LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., July 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Astoria Financial Corporation (NYSE: AF) ("Astoria", the "Company"), the holding company for Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association ("Astoria Federal"), today reported net income of $12.8 million, or $0.13 diluted earnings per share ("diluted EPS"), for the quarter ended June 30, 2012, compared to net income of $16.8 million, or $0.18 diluted EPS, for the quarter ended June 30, 2011. For the six months ended June 30, 2012, net income totaled $22.8 million, or $0.24 diluted EPS, compared to net income of $44.2 million, or $0.46 diluted EPS, for the comparable 2011 period. Included in the 2012 six months results are net charges totaling $3.4 million ($2.2 million, or $0.02 per share, after-tax), reported in the 2012 first quarter, representing severance related expenses associated with cost control initiatives implemented in the 2012 first quarter.

Second Quarter Financial Highlights

• Low cost core deposits, consisting of savings, money market and checking accounts, increased $262.6 million, or 18% annualized, from March 31, 2012 to $6.2 billion, or 58% of total deposits, at June 30, 2012.
• Combined multi-family/commercial real estate ("MF/CRE") loan portfolio increased $361.2 million, or 58% annualized, from March 31, 2012 to $2.8 billion at June 30, 2012. 
• Total loan delinquencies (30 days or more past due) and real estate owned decreased $19.8 million, or   14% annualized, from March 31, 2012 to $539.1 million at June 30, 2012.
• General and administrative ("G&A") expense for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 decreased $10.1 million, or 12%, from the quarter ended March 31, 2012, to $72.1 million.

Commenting on the second quarter results, Monte N. Redman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Astoria, stated,"I am pleased to report continued growth in both the loan portfolio and balance sheet this quarter, fueled by an increase in the multi-family loan portfolio. In addition, the results of the cost control initiatives undertaken in the first quarter have produced a significant reduction in operating expenses this quarter. I am also pleased with the positive progression in our asset/liability repositioning. Multi-family/commercial real estate loans increased 21% from December 31, 2011, while residential loans remained relatively stable, and low-cost core deposits increased 8%, while high-cost CDs decreased 18%. We expect that together, the growth and repositioning of the balance sheet coupled with improved operating efficiency should benefit the net interest margin and improve profitability throughout the remainder of the year."

Board Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend of $0.04 Per Share

The Board of Directors of the Company, at its July 18, 2012 meeting, declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.04 per common share. The dividend is payable on September 1, 2012 to shareholders of record as of August 15, 2012. This is the sixty-ninth consecutive quarterly cash dividend declared by the Company.

Sale of Senior Notes Completed

On June 19, 2012, the Company completed the sale of $250 million aggregate principal amount of 5.00% Senior Notes due 2017 ("5% Senior Notes"). The net proceeds from the sale will be used to repay its existing $250 million aggregate principal amount of 5.75% Senior Notes due October 2012 ("5.75% Senior Notes"), which will reduce the Company's annual interest expense by approximately $2.0 million.

Second Quarter and Six Months Earnings Summary

Net interest income for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 totaled $86.7 million compared to $88.2 million for the previous quarter and $95.7 million for the 2011 second quarter. The net interest margin for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 was 2.14% compared to 2.20% for the previous quarter and 2.34% for the 2011 second quarter. For the six months ended June 30, 2012, net interest income totaled $174.9 million, compared to $197.3 million for the comparable 2011 period, and the net interest margin was 2.17% for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to 2.37% for the six months ended June 30, 2011. The linked quarter and year over year decreases in net interest income and the net interest margin for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 are due primarily to a more rapid decline in the yields on average interest-earning assets than the decline in the costs of average interest-bearing liabilities. In addition, the short-term negative carry from the issuance of the Company's 5% Senior Notes reduced the margin two basis points in the 2012 second quarter. Commenting on the margin, Mr. Redman noted, "The lower cost of deposits and borrowings at June 30, 2012 compared to the average costs for the 2012 second quarter coupled with the fact that more than half of the multi-family loan closings in the 2012 second quarter occurred in June is indicative of the future benefit that should accrue to the net interest margin. These benefits will be partially offset in the 2012 third quarter by the carrying cost for the recently issued 5% Senior Notes, the proceeds of which will repay our existing 5.75% Senior Notes, due October 2012."

For the quarter ended June 30, 2012, a $10.0 million provision for loan losses was recorded compared to $10.0 million for both the previous quarter and the 2011 second quarter. For the six months ended June 30, 2012, the provision for loan losses totaled $20.0 million compared to $17.0 million for the comparable 2011 period.

Non-interest income for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 totaled $15.5 million compared to $17.0 million for the 2011 second quarter. The decrease from the 2011 second quarter is due primarily to lower customer service fees, partially offset by an increase in mortgage banking income, net. Non-interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2012 totaled $35.0 million compared to $35.1 million for the comparable 2011 period.

G&A expense for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 declined $10.1 million, or 12%, from the previous quarter and $3.9 million, or 5%, from the 2011 second quarter, to $72.1 million, primarily due to reduced compensation and benefits expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2012, G&A expense increased $8.7 million, or 6%, to $154.3 million from $145.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011. The six month increase is primarily due to increased FDIC expense. Commenting on the linked quarter improvement in expenses, Mr. Redman stated, "The significant decline in operating expenses this quarter is a direct result of the cost control initiatives implemented in the 2012 first quarter, which should continue to benefit operating efficiency and profitability in the future."

Balance Sheet Summary

Total assets increased $551.4 million from December 31, 2011 and totaled $17.6 billion at June 30, 2012. Included in the increase is the proceeds from the 5% Senior Notes issued in June 2012. The loan portfolio increased $446.5 million from December 31, 2011 and totaled $13.7 billion at June 30, 2012. Commenting on the loan and balance sheet growth, Mr. Redman stated, "As anticipated, the balance sheet and loan portfolio continued to grow in the second quarter, fueled by strong MF/CRE loan production. During the first six months of this year, we closed nearly $900 million of MF/CRE loans with loan to value ratios averaging 54% and average balances of $3.4 million. With a MF/CRE loan pipeline of approximately $560 million at June 30, 2012, we are well on our way to meeting our goal of originating in excess of $1.5 billion of MF/CRE loans this year, which should continue to drive loan and balance sheet growth this year."

The residential (one-to-four family) portfolio totaled $10.5 billion at June 30, 2012 compared to $10.6 billion at December 31, 2011. For the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012, residential loan originations for portfolio totaled $896.0 million and $1.8 billion, respectively, compared to $636.2 million and $1.3 billion, respectively, for the comparable 2011 periods. The loan-to-value ratio of the residential loan production for portfolio for the 2012 second quarter and six months each averaged approximately 60% at origination and the loan amount averaged approximately $732,000 and $740,000, respectively. Residential loan prepayments for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012 totaled $794.8 million and $1.6 billion, respectively, compared to $610.5 million and $1.4 billion, respectively, for the comparable 2011 periods.

The MF/CRE portfolios increased $490.7 million, or 21%, from December 31, 2011 to $2.8 billion at June 30, 2012, due to the significant volume of loan closings in the first half of 2012. For the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012, MF/CRE loan originations for portfolio totaled $549.3 million and $893.5 million, respectively. No MF/CRE loans were originated in the first half of 2011. MF/CRE loan prepayments for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012 totaled $174.0 million and $366.4 million, respectively, compared to $133.3 million and $326.4 million for the comparable 2011 periods.

The securities portfolio declined $103.3 million, or 4%, from December 31, 2011 and totaled $2.4 billion at June 30, 2012. The Company expects to maintain the securities portfolio at this approximate level throughout 2012.

Deposits decreased $531.4 million from December 31, 2011 to $10.7 billion at June 30, 2012 due to a decrease of $970.2 million in high cost CDs, offset by an increase of $438.7 million, or 15% annualized, in low cost core deposits from December 31, 2011. Core deposits totaled $6.2 billion, or 58% of total deposits, at June 30, 2012. "The growth in core deposits is a result of our efforts to reposition our asset and liability mix. The linked quarter increase in core deposits includes a $32.2 million, or 30% annualized, increase in business deposits. Mr. Redman, commenting on business banking activity, stated, "During the 2012 first quarter, we initiated our business banking expansion to build business relationships and broaden our reach in the communities we serve by helping businesses improve cash flow. This expansion is expected to generate new core relationships within the community and deepen our existing relationships. The results of our efforts, though in the early stages, are beginning to materialize, as evidenced by the growth in business deposits." Notwithstanding the decline in CDs during the first half of 2012, we extended $277.1 million of CDs for terms of two years or more in an effort to help limit our exposure to future increases in interest rates. At June 30, 2012, our one-year interest rate sensitivity gap was positive 6.59%.

Borrowings totaled $5.2 billion at June 30, 2012, an increase of $1.1 billion from December 31, 2011, In addition to the issuance of the 5% Senior Notes in June 2012, the increase also included $600.0 million of fixed-rate FHLB term advances, of which $500.0 million occurred in the 2012 second quarter, with an average term of 3.6 years and an average cost of 1.05%. Commenting on the borrowing activity, Mr. Redman stated, "During this period of historic low interest rates, we utilize low cost long-term borrowings to offset the decline in high cost CDs to help manage interest rate risk."

Stockholders' equity totaled $1.3 billion, or 7.32% of total assets at June 30, 2012. Astoria Federal continues to be designated as well-capitalized with leverage, tangible, total risk-based and Tier 1 risk-based capital ratios of 8.60%, 8.60%, 15.69% and 14.41%, respectively, at June 30, 2012.

Asset Quality

Non-performing loans ("NPLs"), including troubled debt restructurings ("TDRs") of $45.0 million, totaled $343.3 million, or 1.95% of total assets, at June 30, 2012 compared to $355.6 million (including TDRs of $43.5 million), or 2.08% of total assets, at March 31, 2012. Residential NPLs totaled $294.8 million, MF/CRE NPLs totaled $41.7 million and consumer and other NPLs totaled $6.9 million at June 30, 2012 compared to $312.2 million, $36.9 million and $6.4 million, respectively, at March 31, 2012. Of the $294.8 million of residential NPLs, $256.5 million, or 87%, represent residential loans which, at 180 days delinquent and annually thereafter, were reviewed, and charged-off as needed to the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral at such time, less estimated selling costs.

The following table illustrates a two-year migration trend for loan delinquencies:

The table below details, as of June 30, 2012, the ten largest concentrations by state of residential loans and the respective non-performing loan totals in those states. More comprehensive state details are included in the "Residential Loan Portfolio-Geographic Analysis" table included in this release.

Included in $9.7 million of residential net loan charge-offs in the 2012 second quarter are $9.3 million of charge-offs on $62.2 million of NPLs which, at 180 days delinquent and annually thereafter, were reviewed in the 2012 second quarter and charged-off, as needed, to the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral less estimated selling costs. "While we expect NPL levels will remain elevated for some time, especially in those states requiring judicial foreclosure, it is important to note that the loss potential remaining has been greatly reduced as a result of our having already reviewed, marked down, and charged-off as necessary, 87% of the residential NPLs to their adjusted fair value less estimated selling costs," Mr. Redman noted.

Future Outlook

Commenting on the future outlook, Mr. Redman stated, "As we continue to grow the loan portfolio and balance sheet, we expect to continue our focus on repositioning the asset/liability mix, concentrating more on higher yielding multi-family loans than on lower yielding residential loans, and reducing high cost CDs and increasing low cost core deposits. We also anticipate that interest-earning assets will continue to increase throughout the year which will help fuel earnings growth. With respect to the net interest margin, due to the impact of extending $500 million of borrowings in the 2012 second quarter and the additional short-term cost to carry the 5% Senior Notes until we extinguish our existing 5.75% Senior Notes, we now anticipate the net interest margin for the 2012 full year to be slightly lower than the 2011 fourth quarter margin of 2.20%.

As I previously stated, 2012 continues to be the transitional year for us with continued quarterly earnings and balance sheet growth."

Earnings Conference Call July 19, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. (ET)

The Company, as previously announced, indicated that Monte N. Redman, President & CEO will host an earnings conference call Thursday morning, July 19, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. (ET). The toll-free dial-in number is (877) 709-8150. A telephone replay will be available on July 19, 2012 from 1:00 p.m. (ET) through midnight Saturday, July 28, 2012 (ET). The replay number is (877) 660-6853, account #399, ID# 397133. The conference call will also be simultaneously webcast on the Company's website www.astoriafederal.com and archived for one year.

Astoria Financial Corporation, with assets of $17.6 billion, is the holding company for Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association. Established in 1888, Astoria Federal, with deposits in New York totaling $10.7 billion, is the largest thrift depository in New York and embraces its philosophy of "Putting people first" by providing the customers and local communities it serves with quality financial products and services through 85 convenient banking office locations and multiple delivery channels, including its enhanced website, www.astoriafederal.com. Astoria Federal commands the fourth largest deposit market share in the attractive Long Island market, which includes Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk counties with a population exceeding that of 38 individual states. Astoria Federal originates mortgage loans through its banking and loan production offices in New York, an extensive broker network covering fourteen states, primarily along the East Coast, and the District of Columbia, and through correspondent relationships covering fifteen states and the District of Columbia.

Forward Looking Statements

This document contains a number of forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements may be identified by the use of such words as "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, and any actions regarding foreclosures may adversely affect our business; transition of our regulatory supervisor from the Office of Thrift Supervision to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency; 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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