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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 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 December 31, 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 0-27404

 

PFF BANCORP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

DELAWARE

95-4561623

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer I.D. No.)

 

350 South Garey Avenue, Pomona, California  91766
(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(909) 623-2323
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

 

Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

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 Exchange Act).

Yes      X       No            .

The registrant had 16,878,656 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, outstanding as of February 6, 2004.



 

PFF BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Form 10-Q

Table of Contents

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)

PAGE

Item 1

Financial Statements

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of
December 31, 2003 and March 31, 2003




1

 

Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the three and
nine months ended December 31, 2003 and 2002


2

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings
for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2003 and 2002


3

 

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity
for the nine months ended December 31, 2003


4

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the
nine months ended December 31, 2003 and 2002


5

 

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

7

 

Item 2

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


12

 

Item 3

Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures about
Market Risk


26

 

Item 4

Controls and Procedures

 

26

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1

Legal Proceedings

27

 

Item 2

Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds

27

 

Item 3

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

27

 

Item 4

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

27

 

Item 5

Other Information

27

 

Item 6

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

28

 

SIGNATURES

29



 

PART I --FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.

PFF BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

December 31,
2003

March 31,
2003

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

$        37,791

$          50,323

Loans held for sale at lower of cost or fair value

1,720

3,327

Investment securities held-to-maturity (estimated fair value of
   $5,898 at December 31, 2003, and $5,957 at March 31, 2003)


5,745



5,753

Investment securities available-for-sale, at fair value

63,352

94,094

Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale, at fair value

284,061

215,266

Collateralized mortgage obligations available-for-sale, at fair value

-

15,200

Loans receivable, net

2,971,474

2,688,950

Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) stock, at cost

36,250

26,610

Accrued interest receivable

13,715

14,162

Assets acquired through foreclosure, net

807

75

Property and equipment, net

26,480

23,325

Prepaid expenses and other assets

19,024

16,939

          Total assets

$   3,460,419

$     3,154,024

 

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

  Deposits

$   2,379,080

$     2,326,108

  FHLB advances and other borrowings

722,000

485,385

  Accrued expenses and other liabilities

45,653

69,399

          Total liabilities

3,146,733

2,880,892

Commitments and contingencies

-

-

Stockholders' equity:

 

 

  Preferred stock, $.01 par value.  Authorized 2,000,000
     shares; none issued


-


-

  Common stock, $.01 par value.  Authorized 59,000,000
     shares; issued 16,869,879 and 29,311,177; outstanding
     16,869,879 and 16,477,453 at December 31, 2003, and
     March 31, 2003, respectively




167




208

  Additional paid-in capital

144,177

131,770

  Retained earnings, substantially restricted

173,549

150,282

  Unearned stock-based compensation

(2,579

)

(3,996

)

  Treasury stock (none and 12,833,474 at December 31, 2003,
      and March 31, 2003)

  
- -


(92


)

  Accumulated other comprehensive losses

(1,628

)

(5,040

)

          Total stockholders' equity

313,686

273,132

          Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$   3,460,419

$    3,154,024

                                          See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

1


PFF BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

For the Three Months Ended
December 31,

For the Nine Months Ended
December 31,

2003

2002

2003

2002

Interest income:

  Loans receivable

$       41,632

$        42,510

$    123,126

$   127,965

  Mortgage-backed securities

2,476

1,663

6,421

6,408

  Collateralized mortgage obligations

-

(259

)

(327

)

689

  Investment securities and deposits

1,009

1,742

3,117

5,705

      Total interest income

45,117

45,656

132,337

140,767

Interest expense:

  Deposits

8,717

12,784

28,203

41,511

  Borrowings

2,861

4,737

9,120

15,540

      Total interest expense

11,578

17,521

37,323

57,051

Net interest income

33,539

28,135

95,014

83,716

Provision for loan losses

120

500

2,425

3,000

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

33,419

27,635

92,589

80,716

Non-interest income:

  Deposit and related fees

2,820

2,524

8,503

7,905

  Loan and servicing fees

1,779

1,403

5,166

3,971

  Trust fees

597

538

1,760

1,621

  Gain on sale of loans, net

58

69

700

192

  Gain on sale of securities, net

1,524

-

1,641

-

  Loss on trading securities, net

-

(80

)

-

(522

)

  Other non-interest income

357

463

558

547

      Total non-interest income

7,135

4,917

18,328

13,714

Non-interest expense:

  General and administrative:

    Compensation and benefits

12,657

9,249

34,038

27,870

    Occupancy and equipment

3,380

3,203

9,509

8,944

    Marketing and professional services

2,003

2,185

6,148

5,664

    Other non-interest expense

3,020

2,835

8,929

7,471

      Total general and administrative

21,060

17,472

58,624

49,949

  Foreclosed asset operations, net

302

6

303

(122

)

      Total non-interest expense

21,362

17,478

58,927

49,827

Earnings before income taxes

19,192

15,074

51,990

44,603

  Income taxes

8,106

6,387

21,971

18,596

Net earnings

$       11,086

$          8,687

$      30,019

$    26,007

Basic earnings per share

$           0.69

$            0.52

$          1.88

$        1.52

Weighted average shares outstanding for basic
      earnings per share calculation


16,146,432


16,676,915


15,967,434


17,151,334

Diluted earnings per share

$           0.66

$            0.50

$          1.81

$        1.46

Weighted average shares outstanding for diluted
    earnings per share calculation


16,864,143


17,356,871


16,615,556


17,852,384


See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

2


PFF BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)

For the Three Months Ended
December 31,

For the Nine Months Ended
December 31,

2003

2002

2003

2002

Net earnings

$   11,086

$   8,687

$ 30,019

$  26,007

                             

Other comprehensive earnings, net of income taxes
  of $2,434 and $1,388 at December 31, 2003 and
  2002, respectively:

  Unrealized gains (losses) on securities
    Available-for-sale:

    U.S. Treasury and agency securities and other
      investment securities available-for-sale, at fair value


3,712 


283



4,139


1,242

    Collateralized mortgage obligations available-for-sale,
      at fair value



288



213


(302


)

    Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale,
       at fair value


(827


)


(405


)


(1,760


)


919

    Reclassification of realized gains (losses) included
      in earnings


(2,139


)


12



820



37


Other comprehensive earnings

746

178

3,412 

1,896

Comprehensive earnings

$  11,832

$   8,865

$ 33,431

$  27,903


See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.


3


PFF BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)



Number of
Shares



Common
Stock


Additional
Paid-in
Capital

Retained
Earnings,
Substantially
Restricted


Unearned
Stock-based
Compensation



Treasury
Stock

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Losses




Total

Balance at March 31, 2003

16,477,453

$    208

$  131,770

$   150,282

$    (3,996

)

$       (92

)

$    (5,040

)

$  273,132

Net earnings

-

-

-

30,019

-

-

-

30,019

Purchases of treasury stock

(23,100

)

-

(165

)

(395

)

-

-

-

(560

)

Amortization under stock-based  compensation plans - - 4,602 -

1,417

- - 6,019

Stock options exercised

415,526

4

4,546

-

-

-

-

4,550

Forty percent stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend paid
  on September 5, 2003, to
  shareholders of record on
  August 15, 2003




- -




47




- -




(47




)




- -




- -




- -




- -

Cash dividends ($0.07 per
  share paid for June 2003,
  $0.16 per share paid for
   September 2003 and $0.16 per
   share paid for December 2003) (1)





- -





- -





- -





(6,310





)





- -





- -





- -





(6,310





)

Treasury stock retirement

-

(92)

-

-

-

92

-

-

Other comprehensive
   earnings, net of income tax


-


-


-


-


-


-


3,412


3,412

Tax benefit from exercise of
   stock options


-


-


3,424


-


-


-


-


3,424

Balance at December 31, 2003

16,869,879

$    167

$  144,177

$   173,549

$    (2,579

)

$          -

$    (1,628

)

$ 313,686

(1) June 2003 cash dividend per share rate has been adjusted for the 40 percent stock split effected as a stock dividend, 
      paid on September 5, 2003, to shareholders of record on August 15, 2003.

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

4


PFF BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)

Nine Months Ended
December 31,

2003

2002

Cash flows from operating activities:

  Net earnings

$             30,019

$       26,007

  Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash (used in)
     provided by operating activities:

      Amortization of premiums, net of discount accretion, on
        loans and securities


1,817


1,176

      Amortization of deferred loan origination fees

485

1,244

      Loan fees collected

801

427

      Dividends on FHLB stock

(878

)

(1,346

)

      Provisions for loan losses

2,425

3,000

      Provisions for losses on foreclosed property

191

-

      Gains on sales of loans, mortgage-backed securities
        available-for-sale, real estate and property and equipment


(2,249


)


(344


)

      Losses on trading securities

-

522

      Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment

2,287

2,054

      Loans originated for sale

(36,533

)

(12,149

)

      Proceeds from sale of loans held-for-sale

38,748

3,661

      Amortization of unearned stock-based compensation

6,019

3,849

      Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities

(22,641

)

7,220

      (Increase) decrease in:

        Accrued interest receivable

447

1,560

        Prepaid expenses and other assets

(2,085

)

(1,642

)

          Net cash provided by operating activities

18,853

35,239

Cash flows from investing activities:

  Loans originated for investment

(1,599,219

)

(1,385,750

)

  Increase in construction loans in process

58,624

105,360

  Purchases of loans held-for-investment

(615,567

)

(259,816

)

  Principal payments on loans

1,869,744

1,370,878

  Principal payments on mortgage-backed securities
    available-for-sale


70,109


80,368

  Principal payments on collateralized mortgage obligations
    available-for-sale


15,199


 26,479

  Purchases of investment securities held-to-maturity

-

(5,056

)

  Purchases of investment securities available-for-sale

(35,514

)

(30,022

)

  Purchases of FHLB stock

(10,130

)

-

  Redemption of FHLB stock

1,368

9,661

  Purchases of mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale

(144,943

)

-

(Continued)

5



PFF BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)

Nine Months Ended
December 31,

2003

2002

  Proceeds from maturities of investment securities available-for-sale

$                    70

$                -

  Proceeds from sale of investment securities available-for-sale

76,273

43,645

  Proceeds from sale of real estate

840

1,010

  Purchases of property and equipment

(5,506

)

(4,052

)

          Net cash used in investing activities

(318,652

)

(47,295

)

Cash flows from financing activities:

  Proceeds from FHLB advances and other borrowings

922,300

181,000

  Repayment of FHLB advances and other borrowings

(685,685

)

(306,000

)

  Net change in deposits

52,972

121,797

  Proceeds from exercise of stock options

4,550

5,995

  Cash dividends

(6,310

)

(3,152

)

  Purchases of treasury stock

(560

)

(47,015

)

          Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

287,267

(47,375

)

           Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

(12,532

)

(59,431

)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

50,323

105,965

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$            37,791

$       46,534

Supplemental information:

  Interest paid, including interest credited

$            38,004

$       59,092

  Income taxes paid

$            15,250

$       12,150

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

  Net transfers from loans receivable to assets acquired
    through foreclosure


$           1,699


$            629

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements

6


 

PFF BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

(1) Basis of Consolidation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of PFF Bancorp, Inc. ("Bancorp") and its subsidiaries PFF Bank & Trust, Glencrest Investment Advisers, Inc. and Diversified Builder Services, Inc. (collectively, the "Company").  The Company's business is conducted primarily through PFF Bank & Trust and its subsidiary, Pomona Financial Services, Inc. (collectively, "the Bank").  Pomona Financial Services, Inc. includes the accounts of Diversified Services, Inc.  Glencrest Investment Advisors, Inc. includes the accounts of Glencrest Insurance Services, Inc.   All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting principally of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  Certain reclassifications have been made to the consolidated financial statements for the prior period to conform to the current presentation.

The results of operations for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the entire fiscal year ending March 31, 2004.

These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's financial statements, and the notes thereto, for the year ended March 31, 2003, which are incorporated by reference in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2003.

(2) New Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2002, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure" ("SFAS 148"), which amends Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS 123"), to provide alternative methods of transition for an entity that voluntarily changes to the fair value method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation.  SFAS 148 also amends the disclosure provisions of SFAS 123 to require prominent disclosure about the effects on reported net income of accounting policy decisions with respect to stock-based employee compensation.  Finally, SFAS 148 amends APB Opinion No. 28, "Interim Financial Reporting", to require disclosure about those effects in interim financial information.  The Company is in the process of evaluating the adoption of the fair value method.

In April 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 149, "Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("SFAS 149"), which clarifies and amends financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts and for hedging activities under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("SFAS 133").  In general, SFAS 149 is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003 and for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003.  This statement has not had a material effect on the Company.

In May 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity" ("SFAS 150"), which establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity that have been presented either entirely as equity or between the liabilities section and the

7


PFF BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)

equity section of the statement of financial position.  SFAS 150 is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003.  This statement has not had a material effect on the Company.

Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation 45, "Guarantors Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees and Indebtedness of Others" ("FIN 45"), provides an interpretation of SFAS Nos. 5, 57 and 107, and rescission of FIN 34, "Disclosure of Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others."  Fin 45 elaborates on the disclosures to be made by the guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about its obligations under certain guarantees that it has issued.  It also requires that a guarantor recognize, at the inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee.  The initial recognition and measurement provisions of the interpretation are applicable on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002, while the provisions of the disclosure requirements were effective for financial statements of interim or annual periods ended after December 15, 2002.  The implementation of FIN 45 has not had a significant impact on the Company.

Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities" ("FIN 46") (as revised by FIN-46R), provides guidance to improve financial reporting for variable interest entities, off-balance sheet structures and similar entities.  FIN 46-R requires a variable interest entity to be consolidated by a company if that company is subject to a majority of the risk of loss from the variable interest entity's activities or is entitled to receive a majority of the entity's residual returns or both.  Prior to FIN 46-R, a company included another entity in its consolidated financial statements only if it controlled the entity through voting interests.  FIN 46-R also requires disclosures about variable interest entities that the company is not required to consolidate but in which it has a significant variable interest.  The consolidation requirements of FIN 46-R apply to all special purpose entities by the end of the first reporting period that ends after December 15, 2003.  The provisions of FIN 46-R for the variable interest entities that are not special purpose entities are required to be applied by the first reporting period that ends after March 15, 2004.  The implementation of FIN 46-R has not had a significant impact on the Company.


8


 

PFF BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)

(3) Stock Option Plans

The Company applies APB No. 25 in accounting for its 1996 and 1999 Incentive Plans and, accordingly, under the intrinsic value method no compensation cost has been recognized for its stock options in the consolidated financial statements.  Had the Company determined compensation cost based on the fair value at the grant date for its stock options granted under SFAS 123, the Company's results of operations would have been adjusted to the pro forma amounts for the periods indicated below:

Three Months Ended
December 31,

Nine Months Ended
December 31,

2003

2002

2003

2002

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Net earnings:

As reported

$   11,086

$     8,687

$    30,019

$   26,007

Add: Stock-based employee compensation
  expense included in reported net income,
  net of related tax effects



1,434



758



3,475



2,244




Deduct: Total stock-based employee
  compensation expense determined under
  fair value based method for all awards,
  net of related tax effects




(1,565




)




(1,174




)




(4,432




)




(3,557




)

Pro forma net earnings

$   10,955

$     8,271

$   29,062

$   24,694

Earnings per share

Basic - as reported

$       0.69

$       0.52

$       1.88

$       1.52

Basic - pro forma

$       0.68

$       0.50

$       1.82

$       1.44

Diluted - as reported

$       0.66

$       0.50

$       1.81

$       1.46

Diluted - pro forma

$       0.65

$       0.48

$       1.75

$       1.38


9


PFF BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)

(4) Earnings per share

Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing earnings available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period.  Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted from the issuance of common stock that then shared in earnings.

The following table is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted EPS computations for net earnings for PFF Bancorp, Inc. for the three months ended December 31, 2003.

For the Three Months Ended December 31,

2003 (a)

2002 (b)

Earnings
(Numerator)

Shares
(Denominator)

Per-Share
Amount

Earnings
  (Numerator)

Shares
(Denominator)

Per-Share
Amount

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

Net Earnings

$    11,086

$    8,687

 

Basic EPS

Earnings available to common stockholders

11,086

16,146,432

$    0.69

8,687

16,676,915

$    0.52

Effect of Dilutive Securities

Options and Stock Awards

717,711

679,956

Diluted EPS

Earnings available to common stockholders
  and assumed conversions


$    11,086


16,864,143


$    0.66


$    8,687


17,356,871


$    0.50

 

(a)

Options to purchase 10,000 shares of common stock at a weighted average price of $37.43 per share were outstanding during the three month period ending December 31, 2003, but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the options' exercise prices were greater than the average market price of common shares.  The options, which expire on November 25, 2013, were outstanding at December 31, 2003.

(b)

Options to purchase 50,540 shares of common stock at a weighted average price of $23.29 per share were outstanding during the three month period ending December 31, 2002, but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the options' exercise prices were greater than the average market price of common shares.  The options, which expire on July 24 and December 19, 2012, were outstanding at December 31, 2002.

10



PFF BANCORP, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)

The following table is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted EPS computations for net earnings for PFF Bancorp, Inc. for the nine months ended December 31, 2003.

For the Nine Months Ended December 31,

2003 (a)

2002 (b)

Earnings
(Numerator)

Shares
(Denominator)

Per-Share
Amount

Earnings
  (Numerator)

Shares
(Denominator)

Per-Share
Amount

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

Net Earnings

$    30,019

$    26,007

 

Basic EPS

Earnings available to common stockholders

30,019

15,967,434

$    1.88

26,007

17,151,334

$    1.52

Effect of Dilutive Securities

Options and Stock Awards                            

648,122

701,050

Diluted EPS

Earnings available to common stockholders
  and assumed conversions


$    30,019


16,615,556


$    1.81


$    26,007


17,852,384


$    1.46

 

(a)

Options to purchase 10,000 shares of common stock at a weighted average price of $37.43 per share were outstanding during the nine month period ending December 31, 2003, but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the options' exercise prices were greater than the average market price of common shares.  The options, which expire on November 25, 2013, were outstanding at December 31, 2003.

(b)

Options to purchase 36,340 shares of common stock at a weighted average price of $23.39 per share were outstanding during the nine month period ending December 31, 2002, but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the options' exercise prices were greater than the average market price of common shares.  The options, which expire on December 19, 2012, were outstanding at December 31, 2002.

 

11


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

Average Balance Sheets

The following table sets forth certain information relating to the Company for the three months ended December 31, 2003 and 2002.  The yields and costs are derived by dividing income or expense by the average balance of assets or liabilities, respectively, for the periods shown.  Average balances are generally derived from average daily balances.  The yields and costs include fees that are considered adjustments to yields.

Three Months Ended December 31,

2003

2002


Average
Balance



Interest

Average
Yield/
Cost


Average
Balance



Interest

Average
Yield/
Cost

(Dollars in thousands)

Assets:

  Interest-earning assets:

    Interest-earning deposits and short-term investments

$    47,922

$           108

0.89

%

$     31,101

$          119

1.52

%

    Investment securities, net

75,241

587

3.10

116,795

1,256

4.27

    Mortgage-backed securities, net

253,130

2,476

3.91

123,701

1,663

5.38

    Collateralized mortgage obligations, net

-

-

-

51,465

(259

)

(2.01

)

    Loans receivable, net

2,794,174

41,632

5.94

2,616,499

42,510

6.48

    FHLB stock

28,589

314

4.36

27,415

367

5.31

        Total interest-earning assets

3,199,056

45,117

5.63

2,966,976

45,656

6.14

    Non-interest-earning assets

167,052

70,397

        Total assets

$3,366,108

$3,037,373

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:

  Interest-bearing liabilities:

    Savings accounts

$   154,077

120

0.31

$   132,225

208

0.62

    Money market accounts

556,461

1,835

1.31

458,080

2,322

2.01

    NOW and other demand deposit accounts

814,239

1,437

0.70

735,755

2,617

1.41

    Certificate accounts

847,166

5,325

2.49

958,861

7,637

3.16

        Total

2,371,943

8,717

1.46

2,284,921

12,784

2.22

    FHLB advances and other borrowings

557,600

2,861

2.04

438,818

4,737

4.28

        Total interest-bearing liabilities

2,929,543

11,578

1.57

2,723,739

17,521

2.55

    Non-interest-bearing liabilities

128,891

32,316

        Total liabilities

3,058,434

2,756,055

  Stockholders' Equity

307,674

281,318

        Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$3,366,108

$3,037,373

Net interest income

$     33,539

$     28,135

Net interest spread

4.06   

3.59   

Effective interest spread

4.19   

3.79   

Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities

109.20%

108.93%


12


 

Average Balance Sheets

The following table sets forth certain information relating to the Company for the nine months ended December 31, 2003 and 2002.  The yields and costs are derived by dividing income or expense by the average balance of assets or liabilities, respectively, for the periods shown.  Average balances are generally derived from average daily balances.  The yields and costs include fees that are considered adjustments to yields.

Nine Months Ended December 31,

2003

2002


Average
Balance



Interest

Average
Yield/
Cost


Average
Balance



Interest

Average
Yield/
Cost

(Dollars in thousands)

Assets:

  Interest-earning assets:

    Interest-earning deposits and short-term investments

$    44,726

$           274

0.81

%

$     50,371

$          606

1.60

%

    Investment securities, net

74,628

2,010

3.57

120,100

3,852

4.26

    Mortgage-backed securities, net

229,491

6,421

3.73

150,617

6,408

5.67

    Collateralized mortgage obligations, net

3,370

(327

)

(12.94

)

57,739

689

1.59

    Loans receivable, net

2,720,864

123,126

6.02

2,545,781

127,965

6.69

    FHLB stock

27,156

833

4.07

30,250

1,247

5.47

        Total interest-earning assets

3,100,235

132,337

5.68

2,954,858

140,767

6.34

    Non-interest-earning assets

121,422

66,083

        Total assets

$3,221,657

$3,020,941

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:

  Interest-bearing liabilities:

    Savings accounts

$   150,790

406

0.36

$  131,415

750

0.76

    Money market accounts

514,860

5,263

1.36

449,059

7,779

2.30

    NOW and other demand deposit accounts

810,658

4,988

0.82

659,215

7,788

1.57

    Certificate accounts

878,382

17,546

2.65

991,352

25,194

3.37

        Total

2,354,690

28,203

1.59

2,231,041

41,511

2.47

    FHLB advances and other borrowings

491,801

9,120

2.46

471,595

15,540

4.37

        Total interest-bearing liabilities

2,846,491

37,323

1.74

2,702,636

57,051

2.80

    Non-interest-bearing liabilities

80,996

28,791

        Total liabilities

2,927,487

2,731,427

  Stockholders' Equity

294,170

289,514

        Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$3,221,657

$3,020,941

Net interest income

$     95,014

$     83,716

Net interest spread

3.94   

3.54   

Effective interest spread

4.09   

3.78   

Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities

108.91%

109.33%

13


 

Rate/Volume Analysis

The following table presents the extent to which changes in interest rates and changes in the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities have affected the Company's interest income and interest expense during the periods indicated. Information is provided in each category with respect to:  (i) changes attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate); (ii) changes attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume); (iii) changes attributable to changes in rate/volume (change in rate multiplied by change in volume); and (iv) the net change.

Three Months Ended December 31, 2003
Compared to
Three Months Ended December 31, 2002

Nine Months Ended December 31, 2003
Compared to
Nine Months Ended December 31, 2002

Increase (Decrease)
Due to

Increase (Decrease)
Due to

Volume

Rate

Rate/
Volume

Net


Volume


Rate

Rate/
Volume


Net

(In thousands)

Interest-earning assets:

Interest-earning deposits and
short-term investments

$       64

(49


)

(26

)

(11

)

$       (68

)

(299

)

35

(332

)

Investment securities, net

(447

)

(346

)

124

(669

)

(1,459

)

(620

)

237

(1,842

)

Mortgage-backed securities, net

1,741

(454

)

(474

)

813

3,354

(2,191

)

(1,150

)

13

Collateralized mortgage 
    obligations, net


259


259


(259


)

259


(648


)

(6,291

)


5,923


(1,016

)

Loans receivable, net

2,878

(3,504

)

(252

)

(878

)

8,785

(12,703

)

(921

)

(4,839

)

FHLB stock

16

(66

)

(3

)

(53

)

(128

)

(319

)

33

(414

)

    Total interest-earning assets

4,511

(4,160

)

(890

)

(539

)

9,836

(22,423

)

4,157

(8,430

)

Interest-bearing liabilities:

Savings accounts

34

(104

)

(18

)

(88

)

111

(399

)

(56

)

(344

)

Money market accounts

498

(810

)

(175

)

(487

)

1,140

(3,191

)

(465

)

(2,516

)

NOW and other demand
deposit accounts

279

(1,316

)

(143

)

(1,180

)

1,791

(3,742

)

(849

)

(2,800

)

Certificate accounts

(890

)

(1,610

)

188

(2,312

)

(2,868

)

(5,368

)

588

(7,648

)

FHLB advances and
other borrowings

1,281

(2,482

)

(675

)

(1,876

)

665

(6,782

)

(303

)

(6,420

)

    Total interest-bearing liabilities

1,202

(6,322

)

(823

)

(5,943

)

839

(19,482

)

(1,085

)

(19,728

)

    Change in net interest income

$   3,309

2,162

(67

)

5,404

$   8,997

(2,941

)

5,242

  11,298


14


Forward-Looking Statements

Except for historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this report contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. When used in this report, or in the documents incorporated by reference herein, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "may," "intend," "expect" and similar expressions may identify these forward-looking statements.  Actual results could differ materially from such forward-looking statements contained herein.  Factors that could cause future results to vary from current expectations include, but are not limited to, the following: changes in economic conditions (both generally and more specifically in the markets in which the Company operates); changes in interest rates, deposit flows, loan demand, real estate values and competition; changes in accounting principles, policies or guidelines and in government legislation and regulation (which change from time to time and over which the Company has no control); other factors affecting the Company's operations, markets, products and services; and other risks detailed in this Form 10-Q and in the Company's other Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management's analysis only as of the date hereof.  The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.

Critical Accounting Policies

The Company's management has established various accounting policies which govern the application of accounting principles generally accepted in the United Sates of America in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.  The significant accounting policies are described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2003 and there has not been any material change in those policies since that date, other than changes discussed in this report.  Certain accounting policies require significant estimates and assumptions which have a material impact on the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities, and these are considered to be critical accounting policies.  The estimates and assumptions used are based on historical experience and other factors, which management of the Company believes are reasonable under the circumstances.  Actual results could differ significantly from these estimates and assumptions which could have a material impact on the carrying value of assets and liabilities at the balance sheet dates and on the results of operations for the reporting periods.

The following represents critical accounting policies that require the most significant estimates and assumptions that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements:

15


Comparison of Operating Results for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2003 and 2002

General

The following discussion compares the results of operations for the three months ended December 31, 2003, with the corresponding period of 2002. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included therein.

The Company recorded net earnings of $11.1 million or $0.66 per diluted share for the three months ended December 31, 2003 compared to net earnings of $8.7 million or $0.50 per diluted share for the comparable period of 2002 (adjusted for the 40 percent stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend paid on September 5, 2003, to shareholders of record on August 15, 2003).

Net interest income increased $5.4 million to $33.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2003. The increase in net interest income reflects a combination of expansion in net interest spread and growth in average interest-earning assets.  Net interest spread expanded 47 basis points to 4.06% for the three months ended December 31, 2003.  The 47 basis point expansion in net interest spread was due to a 98 basis point decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities partially offset by a 51 basis point decrease in average yield on interest-earning assets. While the directional movement of yields and costs reflects the reduction in the general level of interest rates, the expansion in net interest spread is principally attributable to:

  1. The Company's continuing success in increasing the proportion of its deposit portfolio comprised by lower cost passbook, money market, NOW and other demand accounts (collectively "core deposits") is enhancing the downward bias to funding costs; and
  1. The Company's success in maintaining a substantial portion of its loan portfolio in construction, commercial real estate, commercial business and real estate based consumer loans (collectively the "Four Cs") is continuing to provide higher yields than would be earned on one-to-four family residential mortgages.  These higher yields are derived from both the higher contractual rates earned on these loans and the positive impact on yield arising from the accelerated accretion of loan fees received given the relatively rapid turnover of the Four-Cs, particularly the construction loans.  This rapid turnover reflects the robust level of housing activity in the Company's market area.

Average interest-earning assets increased $232.1 million to $3.20 billion for the three months ended December 31, 2003, while average interest-bearing liabilities increased $205.8 million to $2.93 billion. Seventy-seven percent of the increase in average interest-earning assets was attributable to growth in the average balance of loans receivable, net.  Forty-two percent of the growth in average interest-bearing liabilities was in deposits with the remainder in FHLB advances and other borrowings.  Over the past several years, the Company's total asset base has remained relatively stable as growth in the loan portfolio has been offset by net paydowns in the aggregate balance of mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMO's") and investment securities (collectively "securities").  With securities down to the current target range of approximately ten percent of total assets, the Company has shifted its focus slightly to an increased emphasis on growth in total assets.

Provision for loan losses decreased from $500,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2002 to $120,000 for the comparable period of 2003, reflecting improvement in the overall level of asset quality.

16


Total non-interest income increased $2.2 million to $7.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2003, due principally to $1.5 million of net gains on sales of securities during the current quarter.

Total non-interest expense increased $3.9 million to $21.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2003.  Nearly ninety percent ($3.4 million) of the increase in total non-interest expense was in the area of compensation and benefits with approximately one-half of the $3.4 million attributable to stock-based benefits (principally the Employee Stock Ownership Plan "ESOP") which primarily resulted from the increase in the Company's stock price.

Interest Income

Interest income decreased $539,000 to $45.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2003. The decrease in interest income was attributable to a 51 basis point decrease in average yield on interest-earning assets to 5.63% for the three months ended December 31, 2003.

Reflecting the lower interest rate environment, the average yield on loans receivable, net decreased 54 basis points to 5.94% for the three months ended December 31, 2003.  A substantial increase in loan portfolio turnover coupled with the continued lower interest rate environment has contributed significantly to the decrease in loan portfolio yield. As noted earlier, this high level of portfolio turnover creates a positive impact on yields arising from an acceleration of loan fee amortization on certain segments of the Company's loan portfolio.  However, this positive impact is not sufficient to fully offset the downward bias to yields arising from the pay off of older loans and the replacement of those loans with newer loans originated and purchased at lower prevailing market rates.  Loan originations and purchases were $488.5 million and $343.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2003, compared to $509.3 million and $124.5 million, respectively, for the comparable period of 2002.  However, the Company's emphasis on growth in total interest-earning assets has required increased utilization of loan purchases.  Due to the unavailability of the Four-Cs product for purchase, virtually all of the Company's loan purchases are one-to-four family residential mortgages.  Loan principal repayments were $608.5 million and $504.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

The average yield on securities increased 10 basis points to 3.73% for the three months ended December 31, 2003. The increase in the average yield on securities reflects a reduction in premium amortization net of discount accretion relating to prepayments on the portfolio partially offset by the decrease in the overall general level of interest rates. During the three months ended December 31, 2002, $768,000 of net premium amortization reduced the average yield on securities and average yield on interest-earning assets by 105 and 10 basis points, respectively.  During the comparable period of 2003, $343,000 of net premium amortization reduced the average yield on securities and average yield on interest-earning assets by 41 and 4 basis points, respectively.  At December 31, 2003,the Company's amortized cost basis of its securities portfolio as a percentage of current face value is 101%.

The average balance of loans receivable, net increased $177.7 million to $2.79 billion for the three months ended December 31, 2003 and the average balance of securities increased $36.4 million to $328.4 million. The proportion of total average interest-earning assets comprised of loans receivable, net remained relatively constant at 88 percent for the three months ended December 31, 2002 and 87 percent for the comparable period of 2003.  The Company's current strategy is to maintain securities at approximately ten percent of total average interest-earning assets. At December 31, 2003, securities were ten percent of total average interest earning assets.

Between the three months ended December 31, 2002 and 2003, the average disbursed balance of Four-Cs increased two percentage points to 47 percent of average loans receivable, net reflecting a $127.7 million increase in the average balance of the Four-Cs to $1.31 billion for the three months ended December 31, 2003.  Originations of the Four-Cs represented 79 percent and 85 percent, of total loan originations for the three months ended December 31, 2002 and 2003, respectively.  The increase in the percentage of total originations comprised by the Four-Cs reflects the Company's continuing emphasis on these product types.

17


Interest Expense

Interest expense decreased $5.9 million to $11.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2003. The decrease in interest expense was attributable to a 98 basis point decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities to 1.57% for the three months ended December 31, 2003.

The 98 basis point decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities reflects a 76 basis point decrease in the average cost of deposits, and a 224 basis point decrease in the average cost of FHLB advances and other borrowings.

The Company's preferred vehicle for funding continues to be core deposits followed by certificate accounts.  However, the Company is equally concerned with remaining disciplined in its deposit pricing to both control overall cost of funds and minimize the potential for attracting non-relationship certificates of deposit from individuals or institutions seeking higher interest rates ("hot deposits").  Accordingly, rather than paying higher rates to attract potentially hot deposits, FHLB advances and other borrowings were used to fund a portion of the substantial asset growth noted earlier. This resulted in a decrease in the proportion of total average interest-bearing liabilities comprised by deposits from 84 percent for the three months ended December 31, 2002 to 81 percent for the comparable period of 2003.  Core deposits increased to 64 percent of average total deposits as the average balance of core deposits and total deposits increased $198.7 million and $87.0 million to $1.52 billion and $2.37 billion, respectively, for the three months ended December 31, 2003 while the average balance of FHLB advances and other borrowings increased $118.8 million to $557.6 million.

The average cost of deposits decreased 76 basis points to 1.46% for the three months ended December 31, 2003, reflecting strong growth in the lower cost categories of deposits coupled with the decrease in the general level of market interest rates. The average cost of core deposits decreased 66 basis points to 0.88% for the current period.

The Bank's growth in the average balance of core deposits between the three months ended December 31, 2002 and 2003 is related to a number of factors: (1) the opening of two new branches in Chino and Fontana, California, during the second quarter of fiscal 2003; (2) the continued overall reduction in the general level of interest rates which has reduced or eliminated the differential between rates offered on certificates of deposit ("CDs") and rates paid on certain core deposit accounts; and (3) the Bank's increased marketing of core deposit products.

In the opinion of management, a portion of the increase in deposits has been attributable to the volatility in the equity securities markets and the overall flight to safety into more conservative instruments.  An increase in investor interest in equity investments may eventually reduce the rate of increase or reduce the balance of core deposits. An increase in the general level of interest rates could also cause CD rates to rise to a level sufficiently above core deposit rates to draw money from core accounts back into CDs. See "Liquidity and Capital Resources" in this Form 10-Q and "Asset/Liability Management" under "Item 7. Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003 for a discussion of the possible impact of changes in deposit composition and pricing.

Provision for Loan Losses

Provision for loan losses decreased from $500,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2002 to $120,000 for the comparable period of 2003.

18


The provision for loan losses and the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses are the result of management's periodic analysis of losses inherent in the loan portfolio.  For additional discussion on the allowance for loan losses, see "Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2003 and March 31, 2003."

Non-Interest Income

Non-interest income increased $2.2 million to $7.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2003.  During the three months ended December 31, 2003, the Company recorded a $1.5 million net gain from sales of various corporate debt and equity securities.  The sales were initiated primarily to reduce the Bancorp's investment in a marketable equity security, which has and continues to perform exceptionally well.  As a result of the exceptional price performance of this security, prudent risk diversification required that the investment be reduced, although not eliminated to reduce concentration in any single security.

Reflecting the growth in core deposits, deposit and related fees increased $296,000 to $2.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2003.  The greatest growth in core deposits has been in the higher balance tiers of the interest-bearing checking and money market accounts on which there is less opportunity for the assessment of service charges.  Accordingly, the 12 percent growth in deposit and related fees should not be expected to mirror the 15 percent growth in the average balance of core deposits between the three months ended December 31, 2002 and 2003.

The $376,000 increase in loan and servicing fees to $1.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2003 reflects the increase in fees associated with the loan repayments noted earlier.  The gains on sales of loans, net of $69,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2002 and $58,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2003, reflect the Company's policy of managing long-term interest rate risk exposure by selling virtually all of its 15 and 30 year fixed rate mortgage originations.  Loan sales were $12.2 million and $1.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Loan and servicing fee income is shown net of originated mortgage servicing rights ("MSR") asset amortization of $32,000 and $18,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.  At December 31, 2003, the Company's MSR asset balance is $409,000.

During the three months ended December 31, 2002, the Company incurred a net loss of $80,000 on trading securities activity.  To meet current investment objectives, the Company completed the liquidation of its entire portfolio of trading securities during the quarter ended March 31, 2003.

Non-Interest Expense

Non-interest expense increased $3.9 million to $21.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2003.

Foreclosed asset operations expense, net, increased $296,000 to $302,000 for the current quarter primarily due to the additional write-down of $191,000 to the estimated net realizable value of jewelry inventory repossessed by the Bank.  The commercial business loan that gave rise to this repossessed jewelry inventory has been discussed in previous quarters' earnings releases as well as in the Company's March 31, 2003 Form 10-K.

General and administrative ("G&A") expense increased $3.6 million from $17.5 million or 2.30%, on an annualized basis, of average assets for the three months ended December 31, 2002 to $21.1 million or 2.50%, on an annualized basis, of average assets for the comparable period of 2003.  Ninety-five percent or $3.4 million of the increase in G&A expense was attributable to compensation and benefits, which increased to $12.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2003.  The $3.4 million increase in compensation and benefits was primarily due to a $1.9 million increase in ESOP related benefit expense.  The Company's average Full-Time Equivalent ("FTE") employee count increased 7 to 622 for the three months ended December 31, 2003.  The complex and labor intensive nature of the Company's community banking operations has also required an increase in compensation levels for certain personnel with highly specialized and critical skills.

19


Income Taxes

Income taxes were $8.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2003 compared to $6.4 million for the comparable period of 2002. The effective tax rates were 42.2% and 42.4% for the three months ended December  31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

Comparison of Operating Results for the Nine Months Ended December 31, 2003 and 2002

General

The following discussion compares the results of operations for the nine months ended December 31, 2003, with the same period of 2002.  This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included therein.

The Company recorded net earnings of $30.0 million or $1.81 per diluted share for the nine months ended December 31, 2003 compared to net earnings of $26.0 million or $1.46 per diluted share for the comparable period of 2002 (adjusted for the 40 percent stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend paid on September 5, 2003, to shareholders of record on August 15, 2003).

Net interest income increased $11.3 million to $95.0 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2003. The increase in net interest income reflects both expansion in net interest spread and growth in average interest-earning assets. Net interest spread expanded 40 basis points to 3.94% for the nine months ended December 31, 2003.  The 40 basis point expansion in net interest spread was due to a 106 basis point decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities partially offset by a 66 basis point decrease in the average yield on interest-earning assets.  Several of the reasons for this were discussed earlier in the comparison of operating results for the three months ended December 31, 2003 and 2002.  Average interest-earning assets increased $145.4 million to $3.10 billion for the nine months ended December 31, 2003, while average interest-bearing liabilities increased $143.9 million to $2.85 billion.

Provision for loan losses decreased from $3.0 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2002 to $2.4 million for the comparable period of 2003.

Total non-interest income increased $4.6 million to $18.3 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2003 due principally to: (1) the net gain on the sale of securities noted earlier; (2) higher levels of deposit and related fees arising from growth in core deposits; and (3) higher levels of loan and servicing fees arising from increased levels of repayment activity.  Total non-interest expense increased $9.1 million to $58.9 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2003, due principally to a $6.2 million increase in compensation and benefits.

Interest Income

Interest income decreased $8.4 million to $132.3 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2003.  The decrease in interest income was attributable to a 66 basis point decrease in average yield on interest-earning assets to 5.68% for the nine months ended December 31, 2003.

20


Reflecting the lower interest rate environment, the average yield on loans receivable, net decreased 67 basis points to 6.02% for the nine months ended December 31, 2003.  A substantial increase in loan portfolio turnover coupled with the lower interest rate environment has contributed significantly to the decrease in loan portfolio yield.  Loan originations and purchases were $1.64 billion and $615.6 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2003, compared to $1.40 billion and $259.8 million, respectively, for the comparable period of 2002.  Loan principal repayments were $1.87 billion and $1.37 billion for the nine months ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

The average yield on securities fell 93 basis points to 3.51% for the nine months ended December 31, 2003.  The decrease in the average yield on securities also reflects the impact of the decrease in the general level of interest rates and an increase in net premium amortization.  During the nine months ended December 31, 2003, $1.8 million of premium amortization reduced the average yield on securities and interest-earning assets by 79 and 8 basis points, respectively.  During the comparable period of 2002, $1.2 million of premium amortization on securities reduced the average yield on securities and interest-earning assets by 48 and 6 basis points, respectively.

The proportion of total average interest-earning assets comprised of loans receivable, net increased two percentage points to 88 percent for the nine months ended December 31, 2003.  The average balance of loans receivable, net increased $175.1 million to $2.72 billion for the nine months ended December 31, 2003, while the average balance of securities decreased $21.0 million to $307.5 million.

Between the nine months ended December 31, 2002 and 2003, the average disbursed balance of the Four-Cs increased from 44 percent to 48 percent of average loans receivable, net.  This represents a $180.3 million increase in the average balance of the Four-Cs to $1.30 billion.  Originations of the Four-Cs represented 83 percent of total loan originations for both the nine months December 31, 2002 and 2003.  Indicative of the high level of portfolio turnover, principal paydowns on the Four-Cs were $1.23 billion for the nine months ended December 31, 2003 compared to $878.8 million for the comparative period of 2002.

Interest Expense

Interest expense decreased $19.7 million to $37.3 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2003. The decrease in interest expense was attributable principally to a 106 basis point decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities to 1.74% for the nine months ended December 31, 2003.

The 106 basis point decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities reflects an 88 basis point decrease in the average cost of deposits, and a 191 basis point decrease in the average cost of FHLB advances and other borrowings.  The proportion of total interest-bearing liabilities comprised by deposits remained unchanged at 83 percent for both the nine months ended December 31, 2002 and 2003.  Core deposits increased to 63 percent of average total deposits as the average balance of core deposits and total deposits increased $236.6 million and $123.6 million to $1.48 billion and $2.35 billion, respectively, for the nine months ended December 31, 2003.  The average balance of FHLB advances and other borrowings increased $20.2 million to $491.8 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2003.

The decrease in the average cost of deposits reflects strong growth in the lower cost categories of deposits coupled with the decrease in the general level of market interest rates.  The average cost of core deposits decreased 79 basis points to 0.96% for the current period.

21


Provision for Loan Losses

Provision for loan losses was $2.4 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2003, compared to $3.0 million for the comparable period of 2002.

The provision for loan losses and the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses are the result of management's periodic analysis of losses inherent in the loan portfolio.  For additional discussion on the allowance for loan losses, see "Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2003 and March 31, 2003."

Non-Interest Income

Non-interest income increased $4.6 million to $18.3 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2003.

Reflecting the growth in core deposits, deposit and related fees increased $598,000 to $8.5 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2003.

The $1.2 million increase in loan and servicing fees to $5.2 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2003 reflects the increase in fees associated with the loan repayments noted earlier.  The increase in gain on sale of loans, net, from $192,000 for the nine months ended December 31, 2002 to $700,000 for the nine months ended December 31, 2003, reflects loan sales of $38.1 million and $3.5 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.  Loan and servicing fees income is shown net of MSR asset amortization of $93,000 and $155,000 for the nine months ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

As discussed more fully in the comparison of operating results for the three months ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, during the nine months ended December 31, 2003, the Company recognized a $1.6 million net gain from sales of various corporate debt and equity securities.  During the nine months ended December 31, 2002, the Company incurred a net loss of $522,000 on trading securities activity.  The Company liquidated its entire portfolio of trading securities during the quarter ended March 31, 2003.

Non-Interest Expense

Non-interest expense increased from $49.8 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2002, to $58.9 million for the comparable period of 2003.

G&A expense increased from $49.9 million or 2.20%, on an annualized basis, of average assets for the nine months ended December 31, 2002, to $58.6 million or 2.43%, on an annualized basis, of average assets for the comparable period of 2003.  Compensation and benefits accounted for $6.2 million or seventy-one percent of the total increase in G&A expense.  Benefit related compensation expense (principally ESOP related) increased $2.7 million to $7.6 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2003 as a result of the increase in the Company's stock price.  The $1.5 million increase in other non-interest expense to $8.9 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2003 was attributable primarily to increased correspondent bank service charges and appraisal fees resulting from higher volumes of deposit and loan activity.

Income Taxes

Income taxes were $22.0 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2003, compared to $18.6 million for the comparable period of 2002.  The effective tax rates were 42.3% and 41.7% for the nine months ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

22


Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2003 and March 31, 2003

Total assets increased $306.4 million to $3.46 billion at December 31, 2003. Loans receivable, net increased $282.5 million to $2.97 billion at December 31, 2003 and securities increased $22.8 million to $353.2 million at December 31, 2003.  The disbursed balance of the Four-Cs increased $49.7 million to $1.3 billion or 44 percent of loans receivable, net, at December 31, 2003.

Non-accrual loans decreased to $12.7 million or 0.37 percent of gross loans at December 31, 2003, from $18.6 million or 0.59 percent of gross loans at March 31, 2003.  During the three months ended December 31, 2003 non-accrual loans decreased by $9.7 million primarily due to the $4.1 million payoff of a residential tract construction loan and the discounted payoff of a $4.5 million commercial business loan to an investment company. Additionally, a $2.1 million tract construction loan on a residential subdivision located in La Quinta, California was upgraded to accrual status during the current quarter based upon the progress of project completion and a revaluation of the collateral value of the property.

At December 31, 2003, the allowance for loan losses was $30.7 million or 0.88 percent of gross loans and 242 percent of non-accrual loans compared to $31.1 million or 0.99 percent of gross loans and 168 percent of non-accrual loans at March 31, 2003.  The decrease in the ratio of allowance for loan losses to gross loans between March 31 and December 31, 2003 reflects both improvement in the ratio of non-accrual loans to gross loans and the slight reduction in the overall risk profile of the total loan portfolio as the Four-Cs as a percentage of total loans receivable, net have decreased from 46 percent at March 31, 2003 to 44 percent at December 31, 2003.

The allowance for loan losses is maintained at an amount management considers adequate to cover probable losses on loans receivable.  The determination of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is influenced to a significant degree by the evaluation of the loan portfolio by the Company's Internal Asset Review ("IAR") function.  The IAR system is designed to identify problem loans and probable losses prior to loans becoming ninety days past due.  As the Company's loan portfolio has become comprised to a greater degree by the Four-Cs, the IAR function has become increasingly important not only for the timely and accurate identification of probable losses, but also to minimize the Company's exposure to such losses through early intervention.  Among the factors taken into account by the IAR function in identifying probable losses and determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses are the nature, level and severity of classified assets; historical loss experience adjusted for current economic conditions and composition of the loan portfolio by type.  In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Bank's allowance for loan losses.  Such agencies may require the Bank to make additional provisions for loan losses based upon information available at the time of the review. The Company will continue to monitor and modify its allowance for loan losses as economic conditions, loss experience, changes in asset quality, portfolio composition and other factors dictate.

The following table sets forth activity in the Company's allowance for loan losses.

Three months ended

Nine months ended

December 31,

December 31,

2003

2002

2003

2002

(Dollars in thousands)

Beginning balance

$30,421

$29,166

$31,121

$31,359

Provision for loan losses

120

500

2,425

3,000

Charge-offs

(905

)

(243

)

(4,008

)

(5,402

)

Recoveries

1,053

134

1,151

600

Ending balance

$30,689

$29,557

$30,689

$29,557

23


 

Charge-offs of $4.0 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2003 include $2.1 million relating to a commercial business loan to a jewelry store chain that was foreclosed upon in June 2003.  At December 31, 2003, $30,000 representing the carrying value of remaining repossessed jewelry is included in assets acquired through foreclosure.  This remaining inventory is expected to be disposed of prior to March 31, 2004.  Charge-offs for the nine months ended December 31, 2003 also include $674,000 relating to the $4.5 million commercial business loan noted above and $319,000 relating to participating interests in two commercial aircraft leases that were repurchased by the lead lender during the quarter ended June 30, 2003.  Recoveries of $1.2 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2003 included $886,000 relating to a $4.9 million participating interest in a commercial construction loan to a Southern California garment manufacturer, which had been substantially charged-off during the previous fiscal year.  These charge-offs were fully anticipated in determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses at March 31, 2003, and resulted in total charge-offs for the nine months ended December 31, 2003 exceeding the provision for loan losses.

Total liabilities increased $265.8 million to $3.15 billion at December 31, 2003.  Core deposits and total deposits increased $139.8 million and $53.0 million to $1.54 billion (65 percent of total deposits) and $2.38 billion, respectively at December 31, 2003.  FHLB advances and other borrowings increased $236.6 million to $722.0 million or 23 percent of total liabilities at December 31, 2003.

Total stockholders' equity was $313.7 million at December 31, 2003 compared to $273.1 million at March 31, 2003. The $40.6 million increase in total stockholders' equity was comprised principally of a $23.3 million increase in retained earnings, substantially restricted, a $12.4 million increase in additional paid-in-capital, a $3.4 million decrease in accumulated other comprehensive losses and a $1.4 million decrease in unearned stock-based compensation.  The $23.3 million increase in retained earnings, substantially restricted, reflects the $30.0 million of net earnings for the nine months ended December 31, 2003, partially offset by: (1) $1.1 million applicable to a quarterly cash dividend of $0.07 (adjusted for the 40 percent stock split effected as a stock dividend, paid on September 5, 2003) per common share paid on June 27, 2003, to shareholders of record as of June 13, 2003; (2) $2.6 million applicable to a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per common share paid on September 26, 2003 to shareholders of record as of September 12, 2003; (3) $2.6 million applicable to a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per common share paid on December 26, 2003 to shareholders of record as of December 12, 2003; (4) $395,000 representing the amount paid by the Company in excess of the original issuance price for 23,100 shares of common stock repurchased during the period; and (5) $47,000 representing the par of value of the shares issued pursuant to the 40 percent stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend paid on September 5, 2003, to shareholders of record on August 15, 2003.

The $12.4 million increase in additional paid-in-capital reflects the exercise of 415,526 stock options, along with the associated tax benefit to the Company and the amortization of shares under the Company's stock based compensation plans, partially offset by $165,000 representing the original issuance price of the 23,100 shares of repurchased common stock.  The $3.4 million decrease in accumulated other comprehensive losses reflects an increase in the unrealized gain, net of tax, on available-for-sale securities from $620,000 at March 31, 2003 to $4.0 million at December 31, 2003.  Accumulated other comprehensive losses at December 31, 2003 consists of $5.7 million minimum pension liability partially offset by the $4.0 million of unrealized gain, net of tax on available-for-sale securities.  The $1.4 million decrease in unearned stock-based compensation reflects the amortization of unearned compensation under the Company's ESOP.

During the nine months ended December 31, 2003, the Company repurchased 23,100 shares of its common stock at a weighted average price of $24.26 per share.  The Company did not repurchase any of its common stock during the three months ended December 31, 2003.  During July 2003, the Company retired 12,856,574 shares of common stock that had been repurchased in prior periods and held as treasury stock.

24


Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company's primary sources of funds are deposits, principal and interest payments on loans and securities, FHLB advances and other borrowings, proceeds from the maturation of securities and, to a lesser extent, proceeds from the sale of loans and securities.  While maturities and scheduled amortization of loans and securities are predictable sources of funds, deposit flows and mortgage and security prepayments are greatly influenced by the general level of interest rates, economic conditions and competition.  OTS regulations require that sufficient liquidity be maintained at a level which ensures safe and sound banking practices.  Management's strategy is to invest excess liquidity in higher yielding interest-earning assets, such as loans or other investments, depending on market conditions. The Company has invested in investment grade corporate securities when the yields thereon have been more attractive than U.S. government and federal agency securities of similar maturity.

The Company's cash flows are comprised of three primary classifications: cash flows from operating activities, investing activities and financing activities.  Net cash flows provided by operating activities were $18.9 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2003, compared to $35.2 million for the comparable period of the prior year.  The decrease in net cash flows provided by operating activities is due primarily to an increase in the volume of loans originated for sale from $12.1 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2002 to $36.5 million for the comparable period of 2003 and to a decrease in accrued expenses and other liabilities of $22.6 million during the nine months ended December 31, 2003 as compared to an increase of $7.2 million during the nine months ended December 31, 2002.  The $22.6 million decrease in accrued expenses and other liabilities between March 31 and December 31, 2003 was attributable to $35.8 million of securities purchased but not yet settled as of March 31, 2003.

Investing activities consist primarily of disbursements for originations and purchases of loans held for investment and purchases of securities, offset by principal payments on loans, and proceeds from maturation, paydowns and sales of securities.

The following items summarize the major components of the Company's investing activities. For the nine months ended December 31, 2003 disbursements for originations and purchases of loans held for investment were $1.60 billion and $615.6 million, respectively, compared to $1.39 billion and $259.8 million, respectively, for the comparable period of 2002.  For the nine months ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, disbursements for purchases of securities including FHLB stock were $190.6 million and $35.1 million, respectively.  Proceeds from paydowns on loans held for investment and proceeds from maturation, paydowns and sales of securities including redemption of FHLB stock were $1.87 billion and $163.0 million, respectively for the nine months ended December 31, 2003, compared to $1.37 billion and $160.2 million, respectively for the comparable period of 2002.

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities consisted primarily of net activity in deposits and FHLB advances. The net increases (decreases) in deposits and FHLB advances and other borrowings were $53.0 million and $236.6 million and $121.8 million and $(125.0) million for the nine months ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

At December 31, 2003, the Bank exceeded all of its regulatory capital requirements with tangible capital of $269.2 million, or 7.86% of adjusted total assets, which is above the required level of $51.4 million, or 1.5%; core capital of $269.2 million, or 7.86% of adjusted total assets, which is above the required level of $137.0 million, or 4.0%; and total risk-based capital of $295.3 million, or 11.58% of risk-weighted assets, which is above the required level of $203.9 million, or 8.0%.

25


The Company's most liquid assets are cash and cash equivalents.  The levels of these assets are dependent on the Company's operating, financing, lending and investing activities during any given period.  At December 31, 2003, cash and cash equivalents totaled $37.8 million.  The Company's internal policy is to maintain a minimum ratio of cash and cash equivalents plus securities maturing within one-year of 3 percent of total non-maturity deposit accounts plus certificates of deposit and borrowings maturing in one year or less.  At December 31, 2003, this ratio was 3.5%.  As part of overall liquidity management, the Company also seeks to maintain immediately available borrowing capacity equal to at least 5 percent of total assets.  At December 31, 2003, the Company had total borrowing capacity based upon collateral in place of $94.5 million or 2.8 percent of total assets, of which $75.5 million was at the FHLB.  During January 2004, additional collateral pledges brought the Company's total borrowing capacity to $209.1 million or 6.1 percent of total assets, of which $190.1 million was at the FHLB.  The Company currently has no material contractual obligations or commitments for capital expenditures.  At December 31, 2003, the Company had outstanding commitments to originate and purchase loans of $129.9 million and $88.7 million, respectively.  The Company anticipates that it will have sufficient funds available to meet these commitments. At December 31, 2003, the Company had no outstanding commitments to purchase securities. CDs that are scheduled to mature in less than one year from December 31, 2003 totaled $526.9 million.  The Company expects that a substantial portion of the monies represented by maturing CDs will be retained at maturity.  FHLB advances and other borrowings maturing in less than one year from December 31, 2003 totaled $482.0 million.  The Company expects that the majority of these maturing advances will be rolled into new advances upon maturity.

Segment Reporting

The Company, through its subsidiaries, provides a broad range of financial services to individuals and companies located primarily in Southern California.  These services include demand, time, and savings deposits; real estate, business and consumer lending; cash management; trust and investment advisory services; and diversified financial services for the building industry.  While the Company's chief decision makers monitor the revenue streams of the various Company products and services, operations are managed and financial performance is evaluated on a Company-wide basis.  Accordingly, all of the Company's banking operations are considered by management to be aggregated in one reportable operating segment.

Item 3. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures about Market Risk

The Company's management believes there have been no significant changes to the Company's qualitative and quantitative disclosures of market risk (consisting primarily of interest rate risk) during the nine months ended December 31, 2003.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have carried out an examination of the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that the information required to be disclosed in the reports the Company files under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported as and when required.  There have been no significant changes in the Company's internal controls over financial reporting in connection with this evaluation that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the company's internal control over financial reporting.

26


PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION

PFF BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings.

The Company and subsidiaries have been named as defendants in ordinary routine litigation incidental to the Company's business.  The outcome of the lawsuits cannot be predicted, but the Company intends to vigorously defend the actions and is of the opinion that the lawsuits will not have a material adverse effect on the Company.
 

Item 2.

Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds.
None

 

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
None

 

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
None

 

Item 5.

Other Information.
None

27


Item 6.

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.

(a)(3)

(a)

Except as noted, the following exhibits are filed as part of this report:

 

3.1

Certificate of Incorporation of PFF Bancorp, Inc. *

3.2

Bylaws of PFF Bancorp, Inc. *

31.1

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications

32.1

Section 1350 Certifications **

 

(b)

Reports on Form 8-K

 
 

The Company furnished a report on Form 8-K dated October 16, 2003, announcing the Company's earnings for the three and six months ended September 30, 2003, under Item 12.  A copy of the press release dated October 16, 2003, describing annual earnings and including the Company's consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2003 and March 31, 2003, consolidated statements of earnings for the three and six months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 and selected ratios and other data was attached as Exhibit 99.1, under Item 7.

 
 

The Company filed a report on Form 8-K dated November 6, 2003, announcing the Company hosting an investor field trip arranged by Hoefer & Arnett, under Item 5.  A copy of the power point presentation can be viewed at www.pffbank.com/ by clicking on Investor Relations/Events/Presentations. A copy of the press release dated November 6, 2003 describing the Hoefer & Arnett field trip was attached as Exhibit 99.1, under Item 7.

 
 

The Company filed a report on Form 8-K dated December 1, 2003, announcing the Company's presentation at the Friedman Billings Ramsey (FBR) 10th Annual Investor Conference in New York, under Item 5.  A copy of the power point presentation can be viewed at www.pffbank.com/ by clicking on Investor Relations/Events/Presentations.  A copy of the press release dated December 1, 2003 describing the FBR 10th Annual Investor Conference was attached as Exhibit 99.1, under Item 7.

 

_________________________

*    Incorporated herein by reference to Form S-1, Registration Statement, as amended, filed on December 8, 1995, SEC Registration Number 33-80259.

**  Exhibit 32.1 is furnished as part of this report and shall not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78r), or otherwise subject to the liability of that section.

28


PFF BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SIGNATURES

 

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

 

PFF BANCORP, INC.

 

DATED: February 11, 2004

BY: /s/ LARRY M. RINEHART

Larry M. Rinehart
President, Chief Executive Officer
and Director

 

DATED: February 11, 2004

BY: /s/ GREGORY C. TALBOTT

Gregory C. Talbott
Executive Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer and Treasurer

29