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


FORM 10-Q


(Mark One)

|X|    QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2003

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 1-3521

WASHINGTON MUTUAL FINANCE CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE   95-4128205  
(State or other jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer  
incorporation or organization)   Identification Number)  
    8900 Grand Oak Circle, Tampa, FL   33637-1050  
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)  

(813) 632-4500
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)


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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the 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.

As of October 31, 2003, there were 1,000 shares of Common Stock outstanding.

Registrant meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction (H)(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and is therefore filing this form with the reduced disclosure format.


WASHINGTON MUTUAL FINANCE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2003

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

      Page
 
Item 1. Financial Statements 3
     Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition -
         September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002 (unaudited)
3
     Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, Comprehensive Income
         and Retained Earnings -
         Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 (unaudited)
4
     Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -
         Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 (unaudited)
5
     Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 6

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
    Results of Operations

9
     Cautionary Statements 9
     Controls and Procedures 9
     Critical Accounting Policies 9
     Overview 10
     Consolidated Results of Operations 11
     Asset Quality 14
     Liquidity 16
     Capital Management 17

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

17

Item 4. Controls and Procedures
9

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

18

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
19

Signatures

20

The information furnished in these interim statements reflects all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for such periods. Such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature, unless otherwise disclosed in this Form 10-Q. The results of operations in the interim statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. The interim financial information should be read in conjunction with Washington Mutual Finance Corporation's 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A.


PART 1 - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

WASHINGTON MUTUAL FINANCE CORPORATION and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (unaudited)


(Dollars in thousands)



ASSETS
September 30,
2003
December 31,
2002
Consumer finance receivables, net   $ 3,793,808   $ 3,507,971  
Investment securities available for sale     125,314     67,366  
Cash and cash equivalents     67,709     124,506  
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net     17,586     21,375  
Goodwill, net     40,821     40,821  
Other assets     75,617     85,269  

 
    TOTAL ASSETS   $ 4,120,855   $ 3,847,308  

 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Liabilities
Commercial paper borrowings   $ 1,027,164   $ 739,467  
Senior debt     2,382,245     2,389,677  

 
    Total debt     3,409,409     3,129,144  
Accounts payable and other liabilities     144,790     201,134  

 
    Total liabilities     3,554,199     3,330,278  

 
Commitments and contingencies
  (Note 3)
Stockholder's equity
Common stock: $1.00 par value;
  10,000 shares authorized; 1,000
  shares issued and outstanding
    1     1  
Paid-in capital     67,210     67,210  
Retained earnings     498,055     447,931  
Accumulated other comprehensive income     1,390     1,888  

 
      Total stockholder's equity     566,656     517,030  

 
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND
      STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
  $ 4,120,855   $ 3,847,308  

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


WASHINGTON MUTUAL FINANCE CORPORATION and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, Comprehensive Income and Retained Earnings
(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

Three Months
Ended September 30,
Nine Months
Ended September 30,

 
 
Interest income: 2003
2002
2003
2002
  Loan interest and fee income   $ 148,671   $ 140,524   $ 434,644   $ 410,719  
  Investment securities income     1,239     1,578     3,694     4,818  

 
 
 
    Total interest income     149,910     142,102     438,338     415,537  
Interest and debt expense     39,834     42,392     119,411     128,908  

 
 
 
  Net interest income before
  provision for loan losses
    110,076     99,710     318,927     286,629  
Provision for loan losses     37,461     48,368     111,440     131,161  

 
 
 
  Net interest income after
  provision for loan losses
    72,615     51,342     207,487     155,468  

 
 
 
Noninterest income     5,643     6,994     18,310     20,373  
Noninterest expense:
  Personnel     22,648     21,206     70,027     65,896  
  Data processing and
   telecommunication
    3,231     4,230     10,863     12,814  
  Occupancy     3,493     3,535     10,292     10,658  
  Advertising     3,746     2,889     11,187     8,733  
  Taxes, licenses and professional
   fees
    2,926     2,743     8,259     7,299  
  Other     4,022     4,963     12,605     11,954  

 
 
 
  Total noninterest expense     40,066     39,566     123,233     117,354  

 
 
 
  Income from continuing
   operations before income taxes
    38,192     18,770     102,564     58,487  
  Income taxes     13,940     6,662     37,440     21,028  

 
 
 
  Income from continuing
   operations
    24,252     12,108     65,124     37,459  
  Discontinued operations
  Income from operations of
    discontinued division
   (less applicable income taxes)
    -     1,079     -     4,417  

 
 
 
Net income     24,252     13,187     65,124     41,876  
  Net unrealized gains (losses) on
  securities arising during period,
   net of tax
    (753 )   479     (498 )   (3 )

 
 
 
Comprehensive income   $ 23,499   $ 13,666   $ 64,626   $ 41,873  

 
 
 
Retained earnings:
  Beginning of period   $ 485,803   $ 497,838   $ 447,931   $ 499,149  
  Net income     24,252     13,187     65,124     41,876  
  Dividends     (12,000 )   (15,000 )   (15,000 )   (45,000 )

 
 
 
  End of period   $ 498,055   $ 496,025   $ 498,055   $ 496,025  

 
 
 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


WASHINGTON MUTUAL FINANCE CORPORATION and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

Nine Months
Ended September 30,

Operating activities 2003 2002

 
     Income from continuing operations   $ 65,124   $ 37,459  
     Income from discontinued operations          -     4,417  

 
     Net income     65,124     41,876  
     Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
       cash provided by operating activities:
           Provision for loan losses     111,440     131,161  
           Increase in accounts payable
           and other liabilities
    21,883     12,649  
           Dividends declared, but not paid     (12,000 )   (15,000 )
           Decrease (increase) in other assets     9,652     (19,378 )
           Depreciation and amortization     18,022     12,399  

 
     Net cash provided by operating activities     214,121     163,707  

 
  Investing activities
     Decrease in net assets of discontinued operations          -     33,243  
     Investment securities matured or sold     30,590     19,881  
     Investment securities purchased     (89,263 )   (232 )
     Net additions to property, equipment and leasehold
      improvements
    (1,374 )   (1,828 )
     Increase in consumer finance receivables     (409,079 )   (261,198 )

 
     Net cash used in investing activities     (469,126 )   (210,134 )

 
  Financing activities
     (Decrease) increase in senior debt from hedging activity     (6,028 )   26,911  
     Net increase in commercial paper borrowings     287,697     209,633  
     Repayments of senior debt          -     (150,000 )
     Dividends paid     (81,000 )   (30,000 )
     Amortization of hedging activity     (2,461 )   (2,461 )
     Additional paid in capital          -     9,500  

 
     Net cash provided by financing activities     198,208     63,583  

 
  Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents     (56,797 )   17,156  

 
  Cash and cash equivalents
     Beginning of period     124,506     94,326  

 
     End of period   $67,709   $111,482  

 
  Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
     Interest paid   $ 98,728   $ 106,958  
     Federal and state income taxes paid
      (net of refunds)
  $ 43,426   $ 23,162  

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


WASHINGTON MUTUAL FINANCE CORPORATION and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)

Note 1  Basis of Presentation

The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Washington Mutual Finance Corporation and subsidiaries have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. These statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.

Washington Mutual Finance Corporation is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Washington Mutual, Inc. (“Washington Mutual”). When we refer to “we”, “our”, “us”, or the “Company” in this Form 10-Q, we mean Washington Mutual Finance Corporation and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Our Company’s operations consists principally of a network of 428 branch offices located in 26 states, primarily in the southeast, southwest and California (“Consumer Finance”). These offices operate under the name Washington Mutual Finance. Our branch offices are typically located in small- to medium-sized communities in suburban or rural areas and are managed by individuals who generally have considerable consumer lending experience. We make secured and unsecured consumer installment loans, and purchase installment contracts from local retail establishments. The consumer credit transactions are primarily for personal, family, or household purposes. From time to time, we purchase, servicing released, real estate secured consumer loans from national mortgage companies and banking operations through our wholly owned subsidiary, Washington Mutual Finance, Inc., a California corporation, which does business as Aristar Mortgage Company (“Aristar Mortgage”).

Until October 1, 2002, we also owned a consumer financial services business (“Consumer Banking”), which provided services through our industrial banking subsidiary, First Community Industrial Bank (“FCIB”). FCIB had 10 branches in Colorado and Utah. FCIB made consumer loans, purchased retail installment contracts and accepted deposits insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. This business was sold on October 1, 2002 and, accordingly, Consumer Banking has been accounted for, and is reported, as discontinued operations.

Note 2   Hedging Activities

Our risk management policy provides for the use of certain derivatives and financial instruments in managing certain risks. We do not enter into derivatives or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.


Managed risk includes the risk associated with changes in fair value of long-term fixed rate debt. In accordance with our risk management policy, such risk is hedged by entering into pay floating interest rate exchange agreements. The instruments designated in these fair value hedges include interest rate swaps that qualify for the “short cut” method of accounting under SFAS No. 133. Under the “short cut” method, we assume no ineffectiveness in a hedging relationship. Since the terms of the interest rate swap qualify for the use of the “short cut” method, it is not necessary to measure effectiveness and there is no charge to earnings for changes in fair value. All changes in fair value are recorded as adjustments to the basis of the hedged borrowings based on changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument. When derivative instruments are terminated prior to their maturity, or the maturity of the hedged liability, any resulting gains or losses are included as part of the basis adjustment of the hedged item and amortized over the remaining term of the liability. At September 30, 2003, the unamortized deferred gain on terminated hedging transactions totaled $8.3 million. This amount is included in senior debt on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

At September 30, 2003, we had three outstanding interest rate swap agreements with a combined notional amount of $450.0 million and a total fair value of $28.3 million. This amount is reflected as an adjustment to senior debt on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, with the related asset included in other assets.

Note 3   Legal Proceedings

The Company and several of its subsidiaries and their current and former employees are defendants in a number of suits pending in the state and federal courts of Mississippi. The lawsuits generally allege unfair lending and insurance related practices. Similar suits are pending against other financial services companies in Mississippi. All of the suits are currently in various stages of discovery, awaiting trial, stayed pending the outcome of motions for remand, or pending on appeal from a range of issues.

The Company has experienced an adverse monetary judgment in only one case, Carolyn Baker, et al. v. Washington Mutual Finance Group, LLC f/k/a City Finance Company. In that case, a jury awarded just over $71 million against one of the Company’s subsidiaries, Washington Mutual Finance Group, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“WMF Group”). Pursuant to a motion filed by WMF Group, the trial court reduced the verdict to just over $53 million. WMF Group is in the process of appealing the verdict and has posted a bond to stay execution on the judgment pending the appellate court’s ruling. The appeal is based on numerous grounds, including the gross inequity between the alleged economic losses of approximately $12,000 and the actual jury award. As a result, the Company has decided to accrue substantially less than $53 million.

Because of the unusual litigation environment in Mississippi, it is difficult to predict potential outcomes and losses. However, based upon information presently available, we believe that the total amount that will ultimately be paid, if any, after reductions and appeals, arising from these Mississippi lawsuits and proceedings will not have a material adverse impact on our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

We are currently evaluating the business and legal environment in Mississippi. During the evaluation process, we have suspended all new loan origination activities and revolving loan advances to Mississippi residents. The moratorium on new advances and originations went into effect September 30, 2002. Based on the information available, we believe that the moratorium will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations and financial position.


Note 4   Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45 (“FIN 45”), Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, which expands on the accounting guidance of SFAS No. 5, 57 and 107 and incorporates without change the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 34, which is being superseded. This Interpretation requires a guarantor to recognize, at the inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee. In addition, guarantors will be required to make significant new disclosures, even if the likelihood of the guarantor making payments under the guarantee is remote. The Interpretation’s disclosure requirements are effective for the Company as of December 31, 2002. The recognition requirements of FIN 45 are to be applied prospectively to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. There have been no previous significant guarantees that have been entered into by the Company.

In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Interpretation No. 46 (“FIN 46”), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities. The objective of this interpretation is to provide guidance on how to identify a variable interest entity and determine when assets, liabilities, noncontrolling interests, and results of operations of a variable interest entity need to be included in a company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. A company that holds variable interests in an entity will need to consolidate the entity if the company’s interest in the variable interest entity is such that the company will absorb a majority of the variable interest entity’s expected losses and/or receive a majority of the entity’s expected residual returns, if they occur. The provisions of this interpretation are effective as of December 31, 2003. We have no unconsolidated investments in any variable interest entities. As indicated in the “Liquidity” section, during 2002 and 2003, we entered into agreements to participate in an asset-backed commercial paper conduit program, whereby, the funds are made available through the assignment of an undivided interest in a specified group of unsecured receivables to a special purpose, wholly-owned consolidated subsidiary of the Company (referred to as the “SPE”). However, the SPE is included in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. For further discussion, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity”.

In April 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 149, Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. SFAS No. 149 provides clarification on the definition of derivative instruments within the scope of SFAS No. 133. Generally, this Statement is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003 and for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003. The Statement did not have a material impact on the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity. SFAS No. 150 establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. This Statement, which was effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003 and for all financial instruments on July 1, 2003, did not have a material impact on the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Note 5   Related Party Transaction

We paid dividends in the amount of $81.0 million during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003, $78.0 million of which had been declared during the fourth quarter of 2002. Additionally, we declared dividends in the amount of $12.0 million in September 2003, to be paid in October 2003.


Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Cautionary Statements

Our Form 10-Q and other documents that we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission contain forward-looking statements. In addition, our senior management may make forward-looking statements orally to analysts, investors, the media and others. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They often include words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “seeks”, “estimates”, or words of similar meaning, or future or conditional verbs, such as “will”, “would”, “should”, “could”, or “may”.

Forward-looking statements provide our expectations or predictions of future conditions, events or results. They are not guarantees of future performance. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. These statements speak only as of the date they are made. We do not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect the impact of circumstances or events that arise after the date the forward-looking statements were made. There are a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control, that could cause actual conditions, events or results to differ significantly from those described in the forward-looking statements. Refer to “Business — Factors that May Affect Future Results” in our 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which is incorporated herein by reference, for additional information on cautionary statements.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes presented elsewhere in this Form 10-Q.

Controls and Procedures

An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

We intend to review and evaluate the design and effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures on an ongoing basis and to improve our controls and procedures over time and to correct any deficiencies that we may discover in the future. Our goal is to ensure that our senior management has timely access to all material financial and non-financial information concerning our business. While we believe the present design of our disclosure controls and procedures is effective to achieve our goal, future events affecting our business may cause us to modify our disclosure controls and procedures.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make a number of judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets, liabilities, income and expenses in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. We believe that the judgments, estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are appropriate given the factual circumstances as of September 30, 2003.


Critical Accounting Estimates

Various elements of our accounting policies, by their nature, are inherently subject to estimation techniques, valuation assumptions and other subjective assessments. In particular, we have identified one accounting policy that, due to the judgments, estimates and assumptions inherent in this policy, and the sensitivity of our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements to those judgments, estimates and assumptions, is critical to an understanding of our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. This policy relates to the methodology for the determination of our allowance for loan losses. This policy and judgments, estimates and assumptions are described in greater detail in subsequent sections of “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and in the notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A. In particular, Note 2 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” — generally describes our accounting policies.

Initial Adoption of Accounting Policies

The Company did not adopt any new accounting policies during the quarter ended September 30, 2003 that were not the result of new accounting literature issued by a recognized accounting standard setter and that had a material impact on the Company’s financial presentation.

Overview

On October 1, 2002, we sold FCIB, our Consumer Banking subsidiary. Accordingly, the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, Comprehensive Income and Retained Earnings have been classified to report separately the prior year operating results of this discontinued operation.

Income from continuing operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 totaled $24.3 million and $65.1 million. This was a 100.3% and 73.9% increase from the $12.1 million and $37.5 million net income for the same periods of 2002. Our return on average assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 was 2.37% and 2.20%, compared to 1.27% and 1.36% in the same periods of 2002. See further discussion in “Consolidated Results of Operations”.

Consumer finance receivables (net of unearned finance charges and deferred loan fees) increased $285.8 million or 8.15% from December 31, 2002. Our strategy continues to target controlled portfolio growth, utilizing our loan underwriting and acquisition strategy to take into account the condition of the economy in the markets we currently serve or in which we anticipate expanding.

At September 30, 2003, real estate secured loans comprised approximately 54% of the total portfolio, as compared to 53% at December 31, 2002. As a result of this continued shift in portfolio mix and the lower rates associated with real estate loans, the overall yield earned on consumer finance receivables declined to 15.31% and 15.38% in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 from 15.58% and 15.64% in the same periods of 2002. See “Consolidated Results of Operations.”

Net interest spread for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 increased to 9.94% and 9.88% from 9.56% and 9.40% for the same periods of 2002. Net interest margin for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 increased to 10.77% and 10.76% from 10.51% and 10.41% for the same periods of 2002. These increases are primarily a result of lower cost borrowings, somewhat offset by the continued shift in mix to lower-yielding real estate loans, as discussed above.


Net charge-offs totaled $37.4 million and $111.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, as compared to $39.2 million and $118.7 million during the same periods in 2002. Annualized net charge-offs as a percentage of average consumer finance receivables (excluding unearned finance charges and deferred loan fees) were 3.82% and 3.95% in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, down from 4.33% and 4.51% in the same periods of 2002. See “Asset Quality”.

Operating efficiency is defined as the ratio of noninterest expense to total revenue (which is comprised of net interest income before provision for loan losses and noninterest income). In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, our operating efficiency ratio improved to 34.62% and 36.54% from 37.08% and 38.23% for the same periods in 2002. This improvement is due to a higher net interest margin, supported by continued control of noninterest expenses. See “Consolidated Results of Operations.”

The ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 was 1.84, up from 1.41 at December 31, 2002.

Consolidated Results of Operations

Net Interest Income before Provision for Loan Losses

Net interest income before provision for loan losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 increased 10.4% and 11.3% to $110.1 million and $318.9 million, compared to $99.7 million and $286.6 million in the same periods of 2002.

The increase in net interest income before provision for loan losses during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003 reflects growth in average net consumer finance receivables to $3.77 billion, which was $266.8 million, or 7.6%, greater than the average balance during the same period in 2002. Partially offsetting this portfolio growth is a 26 basis point decrease in average portfolio yield for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003, compared to the same period of 2002. This yield compression is primarily a result of lower written rates on our higher average outstanding balance real estate secured loans, somewhat offset by an improvement of the earned yield of the unsecured loans portfolio. In addition, the secondary market in which we purchase second mortgages through our subsidiary, Aristar Mortgage, is highly sensitive to interest rate indices. Accordingly, the yield on our secured portfolio reflects the decline in rates that began in 2001 and has not yet rebounded.

As a result of the higher average receivables balance, average debt outstanding increased $230.5 million or 7.6% to $3.25 billion during the nine months ended September 30, 2003, as compared to the same period in the prior year. Although average debt outstanding increased for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003, the effective yield decreased by 79 basis points, as compared to the same period in 2002. The improvement in the effective yield was a result of lower interest rates, as well as continued management of the debt portfolio, with focus on lower cost of borrowings.


The following chart reflects the average balances and related effective yields during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, as described above:

(Dollars in thousands)

Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,


2003 2002 2003 2002

 
 
 
 
Average
Balance
Rate Average
Balance
Rate Average
Balance
Rate Average
Balance
Rate

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-earning assets:
Consumer finance receivables:
   Real estate secured
     loans $ 2,076,846     11.56 %  $ 1,891,854     12.40 %  $ 2,025,907     11.79 %  $ 1,805,655     12.61 %
   Other installment
    loans   1,534,073     21.35     1,424,440     20.77     1,497,089     21.19     1,408,814     20.71  
   Retail installment
    contracts   249,964     9.46     274,017     10.49     251,723     9.70     293,498     9.87  

   
   
   
 
     Total consumer finance
       receivables   3,860,883     15.31     3,590,311     15.58     3,774,719     15.38     3,507,967     15.64  
 Cash, cash equivalents and
  investment securities   191,110     2.57     176,004     3.56     189,237     2.61     172,946     3.72  

   
   
   
 
Total interest-earning assets $ 4,051,993     14.71 %  $ 3,766,315     15.01 %  $ 3,963,956     14.77 %  $ 3,680,913     15.08 %

   
   
   
 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
   Senior debt $ 2,382,551     6.09 %  $ 2,531,456     6.20 %  $ 2,386,401     6.08 %  $ 2,595,679     6.27 %
   Commercial paper
     and other
  953,562     1.47     570,491     2.16     867,575     1.62     427,833     2.10  

   
   
   
 
Total interest-bearing
 liabilities
$ 3,336,113     4.77 %  $ 3,101,947     5.45 %  $ 3,253,976     4.89 %  $ 3,023,512     5.68 %

   
   
   
 
Net interest spread         9.94 %         9.56 %         9.88 %         9.40 %
Net interest margin         10.77 %         10.51 %         10.76 %         10.41 %

The dollar amounts of interest income and interest expense fluctuate depending upon changes in amounts (volume) and upon changes in interest rates of our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.

Changes attributable to (i) changes in volume (changes in average outstanding balances multiplied by the prior period’s rate), (ii) changes in rate (changes in average interest rate multiplied by the prior period’s volume), and (iii) changes in rate/volume (changes in rate times the change in volume that were allocated proportionately to the changes in volume and the changes in rate) were as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)

Three Months Ended September 30,
2003 vs. 2002
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2003 vs. 2002


Increase/(Decrease) Due to Increase/(Decrease) Due to


Volume Rate Total Change Volume Rate Total Change

 
 
 
 
 
 
  Interest income:
    Consumer finance
   receivables
  $ 9,059   $ (912 ) $ 8,147   $ 26,914   $ (2,989 ) $ 23,925  
    Investment securities     135     (474 )   (339 )   454     (1,578 )   (1,124 )

 
 
 
 
 
 
        Total interest income     9,194     (1,386 )   7,808     27,368     (4,567 )   22,801  
  Interest expense:
    Senior debt     (2,342 )   (642 )   (2,984 )   (9,876 )   (3,465 )   (13,341 )
    Commercial paper
    and other
    2,112     (1,686 )   426     6,995     (3,151 )   3,844  

 
 
 
 
 
 
    Interest-bearing
    liabilities
    (230 )   (2,328 )   (2,558 )   (2,881 )   (6,616 )   (9,497 )

 
 
 
 
 
 
    Net interest income   $ 9,424   $ 942   $ 10,366   $ 30,249   $ 2,049   $ 32,298  

 
 
 
 
 
 

Provision for Loan Losses

The provision for loan losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 was $37.5 million and $111.4 million compared to $48.4 million and $131.2 million in the same periods of 2002. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, the annualized provision for loan losses from continuing operations was 3.8% and 3.9% of average consumer finance receivables (excluding unearned finance charges and deferred loan fees), as compared to 5.3% and 5.0% during the same periods of 2002. See further discussion in “Allowance for Loan Losses.”

Noninterest Income

Noninterest income decreased 19.3% and 10.1% to $5.6 million and $18.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, compared to $7.0 million and $20.4 million during the same periods in 2002. Noninterest income is comprised primarily of revenue earned from the sale of various credit insurance and ancillary products to borrowers at the branch locations. These products include credit life insurance, accident and health insurance, credit property and casualty insurance, term life protector, involuntary unemployment insurance and auto single interest.

The decrease in year-to-date noninterest income is due to the sale of receivables in April 2002, which resulted in a gain on sale of $1.5 million. No similar gain on sale occurred in 2003.

Noninterest Expense

Noninterest expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 increased 1.3% and 5.0% to $40.1 million and $123.2 million, as compared to $39.6 million and $117.4 million for the same periods in 2002. The increase in noninterest expense is due largely to increased advertising expense associated with our direct mail marketing strategy, as well as increased personnel expenses associated with our intensified focus on collection activities. Additionally, although the dollar value of loans has increased, the number of loan units originated has decreased. Therefore, associated with the fewer number of loan units originated, we have also experienced a decrease in deferred expenses in accordance with SFAS No. 91.

Income from Operations of Discontinued Division

On October 1, 2002, our consumer financial services business was sold and, accordingly, has been accounted for, and is reported, as discontinued operations.


Asset Quality

Consumer Finance Receivables

Consumer finance receivables consisted of the following:

(Dollars in thousands)

September 30,
2003
December 31,
2002

 
  Consumer finance receivables:
  Real estate secured loans
  $ 2,352,721   $ 2,174,108  
    Other installment loans     1,771,549     1,651,120  
    Retail installment contracts     290,486     304,289  

 
    Gross consumer finance receivables     4,414,756     4,129,517  
  Less:  Unearned finance charges and
               deferred loan fees     (470,887 )   (471,120 )
            Allowance for loan losses     (150,061 )   (150,426 )

 
  Consumer finance receivables, net   $ 3,793,808   $ 3,507,971  

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

Activity in the allowance for loan losses was as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)

Nine Months Ended September 30,

2003 2002

 
  Balance, beginning of period   $ 150,426     122,851  
  Provision for loan losses     111,440     131,161  
  Amounts charged-off:
     Real estate secured loans     (10,298 )   (7,534 )
     Other installment loans     (110,779 )   (114,358 )
     Retail installment contracts     (9,419 )   (11,770 )

 
        (130,496 )   (133,662 )
  Recoveries:
        Real estate secured loans     761     333  
        Other installment loans     16,172     12,771  
        Retail installment contracts     1,758     1,874  

 
        18,691     14,978  

 
  Net charge-offs     (111,805 )   (118,684 )

 
  Balance, end of period   $ 150,061   $ 135,328  

 

In order to establish our allowance for loan losses, the consumer finance receivables portfolio is segmented into two categories: real estate secured and non-real estate secured (other installment loans and retail installment contracts). The determination of the level of the allowance for loan losses and, correspondingly, the provision for loan losses for these homogeneous loan pools rests upon various judgments and assumptions used to determine the risk characteristics of each portfolio. These judgments are supported by analyses that fall into three general categories: (i) economic conditions as they relate to our current customer base and geographic distribution; (ii) a predictive analysis of the outcome of the current portfolio (a migration analysis); and (iii) prior loan loss experience. Additionally, every real estate secured loan that reaches 60 days delinquency is reviewed by our credit administration management to assess collectibility and determine a future course of action, at times resulting in the need to foreclose on the property.


Management establishes the allowance for loan losses based on estimated losses inherent in the portfolio. There are several underlying factors in our portfolio that support our current level of allowance for loan losses. We analyze our reserves based on both trailing coverage and forward looking coverage. Trailing coverage represents the percentage of coverage we currently have in the allowance, based on the previous 12 months of losses. Forward looking coverage represents the percentage of coverage we have in the allowance, based on estimated losses inherent in the portfolio over the next 12 months. Our trailing coverage for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 is slightly higher compared to the same periods in the prior year, and our forward looking coverage has improved over the same periods of time.

Net charge offs during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 decreased, as compared with the same periods in the prior year. As reflected below, the delinquency trends in our unsecured portfolio have improved. This is a result of both strengthened underwriting capabilities and a heightened focus on collection efforts in the branch offices and our Pensacola, Florida customer care center.

From an underwriting perspective, we have focused our unsecured lending efforts on identifying opportunities in markets with stronger economies, while minimizing exposure in markets deemed to be in recession or unstable. For secured lending, we have focused on balancing the loan to value (“LTV”) with the credit risk profile on new originations, which has resulted in control of the LTV for the overall portfolio. LTV represents the dollars loaned as a percentage of the value of the collateral of our real estate secured loans; lower LTV means less inherent risk.

Based on industry-defined economic status, we have identified states that are in or near recession, and have controlled our unsecured lending efforts in recessionary states. As a result of our stricter underwriting standards, we have continued the growth of unsecured loans, while increasing the weighted average credit score of the portfolio, and continued to remix toward a higher percentage of real estate secured loans through purchases by Aristar Mortgage. The increased proportion of secured loans in the portfolio, combined with the stronger collateral position, as well as improved unsecured lending guidelines, is expected to result in a relative decrease in loan losses as the portfolio continues to season in 2003 and beyond.

Management believes that when a borrower is delinquent in making a payment, the amount of effort put forth in contacting the borrower has a direct, inverse relationship to the likelihood that the account will eventually charge off. In light of this, management has placed an increased emphasis on the level of resources placed toward our collection activity. As a result of the focused, targeted contact strategies put in place and executed, subject to applicable debt collection statutes and rules, the delinquency levels have been favorably impacted.


The following table sets forth, by loan type, the amount of receivables delinquent for 60 days or more, on a contractual basis, and the ratio of that amount to gross consumer finance receivables outstanding in each category:

(Dollars in thousands)

September 30, 2003 December 31, 2002

 
  Real estate secured loans   $ 50,769     2.16 %       $ 44,409     2.04 %
  Other installment loans     83,886     4.74           87,179     5.28  
  Retail installment contracts     7,630     2.63           8,874     2.92  

         
   
      $ 142,285     3.23 %       $ 140,462   3.40 %

         
 

Liquidity

We fund our operations through a variety of corporate borrowings. The primary source of these borrowings is corporate debt securities issued by the Company. At September 30, 2003, seven different fixed-rate senior debt issues totaling $2.35 billion were outstanding, with a weighted-average coupon of 7.00%. Over the next 12 months, $650 million of senior debt matures, which we intend to repay through available financing facilities.

To meet our short-term funding needs, we issue commercial paper. The Company has a commercial paper program with several investment banks, which provides $500.0 million in borrowing capacity. At September 30, 2003, twenty-one different commercial paper borrowings totaling $427.2 million were outstanding, with a weighted-average coupon of 1.17%.

We also share, with Washington Mutual, an $800.0 million 3-year revolving credit facility, which provides back up for our commercial paper programs. The borrowing capacity is limited to the total amount of the credit facility, net of the amount of combined commercial paper outstanding. At September 30, 2003, there was $372.8 million available under these facilities. There were no direct borrowings under these facilities at any point during 2003 or 2002. This revolving credit agreement, shared with Washington Mutual, has restrictive covenants which include: a minimum consolidated net worth test; a limit on senior debt to the borrowing base (up to 10:1); subsidiary debt (excluding bank deposits and intercompany debt) not to exceed 30% of total debt; and a 60-day delinquency ratio not to exceed 6% of consumer finance receivables. As of September 30, 2003, we were in compliance with all restrictive covenants.

During 2002, we entered into an agreement with Westdeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale (“WestLB”) to participate in a $300.0 million asset-backed commercial paper conduit program. In April 2003, this agreement was expanded by $300 million to a total of $600 million, and Bank One, N.A. and its subsidiary were added, as an additional purchase and funding agent. Under the expanded agreement, administered by WestLB, up to $600.0 million of funding was made available through the assignment of an undivided interest in a specified group of unsecured receivables to a special purpose, wholly-owned consolidated subsidiary of the Company, (referred to as the “SPE”). Under the terms of the agreement, which has a 364-day term, with an option to extend for up to two additional 364-day periods, WestLB issues commercial paper (indirectly secured by the receivables), on behalf of the Company. On July 30, 2003, the Commitment Termination Date from the original agreement, was amended to be July 28, 2004. Thus, the Company exercised its option to extend the agreement for at least one additional 364-day period. Under the agreement, we had $600.0 million outstanding, with an average coupon of 1.12% at September 30, 2003. This program has restrictive covenants that include various financial reporting and management requirements, as well as an $18.0 million minimum net worth requirement for the special purpose subsidiary. As of September 30, 2003, we were in compliance with all restrictive covenants.


Effective January 16, 2003, we entered into a 364-day unsecured revolving credit agreement with Washington Mutual, which provides $250.0 million in borrowing capacity at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 0.45% and is automatically renewable for an additional 364 days. There were no borrowings outstanding under this agreement at September 30, 2003.

Capital Management

We establish equity leverage targets based upon the ratio of debt (including customer deposits) to tangible equity. The debt to tangible equity ratio at September 30, 2003 of 6.50:1 is consistent with the ratio of 6.57:1 at December 31, 2002. The determination of our dividend payments and resulting capital leverage is managed in a manner consistent with our desire to maintain strong and improved credit ratings. In addition, provisions of certain of our debt agreements restrict the payment of dividends to a maximum prescribed proportion of cumulative earnings and contributed capital. At September 30, 2003, approximately $99.4 million was available under the debt agreement restriction for future dividends. We declared dividends in the amount of $15.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2003. The $12.0 million declared during the third quarter will be paid in the fourth quarter.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The table below indicates the sensitivity of net interest income and net income before taxes to interest rate movements. The comparative scenarios assume that interest rates rise or fall in even monthly increments over the next twelve months for a total increase of 200 or decrease of 50 basis points. The interest rate scenarios are used for analytical purposes and do not necessarily represent management’s view of future market movements.

Our net interest income and net income before taxes sensitivity profiles as of September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002 are stated below:

Gradual Change in Rates

Net interest income change for the one year period beginning:   -50bp   +200bp  

   October 1, 2003 1.02 % (2.38) %
   January 1, 2003 .50 % (1.48) %
Net income before taxes change for the one year period beginning:   -50bp   +200bp  

   October 1, 2003 1.96 % (2.18) %
   January 1, 2003   .11 % 1.08 %

Our net interest income and net income before taxes “at risk” position has increased since December 31, 2002. The change reflects increased sensitivity to interest rate movement, primarily associated with the increase in short-term borrowings. At September 30, 2003, the commercial paper and other short-term debt outstanding was $1.03 billion (30.1% of total outstanding debt), and at December 31, 2002 the commercial paper balance outstanding was $739.5 million (23.6% of total outstanding debt). In general, changes in rates do not have a significant impact on our income, as our customers are less rate sensitive and the majority of our borrowings are fixed rate. Assumptions are made in modeling the sensitivity of net interest income and net income before taxes. The simulation model captures expected prepayment behavior under changing interest rate environments. Sensitivity of new loan volume to market interest rate levels is included as well.


PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.   Legal Proceedings

The Company and several of its subsidiaries and their current and former employees are defendants in a number of suits pending in the state and federal courts of Mississippi. The lawsuits generally allege unfair lending and insurance related practices. Similar suits are pending against other financial services companies in Mississippi. All of the suits are currently in various stages of discovery, awaiting trial, stayed pending the outcome of motions for remand, or pending on appeal from a range of issues.

The Company has experienced an adverse monetary judgment in only one case, Carolyn Baker, et al. v. Washington Mutual Finance Group, LLC f/k/a City Finance Company. In that case, a jury awarded just over $71 million against one of the Company’s subsidiaries, Washington Mutual Finance Group, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“WMF Group”). Pursuant to a motion filed by WMF Group, the trial court reduced the verdict to just over $53 million. WMF Group is in the process of appealing the verdict and has posted a bond to stay execution on the judgment pending the appellate court’s ruling. The appeal is based on numerous grounds, including the gross inequity between the alleged economic losses of approximately $12,000 and the actual jury award. As a result, the Company has decided to accrue substantially less than $53 million.

Because of the unusual litigation environment in Mississippi, it is difficult to predict potential outcomes and losses. However, based upon information presently available, we believe that the total amount that will ultimately be paid, if any, after reductions and appeals, arising from these Mississippi lawsuits and proceedings will not have a material adverse impact on our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

We are currently evaluating the business and legal environment in Mississippi. During the evaluation process, we have suspended all new loan origination activities and revolving loan advances to Mississippi residents. The moratorium on new advances and originations went into effect September 30, 2002. Based on the information available, we believe that the moratorium will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations and financial position.


Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a)  Exhibit
      Number

   (3) (a) Certificate of Incorporation of Washington Mutual Finance Corporation as presently in effect. (i)
  (b) By-Laws of Washington Mutual Finance Corporation as presently in effect. (ii)
   (4) (a) Indenture dated as of October 1, 1997 between Aristar, Inc. and First Union National Bank, as trustee. (iii)
    (b) Indenture dated as of June 23, 1999 between Aristar, Inc. and Harris Trust and Savings Bank, as trustee. (iv)
    (c) Indenture dated as of June 8, 2000 between Washington Mutual Finance Corporation and The Bank of New York, as trustee.(v)
    (d) The registrant hereby agrees to furnish the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request with copies of all instruments defining rights of holders of long-term debt of Washington Mutual Finance Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.
   (12)   Calculation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (filed herewith).
   (31) (a) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) (filed herewith).
    (b) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) (filed herewith).
   (32) (a) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith).
    (b) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
    (i) Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1987, Commission file number 1-3521.
    (ii) Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 6, 1997, Commission file number 1-3521.
    (iii) Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, Commission file number 33-58361.
    (iv) Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, Commission file number 333-80147.
    (v) Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, Commission file number 333-56596.

(b)     Reports on Form 8-K

        No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the period covered by this Report.


SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on November 13, 2003.

WASHINGTON MUTUAL FINANCE CORPORATION




By: /s/ Edward S. Robertson
      Edward S. Robertson
      Senior Vice President and Chief
      Financial Officer
      (Principal Financial Officer)





By: /s/ Craig A. Stein             
      Craig A. Stein
      Vice President and Controller
      (Principal Accounting Officer)