LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., April 26, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Astoria Financial Corporation (NYSE: AF) ("Astoria", or the "Company"), the holding company for Astoria Bank (the "Bank"), today reported net income available to common shareholders of $12.2 million, or $0.12 diluted earnings per common share ("diluted EPS"), for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, compared to net income available to common shareholders of $16.4 million, or $0.16 diluted EPS, for the quarter ended March 31, 2016. Included in the 2017 first quarter results is a $4.0 million charge ($2.6 million, or $0.03 per common share, after tax) related to the recognition of anticipated settlement costs related to lease obligations in connection with the residential lending team being relocated to other Astoria office space.

Monte N. Redman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Astoria, commenting on the results stated, "During the first quarter, we continued our emphasis on growing core deposits which grew by $140.5 million and represent 82% of total deposits."

Board Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend of $0.04 Per Share

On April 26, 2017, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.04 per common share. The dividend is payable on May 22, 2017 to shareholders of record as of May 8, 2017. This is the eighty-eighth consecutive quarterly cash dividend declared by the Company.

First Quarter Earnings Summary

Net interest income for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 totaled $80.1 million compared to $81.6 million for the previous quarter and $83.3 million for the 2016 first quarter. The net interest margin for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 was 2.37%, the same as the previous quarter and up slightly from 2.36% for the 2016 first quarter.

For the quarter ended March 31, 2017, a $2.5 million loan loss release was recorded compared to a $2.0 million release in the prior quarter and a $3.1 million release recorded in the 2016 first quarter. Mr. Redman stated, "The current quarter's loan loss release reflects the continued contraction in the overall loan portfolio, the positive impact of continued reductions in the balances of some of our higher risk asset classes and our overall strong credit metrics."

Non-interest income for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 totaled $11.9 million, compared to $14.9 million for the previous quarter and $11.4 million for the 2016 first quarter. The decrease from the prior quarter is primarily due to decreases in mortgage banking income, net and other operating income.

General and administrative ("G&A") expense for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 totaled $72.0 million compared to $71.2 million for the previous quarter and $69.5 million for the 2016 first quarter. Mr. Redman commented, "Included in the 2017 first quarter is the $4.0 million pre-tax charge related to the recognition of anticipated settlement costs of certain lease obligations. Without this charge, we would have reported a decrease in our G&A expense from the prior quarter that was largely the result of decreases in compensation and benefits and other expenses."

Balance Sheet Summary

Total assets at March 31, 2017 were $14.3 billion, a decrease of $216.0 million from December 31, 2016. The decrease was primarily due to a decline in the loan portfolio, which decreased $216.2 million from December 31, 2016.

The multi-family/commercial real estate ("MF/CRE") mortgage loan portfolio totaled $4.7 billion at March 31, 2017 compared to $4.8 billion at December 31, 2016 and represents 47% of the total loan portfolio. For the quarter ended March 31, 2017, MF/CRE loan originations totaled $95.0 million compared to $97.5 million for the prior quarter and $217.4 million for the 2016 first quarter. The MF/CRE loan production for the 2017 first quarter was originated with a weighted average loan-to-value ratio of approximately 38% and a weighted average debt coverage ratio of approximately 1.37. MF/CRE loan prepayments for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 totaled $109.0 million, down from $133.0 million for the previous quarter and $136.3 million for the 2016 first quarter. At March 31, 2017, the MF/CRE pipeline totaled $178.8 million.

The residential mortgage loan portfolio totaled $5.2 billion at March 31, 2017, compared to $5.4 billion at December 31, 2016. For the quarter ended March 31, 2017, residential loan originations for portfolio totaled $135.8 million compared to $239.7 million for the prior quarter and $89.5 million for the 2016 first quarter. The weighted average loan-to-value ratio of the residential loan production for portfolio was approximately 57% at origination for the quarter ended March 31, 2017. Residential loan prepayments for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 totaled $210.8 million, down from $306.1 million for the previous quarter and $212.1 million for the 2016 first quarter. At March 31, 2017, the residential mortgage pipeline totaled approximately $140.3 million.

Deposits totaled $9.0 billion at March 31, 2017, an increase of $113.2 million from December 31, 2016. This increase was primarily due to an increase in lower cost core deposits, particularly business and consumer checking accounts, which was partially offset by a decrease in higher cost certificates of deposit. Core deposits totaled $7.4 billion, or 82% of total deposits, and had a weighted average rate of 13 basis points at March 31, 2017.

Stockholders' equity totaled $1.72 billion, or 12.02% of total assets at March 31, 2017, an increase of $9.9 million from December 31, 2016. Astoria Bank's capital levels continue to be above the minimum levels required to be designated as "well-capitalized" for bank regulatory purposes. At March 31, 2017, Tier 1 leverage, Common Equity Tier 1 risk based, Tier 1 risk-based and Total risk-based capital ratios were 12.44%, 21.86%, 21.86% and 22.89%, respectively for Astoria Bank, and 11.12%, 18.02%, 19.60% and 20.62%, respectively for Astoria Financial Corporation. At March 31, 2017, Astoria Financial Corporation's tangible common equity ratio was 9.95%.

Asset Quality

Non-performing loans ("NPLs"), totaled $140.0 million, or 1.37% of total loans, at March 31, 2017, compared to $148.2 million, or 1.42% of total loans, at December 31, 2016. Included in the NPLs at March 31, 2017 is $34.1 million of loans which are current or less than 90 days past due compared to $40.9 million at December 31, 2016. Total delinquent loans and NPLs at March 31, 2017 were $223.1 million compared to $241.7 million at December 31, 2016. Net charge-offs for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 totaled $1.1 million compared to a net recovery of $423,000 for the previous quarter and net charge-offs of $673,000 for the 2016 first quarter. Other real estate owned declined to $13.5 million at March 31, 2017, compared to $15.1 million at December 31, 2016.

Future Outlook

Commenting on the Company's future outlook, Mr. Redman stated, "As we previously announced on March 7, 2017, we have entered into a definitive agreement to merge with Sterling Bancorp. We believe that combining our significant strengths will create a strong regional bank that will provide exceptional value for our investors while maintaining our strong commitment to our customers and the communities we serve."

About Astoria Financial Corporation

Astoria Financial Corporation, with assets of $14.3 billion, is the holding company for Astoria Bank. Established in 1888, Astoria Bank, with deposits in New York totaling $9.0 billion, is the second largest thrift depository in New York and provides the customers and local communities it serves with quality financial products and services through 88 convenient banking branch locations, a business banking office in Manhattan, and multiple delivery channels, including its flexible mobile banking app. Astoria Bank commands a significant 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 Bank originates multi-family and commercial real estate loans, primarily on rent controlled and rent stabilized apartment buildings, located in New York City and the surrounding metropolitan area and originates residential mortgage loans through its banking and loan production offices in New York, a broker network in four states, primarily along the East Coast, and correspondent relationships covering 13 states and the District of Columbia.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release 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 that may be subject to circumstances beyond our control; increases in competitive pressure among financial institutions or from non-financial institutions; changes in the interest rate environment; changes in deposit flows, loan demand or collateral values; changes in accounting principles, policies or guidelines; changes in 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; legislative or regulatory changes, including those that may be implemented by the new administration in Washington, D.C.; supervision and examination by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; effects of changes in existing U.S. government or government-sponsored mortgage programs; our ability to successfully implement technological changes; our ability to successfully consummate new business initiatives; litigation or other matters before regulatory agencies, whether currently existing or commencing in the future; or our ability to implement enhanced risk management policies, procedures and controls commensurate with shifts in our business strategies and regulatory expectations.

This press release may also contain forward-looking statements about the benefits of the merger with Sterling Bancorp ("Sterling"), including future financial and operating results of Sterling, Astoria or the combined company following the merger, the combined company's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions, the expected timing of the completion of the merger, financing plans and the availability of capital, the likelihood of success and impact of litigation and other statements that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks, and uncertainties which change over time. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements: the inability to close the merger in a timely manner; the failure to complete the merger due to the failure of Sterling or Astoria common stockholders to approve the Sterling or Astoria merger proposals; failure to obtain applicable regulatory approvals and meet other closing conditions to the merger on the expected terms and schedule; the potential impact of announcement or consummation of the proposed merger on relationships with third parties, including customers, employees, and competitors; business disruption following the merger; difficulties and delays in integrating the Sterling and Astoria businesses or fully realizing cost savings and other benefits; Sterling's potential exposure to unknown or contingent liabilities of Astoria; the challenges of integrating, retaining, and hiring key personnel; failure to attract new customers and retain existing customers in the manner anticipated; the outcome of pending or threatened litigation, or of matters before regulatory agencies, whether currently existing or commencing in the future, including litigation related to the merger; any interruption or breach of security resulting in failures or disruptions in customer account management, general ledger, deposit, loan, or other systems; changes in Sterling's stock price before closing, including as a result of the financial performance of Astoria prior to closing; operational issues stemming from, and/or capital spending necessitated by, the potential need to adapt to industry changes in information technology systems, on which Sterling and Astoria are highly dependent; changes in legislation, regulation, policies, or administrative practices, whether by judicial, governmental, or legislative action, including, but not limited to, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and other changes pertaining to banking, securities, taxation, rent regulation and housing, financial accounting and reporting, environmental protection, and insurance, and the ability to comply with such changes in a timely manner; changes in the monetary and fiscal policies of the U.S. Government, including policies of the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; changes in interest rates, which may affect Sterling's or Astoria's net income, prepayment penalty income, mortgage banking income, and other future cash flows, or the market value of Sterling's or Astoria's assets, including its investment securities; changes in accounting principles, policies, practices, or guidelines; changes in Sterling's credit ratings or in Sterling's ability to access the capital markets; natural disasters, war, or terrorist activities; and other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory, technological, and geopolitical factors affecting Sterling's or Astoria's operations, pricing, and services.

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

Additional Information About the Proposed Transaction and Where to Find It

This communication is being made in respect of the proposed merger transaction involving Sterling and Astoria. Sterling has filed a registration statement on Form S-4 with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), which includes a joint proxy statement of Astoria and Sterling and a prospectus of Sterling, and each party has and will file other documents regarding the proposed transaction with the SEC. A definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus will also be sent to the Astoria stockholders seeking any required stockholder approvals. Before making any voting or investment decision, investors and security holders of Astoria are urged to carefully read the entire registration statement and joint proxy statement/prospectus, when they become available, as well as any amendments or supplements to these documents, because they will contain important information about the proposed transaction. The documents filed by Sterling and Astoria with the SEC may be obtained free of charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. In addition, the documents filed by Sterling may be obtained free of charge at Sterling's website at www.sterlingbancorp.com and the documents filed by Astoria may be obtained free of charge at Astoria's website at http://ir.astoriabank.com/. Alternatively, these documents, when available, can be obtained free of charge from Sterling upon written request to Sterling Bancorp, Attn: Investor Relations, 400 Rella Boulevard, Montebello, New York 10901 or by calling (845) 369-8040, or from Astoria upon written request to Astoria Financial Corporation, Attn: Investor Relations, One Astoria Bank Plaza, Lake Success, New York 11042 or by calling (516) 327-3000.

Sterling, Astoria, their directors, executive officers and certain other persons may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Sterling's and Astoria's stockholders in favor of the approval of the merger. Information about the directors and executive officers of Sterling and their ownership of Sterling common stock is set forth in the proxy statement for Sterling's 2017 annual meeting of stockholders, as previously filed with the SEC on April 13, 2017. Information about the directors and executive officers of Astoria and their ownership of Astoria common stock is set forth in Amendment No. 1 to Astoria's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A as previously filed with the SEC on April 13, 2017. Stockholders may obtain additional information regarding the interests of such participants in the merger by reading the registration statement and the proxy statement/prospectus when they become available.

Tables Follow



    ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
    ----------------------------------------------

    (In Thousands, Except Share Data)

                                                                              (Unaudited)

                                                                             At March 31,               At December 31,

                                                                                                   2017                         2016

    ASSETS
    ------

    Cash and due from banks                                                                 $139,272                     $129,944

    Securities available-for-sale                                                            265,899                      280,045

    Securities held-to-maturity

                                                                                           2,769,376                    2,740,132

       (fair value of $2,721,723 and $2,690,546, respectively)

    Federal Home Loan Bank of New York stock, at cost                                        107,166                      124,807

    Loans held-for-sale, net                                                                   6,236                       11,584

    Loans receivable:

                                                                                           9,974,306                   10,177,295

       Mortgage loans, net

                                                                                             226,660                      239,892

       Consumer and other loans, net

                                                                                             10,200,966                   10,417,187

                                                                                            (82,500)                    (86,100)

       Allowance for loan losses

    Total loans receivable, net                                                           10,118,466                   10,331,087

    Mortgage servicing rights, net                                                            10,237                       10,130

    Accrued interest receivable                                                               34,478                       34,994

    Premises and equipment, net                                                               98,199                      101,021

    Goodwill                                                                                 185,151                      185,151

    Bank owned life insurance                                                                443,216                      441,064

    Real estate owned, net                                                                    13,500                       15,144

    Other assets                                                                             151,414                      153,549


    TOTAL ASSETS                                                                         $14,342,610                  $14,558,652


    LIABILITIES
    -----------

    Deposits                                                                                 $8,990,247                   $8,877,055

    Federal funds purchased                                                                     195,000                      195,000

    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase                                            1,100,000                    1,100,000

    Federal Home Loan Bank of New York advances                                               1,700,000                    2,090,000

    Other borrowings, net                                                                       249,885                      249,752

    Mortgage escrow funds                                                                       160,472                      112,975

    Accrued expenses and other liabilities                                                      223,042                      219,797


    TOTAL LIABILITIES                                                                     12,618,646                   12,844,579


    STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
    --------------------

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



       Series C (150,000 shares authorized; and 135,000  shares issued

           and outstanding)

                                                                                                129,796                      129,796

    Common stock, $0.01 par value  (200,000,000  shares authorized;



        166,494,888 shares issued; and 101,731,174 and 101,210,478 shares

         outstanding, respectively)                                                             1,665                        1,665

    Additional paid-in capital                                                                821,856                      830,417

    Retained earnings                                                                       2,163,528                    2,155,785

    Treasury stock (64,763,714 and 65,284,410 shares, at cost, respectively)              (1,335,968)                 (1,346,709)

    Accumulated other comprehensive loss                                                     (56,913)                    (56,881)


    TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                                             1,723,964                    1,714,073
                                                                                           ---------                    ---------


    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                           $14,342,610                  $14,558,652
                                                                                         ===========                  ===========



    ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
     (Unaudited)
    ---------------------------------

    (In Thousands, Except Share Data)


                                                                                          For the Three Months
                                                                                                     Ended

                                                                                                March 31,
                                                                                                ---------

                                                                                                2017                      2016

    Interest income:

                                         Residential mortgage loans                            $44,060                   $47,375

                                         Multi-family
                                          and
                                          commercial
                                          real estate
                                          mortgage
                                          loans                                   43,406                      46,805

                                          Consumer and
                                          other loans                              2,292                       2,372

                                          Mortgage-
                                          backed and
                                          other
                                          securities                              18,000                      16,904

                                          Interest-earning cash
                                          accounts                                                 161                       120

                                          Federal Home
                                          Loan Bank of
                                          New York
                                          stock                                    1,794                       1,421

    Total interest income                                                                  109,713                   114,997

    Interest expense:

                                         Deposits                                  6,359                       7,462

                                         Borrowings                               23,239                      24,283

    Total interest expense                                                                  29,598                    31,745


    Net interest income                                                                     80,115                    83,252

    Provision for loan losses credited to
     operations                                                                            (2,486)                  (3,127)

    Net interest income after provision for
     loan losses                                                                            82,601                    86,379

    Non-interest income:

                                          Customer
                                          service fees                             6,609                       6,988

                                          Other loan
                                          fees                                       595                         534

                                          Gain on sales
                                          of securities                                            -                       86

                                          Mortgage
                                          banking
                                          income
                                          (loss), net                              1,294                        (37)

                                          Income from
                                          bank owned
                                          life
                                          insurance                                2,152                       2,289

                                         Other                                     1,224                       1,541

    Total non-interest income                                                               11,874                    11,401

    Non-interest expense:

                                          General and
                                          administrative:

                                                                    36,997                       38,253

                                             Compensation
                                              and benefits

                                                                    20,212                       19,391

                                             Occupancy,
                                              equipment and
                                              systems

                                                                     2,298                        3,530

                                             Federal
                                              deposit
                                              insurance
                                              premium

                                                                       589                        1,453

                                             Advertising

                                                                    11,868                        6,895

                                             Other


    Total non-interest expense                                                              71,964                    69,522
                                                                                                                     ------


    Income before income tax expense                                                        22,511                    28,258

    Income tax expense                                                                       8,104                     9,693
                                                                                             -----                     -----


    Net income                                                                              14,407                    18,565


    Preferred stock dividends                                                                2,194                     2,194
                                                                                             -----                     -----


    Net income available to
     common shareholders                                                                    $12,213                   $16,371



    Basic and diluted earnings
     per common share                                                                         $0.12                     $0.16


    Basic and diluted weighted
     average common shares
     outstanding                                                          100,585,603    100,368,931



    ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


    AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS
    ----------------------

    (Dollars in Thousands)



                                                                                                                                    For the Three Months Ended March 31,

                                                                                                                                                                                2017                                                                                         2016

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Average                                                                                          Average

                                                                                                                             Average                                                              Yield/                          Average                                                          Yield/

                                                                                                                             Balance                                 Interest                      Cost                           Balance                          Interest                         Cost

                                                                                                                                                                                               (Annualized)                                                                                     (Annualized)

                       Assets:

                       Interest-earning assets:

                                 Mortgage loans (1):

                                                                       Residential                                                   $5,335,844                               $44,060                       3.30%                         $5,961,860                        $47,375                          3.18%

                                                                       Multi-family and commercial real estate                        4,745,176                                43,406                        3.66                           4,878,436                         46,805                           3.84

                                 Consumer and other loans (1)                                                        233,042                           2,292                              3.93                            253,518                            2,372                         3.74
                                                                                                                     -------                           -----                                                             -------                            -----

                                 Total loans                                                                      10,314,062                          89,758                              3.48                         11,093,814                           96,552                         3.48

                                  Mortgage-backed and other securities
                                  (2)                                                                              2,989,831                          18,000                              2.41                          2,729,321                           16,904                         2.48

                                 Interest-earning cash accounts                                                      119,036                             161                              0.54                            162,233                              120                         0.30

                                 FHLB-NY stock                                                                       116,811                           1,794                              6.14                            132,896                            1,421                         4.28
                                                                                                                     -------                           -----                                                             -------                            -----

                       Total interest-earning assets                                                            13,539,740                         109,713                              3.24                         14,118,264                          114,997                         3.26
                                                                                                                                                  -------                                                                                             -------

                       Goodwill                                                                                    185,151                                                                                            185,151

                       Other non-interest-earning assets                                                           713,627                                                                                            743,391
                                                                                                                   -------                                                                                            -------

                       Total assets                                                                            $14,438,518                                                                                        $15,046,806



                       Liabilities and stockholders' equity:

                       Interest-bearing liabilities:

                                 NOW and demand deposit                                                           $2,500,385                             201                              0.03                         $2,375,285                              195                         0.03

                                 Money market                                                                      2,754,002                           1,887                              0.27                          2,608,009                            1,765                         0.27

                                 Savings                                                                           2,048,919                             252                              0.05                          2,125,860                              265                         0.05
                                                                                                                   ---------                             ---                                                           ---------                              ---

                                 Total core deposits                                                               7,303,306                           2,340                              0.13                          7,109,154                            2,225                         0.13

                                 Certificates of deposit                                                           1,585,512                           4,019                              1.01                          1,904,346                            5,237                         1.10
                                                                                                                   ---------                           -----                                                           ---------                            -----

                                 Total deposits                                                                    8,888,818                           6,359                              0.29                          9,013,500                            7,462                         0.33

                                 Borrowings                                                                        3,458,473                          23,239                              2.69                          3,962,709                           24,283                         2.45
                                                                                                                   ---------                          ------                                                           ---------                           ------

                       Total interest-bearing liabilities                                                       12,347,291                          29,598                              0.96                         12,976,209                           31,745                         0.98
                                                                                                                                                   ------                                                                                              ------

                       Non-interest-bearing liabilities                                                            372,167                                                                                            398,179
                                                                                                                   -------                                                                                            -------

                       Total liabilities                                                                        12,719,458                                                                                         13,374,388

                       Stockholders' equity                                                                      1,719,060                                                                                          1,672,418


                       Total liabilities and stockholders' equity                                              $14,438,518                                                                                        $15,046,806



                       Net interest income/

                       net interest rate spread (3)                                                                                               $80,115                             2.28%                                                           $83,252                        2.28%
                                                                                                                                                  =======                              ====                                                            =======                         ====

                       Net interest-earning assets/

                       net interest margin (4)                                                                  $1,192,449                                                            2.37%                        $1,142,055                                                        2.36%
                                                                                                                ==========                                                             ====                         ==========                                                         ====

                       Ratio of interest-earning assets to

                       interest-bearing liabilities                                                                  1.10x                                                                                             1.09x
                                                                                                                     =====                                                                                             =====




    (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.



    ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


    SELECTED FINANCIAL RATIOS AND OTHER DATA
    ----------------------------------------

                                                                                        At or For the

                                                                                     Three Months Ended

                                                                                          March 31,
                                                                                          ---------

                                                                                                       2017 2016
                                                                                                       ---- ----

    Selected Returns and Financial Ratios (annualized)
    -------------------------------------------------

                             Return on average common stockholders' equity (1)                        3.07%          4.25%

                              Return on average tangible common stockholders' equity
                               (1) (2)                                                                 3.48            4.82

                             Return on average assets (1)                                              0.40            0.49

                             General and administrative expense to average assets                      1.99            1.85

                             Efficiency ratio (3)                                                     78.23           73.45

                             Net interest rate spread                                                  2.28            2.28

                             Net interest margin                                                       2.37            2.36



    Asset Quality Data (dollars in thousands)
    ----------------------------------------

                             Non-performing loans:

                             Current                                                                $27,879         $39,012

                             30-59 days delinquent                                                    4,399           7,935

                             60-89 days delinquent                                                    1,778           2,308

                             90 days or more delinquent                                             105,974         100,967
                                                                                                    -------         -------

                             Non-performing loans                                                   140,030         150,222


                             Real estate owned                                                       13,500          12,691


                             Non-performing assets                                                 $153,530        $162,913



                             Net loan charge-offs                                                    $1,114            $673


                             Non-performing loans/total loans                                         1.37%          1.37%

                             Non-performing loans/total assets                                         0.98            1.00

                             Non-performing assets/total assets                                        1.07            1.08

                             Allowance for loan losses/non-performing loans                           58.92           62.71

                             Allowance for loan losses/total loans                                     0.81            0.86

                              Net loan charge-offs to average loans outstanding
                              (annualized)                                                             0.04            0.02


    Regulatory Capital Ratios
    -------------------------

                             Astoria Bank:

                             Tier 1 leverage                                                         12.44%         11.37%

                             Common equity tier 1 risk-based                                          21.86           19.60

                             Tier 1 risk-based                                                        21.86           19.60

                             Total risk-based                                                         22.89           20.72

                             Astoria Financial Corporation:

                             Tier 1 leverage                                                         11.12%          10.35

                             Common equity tier 1 risk-based                                          18.02           16.48

                             Tier 1 risk-based                                                        19.60           17.93

                             Total risk-based                                                         20.62           19.04


    Other Data
    ----------

                             Cash dividends paid per common share                                     $0.04           $0.04

                             Book value per common share                                              15.67           15.30

                             Tangible book value per common share                                     13.85           13.48

                              Tangible common stockholders' equity/tangible assets
                              (2) (4)                                                                 9.95%          9.21%

                             Mortgage loans serviced for others (in thousands)                   $1,345,458      $1,388,848

                             Full time equivalent employees                                           1,364           1,479



                       (1)    Returns on average common stockholders'
                               equity and average tangible common
                               stockholders' equity are calculated
                               using net income available to common
                               shareholders. Returns on average assets
                               are calculated using net income.

                        (2)    Tangible common stockholders'
                               equity represents common
                               stockholders' equity less
                               goodwill.

                        (3)    Efficiency ratio represents general and
                               administrative expense divided by the
                               sum of net interest income plus non-
                               interest income.

                        (4)    Tangible assets represent assets less
                               goodwill.



    ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


    END OF PERIOD BALANCES AND RATES
    --------------------------------

    (Dollars in Thousands)



                                                            At March 31, 2017          At December 31, 2016        At March 31, 2016
                                                            -----------------          --------------------        -----------------

                                                                          Weighted                           Weighted                          Weighted

                                                                          Average                             Average                           Average

                                                    Balance               Rate (1)           Balance         Rate (1)                Balance   Rate (1)
                                                   -------                -------            -------          -------               -------     -------

    Selected interest-earning assets:

    Mortgage loans, gross (2):

    Residential                                              $5,115,791             3.46%                    $5,263,800                  3.43%           $5,731,303 3.34%

    Multi-family and commercial real estate                 4,714,339              3.58                      4,766,164                   3.58             4,876,068  3.64

    Mortgage-backed and other securities (3)                3,035,275              2.60                      3,020,177                   2.61             2,832,381  2.67


    Interest-bearing liabilities:

    NOW and demand deposit                                  2,577,459              0.03                      2,521,094                   0.03             2,482,665  0.03

    Money market                                            2,781,555              0.27                      2,706,895                   0.26             2,635,057  0.27

    Savings                                                 2,057,651              0.05                      2,048,202                   0.05             2,136,721  0.05
                                                            ---------                                       ---------                                   ---------

    Total core deposits                                     7,416,665              0.13                      7,276,191                   0.12             7,254,443  0.12

    Certificates of deposit                                 1,573,582              1.06                      1,600,864                   1.01             1,797,096  1.03
                                                            ---------                                       ---------                                   ---------

    Total deposits                                          8,990,247              0.29                      8,877,055                   0.28             9,051,539  0.30

    Borrowings, net                                         3,244,885              2.82                      3,634,752                   2.56             3,899,354  2.45




    (1)              Weighted average rates represent
                      stated or coupon interest rates
                      excluding the effect of yield
                      adjustments for premiums, discounts
                      and deferred loan origination fees
                      and costs and the impact of
                      prepayment penalties.

    (2)              Mortgage loans exclude loans held-
                      for-sale and non-performing loans,
                      except non-performing residential
                      mortgage loans which are current or
                      less than 90 days past due.

    (3)              Securities available-for-sale are
                     reported at fair value and
                     securities held-to-maturity are
                     reported at amortized cost.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/astoria-financial-corporation-reports-2017-first-quarter-earnings-per-common-share-of-012-300446649.html

SOURCE Astoria Financial Corporation