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See accompanying notes to consolidated interim financial statements.
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See accompanying notes to consolidated interim financial statements.

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See accompanying notes to consolidated interim financial statements.

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The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Capitol Federal Financial and subsidiary (the "Company") have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP") for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. These statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.

In preparing the financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet and revenues and expenses for the period. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near-term relate to the determination of the valuation of mortgage servicing rights and allowances for losses on loans. While management believes that these allowances are adequate, future additions to the allowances may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions.

All dollar amounts are in thousands except per share data, unless otherwise indicated.

The Company has adopted the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 148. The Company applies the recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," as allowed by SFAS Nos. 123 and 148, and related interpretations in accounting for our stock-based compensation plans.

For purposes of the pro forma disclosures required by SFAS No. 148, the estimated fair value of the options is amortized to expense on a straight-line method over the options' vesting period. If the fair value provisions under SFAS No. 123 would have been adopted, salary and employee benefit expense would have been $12.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2003 and $10.8 million for the same period last year.

The following table presents the pro forma impact on earnings and earnings per share.

On October 29, 2003, the Board approved an increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.50 per share which was paid on November 21, 2003 to holders of record as of November 7, 2003. On November 10, 2003, the Board approved a year end dividend of $0.81 per share, payable on December 5, 2003 to holders of record on November 21, 2003. On January 27, 2004, the Board approved a dividend of $0.50 per share which will be paid on February 20, 2004 to holders of record as of February 6, 2004.

After a review of the dividend policy, the Board adjusted its policy for calendar year 2004 to intend to pay its total dividend in four equal quarterly installments. No dividend payout ratio has been targeted and one is not currently contemplated. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis - Capital" for information regarding Capitol Federal Savings Bank's ("Capitol Federal Savings" or the "Bank") ability to pay capital distributions to the Company.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2003, the Bank did not complete any mortgage loan sales.During the same quarter in the previous fiscal year, a total of $544.0 million in fixed rate single family loans, originated at historically low interest rates, were sold into the secondary market. The Bank recognized a gain of $17.2 million, pre-tax, on the sale of these loans. As a result of retaining servicing rights on these mortgage loan sales, the Bank recorded an increase of $4.9 million in its mortgage servicing rights.

On December 15, 2003, the Bank entered into interest rate swap agreements with a notional amount of $800.0 million. The Bank is utilizing the interest rate swaps to reduce the interest expense associated with some Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") advances and to modify its interest rate risk profile. The Bank has agreed to receive interest from counterparties on the $800.0 million notional amount at a fixed rate matching the hedged FHLB advances and to pay interest at a variable rate indexed to the one month LIBOR rate plus an average spread of 248 basis points during the entire term of the interest rate swap and remaining term of the hedged FHLB advances. As a result of these interest rate swaps, the interest rate on the $800.0 million of hedged FHLB advances at December 31, 2003 was effectively reduced from 6.16% to 3.63%. The decrease in the interest rate equates to an $853 thousand decrease in interest expense during the quarter ended December 31, 2003.

The interest rate swaps are designated and qualify as fair value hedges under SFAS No. 133. The Bank has assumed no ineffectiveness in the hedging relationship as all the terms in the interest rate swap agreements match the terms of the FHLB advances. The Bank is accounting for the interest rate swap agreements using the shortcut method, whereby, any gain or loss in the fair value on the interest rate swaps is offset by a gain or loss on the hedged FHLB advances. The fair value of the hedged FHLB advances will generally decrease when interest rates rise and increase when interest rates fall. The fair value of the Bank's interest rate swap agreements are estimated by discounting anticipated cashflows associated with the receive-fixed rate component of the swap and the pay-variable rate component of the swap over the remaining contractual terms of each swap. The pay-variable rate component cash flows are estimated using forward interest rate curves for the one month LIBOR as of December 31, 2003. The fair v alue of the interest rate swaps at December 31, 2003 was $3.4 million, which resulted in a decrease of $3.4 million in the hedged FHLB advances at December 31, 2003.

The effect of the interest rate swaps on our interest rate risk profile results in an increase in our net portfolio value (See Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk" in the Annual Report to Stockholders attached as Exhibit 13 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2003) in a constant and decreasing rate environment and increases our relative exposure in increasing rate environments. While we have the ability to enter into interest rate swaps of a greater notional amount, management believes that this amount is adequate at this time to effect the changes to earnings and risk management objectives desired.

The FHLB advances selected for the interest rate swaps have maturities ranging from May 2008 to August 2010. Information on the interest rate swaps, by maturity date, is as follows:

Basic and diluted earnings per share were both $0.06 for the quarter ended December 31, 2003. The Company accounts for the 3,024,574 shares acquired by its ESOP in accordance with SOP 93-6 and the shares acquired for its Recognition and Retention Plan ("RRP") in a manner similar to the ESOP shares. Shares acquired by the ESOP and the RRP are not considered in the basic average shares outstanding until the shares are committed for allocation or vested to an employee's individual account. The following is a reconciliation of the denominators of the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations.

7.   Contingencies

In the normal course of business, the Company and its subsidiary are named defendants in various lawsuits and counter claims. In the opinion of management, after consultation with legal counsel, none of the suits are expected to have a materially adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements for the current interim period.

Certain reclassifications have been made to the fiscal 2003 consolidated financial statements in order to conform with the fiscal 2004 presentation.

Capitol Federal Financial, and its wholly owned subsidiary, Capitol Federal Savings, may from time to time make written or oral "forward-looking statements", including statements contained in their filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").

Except for the historical information contained in this filing, the matters discussed may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that involve risks and uncertainties, including changes in economic conditions in the Company's market areas, changes in policies by regulatory agencies, fluctuations in interest rates, demand for loans in the Company's market areas, competition, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports. Actual strategies and results in future periods may differ materially from those currently expected. These forward-looking statements represent the Company's judgment as of the date of this filing. The Company disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

The following discussion is intended to assist in understanding the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. The discussion includes comments relating to the Bank, since the Bank is wholly owned by the Company and comprises the majority of assets and principal source of income for the Company.

Our policies with respect to the methodologies used to determine the allowance for loan losses, the valuation of mortgage servicing rights and our policy regarding derivative instruments are our most critical accounting policies because they are important to the presentation of our financial condition and results of operations, involve a higher degree of complexity and require management to make difficult and subjective judgments which often require assumptions or estimates about highly uncertain matters. The use of different judgments, assumptions and estimates could cause reported results to differ materially. These critical accounting policies and their application are reviewed at least annually with our Audit Committee and Board of Directors. See Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies" in the Annual Report to Stockholders attached as Exhibit 13 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2 003 for a discussion of our critical accounting policies. Following is a description of our critical accounting policies and an explanation of the methods and assumptions underlying their application.

Allowance for Loan Losses We maintain an allowance for loan losses to absorb losses known and inherent in the loan portfolio based upon ongoing, quarterly assessments of the loan portfolio. Our methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance consists of several key elements, which include the formula allowance, specific allowances for identified problem loans and portfolio segments and economic conditions that may lead to a concern about the loan portfolio. In addition, the allowance incorporates the results of measuring impaired loans as provided in SFAS No. 114, "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan" and SFAS No. 118, "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan - Income Recognition and Disclosures." These accounting standards prescribe the measurement methods, income recognition and disclosures related to impaired loans.

The formula allowance is calculated by applying loss factors to outstanding loans based on the internal risk evaluation of such loans or pools of loans. Changes in risk evaluations of both performing and non-performing loans affect the amount of the formula allowance. Loss factors are based both on our historical loss experience and on significant factors that, in management's judgment, affect the collectibility of the portfolio as of the evaluation date. Loss factors for loans on residential properties with greater than four units, loans on construction and development and commercial properties are computed based on an evaluation of inherent losses on these loans. Loan loss factors for portfolio segments are representative of the credit risks associated with loans in those segments. The greater the credit risks associated with a particular segment the greater the loss factor. Loss factors increase within each portfolio segment as loans become classified, delinquent, the foreclosure or repossession proces s begins or as economic conditions warrant.

The appropriateness of the allowance is reviewed by management based upon its evaluation of then-existing economic and business conditions affecting our key lending areas. Other conditions that management considers in determining the appropriateness of the allowance includes, but is not limited to, changes to our underwriting standards primarily due to competitive pressures, credit quality trends (including trends in non-performing loans expected to result from existing conditions), trends in collateral values, loan volumes and concentrations, and recent loss experience in particular segments of the portfolio that existed as of the balance sheet date and the impact that such conditions were believed to have had on the collectibility of those loans. The Bank has relaxed, over the past several years, the debt-to-income ratio requirement and the loan-to-value ratio limits of its overall underwriting standards in order to better compete for loan originations in our market areas.

Senior management reviews these conditions quarterly in discussions with our senior credit officers. To the extent that any of these conditions are evidenced by a specifically identifiable problem loan or portfolio segment as of the evaluation date, management's estimate of the effect of such condition may be reflected as a specific allowance applicable to such loan or portfolio segment. Where any of these conditions are not evidenced by a specifically identifiable problem loan or portfolio segment as of the evaluation date, management's evaluation of the loss related to these conditions is reflected in the unallocated allowance associated with our homogeneous population of mortgage loans. The evaluation of the inherent loss with respect to these conditions is subject to a higher degree of uncertainty because they are not identified with specific problem loans or portfolio segments.

The amounts actually observed in respect to these losses can vary significantly from the estimated amounts. Our methodology as described permits adjustments to any loss factor used in the computation of the formula allowance in the event that, in management's judgment, significant factors which affect the collectibility of the portfolio as of the evaluation date are not reflected in the current loss factors. By assessing the estimated losses inherent in our loan portfolios on a quarterly basis, we can adjust specific and inherent loss estimates based upon more recent information that has become available.

Assessing the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is inherently subjective as it requires making material estimates, including the amount and timing of future cash flows expected to be received on impaired loans, that may be susceptible to significant change. In the opinion of management, the allowance when taken as a whole, is adequate to absorb reasonable estimated loan losses inherent in our loan portfolios.

Valuation of Mortgage Servicing Rights ("MSR") The Bank records MSR as a result of retaining the servicing on loans that are sold. Impairment exists if the carrying value of MSR exceeds the estimated fair value of the MSR. MSR are stratified by the underlying loan term and by interest rate. Individual impairment allowances for each stratum are established when necessary and then adjusted in subsequent periods to reflect changes in the measurement of impairment. The estimated fair value of each MSR stratum is determined through analysis of future cash flows incorporating numerous assumptions including: servicing income, servicing costs, market discount rates, prepayment speeds and other market driven data.

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

Derivative Instruments The Bank has entered into interest rate swap agreements to hedge certain FHLB advances. The Bank pays a variable rate of interest tied to the one month LIBOR and receives a fixed rate of interest matching the hedged FHLB advances. When the Bank entered into the interest rate swap agreements, they were designated as fair value hedges. All the terms in the interest rate swap agreements relating to the pay-fixed rate components and timing of cash flows match the terms of the hedged FHLB advances. Therefore, the Bank has assumed no ineffectiveness in the hedging relationship and accounts for the interest rate swaps using the shortcut method. Any gain or loss in the fair value of the interest rate swaps is offset by a gain or loss on the hedged FHLB advances.

Before undertaking the hedge, management formally documented its risk management objectives, strategy and the relationship between the interest rate swap agreements and the hedged FHLB advances. To qualify for hedge accounting, the interest rate swaps and the related FHLB advances must be designated as a hedge. Both at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, management assesses whether the hedging relationship is expected to be highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values of the hedged FHLB advances. If at some point it is determined that the interest rate swaps are not highly effective as a hedge, hedge accounting will be discontinued. If hedge accounting is discontinued, changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps will be recorded in earnings. Additionally, the hedged FHLB advances will no longer be adjusted for changes in fair value.

Our strategy is to operate a retail oriented financial institution dedicated to serving the needs of customers in our market areas. Our commitment is to provide the broadest possible access to home ownership through our residential lending programs and offer a complete set of personal financial products and services through our branch office network.

The primary components of our strategy include:

• Single-Family Portfolio Lending. We are one of the largest originators of one- to four-family residential mortgage loans in the State of Kansas. Historically, we have originated these loans for our own portfolio, rather than for sale, and we generally service the loans we originate. We provide retail customers with alternatives for their borrowing needs by offering both fixed and adjustable rate products with various terms to maturity and pricing alternatives. We combine with our lending products underwriting standards limiting our exposure to credit risk which has resulted in minimum levels of delinquent and non-performing loans. We attract customers through our strong relationships with real estate agents, loan agents, reputation, pricing, walk-in customers and customers that apply on the internet.
• Retail Financial Services. We offer a wide array of deposit products and retail services for our customers. These products include checking, savings, money market accounts, certificates of deposit and retirement accounts. These are provided through a branch network of 35 locations, offering traditional branch locations and locations in retail stores, our call center which operates on extended hours, telephone bill payment services and internet based transaction services.
• Commitment to Cost Control. We are very effective at controlling our costs of operations. Using technology to increase productivity, lending and deposit support functions are centralized for efficient processing. Our retail orientation allows us to serve a broad range of customers through relatively few branch locations. Our average deposit base per traditional branch at September 30, 2003 was over $151.4 million. This allows us to service more customers through fewer branch locations, helping to control costs. Our single-family residential lending process, through reduced credit risk, allows us to service a large portfolio of loans at efficient levels because there is reduced costs with servicing a portfolio of performing loans.
• Strong Capital Position. Our policy has always been to protect the safety and soundness of Capitol Federal Savings through conservative credit and operational risk management, balance sheet strength, consistent earnings and sound operations. The end result of these activities is a capital ratio that is in excess of the well-capitalized standards set by the Office of Thrift Supervision. We believe that by maintaining a strong capital position we can best safeguard the long-term interests of the Company and stockholders.

From September 30, 2003 to December 31, 2003, mortgage-related securities decreased $348.6 million primarily due to the high level of prepayments received on these securities. The prepayments were used to fund loan originations, purchase mortgage-related and investment securities, fund the withdrawals from deposits, prepay the other borrowings and remit escrows held on mortgage loans to local taxing entities. Deposits decreased $64.3 million, to $4.17 billion at December 31, 2003. The decrease in deposits occured primarily in the certificates of deposit portfolio. Equity decreased $19.1 million since September 30, 2003 primarily due to dividends paid of $25.1 million which was partially offset by net income of $4.6 million.

The following table presents selected balance sheet data for the Company at the dates indicated.

Assets.  Total assets of the Company decreased $199.4 million from $8.58 billion at September 30, 2003 to $8.38 billion at December 31, 2003. The decrease was primarily due to a $348.6 million decrease in mortgage-related securities, partially offset by an increase of $122.4 million in investment securities and an increase in loans receivable of $29.7 million.

• Mortgage-related securities decreased $348.6 million, or 11.8%, from $2.94 billion at September 30, 2003 to $2.60 billion at December 31, 2003. The decrease was due primarily to principal repayments of $341.1 million and to a lesser extent $6.2 million of net premium amortization during the current quarter. The decrease was partially offset by current quarter purchases of fixed rate mortgage-related securities of $500 thousand with an average yield of 5.23%.
• Investment securities increased $122.4 million, from $1.02 billion at September 30, 2003 to $1.14 billion at December 31, 2003. The Bank purchased $150.0 million in callable agency bonds with an average yield of 5.92%, during the quarter ended December 31, 2003.
• The loan portfolio increased $29.7 million, or 0.69%, from $4.31 billion at September 30, 2003 to $4.34 billion at December 31, 2003. During the quarter, the Bank originated, refinanced and purchased loans totaling $280.1 million at an average yield of 5.15%. This volume of originations and purchases was offset by loan repayments of $242.9 million. Adjustable rate products comprised 43.0% of the $280.1 million originated and purchased during the quarter. The average yield on our loan portfolio decreased 6 basis points from 5.70% at September 30, 2003 to 5.64% at December 31, 2003.

The following table presents the Company's loan portfolio at the dates indicated.

The following table presents loan origination, refinance, purchase, and modification activity and mortgage-related securities purchased for the periods indicated.

• For the quarter ended December 31, 2003, we recorded an other than temporary impairment of our MSR of $503 thousand which reduced the gross carrying value of the MSR. The amount of the other than temporary impairment was determined by examining the rate of repayments on the related portfolio of serviced loans and comparing that to the amortization of the MSR recorded. The timing and amount of the excess repayments was used to determine the amount of the other than temporary impairment.

• The balance of non-performing loans continues to be low because of the underwriting standards we apply to loans we originate and purchase. At December 31, 2003 our ratio of non-performing loans to total loans was 0.17%, down from 0.21% at September 30, 2003. Non-performing loans include loans primarily either 90 days or more delinquent or in the process of foreclosure. Loans 90 days or more delinquent have decreased approximately $1.2 million, while loans in various stages of foreclosure have also reflected a decrease since September 30, 2003 of $554 thousand. Real estate owned increased from $4.0 million at September 30, 2003 to $4.9 million at December 31, 2003. The balance of one- to four-family real estate owned is represented by 48 properties totaling $4.7 million, or an average balance of approximately $97 thousand at December 31, 2003 up from $91 thousand at September 30, 2003. Loans 30 to 89 days delinquent, which are not reported as non-performing loans, have decreased approximately 16.0% since September 30, 2003.

The following table presents the Company's non-performing loans, including non-accrual loans and real estate owned, at the dates indicated.

• The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of non-performing loans was 62.79% at December 31, 2003, compared to 50.87% at September 30, 2003. The increase in the ratio of allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans primarily resulted from the decrease in non-performing loans. Non-performing loans decreased $1.7 million, or 19.2% from September 30, 2003. There was no addition to the allowance for loan losses during the quarter. Net charge-offs year-to-date of $13 thousand represent 0.10% of average non-performing assets and less than 0.01% of the average outstanding balance of loans receivable.

The following table presents the Company's activity for the allowance for loan losses at the dates and for the periods indicated.

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:  Deposits, the largest component of liabilities, decreased $64.3 million from September 30, 2003. The decrease in deposits was primarily a result of a decrease in the balance of certificates of deposit. Other borrowings were completely paid off as of October 1, 2003 which resulted in a decrease of $81.1 million from September 30, 2003. The ending balance of advances from the FHLB decreased by $3.4 million due to the fair value adjustment recorded on the interest rate swap agreements entered into during the quarter ended December 31, 2003. Stockholders' equity decreased $19.1 million primarily as a result of dividends paid of $25.1 million partially offset by net income of $4.6 million.

• From September 30, 2003 to December 31, 2003, deposits decreased $64.3 million, or 1.5%, to $4.17 billion. The decrease was due to a decrease in certificates of $77.5 million, or approximately 2.8% of the balance of certificates at September 30, 2003. Although the Bank continues to be competitive in its markets with the rates that it offers on these accounts, maturing certificates generally have rates that are higher than those currently being offered and not all customers are reinvesting those dollars into certificates at current rates. Customers, in some cases, may be seeking higher yielding investments that are not be backed by FDIC insurance. The decrease in certificates was partially offset by increases in demand deposit and money market accounts of $9.9 million and $4.3 million, respectively. The decrease in deposits was funded with proceeds from the repayment of mortgage loans and mortgage-related securities.

The table below presents the Company's savings portfolio at the dates indicated.

The following table presents deposit activity for the periods indicated.

• The decrease in the balance of other borrowings was due to the Company paying off the balance of the loans on October 1, 2003 utilizing a capital distribution from the Bank of $81.0 million.

• Total stockholders' equity decreased $19.1 million, or 2.0%, from $976.4 million at September 30, 2003, to $957.3 million at December 31, 2003. At December 31, 2003, book value per share was $13.45 compared to $13.75 at September 30, 2003. Our equity to assets ratio was 11.42% at December 31, 2003, compared to 11.38% at September 30, 2003. The annualized return on average equity was 1.90% for the three months ended December 31, 2003.

		As of December 31, 2003
		Average for the Quarter Ended		End of Period
Share Information (not rounded):
	Basic shares	71,083,033		71,160,324
	Unallocated shares in Employee
	Stock Option Plan	2,015,836		1,965,974
	Unvested shares in Recognition
	and Retention Plan	264,109		267,000
	Total voting shares outstanding	73,362,978		73,393,298
	Diluted shares	72,644,118
	Treasury stock	18,149,309		18,118,989
	Basic shares less shares held by MHC	18,890,216		18,967,507

General.  For the three months ended December 31, 2003, the Company recognized net income of $4.6 million, compared to net income of $29.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2002, a decrease of $24.6 million, or 84.2%. The decrease in net income was directly related to the decrease in the net interest margin and a decrease in the amount of gain on mortgage loans sold due to the fact we did not sell any mortgage loans during the current quarter. The decrease in the net interest margin is due more to the rapid decline in yields on interest-earning assets than the decline in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities. The low interest rate environment experienced during the majority of 2003 resulted in high levels of prepayments, refinancing and modification of our mortgage-related assets. Our interest-bearing liabilities did not reprice at the same pace as our interest-earning assets due to the composition of our interest-bearing liabilities.

The Company's efficiency ratio for the quarter ended December 31, 2003 was 71.91% compared to 27.45% for the quarter ended December 31, 2002. The increase in the efficiency ratio was a result of the decrease in the net interest margin and other income and the increase in other expense. The efficiency ratio measures a financial institution's operating expense as a percent of its net interest margin and its other income. A lower value indicates that a financial institution is generating revenue with a lower level of expense. However, another measure of a financial institution's ability to operate efficiently is the ratio of operating expense to total average assets. The Company's operating expense ratio for the quarter ended December 31, 2003 was 0.93%, compared to 0.83% one year ago.

The following table presents average balance information for the periods indicated.

The following table presents average rate information for the periods indicated.

The table below presents the dollar amount of changes in interest income and interest expense for major components of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, comparing quarter ended December 31, 2003 to quarter ended December 31, 2002. For each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, information is provided on changes attributable to (1) changes in volume, which are changes in the average balance multiplied by the previous year's average rate, (2) changes in rate, which are changes in the average rate multiplied by the average balance from the previous year, and (3) changes due to both rate and volume, which are changes in the average balance multiplied by the change in the average rate.

Net Interest and Dividend Income.  Net interest and dividend income for the three months ended December 31, 2003 was $21.5 million, a decrease of $20.9 million, or 49.3%, from the same period last year. The net interest margin for the quarter decreased 93 basis points to 1.03% from 1.96% from the same quarter one year ago. The decrease in net interest and dividend income was primarily due to a decrease in the amount of interest and dividend income, partially offset by the decrease in total interest expense.

Interest and Dividend Income.  The amount of total interest and dividend income recorded for the quarter was $96.2 million, a decrease of $33.2 million, or 25.7%, from $129.4 million recorded one year ago. Interest and dividend income decreased primarily due to a decrease in interest on loans and mortgage-related securities caused by a decrease in the average yield on interest-earning assets from the same period one year ago. The decrease in loans and mortgage-related securities was partially offset by an increase in interest on investment securities. The decrease in interest and dividend income was also due, to a lesser extent, to a change in the mix of these assets. The average yield on interest-earning assets was 4.60%, a decrease of 139 basis points from one year ago.

• Interest on loans decreased from $82.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2002 to $61.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2003. This decrease of $20.9 million was primarily the result of the decrease in the average yield on loans and to lesser extent a decrease in the average balance of loans receivable. The average yield on loans decreased 134 basis points to 5.71% for the quarter ended December 31, 2003 from 7.05% one-year ago. The decrease in the yield on the loan portfolio was due to both lower origination rates compared to one year ago and the reduction in rates on mortgages held in our portfolio as a result of loan modifications. The average balance of loans receivable decreased $363.3 million to $4.33 billion for the three months ended December 31, 2003, compared to the same period one year ago. The decrease in the average balance of loans receivable was due to mortgage loan sales and mortgage loan prepayments primarily during the first quarter of fiscal year 2003. The p roceeds were used to fund loan originations, purchase mortgage-related securities and investment securities and fund the withdrawal of deposits. For the quarter ended December 31, 2003, the average balance of our loan portfolio comprised 51.8% of average interest-earning assets, down from 54.3% for the same period one year ago.
• Interest income on mortgage-related securities decreased $14.8 million to $22.8 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2003. The decrease was due primarily to a decrease in the average yield of 168 basis points from the quarter ended December 31, 2002 and to a lesser extent a decrease in the average balance of mortgage-related securities. The decrease in the yield was primarily caused by the high level of prepayments received on these securities, requiring that we amortize the net premium against earnings at a faster rate than we expected at the time of purchase. During the quarter, the Bank recorded $6.2 million in the amortization of these net premiums compared to $2.5 million of amortization in the same period one year ago. The prepayments of these higher yielding securities were reinvested into investment securities and mortgage-related securities. The mortgage-related securities purchased had lower yields than those securities that prepaid. A portion of the mortgage-related securities purchased over the past year were adjustable-rate. It is anticipated that at the time the adjustable rate mortgage-related securities become eligible to reprice that they will reprice upward and provide a greater yield than realized during their initial period. For the quarter ended December 31, 2003, the average balance of our mortgage-related securities portfolio comprised 33.1% of average interest earning assets, down from 35.0% for the same period one year ago.
• Interest income on investment securities increased $3.3 million from $6.7 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2002 to $10.0 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2003. This increase was due primarily to an increase in the average balance of $544.8 million, partially offset by a decrease in the average yield of 123 basis points from the quarter ended December 31, 2002. The increase in the average balance was due to the purchase of investments securities funded by proceeds from prepayments on mortgage loans and mortgage-related securities and mortgage loan sales. The yield decreased primarily due to the purchase of short-term agency bonds during December 2002. For the quarter ended December 31, 2003, the average balance of our investment securities portfolio comprised 13.0% of average interest-earning assets, up from 6.3% for the same period one year ago.

Interest Expense.  Interest expense decreased for the quarter ended December 31, 2003 to $74.6 million, down $12.3 million, or 14.1%, from the same period one year ago. The decrease in interest expense was primarily due to a decrease in the average cost on interest bearing liabilities from the same period one year ago. To a lesser extent the decrease in interest expense was also due to a decrease of $250.6 million in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities. The average cost of interest-bearing liabilities was 3.95%, down 52 basis points from one year ago. The decrease in the average cost was due primarily to the decrease of 90 basis points in the cost of deposits and to a lesser extent, the impact of the interest rate swap agreements entered into in December 2003.

• For the quarter ended December 31, 2003 interest expense on deposits was $25.0 million compared to $35.7 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2002, a decrease of $10.7 million. The primary reason for the decrease in interest expense on deposits was due to a decrease in the average rate paid on deposits of 90 basis points from the same quarter one year ago and to a lesser extent, the decrease in the average balance of deposits of $154.9 million from December 31, 2002. Specifically, the decrease in the average rate paid and the decrease in the average balance of certificates of deposit explain the overall decrease in deposits. The average rate on certificates decreased 94 basis points to 3.10% from the same period one year ago. The average balance of certificates decreased $307.5 million from December 31, 2002 to $2.76 billion at December 31, 2003.
• Interest expense on borrowings for the quarter ended December 31, 2003 was $49.7 million compared to $51.2 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2002. The decrease in interest expense on borrowings was primarily due to a decrease in the average balance of borrowings and to a lesser extent a decrease in the average rate paid on borrowings. The average balance of borrowings for the quarter ended December 31, 2003 was $3.23 billion compared to $3.33 billion for the quarter ended December 31, 2002, a decrease of $95.7 million, or 2.9%. The average balance of borrowings decreased primarily as a result of the Company's prepayment on its other borrowing. The average cost of borrowings for the quarter ended December 31, 2003 was 6.00%, down 4 basis points from the quarter ended December 31, 2002 due largely to entering into the interest rate swap agreements.

Provision for Loan Losses.  During the quarter, no additional provision for loan losses was recorded. The appropriateness of the provision, determined by management, is based upon an evaluation of then-existing economic and business conditions affecting our key lending areas and other conditions, such as credit quality trends, collateral values, loan volumes and concentrations and recent loss experience in particular segments of the portfolio that existed as of the balance sheet date and the impact that such conditions were believed to have had on the collectibility of loans. The amounts that might actually be recorded as losses can vary significantly from the estimated amounts.

Other Income.  During the quarter, other income was $5.9 million, down $17.5 million, over the same period one year ago. The decrease was primarily the result of the Bank not selling mortgage loans during the current quarter compared to the same quarter one year ago when the Bank sold most of its conforming new originations and modifications of single-family fixed rate mortgage loans which resulted in a gain of $17.2 million.

Other Expense.  Total other expense increased $1.6 million to $19.7 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2003 compared to $18.1 million for the same period in 2002. The change over the previous year was primarily due to increases in compensation expense and other expenses, offset by a decrease in deposit and loan transaction fees. Compensation expense increased primarily due to an increase in ESOP compensation expense related to the increase in our stock price. Other expenses, net, increased due to impairment charges on MSR.

Income Tax Expense.  Income tax expense decreased from $18.6 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2002, to $3.1 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2003. The effective tax rate for the quarter was 40.4%. The change in the effective rate represents an increase of 142 basis points from the effective rate for the same period, one year ago. The increase in the tax rate is primarily due to non-deductible expenses associated with the market value adjustment on ESOP shares. The decrease in the amount of income tax expense was a direct result of decreased earnings partially offset by the increase in the tax rate.

The following table presents performance ratios for the periods indicated.

The following table presents rate information at the dates indicated.

The Bank's liquidity, represented by cash and cash equivalents, mortgage-related securities available for sale and short-term investment securities is a product of its operating, investing and financing activities. The Bank's primary sources of funds are deposits, FHLB advances, prepayments on and maturities of outstanding loans and mortgage-related securities, other short-term investments and funds provided from operations. While scheduled payments from the amortization of loans and mortgage-related securities and short-term investments are relatively predictable sources of funds, deposit flows and loans and mortgage-related securities prepayments are greatly influenced by general interest rates, economic conditions and competition. In addition, we invest excess funds in short-term interest-earning assets, which provide additional control over liquidity levels to help meet operating requirements.

FHLB advances have been used to provide funds for lending and investment activities. FHLB lending guidelines have borrowing limits based upon their underwriting standards. At December 31, 2003, the Bank's ratio of advances to total assets, as reported to the Office of Thrift Supervision (the "OTS"), was 38.0%. Advances totaling up to 40 percent of total assets are allowed based upon a blanket pledge agreement and quarterly reporting to FHLB. Advances in excess of 40 percent of assets, but not exceeding 45 percent of total assets, may be approved by the President of FHLB based upon a review of documentation supporting the use of the advances. Advances in excess of 45 percent of total assets must be approved by the board of FHLB. In the past, the Bank has utilized convertible advances. Some advances have converted to fixed rate advances with the conversion option not exercised by FHLB. The Bank does not currently have authority to borrow from FHLB in excess of 40 percent of total assets. The Bank could util ize other sources for liquidity than FHLB and has done so in the past. Using other sources for liquidity is not currently contemplated by the Bank.

Liquidity management is both a daily and long-term function of our business management. Excess liquidity is generally invested in short-term investments such as overnight deposits or U.S. agency securities. We use our sources of funds primarily to meet our ongoing commitments, to pay maturing certificates of deposit and savings withdrawals, to fund loan commitments and to maintain our portfolio of investment and mortgage-related securities.

The Company, in the normal course of business, makes commitments to buy or sell assets or to incur or fund liabilities. Commitments include, but are not limited to:

• the origination, purchase or sale of loans,
• the purchase or sale of investment and mortgage-related securities,
• fulfillment of commitments under letters-of-credit, extensions of credit on home equity loans and construction loans,
• terms and conditions of operating leases, and
• funding withdrawals of savings accounts at maturity.

At December 31, 2003 our commitments were:

• approved loan originations and purchase commitments outstanding totaling $104.9 million.
• the unadvanced portion of construction loans totaling $31.0 million.
• unused home equity lines of credit totaling $266.9 million.
• outstanding standby letters of credit totaling $6 thousand.
• certificates of deposit scheduled to mature in one year or less totaling $1.41 billion.

We anticipate that we will continue to have sufficient funds, through repayments and maturities, deposits, and borrowings, to meet our current commitments.

As discussed in Note 6 of the consolidated interim financial statements, the Bank entered into interest rate swap agreements during December 2003. The Bank is utilizing the interest rate swap agreements to effectively reduce the interest expense associated with the FHLB advances. Under the agreements, we pay a variable rate of interest to the counterparties while they pay us a fixed rate of interest. The net benefit of the interest rate swap during the quarter ended December 31, 2003 was $853 thousand. The counterparties with whom we have entered into the interest rate swap agreements are rated as AA- or higher per our internal policies. The counterparties have different collateralization levels. Counterparties to the interest rate swaps require collateral for their exposure to the Bank not being able to meet its future obligations under the terms of the interest rate swap agreements. This would generally occur when the one month LIBOR rate plus the applicable margin exceeds the fixed rate the counterpart y is paying. The exposure is estimated daily by calculating a value for the swap on a net settlement basis. When the valuation indicates that the Bank has a future obligation to the counterparty, we may be required to post collateral sufficient to satisfy the counterparty's exposure. When required, the collateral pledged to the counterparty would be restricted and not available for sale. The Bank was not required to post collateral as of December 31, 2003. If the future obligation indicates that the Bank has a net receivable from the counterparties, the Bank could have a certain level of exposure to the extent the counterparties are not able to satisfy their obligations to the Bank.

In the normal course of business, the Company and its subsidiary are named defendants in various lawsuits and counter claims. In the opinion of management, after consultation with legal counsel, none of the suits are expected to have a materially adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements for the current interim period.

Contractual Obligations. We have entered into certain long-term debt, interest rate swap and lease agreements, which obligate us to make future payments to satisfy the related contractual obligations

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations with regard to our long-term debt and lease agreements as of September 30, 2003 and our interest rate swap agreements as of December 31, 2003. Actual maturities of the advances may differ from scheduled maturities as FHLB has the right to convert certain advances from fixed to floating rate. Under the interest rate swap agreements, the Bank receives a fixed rate and pays a variable rate tied to the one month LIBOR.

Consistent with our goals to operate a sound and profitable financial organization, we actively seek to maintain the Bank as a "well capitalized" institution in accordance with regulatory standards. Total equity for the Bank was $860.9 million at December 31, 2003, or 10.3% of its total assets on that date. As of December 31, 2003, the Bank exceeded all capital requirements of the OTS. The following table presents the Bank's regulatory capital ratios at December 31, 2003 based upon regulatory guidelines.

The ability of the Company to pay dividends to its shareholders is based upon the ability of the Bank to make capital distributions to the Company. Under OTS safe harbor regulations, the Bank may distribute to the Company capital not exceeding net income for the current calendar year and the prior two calendar years. Through September 30, 2003, the Bank operated under a waiver to the safe harbor regulation as a direct result of its modified dutch auction tender offer, completed in October 2001. Under OTS regulations, because the stock of the Bank was used to secure the loan, the proceeds of which were used to fund the purchase of shares tendered, the Bank received the proceeds of the loan. The Bank then had to distribute the proceeds to the Company. Because the proceeds of the loan and the recurring capital distributions of earnings were in excess of the safe harbor limits, the Bank has requested and received waivers since then to distribute capital to the Company.

In August 2003, the Bank received OTS approval to pay a capital distribution of $81.0 million from the Bank to the Company. The funds from the capital distribution were used to prepay the loans related to the modified dutch auction tender offer on October 1, 2003. As a result of the capital distribution, the Bank began a new time period under which waivers of capital distributions to the Company will be needed from the OTS. By prepaying the loan, the Company has increased its flexibility to meet its cash flow needs. The current waiver period will lapse on December 31, 2005. The Bank can not move earnings to the Company unless it continues to receive waivers from the OTS to the safe harbor regulation. Currently, the Bank has authorization from the OTS to move earnings from the Bank to the Company through the quarter ending June 30, 2004. Since the Bank maintains excess capital, operates in a safe and sound manner and complies with the interest rate risk management guidelines of the OTS, it is management's belief that we will be able to continue to receive waivers to pay, from the Bank to the Company, the earnings of the Bank. At December 31, 2003, the Company had a cash balance of $75.9 million.

For a complete discussion of the Company's asset and liability management policies, as well as the potential impact of interest rate changes upon the market value of the Company's portfolio, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Asset and Liability Management and Market Risk" in the Company's Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended September 30, 2003, attached as Exhibit 13 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2003.

The asset and liability management committee regularly reviews the interest rate risk position of the Bank by forecasting the impact of hypothetical, alternative, interest rate environments on net interest income and measuring the market value of portfolio equity at various dates. The market value of portfolio equity is defined as the net present value of an institution's existing assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet instruments. The present values are determined in alternative interest rate environments and evaluated against the potential changes in market value of portfolio equity.

The following tables set forth the estimated percentage change in our net interest income over the next four-quarter period and our market value of portfolio equity at December 31, 2003 and September 30, 2003, based on the indicated instantaneous, parallel and permanent changes in interest rates. The tables indicate the effects of the change in interest rates on the portfolios of assets and liabilities of the Bank as of December 31, 2003, as loans, mortgage-related securities, investment securities, interest rate swaps and deposits mature, reprice or repay. These are, however, not the earnings expectations of management, but instead indicate what would happen without management intervention.

The increased sensitivity to changes in interest rates and earnings, from September 30, 2003 to December 31, 2003, are reflective of the effect that the interest rate swaps have on our balance sheet to changes in interest rates.