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Astoria Financial Corporation Announces 13% Increase in Fourth Quarter EPS to $0.71 (Operating EPS $0.85); Full Year EPS Increases 20% to $3.00 (Operating EPS $3.13)

          Quarterly Cash Dividend Increased 20% to $0.30 Per Share;
                         3-for-2 Stock Split Declared

    LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Jan. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Astoria Financial
Corporation (NYSE: AF) ("Astoria"), the holding company for Astoria Federal
Savings and Loan Association ("Astoria Federal"), today reported net income
increased to $50.5 million, or $0.71 diluted earnings per share ("EPS"), for
the quarter ended December 31, 2004, up 5% and 13%, respectively, from $48.0
million, or $0.63 EPS, for the 2003 fourth quarter.  For the twelve months
ended December 31, 2004, net income increased to $219.5 million, or $3.00 EPS,
up 12% and 20%, respectively, from $196.8 million, or $2.49 EPS for the
comparable 2003 period.  Included in the fourth quarter and full year 2004
results is an other-than-temporary impairment after-tax non-cash charge of
$9.6 million, or $0.14 and $0.13 EPS, respectively, as reported in a press
release dated January 14, 2005.
    Operating earnings, operating EPS and operating returns, representing net
income and EPS determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles ("GAAP") excluding the effects of the after-tax non-cash charge
noted above, provide a meaningful comparison for effectively evaluating
Astoria's operating results.  For a reconciliation of operating earnings and
operating EPS to GAAP net income, EPS and related returns, please refer to the
table on page 13.

    2004 Fourth Quarter Financial Highlights:
    * Operating EPS:  $0.85, up 35% from comparable period last year
    * Net interest income:  $120.9 million, up 28% from comparable period last
      year
    * Net interest margin:  2.18%, up 25% from comparable period last year
    * Operating return on average assets:  1.04%, up 24% from comparable
      period last year
    * Operating return on average equity:  17.54%, up 29% from comparable
      period last year
    * Operating return on average tangible equity:  20.28%, up 30% from
      comparable period last year

    2004 Full Year Financial Highlights:
    * Operating EPS:  $3.13, up 26% from comparable period last year
    * Net interest income:  $470.6 million, up 24% from comparable period last
      year
    * Net interest margin:  2.17%, up 22% from comparable period last year
    * Operating return on average assets:  1.01%, up 16% from comparable
      period last year
    * Operating return on average equity:  16.50%, up 24% from comparable
      period last year
    * Operating return on average tangible equity:  19.04%, up 26% from
      comparable period last year
    * Total deposits increased $1.1 billion, or 10%, to $12.3 billion at
      December 31, 2004
    * Total loans increased $576.3 million, or 5%, to $13.3 billion at
      December 31, 2004
    * Multifamily/Commercial Real Estate ("CRE") loan portfolio increased
      $393.1 million, or 13%, to $3.5 billion at December 31, 2004 and
      represents 27% of total loans
    * Non-performing assets to total assets remains at just 14 basis points

    Commenting on the fourth quarter and full year results, George L. Engelke,
Jr., Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Astoria, noted, "The
quarter and full year operating results announced today were marked by
double-digit growth in operating earnings, operating earnings per share and
related returns and were favorably impacted by strong deposit and loan
growth."

    Board Increases Quarterly Cash Dividend 20%; Declares 3-for-2 Stock Split
    The Company also announced that the Board of Directors, at their January
19, 2005 meeting, declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 per share, an
increase of 20%, and declared a three-for-two stock split in the form of a 50%
stock dividend.  The cash dividend, representing the thirty-ninth consecutive
quarterly cash dividend declared, will be paid on the total number of shares
held before the stock split.  Shareholders will receive three shares of
Astoria Financial Corporation common stock for every two shares owned as of
the close of business on the record date.  The new shares will be distributed
and the cash dividend is payable on March 1, 2005 to shareholders of record at
the close of business on February 15, 2005.  As a result of the stock split,
the number of common shares outstanding will increase to approximately
110 million.  Commenting on the Board's action, Mr. Engelke said, "The
increase in the cash dividend is an indication of the Board's continued
confidence in the fundamental strength of the Company and its future
prospects.  The stock split should also benefit shareholders by increasing
liquidity and enhancing the marketability of our common stock."

    Tenth Stock Repurchase Program Continues
    During the 2004 fourth quarter, Astoria repurchased 1.5 million shares of
its common stock at an average cost of $39.12 per share.  For the twelve
months ended December 31, 2004, 6.0 million shares were repurchased at an
average cost of $37.23 per share.  The tenth repurchase program, which
commenced during the 2004 third quarter and authorizes the repurchase of eight
million shares, has approximately 4.6 million shares remaining.

    Board Sets Annual Shareholders' Meeting Date
    The Board of Directors, at their January 19, 2005 meeting, established May
18, 2005 as the date for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, with a voting
record date of March 25, 2005.

    Balance Sheet Summary
    Total assets increased to $23.4 billion at December 31, 2004 from
$22.8 billion at September 30, 2004 and $22.5 billion at December 31, 2003,
primarily due to strong loan growth.  For the quarter ended December 31, 2004,
total loans increased $459.1 million, or 14% annualized, to $13.3 billion at
December 31, 2004.  Total loan originations and purchases were $1.2 billion
for the 2004 fourth quarter compared to $1.5 billion for the 2003 fourth
quarter.  The volume decrease was the result of reduced mortgage loan
refinance activity due to higher interest rates in 2004 as compared to 2003.
Mortgage loan prepayments for the 2004 fourth quarter totaled $618.1 million
compared to $894.1 million during the 2003 fourth quarter.
    During the 2004 fourth quarter, the 1-4 family mortgage loan portfolio
increased $368.9 million, or 17% annualized, to $9.1 billion at December 31,
2004.  Loan originations and purchases totaled $1.0 billion for both the 2004
and 2003 fourth quarters, of which over 70% each year consisted of 3/1 and 5/1
adjustable rate mortgage loans.  1-4 family loan prepayments for the 2004
fourth quarter totaled $503.7 million compared to $656.7 million in the year
ago fourth quarter.  Commenting on the 1-4 family loan growth, Mr. Engelke
noted, "As anticipated, reduced prepayment activity and continued strong loan
origination volume has enabled us to turn the corner with respect to
increasing the 1-4 family loan portfolio.  We expect the strong growth of this
portfolio to continue in 2005."
    During the 2004 fourth quarter, the multifamily/CRE mortgage loan
portfolio increased $58.7 million to $3.5 billion at December 31, 2004.
Originations totaled $190.5 million for the 2004 fourth quarter compared to
$444.9 million for the 2003 fourth quarter.  The volume of multifamily/CRE
originations declined in the 2004 fourth quarter as we maintained our pricing
discipline in this very competitive market.  Prepayments for the 2004 fourth
quarter totaled $114.4 million compared to $237.4 million in the year ago
fourth quarter.
    For the twelve months ended December 31, 2004, total loans increased
$576.3 million and loan originations and purchases totaled $4.3 billion
compared to $7.3 billion for the comparable 2003 period.  The decrease in
mortgage loan volume was due to reduced mortgage loan refinance activity due
to higher interest rates in 2004 as compared to 2003.  Mortgage loan
prepayments for the twelve months ended December 31, 2004 totaled $3.0 billion
compared to $5.2 billion for the comparable 2003 period.
    For the twelve months ended December 31, 2004, 1-4 family loans increased
$83.7 million compared to a $238.3 million decrease in the portfolio for the
twelve months ended December 31, 2003.  Originations and purchases of 1-4
family loans for 2004 totaled $3.2 billion compared to $5.6 billion for the
comparable 2003 period.  1-4 family mortgage loan prepayments for the twelve
months ended December 31, 2004 totaled $2.4 billion compared to $4.4 billion
for the comparable 2003 period.
    For the twelve months ended December 31, 2004, multifamily and CRE loans
increased $393.1 million, or 13%, to $3.5 billion.  Originations decreased
$595.7 million to $1.1 billion compared to $1.7 billion for the 2003 twelve
month period.  Prepayments for the full year totaled $603.4 million compared
to $832.0 million for 2003.  The average loan-to-value ratio of the combined
multifamily and CRE loan portfolios continues to be less than 65%, based on
current principal balance and original appraised value, and the average loan
balance is less than $1 million.
    The Company's strong multifamily and CRE lending capabilities are
reflected in the growth of these portfolios since 1999:

    (Dollars in                                                        Change
     millions)  12/31/99 12/31/00 12/31/01 12/31/02 12/31/03 12/31/04 12/31/99
                                                                     -12/31/04
    Multifamily/
     CRE Loans    $1,014   $1,282   $1,693   $2,345   $3,111   $3,504    +246%
    % of Total
     Loans           10%      11%      14%      20%      25%      27%    +170%

    At December 31, 2004, non-performing loans totaled $32.6 million, or 0.14%
of total assets compared to $29.7 million, or 0.13% of total assets, at
December 31, 2003.  Net charge-offs for the quarter and year ended December
31, 2004 totaled just $45,000 and $363,000, respectively, or an annualized
rate of less than one basis point of average total loans outstanding.  The
ratio of the allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans at December 31,
2004 was 254%.
    Mortgage-backed securities ("MBS") totaled $8.5 billion, or 36% of total
assets, at December 31, 2004, unchanged from the previous quarter and up
$298.0 million from year-end 2003.  Of the total at year-end 2004,
$2.3 billion, equal to 10% of total assets, are categorized as
available-for-sale.
    During the 2004 fourth quarter, deposits increased $153.4 million to
$12.3 billion at December 31, 2004, primarily due to an increase in
certificate of deposit ("CD") accounts.  During the 2004 fourth quarter,
$960.0 million of CDs with a weighted average rate of 3.17% and an average
original term of 23 months matured and $1.1 billion of CDs were issued or
repriced at a weighted average rate of 2.82% for an average term of 19 months.
Checking accounts grew at an annualized rate of 12% in the 2004 fourth quarter
to $1.6 billion from $1.5 billion at the end of the 2004 third quarter.
    For the twelve months ended December 31, 2004, deposits increased
$1.1 billion, or 10%, primarily due to an increase in CD accounts.  During the
twelve month period, $3.9 billion of CDs, with a weighted average rate of
2.45% and an average original term of 16 months matured and $5.0 billion of
CDs were issued or repriced at a weighted average rate of 2.66% for an average
original term of 20 months.
    Our small business banking initiatives continue to produce solid growth in
business deposits.  These deposits, including savings, checking and money
market accounts, totaled $277.3 million at December 31, 2004, an increase of
$40.2 million, or 17%, from December 31, 2003.
    According to Mr. Engelke, "The strong growth in deposits reflects the
continued success of a marketing campaign focusing on medium and long-term
deposits that, in addition to contributing to the management of interest rate
risk, continues to produce new customers from our communities, creating
relationship development opportunities.  For example, of the new customers and
existing customers without checking accounts who opened the promotional CD
accounts, approximately 23% also opened low-cost checking accounts, the
linchpin for building long-term profitable customer relationships."
    Borrowings at December 31, 2004 totaled $9.5 billion, an increase of
$549.9 million from the previous quarter-end and a decrease of $162.2 million
from December 31, 2003.  The increase in borrowings in the 2004 fourth quarter
primarily funded mortgage loan growth that exceeded deposit growth and
provided temporary liquidity to fund a dividend payment to Astoria from
Astoria Federal.  It is anticipated that borrowings will be reduced during the
2005 first quarter by anticipated deposit inflows and securities cash flow.
    Stockholders' equity was $1.4 billion, or 5.85% of total assets at
December 31, 2004.  Astoria Federal continues to maintain capital ratios in
excess of regulatory requirements with core, tangible and risk-based capital
ratios of 5.99%, 5.99% and 12.44%, respectively, at December 31, 2004.

    Fourth Quarter and Full Year Earnings Summary
    Net interest income for the quarter ended December 31, 2004 increased 28%
to $120.9 million from $94.6 million for the 2003 fourth quarter and, for the
twelve months ended December 31, 2004, increased 24% to $470.6 million from
$379.5 million for the comparable 2003 twelve month period.
    Astoria's net interest margin for the quarter ended December 31, 2004 was
2.18% compared to 2.25% on a linked quarter basis and 1.74% for the prior year
fourth quarter.  The 7 basis point linked quarter decrease was attributable to
a slightly higher cost of funds and a slightly lower yield on earning assets
due to, among other things, the flattening of the yield curve.  The 44 basis
point fourth quarter year over year increase in the net interest margin is
primarily attributable to lower premium amortization expense.  For the twelve
months ended December 31, 2004, the net interest margin increased 39 basis
points to 2.17% from 1.78% for the full year 2003.  The increase is primarily
due to a 72% decline in net premium amortization expense, or $81.0 million, to
$32.0 million for 2004 from $113.0 million for 2003.  Details are highlighted
in the following chart:

            MBS and Mortgage Loan Net Premium Amortization Trends

                                      Year Over Year      Linked Quarter
    (Dollars in   4Q03  3Q04  4Q04  $ Change  % Change  $ Change  % Change
    millions)
    MBS          $12.7  $0.9  $0.3    $(12.4)     (98%)    $(0.6)     (67%)
    Mortgage
     Loans        $6.7  $4.8  $5.0     $(1.7)     (25%)     $0.2        4%
      Total      $19.4  $5.7  $5.3    $(14.1)     (73%)    $(0.4)      (7%)

                       Twelve Months Ended December 31,

    (Dollars in millions)    2003    2004    $ Change    % Change
    MBS                     $70.9    $8.1      $(62.8)       (89%)
    Mortgage Loans          $42.1   $23.9      $(18.2)       (43%)
      Total                $113.0   $32.0      $(81.0)       (72%)

    Non-interest income for the quarter ended December 31, 2004 totaled
$22.6 million, excluding the previously announced other-than-temporary
impairment non-cash pre-tax charge of $16.5 million, compared to $28.2 million
for the comparable 2003 period.  For the year ended December 31, 2004,
non-interest income totaled $96.6 million, excluding the previously announced
other-than-temporary impairment non-cash pre-tax charge of $16.5 million,
compared to $119.6 million for 2003.  The decreases for the fourth quarter and
full year were primarily due to lower other income and lower mortgage banking
income, net, which is further described below.  In the 2003 fourth quarter,
other income included a $10.1 million gain on the sale of a joint venture.
No net gain on sales of securities was recorded in the 2004 fourth quarter
compared to a net loss of $7.3 million recorded in the 2003 fourth quarter.
For the full year 2004 net gain on sales of securities totaled $4.7 million
compared to $7.3 million in 2003.
    Mortgage banking income, net, which is included in non-interest income,
decreased during the 2004 fourth quarter and full year as compared to the
respective 2003 periods as detailed in the table below:

    (Dollars in millions)           4Q04    4Q03    2004    2003
    Loan servicing fees             $1.4    $1.7    $5.8    $7.9
    Amortization of MSR*            (1.6)   (2.2)   (6.8)  (12.8)
    MSR valuation adjustments        0.3     2.9     2.2     3.1
    Net gain on sale of loans        0.7     1.9     3.5    12.1
    Mortgage banking income, net    $0.8    $4.3    $4.7   $10.3

    *Mortgage servicing rights

    General and administrative expense ("G&A") for the quarter and twelve
months ended December 31, 2004 totaled $53.4 million and $225.0 million,
respectively, compared to $50.7 million and $205.9 million in the comparable
2003 periods.  The increases are due primarily to increased compensation and
benefits expense; occupancy, equipment and systems expense, due to, among
other things, systems enhancements over the past year; a $3.2 million
arbitration award settlement in the 2004 third quarter; and increased goodwill
litigation expense incurred in connection with the commencement of a goodwill
lawsuit trial this week.

    Future Outlook
    Commenting on the outlook for 2005, Mr. Engelke stated, "The slope of the
U.S. Treasury yield curve, which has flattened considerably in 2004 and is
projected to continue to flatten during 2005, presents a challenge.
Nevertheless, we should continue to experience solid core business growth.
Deposit growth is expected to remain robust as we launch several new deposit
products, specifically a short-term Liquid CD account and a new business money
market account, to augment our very successful efforts in attracting medium
term CD accounts.  We will also continue to focus on building our checking
account deposit base, which we view as the linchpin to building long-term,
profitable customer relationships.  With respect to mortgage lending,
particularly 1-4 family lending, we are encouraged by the strength of the
purchase mortgage market and the reduced level of loan prepayments, which
should result in continued strong 1-4 family loan portfolio growth in 2005.
We also anticipate solid growth in the multifamily/CRE loan portfolios in
2005.  Notwithstanding core business growth, based on the projected further
flattening of the yield curve, we expect to limit asset growth by reducing the
securities and borrowing portfolios by approximately $1 billion each through
normal cash flow in 2005.  At the same time, we will continue to repurchase
our stock, as we continue to view this activity as a very desirable use of
capital."

    Astoria Financial Corporation, the holding company for Astoria Federal
Savings and Loan Association, with assets of $23.4 billion is the fifth
largest thrift institution in the United States.  Established in 1888, Astoria
Federal is the largest thrift depository headquartered in New York with
deposits of $12.3 billion and embraces its philosophy of Putting people first
by providing the customers and local communities it serves with quality
financial products and services through 86 convenient banking office locations
and multiple delivery channels, including its enhanced website,
http://www.astoriafederal.com.  Astoria Federal commands the fourth largest
deposit market share in the attractive Long Island market, which includes
Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk counties with a population exceeding that
of 39 individual states.  Astoria Federal originates mortgage loans through
its banking offices and loan production offices in New York, an extensive
broker network in twenty-four states, primarily the East Coast, and through
correspondent relationships in forty-four states.

    Earnings Conference Call January 20, 2005 at 3:30 p.m. (ET)
    The Company, as previously announced, indicated that Mr. Engelke will host
an earnings conference call Thursday afternoon, January 20, 2005 at 3:30 p.m.
(ET).  The toll-free dial-in number is (800) 406-5345.
    A replay will be available on January 20, 2005 from 7:00 p.m. (ET) through
January 28, 2005, 11:59 p.m. (ET).   The replay number is (888) 203-1112,
passcode: 184370.  The conference call will also be simultaneously webcast on
the Company's website http://www.astoriafederal.com and archived for one year.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This document contains a number of forward-looking statements within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section
21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  These statements may
be identified by the use of such words as "anticipate," "believe," "could,"
"estimate," "expect," "intend," "outlook," "plan," "potential," "predict,"
"project," "should," "will," "would" and similar terms and phrases, including
references to assumptions.
    Forward-looking statements are based on various assumptions and analyses
made by us in light of our management's experience and its perception of
historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as
well as other factors we believe are appropriate under the circumstances.
These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to
risks, uncertainties and other factors (many of which are beyond our control)
that could cause actual results to differ materially from future results
expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  These factors
include, without limitation, the following:  the timing and occurrence or
non-occurrence of events may be subject to circumstances beyond our control;
there may be increases in competitive pressure among financial institutions or
from non-financial institutions; changes in the interest rate environment may
reduce interest margins or affect the value of our investments; changes in
deposit flows, loan demand or real estate values may adversely affect our
business; changes in accounting principles, policies or guidelines may cause
our financial condition to be perceived differently; general economic
conditions, either nationally or locally in some or all of the areas in which
we do business, or conditions in the securities markets or the banking
industry may be less favorable than we currently anticipate; legislative or
regulatory changes may adversely affect our business; applicable technological
changes may be more difficult or expensive than we anticipate; success or
consummation of new business initiatives may be more difficult or expensive
than we anticipate; or litigation or matters before regulatory agencies,
whether currently existing or commencing in the future, may delay the
occurrence or non-occurrence of events longer than we anticipate.  We assume
no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or
circumstances after the date of this document.



                                                                       Page 8
    ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
    (In Thousands, Except Share Data)
                                                     At                At
                                                December 31,      December 31,
                                                    2004              2003
    ASSETS
    Cash and due from banks                       $138,809          $173,828
    Federal funds sold and repurchase agreements   267,578            65,926
    Mortgage-backed securities available-
     for-sale                                    2,280,187         2,498,315
    Other securities available-for-sale            126,696           156,677
    Mortgage-backed securities held-to-maturity
     (fair value of $6,265,283 and
      $5,761,666, respectively)                  6,261,883         5,745,706
    Other securities held-to-maturity
     (fair value of $41,477 and $47,451,
      respectively)                                 41,053            47,021
    Federal Home Loan Bank of New York stock,
     at cost                                       163,700           213,450
    Loans held-for-sale, net                        23,802            23,023
    Loans receivable:
      Mortgage loans, net                       12,746,134        12,248,772
      Consumer and other loans, net                517,145           438,215
                                                13,263,279        12,686,987
      Allowance for loan losses                    (82,758)          (83,121)
      Total loans receivable, net               13,180,521        12,603,866
    Mortgage servicing rights, net                  16,799            17,952
    Accrued interest receivable                     79,144            77,956
    Premises and equipment, net                    157,107           160,089
    Goodwill                                       185,151           185,151
    Bank owned life insurance                      374,719           370,310
    Other assets                                   118,720           122,324

    TOTAL ASSETS                               $23,415,869       $22,461,594

    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
    Liabilities:
      Deposits                                 $12,323,257       $11,186,594
      Reverse repurchase agreements              7,080,000         7,235,000
      Federal Home Loan Bank of New York
       advances                                  1,934,000         1,924,000
      Other borrowings, net                        455,835           473,037
      Mortgage escrow funds                        122,088           108,635
      Accrued expenses and other liabilities       130,925           137,797

    TOTAL LIABILITIES                           22,046,105        21,065,063

    Stockholders' equity:
      Preferred stock, $1.00 par value;
       5,000,000 shares authorized:
        Series A (1,225,000 shares authorized and
         - 0 - shares issued and outstanding)            -                 -
        Series B (2,000,000 shares authorized and
         - 0 - shares issued and outstanding)            -                 -
      Common stock, $.01 par value; (200,000,000
       shares authorized; 110,996,592 shares
       issued; and 73,536,446 and 78,670,254
       shares outstanding, respectively)             1,110             1,110
      Additional paid-in capital                   811,777           798,583
      Retained earnings                          1,624,126         1,481,546
      Treasury stock (37,460,146 and 32,326,338
       shares, at cost, respectively)           (1,013,726)         (811,993)
      Accumulated other comprehensive loss         (28,592)          (46,489)
      Unallocated common stock held by ESOP
       (4,536,441 and 4,760,054 shares,
         respectively)                             (24,931)          (26,226)

    TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                   1,369,764         1,396,531

    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $23,415,869       $22,461,594



                                                                     Page 9
    ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
    (In Thousands, Except Share Data)

                             For the Three Months     For the Twelve Months
                              Ended December 31,        Ended December 31,
                              2004         2003         2004          2003
    Interest income:
      Mortgage loans:
        One-to-four family  $107,375     $111,409      $428,229      $466,544
        Multi-family,
         commercial real
         estate and
         construction         55,821       54,701       220,703       203,785
      Consumer and other
       loans                   6,239        4,779        21,312        19,247
      Mortgage-backed
       securities             94,153       83,685       358,583       337,222
      Other securities         4,137        3,561        15,934        28,955
      Federal funds sold
       and repurchase
       agreements                439          102         1,140         1,538
    Total interest income    268,164      258,237     1,045,901     1,057,291
    Interest expense:
      Deposits                64,181       54,645       237,429       225,251
      Borrowed funds          83,104      108,945       337,906       452,502
    Total interest expense   147,285      163,590       575,335       677,753

    Net interest income      120,879       94,647       470,566       379,538
    Provision for loan
     losses                        -            -             -             -
    Net interest income
     after provision for
     loan losses             120,879       94,647       470,566       379,538
    Non-interest income:
      Customer service fees   14,905       14,163        58,524        59,841
      Other loan fees          1,169        1,688         4,805         7,556
      Net (loss) gain on
       sales of securities         -       (7,319)        4,651         7,346
      Other-than-temporary
       impairment write-
       down of securities    (16,520)           -       (16,520)            -
      Mortgage banking
       income, net               811        4,277         4,715        10,291
      Income from bank
       owned life insurance    4,248        4,801        17,134        19,978
      Other                    1,430       10,633         6,775        14,549
    Total non-interest income  6,043       28,243        80,084       119,561
    Non-interest expense:
      General and
       administrative:
        Compensation and
         benefits             27,138       26,770       118,684       110,349
        Occupancy, equipment
         and systems          16,158       15,024        64,592        59,892
        Federal deposit
         insurance premiums      446          456         1,775         1,896
        Advertising            1,521        1,090         6,583         5,833
        Other                  8,177        7,323        33,377        27,907
    Total non-interest
     expense                  53,440       50,663       225,011       205,877

    Income before income
     tax expense              73,482       72,227       325,639       293,222
    Income tax expense        22,966       24,268       106,102        96,376

    Net income                50,516       47,959       219,537       196,846

    Preferred dividends
     declared                      -            -             -        (4,500)

    Net income available to
     common shareholders     $50,516      $47,959      $219,537      $192,346


    Basic earnings per
     common share              $0.73        $0.65         $3.05         $2.52


    Diluted earnings per
     common share              $0.71        $0.63         $3.00         $2.49

    Basic weighted
     average common
     shares               69,596,676   74,316,446    71,953,939    76,383,304
    Diluted weighted
     average common and
     common equivalent
     shares               70,895,232   75,637,477    73,204,570    77,294,705



                                                             Page 10
    ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

    SELECTED FINANCIAL RATIOS AND OTHER DATA

                               At or For the           At or For the
                             Three Months Ended     Twelve Months Ended
                                December 31,            December 31,
                               2004     2003         2004          2003
                                (Annualized)
    Selected Returns and
     Financial Ratios
      Return on average
       stockholders'
       equity                 14.75 %  13.58 %       15.81 %      13.26 %
      Return on average
       tangible stockholders'
       equity (1)             17.05    15.63         18.25        15.15
      Return on average assets 0.87     0.84          0.97         0.87
      General and
       administrative expense
       to average assets       0.92     0.89          0.99         0.91
      Efficiency ratio (2)    42.10    41.23         40.86        41.25
      Net interest rate
       spread (3)              2.09     1.65          2.09         1.72
      Net interest margin (4)  2.18     1.74          2.17         1.78

    Selected Operating Returns
     and Financial Ratios (5)
      Operating return on
       average stockholders'
       equity                 17.54 %  13.58 %       16.50 %      13.26 %
      Operating return on
       average tangible
       stockholders'
       equity (1)             20.28    15.63         19.04        15.15
      Operating return on
       average assets          1.04     0.84          1.01         0.87
      Operating efficiency
       ratio (2)              37.26    41.23         39.67        41.25

    Asset Quality Data
     (dollars in thousands)
      Non-performing loans/
       total loans                                   0.25 %       0.23 %
      Non-performing loans/
       total assets                                  0.14         0.13
      Non-performing assets/
       total assets                                  0.14         0.14
      Allowance for loan
       losses/non-performing
       loans                                       254.02       280.10
      Allowance for loan
       losses/non-accrual
       loans                                       258.57       285.51
      Allowance for loan
       losses/total loans                            0.62         0.66
      Net charge-offs to
       average loans
       outstanding            0.00 %   0.00 %        0.00         0.00

      Non-performing assets                       $33,499      $31,311
      Non-performing loans                         32,579       29,676
      Loans 90 days past
       maturity but still
       accruing interest                              573          563
      Non-accrual loans                            32,006       29,113
      Net charge-offs          $45      $84           363          425

    Capital Ratios
     (Astoria Federal)
      Tangible                                       5.99 %       7.37 %
      Core                                           5.99         7.37
      Risk-based                                    12.44        15.39

    Other Data
      Cash dividends paid
       per common share      $0.25    $0.22         $1.00        $0.86
      Dividend payout ratio  35.21 %  34.92 %       33.33 %      34.54 %
      Book value per common
       share (6)                                   $19.85       $18.89
      Tangible book value
       per common share (7)                         17.17        16.39
      Average equity/average
       assets                 5.90 %   6.19 %        6.12 %       6.54 %
      Mortgage loans serviced
       for others
       (in thousands)                          $1,670,062   $1,895,102
      Full time equivalent
       employees                                    1,862        1,971

      (1) Average tangible stockholders' equity represents average
          stockholders' equity less average goodwill.
      (2) The efficiency ratio represents general and administrative expense
          divided by the sum of net interest income plus non-interest income.
      (3) Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the
          average yield on average interest-earning assets and the average
          cost of average interest-bearing liabilities.
      (4) Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by
          average interest-earning assets.
      (5) Operating returns and financial ratios exclude the
          other-than-temporary impairment write-down of securities charge of
          $9.6 million, after tax.
      (6) Book value per common share represents common stockholders' equity
          divided by outstanding common shares, excluding unallocated Employee
          Stock Ownership Plan, or ESOP, shares.
      (7) Tangible book value per common share represents common stockholders'
          equity less goodwill divided by outstanding common shares, excluding
          unallocated ESOP shares.



                                                             Page 11

    ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

    AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS

    (Dollars in Thousands)


                                  For the Three Months Ended December 31,
                                     2004                      2003
                                            Average                    Average
                          Average            Yield/  Average            Yield/
                          Balance  Interest  Cost    Balance  Interest  Cost
                                            (Annual-                  (Annual-
                                              ized)                     ized)
    Assets:

     Interest-
      earning
      assets:
       Mortgage
        loans (1):
         One-to-four
          family       $8,957,442  $107,375  4.79% $8,977,731  $111,409  4.96%
         Multi-family,
          commercial
          real estate
          and
          construction  3,580,890    55,821  6.24   3,123,763    54,701  7.00
       Consumer and
        other loans (1)   508,215     6,239  4.91     429,105     4,779  4.45
       Total loans     13,046,547   169,435  5.19  12,530,599   170,889  5.46
       Mortgage-backed
        securities (2)  8,690,529    94,153  4.33   8,692,026    83,685  3.85
       Other securities
        (2) (3)           360,828     4,137  4.59     467,850     3,561  3.04
       Federal funds
        sold and
        repurchase
        agreements         92,470       439  1.90      42,225       102  0.97
     Total interest-
      earning assets   22,190,374   268,164  4.83  21,732,700   258,237  4.75
     Goodwill             185,151                     185,151
     Other non-interest-
      earning assets      834,793                     921,476
     Total assets     $23,210,318                 $22,839,327

    Liabilities and
     stockholders'
     equity:
      Interest-bearing
       liabilities:
        Savings        $2,938,663     2,970  0.40  $2,937,759     2,955  0.40
        Money market      990,967     1,788  0.72   1,264,709     1,736  0.55
        NOW and demand
         deposit        1,569,387       237  0.06   1,471,362       222  0.06
        Certificates of
         deposit        6,724,096    59,186  3.52   5,510,619    49,732  3.61
        Total deposits 12,223,113    64,181  2.10  11,184,449    54,645  1.95
        Borrowed funds  9,281,827    83,104  3.58   9,935,202   108,945  4.39
      Total interest-
       bearing
       liabilities     21,504,940   147,285  2.74  21,119,651   163,590  3.10
      Non-interest-
       bearing
       liabilities        335,102                     306,936
    Total liabilities  21,840,042                  21,426,587
    Stockholders'
     equity             1,370,276                   1,412,740
    Total liabilities
     and stockholders'
     equity           $23,210,318                 $22,839,327

    Net interest
     income/net
     interest rate
     spread                        $120,879  2.09%              $94,647  1.65%
    Net interest-
     earning assets/
     net interest
     margin              $685,434            2.18%   $613,049            1.74%
    Ratio of interest-
     earning assets to
     interest-bearing
     liabilities            1.03x                       1.03x

    (1)  Mortgage and consumer and other loans include loans held-for-sale and
         non-performing loans and exclude the allowance for loan losses.
    (2)  Securities available-for-sale are reported at average amortized cost.
    (3)  Other securities include Federal Home Loan Bank of New York stock.



                                                             Page 12

    ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

    AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS

     (Dollars in Thousands)

                                 For the Twelve Months Ended December 31,
                              2004                          2003
                                            Average                    Average
                          Average            Yield/  Average            Yield/
                          Balance  Interest  Cost    Balance  Interest  Cost

    Assets:
     Interest-
      earning
      assets:
       Mortgage
        loans (1):
         One-to-four
          family       $8,894,219  $428,229  4.81% $8,990,636  $466,544  5.19%
         Multi-family,
          commercial
          real estate
          and
          construction  3,419,369   220,703  6.45   2,757,481   203,785  7.39
       Consumer and
        other loans (1)   478,195    21,312  4.46     410,095    19,247  4.69
       Total loans     12,791,783   670,244  5.24  12,158,212   689,576  5.67
       Mortgage-backed
        securities (2)  8,395,987   358,583  4.27   8,491,108   337,222  3.97
       Other securities
        (2) (3)           384,033    15,934  4.15     529,592    28,955  5.47
       Federal funds
        sold and
        repurchase
        agreements         86,625     1,140  1.32     136,272     1,538  1.13
     Total interest-
      earning assets   21,658,428 1,045,901  4.83  21,315,184 1,057,291  4.96
     Goodwill             185,151                     185,151
     Other non-interest-
      earning assets      848,106                   1,176,908
    Total assets      $22,691,685                 $22,677,243

    Liabilities and
     stockholders'
     equity:
      Interest-bearing
       liabilities:
        Savings        $2,973,054    11,920  0.40  $2,907,541    13,198  0.45
        Money market    1,088,915     6,379  0.59   1,403,363     9,934  0.71
        NOW and demand
         deposit        1,534,822       921  0.06   1,469,805     1,526  0.10
        Certificates of
         deposit        6,211,014   218,209  3.51   5,419,725   200,593  3.70
        Total deposits 11,807,805   237,429  2.01  11,200,434   225,251  2.01
        Borrowed funds  9,184,928   337,906  3.68   9,690,325   452,502  4.67
      Total interest-
       bearing
       liabilities     20,992,733   575,335  2.74  20,890,759   677,753  3.24
      Non-interest-
       bearing
       liabilities        310,662                     302,391
    Total liabilities  21,303,395                  21,193,150
    Stockholders'
     equity             1,388,290                   1,484,093
    Total liabilities
     and stockholders'
     equity           $22,691,685                 $22,677,243

    Net interest
     income/net
     interest rate
     spread                        $470,566  2.09%             $379,538  1.72%
    Net interest-
     earning assets/net
     interest margin     $665,695            2.17%   $424,425            1.78%
    Ratio of interest-
     earning assets to
     interest-bearing
     liabilities            1.03x                       1.02x

    (1)  Mortgage and consumer and other loans include loans held-for-sale and
         non-performing loans and exclude the allowance for loan losses.
    (2)  Securities available-for-sale are reported at average amortized cost.
    (3)  Other securities include Federal Home Loan Bank of New York stock.



                                                              Page 13
    ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

    Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income to Operating Earnings

                   For the Three Months Ended     For the Twelve Months Ended
                       December 31, 2004               December 31, 2004
                  GAAP    Adjustments Operating   GAAP   Adjustments Operating
    Net interest
     income after
     provision
     for loan
     losses    $120,879        $-      $120,879  $470,566      $-    $470,566
    Non-interest
     income       6,043    16,520        22,563    80,084  16,520      96,604
    Non-interest
     expense     53,440         -        53,440   225,011       -     225,011
    Income before
     income tax
     expense     73,482    16,520        90,002   325,639  16,520     342,159
    Income tax
     expense     22,966     6,945        29,911   106,102   6,945     113,047
    Net income  $50,516    $9,575       $60,091  $219,537  $9,575    $229,112

    Basic earnings
     per common
     share        $0.73     $0.14         $0.86     $3.05   $0.13       $3.18
    Diluted earnings
     per common
     share        $0.71     $0.14         $0.85     $3.00   $0.13       $3.13

    The above adjustments relate to the $16.5 million other-than-temporary
    impairment write-down of $120.0 million of Freddie Mac preferred stock and
    the related tax effects.


SOURCE Astoria Financial Corporation




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  • http://www.astoriafederal.com
    Company News On-Call:
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    CONTACT:
    Peter J. Cunningham, First Vice President,
    Investor Relations, Astoria Financial Corporation,
    +1-516-327-7877, ir@astoriafederal.com