
(Dollars in Thousands)  Amount   Percent
of Total
   Amount   Percent
of Total
 
Non-performing one-to-four family:                    
Full documentation interest-only  $101,662    32.57%  $107,503    33.82%
Full documentation amortizing   46,471    14.88    43,937    13.82 
Reduced documentation interest-only   126,656    40.57    131,301    41.31 
Reduced documentation amortizing   37,413    11.98    35,126    11.05 
Total non-performing one-to-four family  $312,202    100.00%  $317,867    100.00%

 

The following table provides details on the geographic composition of both our total and non-performing one-to-four family mortgage loans at March 31, 2012.

 

   One-to-Four Family Mortgage Loans 
   At March 31, 2012 
(Dollars in Millions)  Total Loans   Percent of
Total Loans
   Total
Non-Performing
Loans
   Percent of
Total
Non-Performing
Loans
   Non-Performing
Loans
as Percent of
State Totals
 
State:                         
New York  $3,001.5    28.5%  $44.6    14.2%   1.49%
Illinois   1,209.7    11.4    46.4    14.9    3.84 
Connecticut   1,123.6    10.7    29.9    9.6    2.66 
Massachusetts   821.9    7.8    11.0    3.5    1.34 
New Jersey   753.6    7.1    57.4    18.4    7.62 
California   663.8    6.3    29.2    9.4    4.40 
Virginia   634.9    6.0    11.8    3.8    1.86 
Maryland   611.0    5.8    39.3    12.6    6.43 
Washington   300.8    2.9    3.5    1.1    1.16 
Texas   262.7    2.5    -    -    - 
All other states (1) (2)   1,161.9    11.0    39.1    12.5    3.37 
Total  $10,545.4    100.0%  $312.2    100.0%   2.96%

 

(1)

(2)

Includes 25 states and Washington, D.C.

Includes Florida with $191.3 million total loans, of which $22.0 million are non-performing loans.

 

At March 31, 2012, the geographic composition of our multi-family and commercial real estate mortgage loan portfolio was 95% in the New York metropolitan area, which includes New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, 3% in Florida and 2% in various other states and the geographic composition of non-performing multi-family and commercial real estate mortgage loans was 66% in the New York metropolitan area and 34% in Florida.

 

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We discontinue accruing interest on loans when they become 90 days delinquent as to their payment due date. 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 at March 31, 2012 and 2011 had been performing in accordance with their original terms, we would have recorded interest income, with respect to such loans, of $4.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and $5.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011. This compares to actual payments recorded as interest income, with respect to such loans, of $835,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

 

We may agree to modify the contractual terms of a borrower’s loan. In cases where such modifications represent a concession to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty, the modification is considered a troubled debt restructuring. Loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring are placed on non-accrual status until we determine that future collection of principal and interest is reasonably assured, which requires that the borrower demonstrate performance according to the restructured terms generally for a period of six months. Loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring which are included in non-accrual loans increased $24.7 million to $43.5 million at March 31, 2012, from $18.8 million at December 31, 2011, primarily due to multi-family mortgage loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring during the 2012 first quarter. Excluded from non-performing assets are loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring that have complied with the terms of their restructure agreement for a satisfactory period of time and have, therefore, been returned to accrual status. Restructured accruing loans totaled $75.8 million at March 31, 2012 and $73.7 million at December 31, 2011.

 

In addition to non-performing loans, we had $183.4 million of potential problem loans at March 31, 2012, compared to $195.8 million at December 31, 2011. Such loans include loans which are 60-89 days delinquent as shown in the following table and certain other internally adversely classified loans.

 

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Delinquent Loans

 

The following table shows a comparison of delinquent loans at the dates indicated. Delinquent loans are reported based on the number of days the loan payments are past due.

 

   30-59 Days
Past Due
   60-89 Days
Past Due
   90 Days or More
Past Due
 
(Dollars in Thousands)  Number
of
Loans
   Amount   Number
of
Loans
   Amount   Number
of
Loans
   Amount 
At March 31, 2012:                              
Mortgage loans:                              
One-to-four family   318   $95,221    86   $27,859    1,016   $312,202 
Multi-family   36    19,628    8    5,502    20    35,497 
Commercial real estate   5    2,942    3    6,415    2    1,432 
Consumer and other loans   96    3,995    24    1,770    61    6,437 
Total delinquent loans   455   $121,786    121   $41,546    1,099   $355,568 
Delinquent loans to total loans        0.91%        0.31%        2.66%
                               
At December 31, 2011:                              
Mortgage loans:                              
One-to-four family   357   $128,562    111   $31,253    1,027   $317,867 
Multi-family   42    29,109    12    14,915    11    8,022 
Commercial real estate   3    4,882    2    1,060    1    900 
Consumer and other loans   94    4,187    33    1,587    54    6,068 
Total delinquent loans   496   $166,740    158   $48,815    1,093   $332,857 
Delinquent loans to total loans        1.26%        0.37%        2.51%

 

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

 

The following table summarizes activity in the allowance for loan losses.

 

(In Thousands)  For the Three
Months Ended
March 31, 2012
 
Balance at January 1, 2012  $157,185 
Provision charged to operations   10,000 
Charge-offs:     
One-to-four family   (17,704)
Multi-family   (432)
Commercial real estate   (339)
Consumer and other loans   (600)
Total charge-offs   (19,075)
Recoveries:     
One-to-four family   1,623 
Multi-family   77 
Commercial real estate   1 
Consumer and other loans   88 
Total recoveries   1,789 
Net charge-offs (1)   (17,286)
Balance at March 31, 2012  $149,899 
      
(1)   Includes net charge-offs related to one-to-four family reduced documentation mortgage loans totaling $6.7 million.     

 

 

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ITEM 3.     Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

As a financial institution, the primary component of our market risk is interest rate risk. The objective of our interest rate risk 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 our primary banking regulator, 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 analysis. Additional interest rate risk modeling is done by Astoria Federal in conformity with regulatory requirements.

 

Gap Analysis

 

Gap analysis measures the difference between the amount of interest-earning assets anticipated to mature or reprice within specific time periods and the amount of interest-bearing liabilities anticipated to mature or reprice within the same time periods. Gap analysis does not indicate the impact of general interest rate movements on our net interest income because the actual repricing dates of various assets and liabilities will differ from our estimates and it does not give consideration to the yields and costs of the assets and liabilities or the projected yields and costs to replace or retain those assets and liabilities. Callable features of certain assets and liabilities, in addition to the foregoing, may also cause actual experience to vary from the analysis.

 

The following table, referred to as the Gap Table, sets forth the amount of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities outstanding at March 31, 2012 that we anticipate will reprice or mature in each of the future time periods shown using certain assumptions based on our historical experience and other market-based data available to us. The Gap Table includes $1.95 billion of callable borrowings classified according to their maturity dates, primarily in the more than three years to five years and more than five years categories, which are callable within one year and at various times thereafter. In addition, the Gap Table includes callable securities with an amortized cost of $54.9 million classified according to their maturity dates, in the more than five years category, which are callable within one year and at various times thereafter. The classification of callable borrowings and securities according to their maturity dates is based on our experience with, and expectations of, these types of instruments and the current interest rate environment. As indicated in the Gap Table, our one-year cumulative gap at March 31, 2012 was positive 2.38% compared to positive 1.50% at December 31, 2011. The change in our one-year cumulative gap is primarily due to a decrease in the balances of our deposit liabilities, in particular our certificates of deposit, partially offset by an increase in borrowings, projected to mature or reprice within one year at March 31, 2012, compared to December 31, 2011.

 

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   At March 31, 2012 
(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)  $5,205,568   $3,981,540   $3,263,386   $251,823   $12,702,317 
Consumer and other loans (1)   264,777    4,769    12    36    269,594 
Interest-earning cash accounts   58,144    -    -    -    58,144 
Securities available-for-sale   156,335    90,239    15,816    32,185    294,575 
Securities held-to-maturity   613,882    695,729    489,420    374,049    2,173,080 
FHLB-NY stock   -    -    -    146,598    146,598 
Total interest-earning assets   6,298,706    4,772,277    3,768,634    804,691    15,644,308 
Net unamortized purchase
premiums and deferred costs (2)
   42,630    34,140    26,057    7,039    109,866 
Net interest-earning assets (3)   6,341,336    4,806,417    3,794,691    811,730    15,754,174 
Interest-bearing liabilities:                         
Savings   458,852    425,916    425,916    1,500,534    2,811,218 
Money market   577,384    272,004    272,004    45,051    1,166,443 
NOW and demand deposit   97,871    195,761    195,761    1,435,680    1,925,073 
Certificates of deposit   3,269,438    1,052,839    887,637    -    5,209,914 
Borrowings, net   1,529,800    575,000    1,150,000    1,078,866    4,333,666 
Total interest-bearing liabilities   5,933,345    2,521,520    2,931,318    4,060,131    15,446,314 
Interest sensitivity gap   407,991    2,284,897    863,373    (3,248,401)  $307,860 
Cumulative interest sensitivity gap  $407,991   $2,692,888   $3,556,261   $307,860      
                          
Cumulative interest sensitivity gap as a percentage of total assets   2.38%   15.74%   20.78%   1.80%     
Cumulative net interest-earning assets as a percentage of interest-
bearing liabilities
   106.88%   131.85%   131.23%   101.99%     

 

(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.

 

Net Interest Income Sensitivity Analysis

 

In managing interest rate risk, we also use an internal income simulation model for our net interest income 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.

 

We perform analyses of interest rate increases and decreases of up to 300 basis points although changes in interest rates of 200 basis points is a more common and reasonable scenario for analytical purposes. Assuming the entire yield curve was to increase 200 basis points, through quarterly parallel increments of 50 basis points, our projected net interest income for the twelve

 

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month period beginning April 1, 2012 would increase by approximately 4.17% from the base projection. At December 31, 2011, in the up 200 basis point scenario, our projected net interest income for the twelve month period beginning January 1, 2012 would have increased by approximately 2.08% from the base projection. The current low interest rate environment prevents us from performing an income simulation for a decline in interest rates of the same magnitude and timing as our rising interest rate simulation, since certain asset yields, liability costs and related indices are below 2.00%. However, assuming the entire yield curve was to decrease 100 basis points, through quarterly parallel decrements of 25 basis points, our projected net interest income for the twelve month period beginning April 1, 2012 would decrease by approximately 4.95% from the base projection. At December 31, 2011, in the down 100 basis point scenario, our projected net interest income for the twelve month period beginning January 1, 2012 would have decreased by approximately 4.88% from the base projection. The down 100 basis point scenarios include some limitations as well since certain indices, yields and costs are already below 1.00%.

 

Various shortcomings are inherent in both gap analyses and net interest income 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 net interest income sensitivity analyses may provide an indication of our interest rate risk exposure, such analyses are not intended to and do not provide a precise forecast of the effect of changes in market interest rates on our net interest income and our actual results will differ. Additionally, certain assets, liabilities and items of income and expense which may be affected by changes in interest rates, albeit to a much lesser degree, and which do not affect net interest income, are excluded from this analysis. These include income from bank owned life insurance and changes in the fair value of MSR. With respect to these items alone, and assuming the entire yield curve was to increase 200 basis points, through quarterly parallel increments of 50 basis points, our projected net income for the twelve month period beginning April 1, 2012 would increase by approximately $4.4 million. Conversely, assuming the entire yield curve was to decrease 100 basis points, through quarterly parallel decrements of 25 basis points, our projected net income for the twelve month period beginning April 1, 2012 would decrease by approximately $2.5 million with respect to these items alone.

 

For further information regarding our market risk and the limitations of our gap analysis and net interest income sensitivity analysis, see Part II, Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk,” included in our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

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Item 4.     Controls and Procedures

 

Monte N. Redman, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and Frank E. Fusco, our Senior Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, as of March 31, 2012. 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, 2012 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 a defendant in or a party to pending or threatened legal actions or proceedings which, in some cases, seek substantial monetary damages from or other forms of relief against us. In our opinion, after consultation with legal counsel, we believe it unlikely that such actions or proceedings will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

 

City of New York Notice of Determination

By “Notice of Determination” dated September 14, 2010 and August 26, 2011, the City of New York has notified us of alleged tax deficiencies in the amount of $13.3 million, including interest and penalties, related to our 2006 through 2008 tax years. The deficiencies relate to our operation of two subsidiaries of Astoria Federal, Fidata and AF Mortgage. Fidata is a passive investment company which maintains offices in Connecticut. AF Mortgage is an operating subsidiary through which Astoria Federal engages in lending activities outside the State of New York through our third party loan origination program. We disagree with the assertion of the tax deficiencies and we filed Petitions for Hearings with the City of New York on December 6, 2010 and October 5, 2011 to oppose the Notices of Determination and to consolidate the hearings. A hearing in this matter is expected to occur in the latter half of 2012. At this time, management believes it is more likely than not that we will succeed in refuting the City of New York’s position, although defense costs may be significant. Accordingly, no liability or reserve has been recognized in our consolidated statement of financial condition at March 31, 2012 with respect to this matter.

 

No assurance can be given as to whether or to what extent we will be required to pay the amount of the tax deficiencies asserted by the City of New York, whether additional tax will be assessed for years subsequent to 2008, that this matter will not be costly to oppose, that this matter will not have an impact on our financial condition or results of operations or that, ultimately, any such impact will not be material.

 

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Automated Transactions LLC Litigation

On November 20, 2009, an action entitled Automated Transactions LLC v. Astoria Financial Corporation and Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association was commenced in the Southern District Court against us by Automated Transactions LLC, alleging patent infringement involving integrated banking and transaction machines, including ATMs, that we utilize. We were served with the summons and complaint in such action on March 2, 2010. The plaintiff also filed a similar suit on the same day against another financial institution and its holding company. The plaintiff seeks unspecified monetary damages and an injunction preventing us from continuing to utilize the allegedly infringing machines. We are vigorously defending this lawsuit, and filed an answer and counterclaims to the plaintiff’s complaint on March 23, 2010, to which the plaintiff filed a reply on April 12, 2010.

 

On May 18, 2010, the plaintiff filed an amended complaint at the direction of the Southern District Court, containing substantially the same allegations as the original complaint. On May 27, 2010, we moved to dismiss the amended complaint. On March 10, 2011, the Southern District Court entered an order on the record that dismissed all claims against Astoria Financial Corporation but denied the motion to dismiss the claims against Astoria Federal for alleged direct patent infringement. The order also dismissed in part the claims against Astoria Federal for alleged inducement of our customers to violate plaintiff’s patents and for Astoria Federal’s allegedly willful violation of the plaintiff’s patents, allowing claims to continue only for alleged inducement and willful infringement after our receiving notice of the pending suit from plaintiff’s counsel. Based on the Southern District Court’s ruling, on March 31, 2011, we answered the amended complaint substantially denying the allegations of the amended complaint.

 

On July 22, 2011, we filed a motion to stay the action pending the outcome of an appeal pending before the Court of Appeals of the Delaware District Court’s ruling in the IYG action. The IYG action involves the same plaintiff making substantially similar allegations with respect to identical and substantially similar patents as those involved in the action against us. The Delaware District Court granted IYG’s motion for summary judgment. In our motion to stay, we asserted that, should the Court of Appeals uphold the Delaware District Court’s rulings, the Delaware District Court decision should be binding on the plaintiff in the litigation against us. By order dated March 15, 2012, our motion to stay was denied.

 

We have tendered requests for indemnification from the manufacturer and from the transaction processor utilized with respect to the integrated banking and transaction machines, and we served third party complaints against Metavante Corporation and Diebold, Inc. seeking to enforce our indemnification rights.

 

An adverse result in this lawsuit may include an award of monetary damages, on-going royalty obligations, and/or may result in a change in our business practice, which could result in a loss of revenue. We cannot at this time estimate the possible loss or range of loss, if any. No assurance can be given at this time that this litigation against us will be resolved amicably, that if this litigation results in an adverse decision that we will be successful in seeking indemnification, that this litigation will not be costly to defend, that this litigation will not have an impact on our financial condition or results of operations or that, ultimately, any such impact will not be material.

 

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Lefkowitz Litigation

On February 27, 2012, a putative class action entitled Ellen Lefkowitz, individually and on behalf of all Persons similarly situated v. Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association was commenced in the Supreme Court of The State of New York, County of Queens, against us alleging that during the proposed class period, we improperly charged overdraft fees to customer accounts when accounts were not overdrawn, improperly reordered electronic debit transactions from the highest to the lowest dollar amount and processed debits before credits to deplete accounts and maximize overdraft fee income. The complaint contains the further assertion that we did not adequately inform our customers that they had the option to “opt-out” of overdraft services. We were served with the summons and complaint in such action on February 29, 2012 and must reply on or before April 30, 2012. We cannot at this time estimate the possible loss or range of loss, if any. No assurance can be given at this time that this litigation against us will be resolved amicably, that this litigation will not be costly to defend, that this litigation will not have an impact on our financial condition or results of operations or that, ultimately, any such impact will not be material.

 

ITEM 1A.     Risk Factors

 

For a summary of risk factors relevant to our operations, see Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There were no material changes in risk factors relevant to our operations since December 31, 2011 except as discussed below.

 

Changes in regulatory standards imposed on us and similarly situated institutions under the Reform Act may have an impact on Astoria Federal’s ability to pay dividends to us in instances where capital is deemed by the regulatory agencies to be insufficient.

 

Capital standards imposed on us and similarly situated institutions have been and continue to be refined by bank regulatory agencies under the Reform Act. Deterioration of economic conditions and further changes to regulatory guidance could result in revised capital standards that may indicate the need for us or Astoria Federal to maintain greater capital positions, which could lead to limitations in dividend payments to us by Astoria Federal. If we do not receive sufficient cash dividends from Astoria Federal, then we may not have sufficient funds to pay dividends to our shareholders, repurchase our common stock or service our debt obligations.

 

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

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, there were no repurchases of our common stock. Our twelfth stock repurchase plan, approved by our Board of Directors on April 18, 2007, authorized the purchase of 10,000,000 shares, or approximately 10% of our common stock then outstanding, in open-market or privately negotiated transactions. At March 31, 2012, a maximum of 8,107,300 shares may yet be purchased under this plan. However, we are not currently repurchasing additional shares of our common stock and have not since the 2008 third quarter.

 

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ITEM 3.     Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 4.     Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 5.     Other Information

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 6.     Exhibits

 

See Index of Exhibits on page 69.

 

 

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, 2012   By: /s/ Monte N. Redman  
          Monte N. Redman  
          President and Chief Executive Officer  
             
             
Dated: May 10, 2012   By: /s/ Frank E. Fusco  
          Frank E. Fusco  
          Senior Executive Vice President,  
          Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer  
          (Principal Accounting Officer)  

 

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ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX OF EXHIBITS

  

Exhibit No.   Identification of Exhibit
     
10.1   Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association and Astoria Financial Corporation Directors’ Retirement Plan, as amended effective February 15, 2012.
     
10.2   Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association Supplemental Benefit Plan, as amended effective April 30, 2012.
     
10.3    Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association Excess Benefit Plan, as amended effective April 30, 2012.
     
10.4   Amendment to the Amended and Restated Employment Agreements between Astoria Financial Corporation and Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association, respectively, and Gary T. McCann, dated as of March 23, 2012.
     
10.5    Amendment to the Amended and Restated Employment Agreements between Astoria Financial Corporation and Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association, respectively, and Arnold K. Greenberg, dated as of March 30, 2012.
     
10.6   Form of Change of Control Severance Agreement by and among Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association, Astoria Financial Corporation and those officers listed on the attached schedule.
     
31.1   Certifications of Chief Executive Officer.
     
31.2   Certifications of Chief Financial Officer.
     
32.1   Written Statement of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer furnished pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  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.
     
101.INS   XBRL Instance Document (1)
     
101.SCH   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (1)
     
101.CAL   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document (1)
     
101.LAB   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document (1)
     
101.PRE   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document (1)
     
101.DEF   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definitions Linkbase Document (1)

 

 

 

(1)Pursuant to SEC rules, these interactive data file exhibits shall not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 11 or 12 of the Securities Act or Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the liability of those sections.

 

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