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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

 
(Mark One)
x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended                                 March 31, 2005
or
 
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from   to  
   
Commission File Number: 1-5273-1
   
Sterling Bancorp

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
New York   13-2565216

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification)
     
650 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y.   10019-6108

(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)
     
212-757-3300

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
N/A

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

x Yes  o No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act,

x Yes  o No

As of April 30, 2005 there were 18,346,597 shares of common stock,
$1.00 par value, outstanding.




STERLING BANCORP
 
  Page
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION    
           
  Item 1. Financial Statements    
         
    Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) 3  
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 8  
         
  Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial    
      Condition and Results of Operations    
         
    Overview 12  
    Income Statement Analysis 13  
    Balance Sheet Analysis 15  
    Capital 19  
    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 20  
    Average Balance Sheets 21  
    Rate/Volume Analysis 22  
    Regulatory Capital and Ratios 23  
         
  Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About    
      Market Risk    
         
    Asset/Liability Management 24  
    Interest Rate Sensitivity 28  
         
  Item 4. Controls and Procedures 29  
         
PART II OTHER INFORMATION    
         
  Item 6. Exhibits 30  
         
SIGNATURES 31  
         
EXHIBIT INDEX    
         
  Exhibit 11 Statement Re: Computation of Per Share Earnings 33  
         
  Exhibit 31 Certifications of the CEO and CFO pursuant to
Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)
34  
         
  Exhibit 32 Certifications of the CEO and CFO required by
Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the
U.S. Code
36  

2



STERLING BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
 
ASSETS March 31,
2005
   December 31,
2004
  
 
  
  
Cash and due from banks $ 66,568,719    $ 48,842,418   
Interest-bearing deposits with other banks    4,088,863       1,329,103   
Federal funds sold    35,000,000         
                    
Securities available for sale    136,046,825       169,824,385   
Securities available for sale - pledged    83,057,892       63,937,786   
Securities held to maturity    329,712,425       323,152,347   
Securities held to maturity - pledged    157,738,965       123,305,216   
 
  
  
        Total investment securities    706,556,107       680,219,734   
 
  
  
                    
Loans held for sale    26,614,855       37,058,673   
 
  
  
Loans held in portfolio, net of unearned discounts    976,607,955       1,022,286,479   
Less allowance for loan losses    16,782,405       16,328,528   
 
  
  
        Loans, net    959,825,550       1,005,957,951   
 
  
  
Customers’ liability under acceptances    807,341       628,965   
Excess cost over equity in net assets of the
  banking subsidiary
   21,158,440       21,158,440   
Premises and equipment, net    10,726,956       10,674,708   
Other real estate    534,382       766,620   
Accrued interest receivable    5,987,105       5,604,781   
Bank owned life insurance    26,803,160       26,553,145   
Other assets    36,580,778       32,317,224   
 
  
  
   $ 1,901,252,256    $ 1,871,111,762   
 
  
  
           
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY               
Deposits                  
  Noninterest-bearing deposits $ 468,713,500    $ 511,307,018   
  Interest-bearing deposits    919,868,989       832,544,097   
 
  
  
        Total deposits    1,388,582,489       1,343,851,115   
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase - customers    82,980,843       55,934,170   
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase - dealers    43,697,000       33,882,000   
Federal funds purchased          32,500,000   
Commercial paper    38,810,149       25,991,038   
Other short-term borrowings    387,130       2,517,375   
Acceptances outstanding    807,341       628,965   
Accrued expenses and other liabilities    80,705,168       91,329,506   
Long-term debt    115,774,000       135,774,000   
 
  
  
        Total liabilities    1,751,744,120       1,722,408,169   
 
  
  
           
Shareholders’ equity                  
Common stock, $1 par value. Authorized 50,000,000 shares;
    issued 19,945,008 and 19,880,521 shares, respectively
   19,945,008       19,880,521   
Capital surplus    146,263,037       145,310,745   
Retained earnings    30,972,751       28,664,568   
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax    (4,263,610 )    (1,921,060 )
 
  
  
      192,917,186       191,934,774   
 
  
  
           
Less               
  Common shares in treasury at cost, 1,652,567
    and 1,642,996 shares, respectively
   43,189,007       42,939,969   
  Unearned compensation    220,043       291,212   
 
  
  
        Total shareholders’ equity    149,508,136       148,703,593   
 
  
  
   $ 1,901,252,256    $ 1,871,111,762   
  
  
  
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

3




STERLING BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
 
   Three Months Ended
March 31,
  
   2005    2004   
  
  
  
INTEREST INCOME               
  Loans $ 18,376,415    $ 15,081,995   
  Investment securities                  
    Available for sale    2,501,644       3,691,820   
    Held to maturity    5,210,223       4,706,408   
  Federal funds sold    109,861       50,342   
  Deposits with other banks    6,183       4,109   
  
  
  
        Total interest income    26,204,326       23,534,674   
  
  
  
                 
INTEREST EXPENSE               
  Deposits    3,451,595       2,473,145   
  Securities sold under agreements
    to repurchase
   585,647       315,632   
  Federal funds purchased    20,782       15,890   
  Commercial paper    160,066       62,762   
  Other short-term borrowings    5,003       112,194   
  Long-term debt    1,478,953       1,559,692   
  
  
  
        Total interest expense    5,702,046       4,539,315   
  
  
  
Net interest income    20,502,280       18,995,359   
Provision for loan losses    2,648,500       2,426,500   
  
  
  
Net interest income after provision
  for loan losses
   17,853,780       16,568,859   
  
  
  
                    
NONINTEREST INCOME                  
  Factoring income    1,417,314       1,426,869   
  Mortgage banking income    3,875,847       3,631,391   
  Service charges on deposit accounts    1,197,024       1,063,343   
  Trade finance income    420,454       492,807   
  Trust fees    172,278       181,697   
  Other service charges and fees    302,260       474,404   
  Bank owned life insurance income    250,014       233,695   
  Securities gains    196,680       536,304   
  Other income    164,329       183,599   
  
  
  
        Total noninterest income    7,996,200       8,224,109   
  
  
  
         
NONINTEREST EXPENSES                  
  Salaries    8,156,603       7,677,109   
  Employee benefits    1,750,205       1,926,138   
  
  
  
    Total personnel expense    9,906,808       9,603,247   
  Occupancy expenses, net    1,314,682       1,229,638   
  Equipment expenses    764,158       756,154   
  Advertising and marketing    1,116,323       1,093,460   
  Professional fees    1,531,179       913,671   
  Data processing fees    257,510       287,460   
  Stationery and printing    194,099       266,571   
  Communications    383,281       406,727   
  Other expenses    1,508,388       1,392,302   
  
  
  
        Total noninterest expenses    16,976,428       15,949,230   
  
  
  
Income before income taxes    8,873,552       8,843,738   
Provision for income taxes    3,106,829       3,636,804   
  
  
  
Net income $ 5,766,723    $ 5,206,934   
  
  
  
Average number of common
 shares outstanding
                 
  Basic    18,258,783       18,220,065   
  Diluted    18,926,688       19,210,918   
Earnings per average common share                  
  Basic $ 0.32    $ 0.29   
  Diluted    0.30       0.27   
Dividends per common share    0.19       0.16   
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

4



STERLING BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2005 2004
 
 
 
             
Net Income $ 5,766,723   $ 5,206,934  
             
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:            
 Unrealized holding (losses)/gains
   arising during the period
  (1,848,451 )   1,427,580  
             
 Reclassification adjustment for
   gains included in net income
  (106,404 )   (290,141 )
             
 Unrealized (losses)/gains supplemental pension   (387,695 )   344,110  
 
 
 
             
Comprehensive income $ 3,424,173   $ 6,688,483  
 
 
 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

5



STERLING BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
(Unaudited)
 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2005 2004
 
 
 
Preferred Stock        
  Balance at January 1 $   $ 2,244,320  
  Conversions of Series D shares       (2,244,320 )
 
 
 
  Balance at March 31 $   $  
 
 
 
Common Stock            
  Balance at January 1 $ 19,880,521   $ 19,275,964  
  Conversions of preferred shares into common shares       428,304  
  Common shares issued under stock incentive plan   64,487     83,701  
 
 
 
  Balance at March 31 $ 19,945,008   $ 19,787,969  
 
 
 
Capital Surplus            
  Balance at January 1 $ 145,310,745   $ 141,179,832  
  Conversions of preferred shares into common shares       1,816,016  
  Common shares issued under stock incentive plan
    and related tax benefits
  952,292     1,217,712  
 
 
 
  Balance at March 31 $ 146,263,037   $ 144,213,560  
 
 
 
Retained Earnings            
  Balance at January 1 $ 28,664,568   $ 16,166,517  
  Net Income   5,766,723     5,206,934  
  Cash dividends paid - common shares   (3,458,540 )   (2,918,800 )
 
 
 
  Balance at March 31 $ 30,972,751   $ 18,454,651  
 
 
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
  Balance at January 1 $ (1,921,060 ) $ (1,131,803 )
 
 
 
  Unrealized holding (losses)/gains
    arising during the period:
     Before tax   (3,416,732 )   2,638,779  
     Tax effect   1,568,281     (1,211,199 )
 
 
 
       Net of tax   (1,848,451 )   1,427,580  
 
 
 
  Reclassification adjustment for gains
   included in net income:
     Before tax   (196,680 )   (536,304 )
     Tax effect   90,276     246,163  
 
 
 
       Net of tax   (106,404 )   (290,141 )
 
 
 
  Unrealized (losses)/gains supplemental pension:
     Before tax   (716,630 )   636,063  
     Tax effect   328,935     (291,953 )
 
 
 
       Net of tax   (387,695 )   344,110  
 
 
 
  Balance at March 31 $ (4,263,610 ) $ 349,746  
 
 
 
Treasury Stock            
  Balance at January 1 $ (42,939,969 ) $ (33,577,847 )
  Surrender of shares issued under            
    incentive compensation plan   (249,038 )   (251,484 )
 
   
 
  Balance at March 31 $ (43,189,007 ) $ (33,829,331 )
 
 
 
Unearned Compensation            
  Balance at January 1 $ (291,212 ) $ (894,976 )
  Amortization of unearned compensation   71,169     185,670  
 
 
 
  Balance at March 31 $ (220,043 ) $ (709,306 )
 
 
 
Total Shareholders’ Equity            
  Balance at January 1 $ 148,703,593   $ 143,262,007  
  Net changes during the period   804,543     5,005,282  
 
 
 
  Balance at March 31 $ 149,508,136   $ 148,267,289  
 
 
 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

6



STERLING BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2005 2004
 
 
 
Operating Activities        
  Net Income $ 5,766,723   $ 5,206,934  
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided            
   by (used in) operating activities:            
    Provision for loan losses   2,648,500     2,426,500  
    Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment   454,454     419,137  
    Securities gains   (196,680 )   (536,304 )
    Income from bank owned life insurance   (250,014 )   (233,695 )
    Deferred income tax benefit   (189,692 )   (149,565 )
    Net change in loans held for sale   10,443,818     (7,870,437 )
    Amortization of unearned compensation   71,169     185,670  
    Amortization of premiums on securities   266,241     333,904  
    Accretion of discounts on securities   (148,267 )   (97,977 )
    Increase in accrued interest receivable   (382,324 )   (349,692 )
    Decrease in accrued expenses and            
     other liabilities   (10,624,338 )   (3,596,194 )
    Increase in other assets   (2,415,307 )   (2,694,981 )
    Other, net   (636,733 )   (251,484 )
 
 
 
     Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities   4,807,550     (7,208,184 )
 
 
 
             
Investing Activities            
  Purchase of premises and equipment   (506,702 )   (897,753 )
  Net increase in interest-bearing deposits            
   with other banks   (2,759,760 )   (819,213 )
  Increase in Federal funds sold   (35,000,000 )    
  Net decrease in loans held in portfolio   43,483,901     45,425,831  
  Decrease (Increase) in other real estate   232,238     (462,222 )
  Proceeds from prepayments, redemptions or maturities            
   of securities - held to maturity   22,878,255     29,621,561  
  Purchases of securities - held to maturity   (63,978,499 )   (43,387,576 )
  Proceeds from sales of securities - available for sale   2,932,250     37,031,642  
  Proceeds from prepayments, redemptions or maturities            
   of securities - available for sale   16,658,176     12,592,171  
  Purchases of securities - available for sale   (8,361,260 )   (63,180,944 )
 
 
 
     Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities   (24,421,401 )   15,923,497  
 
 
 
             
Financing Activities            
  Net decrease in noninterest-bearing deposits   (42,593,518 )   (44,795,328 )
  Net increase in interest-bearing deposits   87,324,892     56,351,896  
  Decrease in Federal funds purchased   (32,500,000 )   (10,000,000 )
  Net increase in securities sold under agreements            
   to repurchase   36,861,673     19,368,622  
  Net increase (decrease) in commercial paper and            
   other short-term borrowings   10,688,866     (45,852,381 )
  Net decrease in long-term borrowings   (20,000,000 )    
  Proceeds from exercise of stock options   1,016,779     939,697  
  Cash dividends paid on common and preferred stock   (3,458,540 )   (2,918,800 )
 
 
 
        Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   37,340,152     (26,906,294 )
 
 
 
             
Net increase (decrease) in cash and due from banks   17,726,301     (18,190,981 )
Cash and due from banks - beginning of period   48,842,418     63,947,722  
 
 
 
Cash and due from banks - end of period $ 66,568,719   $ 45,756,741  
 
 
 
             
Supplemental disclosures:            
  Interest paid $ 5,584,920   $ 4,479,390  
  Income taxes paid   7,756,600     5,942,600  
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

7



STERLING BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)

 
1.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Sterling Bancorp (“the parent company”) and its subsidiaries, principally Sterling National Bank and its subsidiaries (“the bank”), after elimination of material intercompany transactions. The term “the Company” refers to Sterling Bancorp and its subsidiaries. The consolidated financial statements as of and for the interim periods ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 are unaudited; however, in the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, necessary for a fair presentation of such periods have been made. Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2004 consolidated financial statements to conform to the current presentation. The interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004. The Company effected a six-for-five stock split on December 8, 2004, a five-for-four stock split on September 10,2003 and paid stock dividends as follows: 20% on December 9, 2002; 10% on December 10, 2001; 10% on December 11, 2000; and 5% on December 14, 1999. Fractional shares were cashed-out and payments were made to shareholders in lieu of fractional shares. All capital and share amounts as well as basic and diluted average number of shares outstanding and earnings per average common share information for all prior reporting periods have been restated to reflect the effect of the stock splits and stock dividends.
 
2.
At March 31, 2005, the Company has a stock-based employee compensation plan, which is described more fully in Note 1 and Note 15 of the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004. The Company accounts for this plan under the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related Interpretations. No stock-based employee compensation cost is reflected in net income, as all options granted under those plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. In accordance with SFAS No. 148, the following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per average common share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, to the stock-based employee compensation plans.
   
  Three Months Ended March 31, 2005    2004   
 

  
  
  Net income available for            
      common shareholders $ 5,766,723    $ 5,206,934   
  Deduct: Total stock-based employee                  
      compensation expense determined under                  
      fair value based method for all awards,                  
      net of related tax effects    (61,395 )    (59,488 )
    
  
  
                       
  Pro forma, net income $ 5,705,328    $ 5,147,446   
    
  
  
                      
  Earnings per average common share:                  
      Basic- as reported $ 0.32    $ 0.29   
      Basic- pro forma    0.31       0.28   
      Diluted- as reported    0.30       0.27   
      Diluted- pro forma    0.30       0.27   


8



STERLING BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)

 
3.
The major components of domestic loans held for sale and loans held in portfolio are as follows:
   
        March 31,   
    
  
        2005       2004   
    
  
  
           
  Loans held for sale               
   Real estate-mortgage $ 26,614,855    $ 48,426,817   
    
  
  
  Loans held in portfolio                  
   Commercial and industrial $ 556,229,669    $ 509,376,472   
   Lease financing    186,476,009       173,423,983   
   Real estate-mortgage    241,517,928       163,288,645   
   Real estate-construction    2,313,541       2,354,375   
   Installment    13,372,051       16,012,469   
   Loans to depository institutions          10,000,000   
    
  
  
                      
   Loans held in portfolio, gross    999,909,198       874,455,944   
   Less unearned discounts    23,301,243       21,448,240   
    
  
  
                      
   Loans held in portfolio, net of                  
    unearned discounts $ 976,607,955    $ 853,007,704   
    
  
  
   
4.    
SFAS No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information, established standards for the way that public business enterprises report and disclose selected information about operating segments in interim financial statements provided to stockholders.
 
The Company provides a broad range of financial products and services, including commercial loans, asset-based financing, factoring and accounts receivable management services, trade financing, equipment leasing, corporate and consumer deposit services, commercial and residential mortgage lending and brokerage, trust and estate administration and investment management services. The Company’s primary source of earnings is net interest income, which represents the difference between interest earned on interest-earning assets and the interest incurred on interest-bearing liabilities. The Company’s 2005 year-to-date average interest-earning assets were 58.2% loans (corporate lending was 68.4% and real estate lending was 28.1% of total loans, respectively) and 40.6% investment securities and money market investments. There are no industry concentrations exceeding 10% of loans, gross, in the corporate loan portfolio. Approximately 67% of loans are to borrowers located in the metropolitan New York area. In order to comply with the provisions of SFAS No. 131, the Company has determined that it has three reportable operating segments: corporate lending, real estate lending and company-wide treasury.

9



STERLING BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)

The following tables provide certain information regarding the Company’s operating segments for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2005 and 2004:

 
  Corporate
Lending
  Real Estate
Lending
  Company-wide
Treasury
  Totals  
  
  
  
  
  
Three Months Ended March 31, 2005                                    
Net interest income $ 9,238,064   $ 4,854,012   $ 5,719,571   $ 19,811,647  
Noninterest income   2,963,485     3,937,645     462,656     7,363,786  
Depreciation and amortization   92,809     88,960     606     182,375  
Segment income before taxes   3,833,990     4,581,958     7,648,608     16,064,556  
Segment assets   678,858,374     317,412,358     857,394,953     1,853,665,685  
  
  
Three Months Ended March 31, 2004                                    
Net interest income $ 8,343,016   $ 3,806,233   $ 6,400,231   $ 18,549,480  
Noninterest income   2,925,051     3,703,428     849,373     7,477,852  
Depreciation and amortization   60,781     99,771         160,552  
Segment income before taxes   2,623,245     4,068,608     7,906,229     14,598,082  
Segment assets   677,522,971     221,637,058     801,324,440     1,700,484,469  
 

The following table sets forth reconciliations of net interest income, noninterest income, profits and assets of reportable operating segments to the Company’s consolidated totals:

 
  Three Months Ended March 31,  
 
 
2005 2004
  
  
  
                    
Net interest income:            
   Total for reportable operating segments $ 19,811,647    $ 18,549,480  
   Other [1]    690,633       445,879  
  
  
 
                   
Consolidated net interest income $ 20,502,280    $ 18,995,359  
  
  
 
                   
Noninterest income:                 
   Total for reportable operating segments $ 7,363,786    $ 7,477,852  
   Other [1]    632,414       746,257  
  
  
 
                   
Consolidated noninterest income $ 7,996,200    $ 8,224,109  
  
  
 
                   
Income before taxes:                 
   Total for reportable operating segments $ 16,064,556    $ 14,598,082  
   Other [1]    (7,191,004 )    (5,754,344 )
  
  
  
                    
Consolidated income before income taxes $ 8,873,552    $ 8,843,738  
  
  
 
                   
Assets:                 
   Total for reportable operating segments $ 1,853,665,685    $ 1,700,484,469  
   Other [1]    47,586,571       35,920,393  
  
  
  
                    
Consolidated assets $ 1,901,252,256    $ 1,736,404,862
  
  
  
   
 [1]

Represents operations not considered to be a reportable segment and/or general operating expenses of the Company.


10



STERLING BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)

 
5. The following information is provided in connection with the sales of available for sale securities:
   
  Three Months Ended March 31, 2005   2004  
 

 
 
     Proceeds $ 2,932,250   $ 37,031,642  
               
     Gross Gains   196,680     536,304  
               
     Gross Losses        
   
6. In February 2004, 224,432 Series D preferred shares were converted into 428,304 common shares.
   
7. The following tables set forth the disclosures required for net periodic benefit cost and net benefit cost:
   
  Three Months Ended March 31, 2005   2004  
 

 
 
  COMPONENTS OF NET PERIODIC COST        
  Service Cost $ 403,843   $ 410,546  
  Interest Cost   509,493     516,744  
  Expected return on plan assets   (442,549 )   (452,029 )
  Amortization of prior service cost   19,116     19,331  
  Recognized actuarial loss   207,354     209,121  
   
 
 
               
  Net periodic benefit cost   697,257     703,713  
               
  Settlement gain       (1,331,190 )
   
 
 
  Net benefit cost $ 697,257   $ (627,477 )
   
 
 
   
 
The Company previously disclosed in its financial statements for the year ended December 31,2004, that it expected to contribute approximately $3,000,000 to the defined benefit pension plan in 2005. No contribution has been made as of March 31, 2005.
 
8.   
In April, 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) delayed the compliance date of SFAS No. 123R, Share-Based Payment. SFAS No. 123R was originally scheduled to be effective as of the first interim or annual reporting period beginning after June 15, 2005. As a result of the SEC’s action, SFAS No. 123R will be effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2006. SFAS No. 123R provides alternative transition methods and the Company has not yet determined which transition method it will apply upon adoption of SFAS No. 123R. The impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements will depend on the transition method selected.

11



ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                          AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
   

The following commentary presents management’s discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of Sterling Bancorp (“the parent company”), a financial holding company under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999, and its subsidiaries, principally Sterling National Bank (“the bank”). Throughout this discussion and analysis, the term “the Company” refers to Sterling Bancorp and its subsidiaries. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and supplemental data contained elsewhere in this quarterly report and the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years’ financial data to conform to current financial statement presentations as well as to reflect the effect of the six-for-five stock split effected on December 8, 2004.

OVERVIEW

The Company provides a broad range of financial products and services, including business and consumer loans, commercial and residential mortgage lending and brokerage, asset-based financing, factoring/accounts receivable management services, deposit services, trade financing, equipment leasing, trust and estate administration, and investment management services. The Company has operations in New York, Virginia and North Carolina and conducts business throughout the United States. The general state of the U.S. economy and, in particular, economic and market conditions in the metropolitan New York area have a significant impact on loan demand, the ability of borrowers to repay these loans and the value of any collateral securing these loans and may also affect deposit levels. Accordingly, future general economic conditions are a key uncertainty that management expects will materially affect the Company’s results of operations.

For the three months ended March 31, 2005, the bank’s average earning assets represented approximately 96.5% of the Company’s average earning assets. Loans represented 58.2% and investment securities represented 40.6% of the bank’s average earning assets for the first quarter of 2005.

The Company’s primary source of earnings is net interest income, and its principal market risk exposure is interest rate risk. The Company is not able to predict market interest rate fluctuations, and its asset-liability management strategy may not prevent interest rate changes from having a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.

Although management endeavors to minimize the credit risk inherent in the Company’s loan portfolio, it must necessarily make various assumptions and judgments about the collectibility of the loan portfolio based on its experience and evaluation of economic conditions. If such assumptions or judgments prove to be incorrect, the current allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to cover loan losses and additions to the allowance may be necessary, which would have a negative impact on net income.


12



There is intense competition in all areas in which the Company conducts its business. The Company competes with banks and other financial institutions, including savings and loan associations, savings banks, finance companies and credit unions. Many of these competitors have substantially greater resources and lending limits and provide a wider array of banking services. To a limited extent, the Company also competes with other providers of financial services, such as money market mutual funds, brokerage firms, consumer finance companies and insurance companies. Competition is based on a number of factors, including prices, interest rates, service, availability of products, and geographic location.

The Company regularly evaluates acquisition opportunities and conducts due diligence activities in connection with possible acquisitions. As a result, acquisition discussions, and in some cases negotiations, regularly take place and future acquisitions could occur.

INCOME STATEMENT ANALYSIS

Net interest income, which represents the difference between interest earned on interest-earning assets and interest incurred on interest-bearing liabilities, is the Company’s primary source of earnings. Net interest income can be affected by changes in market interest rates as well as the level and composition of assets, liabilities and shareholders’ equity. Net interest spread is the difference between the average rate earned, on a tax-equivalent basis, on interest-earning assets and the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities. The net yield on interest-earning assets (“net interest margin”) is calculated by dividing tax-equivalent net interest income by average interest-earnings assets. Generally, the net interest margin will exceed the net interest spread because a portion of interest-earning assets are funded by various noninterest-bearing sources, principally noninterest-bearing deposits and shareholders’ equity. The increases (decreases) in the components of interest income and interest expense, expressed in terms of fluctuation in average volume and rate, are provided in the Rate/Volume Analysis shown on Page 22. Information as to the components of interest income and interest expense and average rates is provided in the Average Balance Sheets shown on page 21.

Comparisons of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2005 and 2004

The Company reported net income for the three months ended March 31, 2005 of $5.8 million, representing $0.30 per share, calculated on a diluted basis, compared to $5.2 million, or $0.27 per share calculated on a diluted basis, for the first quarter of 2004. This increase reflects continued growth in net interest income and a lower provision for income taxes which more than offset a decrease in noninterest income and increases in the provision for loan losses and in noninterest expenses.


13



Net Interest Income  

Net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis, increased to $20.7 million for the first quarter of 2005 from $19.2 million for the 2004 period, due to higher average earning assets outstanding coupled with lower average cost of funding partially offset by higher rates paid on interest-bearing deposit balances. The net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis, was 4.91% for the first three months of 2005 compared to 4.90% for the 2004 period. The increase in the net interest margin was primarily the result of the impact of the higher interest rate environment in 2005, and of an increase in average loan outstandings partially offset by the impact of higher average interest-bearing deposits.

Total interest income, on a tax-equivalent basis, aggregated $26.4 million for the first three months of 2005, up from $23.8 million for the 2004 period. The tax-equivalent yield on interest-earning assets was 6.32% for the first quarter of 2005 compared to 6.09% for the 2004 period.

Interest earned on the loan portfolio amounted to $18.4 million for the first three months of 2005, up $3.3 million from a year ago. Average loan balances amounted to $993.0 million an increase of $130.4 million from an average of $862.6 million in the prior year period. The increase in average loans, (across virtually all segments of the Company’s loan portfolio), primarily due to the Company’s business development activities and the ongoing consolidation of banks in the Company’s marketing area, accounted for $2.2 million of the $3.3 million increase in interest earned on loans. The increase in the yield on the domestic loan portfolio to 7.72% for the first quarter of 2005 from 7.22% for the 2004 period was primarily attributable to the mix of outstanding balances on average among the components of the loan portfolio and the higher interest rate environment in 2005.

Interest earned on the securities portfolio, on a tax-equivalent basis, decreased to $7.9 million for the first quarter of 2005 from $8.6 million in the prior year period. The decrease in yields on most of the securities portfolio reflects the impact of purchases made during the lower rate environment on average in 2004. Average outstandings decreased to $692.6 million (40.6% of average earning assets for the first quarter of 2005) from $695.1 million (43.9% of average earning assets) in the prior year period. The average life of the securities portfolio was approximately 4.3 years at March 31, 2005 compared to 3.4 years at March 31, 2004, reflecting the impact of purchases made during 2004.

Total interest expense increased to $5.7 million for the first three months of 2005 from $4.5 million for the 2004 period, primarily due to higher rates paid for interest-bearing deposits and for borrowed funds and higher average balances for interest-bearing deposits.

Interest expense on deposits increased to $3.5 million for the first quarter of 2005 from $2.5 million for the 2004 period due to an increase in average balances, primarily for time deposits, coupled with an increase in the cost of those funds. Average interest-bearing deposit balances increased to $894.2 million for the first quarter of 2005 from $793.7 million in the 2004 period primarily the result of the Company’s branching initiatives and other business development activities. Average rate paid on interest-bearing deposits was 1.57%


14



which was 32 basis points higher than the prior year period. The increase in average cost of deposits reflects higher interest rate environment during 2005.

Provision for Loan Losses

Based on management’s continuing evaluation of the loan portfolio (discussed under “Asset Quality” below), the provision for loan losses for the first three months of 2005 increased to $2.6 million from $2.4 million for the prior year period. Factors affecting the level of provision included the growth in the loan portfolios, changes in general economic onditions and the amount of nonaccrual loans.

Noninterest Income

Noninterest income decreased to $8.0 million for the first quarter of 2005 from $8.2 million in the 2004 period, primarily due to lower gains on sales of available for sale securities. Partially offsetting this decrease were higher revenues from mortgage banking activities and fees for deposit services.

Noninterest Expenses

Noninterest expenses increased $1.0 million for the first quarter of 2005 when compared to the 2004 period. The increase was primarily due to higher professional fees related to compliance efforts and investments in the Sterling franchise, including the new branches, with higher expenses related to salaries and occupancy costs.

Provision for Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes for the first quarter of 2005 decreased by $0.5 million from the 2004 period because a greater portion of employee benefits expense for the first quarter of 2005 is deductible for income tax purposes.

BALANCE SHEET ANALYSIS

Securities  

The Company’s securities portfolios are comprised principally of U.S. government and U.S. government corporation and agency guaranteed mortgage-backed securities along with other debt and equity securities. In 2004, the Company undertook certain balance sheet initiatives designed to reduce the risks associated with rising interest rates and to react to a flattening yield curve. Since January 1, 2004 the Company sold approximately $87.3 million of mortgage-backed securities with average lives ranging between 4 years and 7 years and with yields between 4.25% and 5.94%. The proceeds from these sales along with principal prepayments were utilized to purchase mortgage-backed securities with average lives ranging between 1.8 years and 5.2 years at yields between 3.56% and 5.03%. At March 31, 2005, the Company’s portfolio of securities totaled $706.6 million, of which U.S. government corporation and agency guaranteed mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations having an average life of approximately 4.7 years amounted to $599.6 million. The Company has the intent and ability to hold to maturity securities classified as “held to maturity.” These securities are carried at cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts. The gross unrealized gains and losses on “held to


15



maturity” securities were $2.2 million and $8.1 million, respectively. Securities classified as “available for sale” may be sold in the future, prior to maturity. These securities are carried at market value. Net aggregate unrealized gains or losses on these securities are included in a valuation allowance account and are shown net of taxes, as a component of shareholders’ equity. “Available for sale” securities included gross unrealized gains of $1.2 million and gross unrealized losses of $4.6 million. Given the generally high credit quality of the portfolio, management expects to realize all of its investment upon the maturity of such instruments and thus believes that any market value impairment is temporary.

The following table presents information regarding securities available for sale:

 
March 31, 2005 Gross
Amortized
Cost
  Gross
Unrealized
Gains
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Market
Value
 


 
 
 
 
Obligations of U.S. govern-  
   ment corporations and
   agencies — mortgage-backed
    securities
$ 120,542,814   $ 573,969   $ 2,001,289   $ 119,115,494  
Obligations of U.S. govern-                        
  ment corporations and                        
  agencies — collateralized                        
  mortgage obligations   41,313,621         2,039,851     39,273,770  
Obligations of state and                        
  political institutions   26,019,503     584,167     258     26,603,412  
Other debt securities   26,995,640         525,327     26,470,313  
Federal Reserve Bank and                        
  other equity securities   7,623,242     18,486         7,641,728  
 
 
 
 
 
                         
        Total $ 222,494,820   $ 1,176,622   $ 4,566,725   $ 219,104,717  
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table presents information regarding securities held to maturity:
 
March 31, 2005 Carrying
Value
  Gross
Unrealized
Gains
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Estimated
Market
Value
 


 
 
 
 
Obligations of U.S. govern-
  ment corporations and
  agencies — mortgage-backed
  securities
$ 386,830,159   $ 2,244,968   $ 5,321,827   $ 383,753,300  
Obligations of U.S. govern-
  ment corporations and
  agencies — collateralized
  mortgage obligations
  54,379,198         2,086,856     52,292,342  
Other Debt securities   44,992,033         671,721     44,320,312  
Debt securities issued by
  foreign governments   1,250,000             1,250,000  
 
 
 
 
 
                         
        Total $ 487,451,390   $ 2,244,968   $ 8,080,404   $ 481,615,954  
 
 
 
 
 

16



Loan Portfolio

A management objective is to maintain the quality of the loan portfolio. The Company seeks to achieve this objective by maintaining rigorous underwriting standards coupled with regular evaluation of the creditworthiness of and the designation of lending limits for each borrower. The portfolio strategies include seeking industry and loan size diversification in order to minimize credit exposure and originating loans in markets with which the Company is familiar.

The Company’s commercial and industrial loan portfolio represents approximately 55% of all loans. Loans in this category are typically made to small and medium-sized businesses and range between $25,000 and $10 million. Sources of repayment are from the borrower’s operating profits, cash flows and liquidation of pledged collateral. Based on underwriting standards, loans may be secured in whole or in part by collateral such as liquid assets, accounts receivable, equipment, inventory, and real property. The Company’s real estate loan portfolio, which represents approximately 27% of all loans, is secured by mortgages on real property located principally in the states of New York and Virginia. The Company’s leasing portfolio, which consists of finance leases for various types of business equipment, represents approximately 16% of all loans. The collateral securing any loan may vary in value based on market conditions.

The following table sets forth the composition of the Company’s loans held for sale and loans held in portfolio:

 
  March 31,  
 
 
2005 2004
 
 
 
  ($ in thousands)  
  Balances   % of
Total
  Balances   % of
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic                
    Commercial and industrial $ 555,981   55.5 % $ 508,879   56.4 %
    Equipment lease financing   163,425   16.3     152,483   16.9  
    Real estate - mortgage   268,133   26.7     211,712   23.5  
    Real estate - construction   2,314   0.2     2,354   0.3  
    Installment - individuals   13,370   1.3     16,007   1.8  
    Loans to depository institutions           10,000   1.1  
                 
 
 
 
 
 
                     
    Loans, net of unearned discounts $ 1,003,223   100.0 % $ 901,435   100.0 %
 
 
 
 
 
 

Asset Quality

Intrinsic to the lending process is the possibility of loss. In times of economic slowdown, the risk of loss inherent in the Company’s portfolio of loans may be increased. While management endeavors to minimize this risk, it recognizes that loan losses will occur and that the amount of these losses will fluctuate depending on the risk characteristics of the loan portfolio which in turn depend on current and expected economic conditions, the financial condition of borrowers, the realization of collateral, and the credit management process.

Management views the allowance for loan losses as a critical accounting policy due to its subjectivity. The allowance for loan losses is maintained through the


17



provision for loan losses, which is a charge to operating earnings. The adequacy of the provision and the resulting allowance for loan losses is determined by a management evaluation process of the loan portfolio, including identification and review of individual problem situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, review of overall portfolio quality through an analysis of current charge-offs, delinquency and nonperforming loan data, estimates of the value of any underlying collateral, an assessment of current and expected economic conditions and changes in the size and character of the loan portfolio. Other data utilized by management in determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses includes, but is not limited to, the results of regulatory reviews, the amount of, trend of and/or borrower characteristics on loans that are identified as requiring special attention as part of the credit review process, and peer group comparisons. The impact of this other data might result in an allowance which will be greater than that indicated by the evaluation process previously described. The allowance reflects management’s evaluation both of loans presenting identified loss potential and of the risk inherent in various components of the loan portfolio, including loans identified as impaired as required by SFAS No. 114. Thus, an increase in the size of the portfolio or in any of its components could necessitate an increase in the allowance even though there may not be a decline in credit quality or an increase in potential problem loans. A significant change in any of the evaluation factors described above could result in future additions to the allowance. At March 31, 2005, the ratio of the allowance to loans held in portfolio, net of unearned discounts, was 1.72% and the allowance was $16.8 million. At such date, the Company’s nonaccrual loans amounted to $3.4 million; $1.1 million of such loans was judged to be impaired within the scope of SFAS No. 114. Loans 90 days past due and still accruing amounted to $1.3 million. Nonacrrual loans and loans 90 days past due and still accruing include leases, in the amount of $0.7 million and $1.1 million, respectively, of telecommunications equipment from a company that went into bankruptcy in July 2004. The service provider to the lessees discontinued service, resulting in the failure of certain lessees to make payments. While pursuing collection of the lease payments, past due amounts accrue. Legal action is typically commenced against lessees whose accounts are not paid within 180 days and are placed in nonaccrual status. Lessees remain unconditionally obligated to make payments. All are creditworthy and personally guaranteed; the reported delinquencies are not due to credit issues. Based on the foregoing, as well as management’s judgment as to the current risks inherent in loans held in portfolio, the Company’s allowance for loan losses was deemed adequate to absorb all reasonably anticipated losses on specifically known and other possible credit risks associated with the portfolio as of March 31, 2005. Net losses within loans held in portfolio are not statistically predictable and changes in conditions in the next twelve months could result in future provisions for loan losses varying from the level taken in the first quarter of 2005. Potential problem loans, which are loans that are currently performing under present loan repayment terms but where known information about possible credit problems of borrowers causes management to have serious doubts as to the ability of the borrowers to continue to comply with the present repayment terms, aggregated $3.8 million at March 31, 2005.


18



Deposits

A significant source of funds for the Company continues to be deposits, consisting of demand (noninterest-bearing), NOW, savings, money market and time deposits (principally certificates of deposit).

             The following table provides certain information with respect to the Company’s deposits:

 
  March 31,  
 
 
2005 2004
 
 
 
  ($ in thousands)  
  Balances   % of
Total
  Balances   % of
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic                
    Demand $ 468,714   33.7 % $ 429,297   35.1 %
    NOW   152,607   11.0     133,189   10.9  
    Savings   28,864   2.1     34,216   2.8  
    Money market   251,105   18.1     199,206   16.3  
    Time deposits   484,283   34.9     424,389   34.7  
 
 
 
 
 
                     
        Total domestic deposits   1,385,573   99.8     1,220,297   99.8  
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign
    Time deposits   3,010   0.2     3,000   0.2  
 
 
 
 
 
                     
        Total deposits $ 1,388,583   100.0 % $ 1,223,297   100.0 %
 
 
 
 
 
 

Fluctuations of balances in total or among categories at any date may occur based on the Company’s mix of assets and liabilities as well as on customers’ balance sheet strategies. Historically, however, average balances for deposits have been relatively stable. Information regarding these average balances is presented on page 21.

CAPITAL

The Company and the bank are subject to risk-based capital regulations which quantitatively measure capital against risk-weighted assets, including certain off-balance sheet items. These regulations define the elements of the Tier 1 and Tier 2 components of Total Capital and establish minimum ratios of 4% for Tier 1 capital and 8% for Total Capital for capital adequacy purposes. Supplementing these regulations is a leverage requirement. This requirement establishes a minimum leverage ratio (at least 3% to 5%) which is calculated by dividing Tier 1 capital by adjusted quarterly average assets (after deducting goodwill). Information regarding the Company’s and the bank’s risk-based capital is presented on page 23. In addition, the bank is subject to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1981 (“FDICIA”) which imposes a number of mandatory supervisory measures. Among other matters, five capital categories, ranging from “well capitalized” to “critically under capitalized”, are used by regulatory agencies to determine a bank’s deposit insurance premium, approval of applications authorizing institutions to increase their asset size or otherwise expand business activities or acquire other institutions. Under FDICIA, a “well capitalized” bank must maintain minimum leverage, Tier 1 and Total Capital ratios of 5%, 6% and 10%, respectively. The Federal Reserve Board applies comparable tests for holding companies such as the Company. At March 31, 2005, the Company and the bank exceeded the requirements for “well capitalized” institutions.


19



CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements contained in this quarterly report, including but not limited to, statements concerning future results of operations or financial position, borrowing capacity and future liquidity, future investment results, future credit exposure, future loan losses and plans and objectives for future operations, and other statements contained herein regarding matters that are not historical facts, are “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements are not historical facts but instead are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and represent only our belief regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside our control. Any forward-looking statements we may make speak only as of the date on which such statements are made. Our actual results and financial position may differ materially from the anticipated results and financial condition indicated in or implied by these forward-looking statements.

Factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following: inflation, interest rates, market and monetary fluctuations; geopolitical developments including acts of war and terrorism and their impact on economic conditions; the effects of, and changes in, trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including interest rate policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; changes, particularly declines, in general economic conditions and in the local economies in which the Company operates; the financial condition of the Company’s borrowers; competitive pressures on loan and deposit pricing and demand; changes in technology and their impact on the marketing of new products and services and the acceptance of these products and services by new and existing customers; the willingness of customers to substitute competitors’ products and services for the Company’s products and services; the impact of changes in the financial services laws and regulations (including laws concerning taxes, banking, securities and insurance); changes in accounting principles, policies and guidelines; the success of the Company at managing the risks involved in the foregoing as well as other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in press releases and other public filings. The foregoing list of important factors is not exclusive, and we will not update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time.


20



STERLING BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Average Balance Sheets [1]
Three Months Ended March 31,
(Unaudited)

 
  2005   2004  
   
 
 
ASSETS   Average
Balance
  Interest   Average
Rate
  Average
Balance
  Interest   Average
Rate
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing deposits
  with other banks
  $ 2,380   $ 6     1.05 % $ 3,429   $ 4     0.94 %
                                       
Securities available for sale     204,234     2,214     4.34     290,099     3,353     4.55  
Securities held to maturity     461,968     5,210     4.51     374,141     4,706     5.09  
Securities tax-exempt [2]     26,432     470     7.21     30,901     575     7.48  
   
 
     
 
 
 
   Total investment securities     692,634     7,894     4.56     695,141     8,634     4.97  
Federal funds sold     18,556     110     2.37     20,989     50     0.95  
Loans, net of unearned discounts [3]     993,046     18,376     7.72     862,599     15,082     7.22  
   
 
     
 
     
TOTAL INTEREST-EARNING ASSETS     1,706,616     26,386     6.32 %   1,582,158     23,770     6.09 %
       
 
     
 
 
Cash and due from banks     64,038               66,657            
Allowance for loan losses     (17,246 )             (15,322 )          
Goodwill     21,158               21,158            
Other assets     80,115               67,859            
   
         
         
          TOTAL ASSETS   $ 1,854,681             $ 1,722,510              
   
         
         
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’
  EQUITY
                                     
Interest-bearing deposits                                      
  Domestic                                      
   Savings   $ 29,034     25     0.35 % $ 32,947     32     0.39 %
   NOW     142,205     194     0.55     134,021     154     0.46  
   Money market     226,516     410     0.73     209,946     370     0.71  
   Time     493,471     2,814     2.31     413,758     1,909     1.86  
  Foreign
   Time
    3,002     8     1.09     3,000     8     1.07  
   
 
     
 
     
  Total interest-bearing deposits     894,228     3,451     1.57     793,672     2,473     1.25  
   
 
     
 
     
Borrowings                                      
  Securities sold under agreements
   to repurchase - customers
    85,763     337     1.59     75,369     211     1.13  
  Securities sold under agreements
   to repurchase - dealers
    38,461     249     2.62     36,550     105     1.15  
  Federal funds purchased     3,336     21     2.53     5,906     16     1.08  
  Commercial paper     35,603     160     1.82     23,419     63     1.08  
  Other short-term debt     775     5     2.62     24,746     112     1.82  
  Long-term debt     122,552     1,479     4.83     135,774     1,559     4.59  
   
 
     
 
     
          Total borrowings     286,490     2,251     3.16     301,764     2,066     2.74  
   
 
     
 
     
TOTAL INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES     1,180,718     5,702     1.95 %   1,095,436     4,539     1.67 %
       
 
     
 
 
Noninterest-bearing deposits     436,509               402,110            
Other liabilities     89,909               81,137            
   
         
         
          Total liabilities     1,707,136               1,578,683            
   
         
         
Shareholders’ equity     147,545               143,827            
   
         
         
          TOTAL LIABILITIES AND
            SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 1,854,681             $ 1,722,510              
   
         
 
         
Net interest income/spread           20,684     4.37 %         19,231     4.42 %
           
         
 
Net yield on interest-earning
  assets (margin)
                4.91 %               4.90 %
           
         
 
Less: Tax equivalent adjustment           182               236        
       
         
     
Net interest income         $ 20,502             $ 18,995        
       
         
     
   
[1] The average balances of assets, liabilities and shareholders’ equity are computed on the basis of daily averages. Average rates are presented on a tax-equivalent basis. Certain reclassifications have been made to amounts for prior periods to conform to the current presentation.
 
[2] Interest on tax-exempt securities is presented on a tax-equivalent basis.
   
[3] Includes loans held for sale and loans held in portfolio; all loans are domestic. Nonaccrual loans are included in amounts outstanding and income has been included to the extent earned.

21



STERLING BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Rate/Volume Analysis [1]
(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 
Increase/(Decrease)
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2005 to March 31, 2004
 
 
 
  Volume   Rate   Net [2]  



INTEREST INCOME 
Interest-bearing deposits with other banks
$     $ 2   $ 2  



 
Securities available for sale   (990 )   (149 )   (1,139 )
Securities held to maturity   1,042     (538 )   504  
Securities tax-exempt   (85 )   (20 )   (105 )



      Total investment securities   (33 )   (707 )   (740 )



Federal funds sold   (8 )   68     60  
                   
Loans, net of unearned discounts [3]   2,209     1,085     3,294  



                   
TOTAL INTEREST INCOME $ 2,168   $ 448   $ 2,616  



INTEREST EXPENSE                  
Interest-bearing deposits                  
  Domestic                  
    Savings $ (4 ) $ (3 ) $ (7 )
    NOW   8     32     40  
    Money market   29     11     40  
    Time   391     514     905  
  Foreign
    Time
                 



      Total interest-bearing deposits   424     554     978  



Borrowings                  
  Securities sold under agreements
    to repurchase – customers
  31     95     126  
  Securities sold under agreements
    to repurchase – dealers
  4     140     144  
  Federal funds purchased   (9 )   14     5  
  Commercial paper   41     56     97  
  Other short-term debt   (141 )   34     (107 )
  Long-term debt   (162 )   82     (80 )



      Total borrowings   (236 )   421     185  



                   
TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE $ 188   $ 975   $ 1,163  



     
NET INTEREST INCOME $ 1,980   $ (527 ) $ 1,453  



   
[1] This table is presented on a tax-equivalent basis.
 
[2]

Changes in interest income and interest expense due to a combination of both volume and rate have been allocated to the change due to volume and the change due to rate in proportion to the relationship of the change due solely to each.

 
[3]
Includes loans held for sale and loans held in portfolio; all loans are domestic. Nonaccrual loans are included in amounts outstanding and income has been included to the extent earned.

22



STERLING BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Regulatory Capital and Ratios
 
Ratios and Minimums
(dollars in thousands)
 
Actual   For Capital
Adequacy Minimum
  To Be Well
Capitalized
 
 
 
 
 
As of March 31, 2005 Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets):                          
  The Company   $ 172,171     14.81 % $ 92,993     8.00 % $ 116,241     10.00 %
  The bank     135,102     12.38     87,302     8.00     109,128     10.00  
   
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets):                                      
  The Company     157,613     13.56     46,496     4.00     69,745     6.00  
  The bank     121,433     11.13     43,651     4.00     65,477     6.00  
   
Tier 1 Leverage Capital (to Average Assets):                                      
  The Company     157,613     8.60     73,341     4.00     91,676     5.00  
  The bank     121,433     6.88     70,558     4.00     88,198     5.00  
                                       
As of December 31, 2004                                      

                                     
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets):                                      
  The Company   $ 169,226     14.35 % $ 94,334     8.00 % $ 117,917     10.00 %
  The bank     129,267     11.56     89,466     8.00     111,832     10.00  
   
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets):                                      
  The Company     154,467     13.10     47,167     4.00     70,750     6.00  
  The bank     115,262     10.31     44,733     4.00     67,099     6.00  
   
Tier 1 Leverage Capital (to Average Assets):                                      
  The Company     154,467     8.49     72,792     4.00     90,990     5.00  
  The bank     115,262     6.56     70,270     4.00     87,837     5.00  

23



ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
   

ASSET/LIABILITY MANAGEMENT

The Company’s primary earnings source is its net interest income; therefore the Company devotes significant time and has invested in resources to assist in the management of interest rate risk and asset quality. The Company’s net interest income is affected by changes in market interest rates, and by the level and composition of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. The Company’s objectives in its asset/liability management are to utilize its capital effectively, to provide adequate liquidity and to enhance net interest income, without taking undue risks or subjecting the Company unduly to interest rate fluctuations.

The Company takes a coordinated approach to the management of its liquidity, capital and interest rate risk. This risk management process is governed by policies and limits established by senior management which are reviewed and approved by the Asset/Liability Committee. This committee, which is comprised of members of senior management, meets to review, among other things, economic conditions, interest rates, yield curve, cash flow projections, expected customer actions, liquidity levels, capital ratios and repricing characteristics of assets, liabilities and financial instruments.

Market Risk

Market risk is the risk of loss in a financial instrument arising from adverse changes in market indices such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates and equity prices. The Company’s principal market risk exposure is interest rate risk, with no material impact on earnings from changes in foreign exchange rates or equity prices.

Interest rate risk is the exposure to changes in market interest rates. Interest rate sensitivity is the relationship between market interest rates and net interest income due to the repricing characteristics of assets and liabilities. The Company monitors the interest rate sensitivity of its balance sheet positions by examining its near-term sensitivity and its longer-term gap position. In its management of interest rate risk, the Company utilizes several financial and statistical tools, including traditional gap analysis and sophisticated income simulation models.

A traditional gap analysis is prepared based on the maturity and repricing characteristics of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for selected time bands. The mismatch between repricings or maturities within a time band is commonly referred to as the “gap” for that period. A positive gap (asset sensitive) where interest rate sensitive assets exceed interest rate sensitive liabilities generally will result in the net interest margin increasing in a rising rate environment and decreasing in a falling rate environment. A negative gap (liability sensitive) will generally have the opposite result on the net interest margin. However, the traditional gap analysis does not assess the relative sensitivity of assets and liabilities to changes in interest rates and other factors that could have an impact on interest rate sensitivity or net interest income. The Company utilizes the gap analysis to complement its income simulations modeling, primarily focusing on the longer-term structure of the balance sheet.


24



The Company’s balance sheet structure is primarily short-term in nature with a substantial portion of assets and liabilities repricing or maturing within one year. The Company’s gap analysis at March 31, 2005, presented on page 28, indicates that net interest income would increase during periods of rising interest rates and decrease during periods of falling interest rates, but, as mentioned above, gap analysis may not be an accurate predictor of net interest income.

As part of its interest rate risk strategy, the Company may use financial instrument derivatives to hedge the interest rate sensitivity of assets with the corresponding amortization reflected in the yield of the related balance sheet assets being hedged. The Company has written policy guidelines, approved by the Board of Directors, governing the use of financial instruments, including approved counterparties, risk limits and appropriate internal control procedures. The credit risk of derivatives arises principally from the potential for a counterparty to fail to meet its obligation to settle a contract on a timely basis. During the first quarter of 2005, the Company did not enter into any derivative contracts to hedge its interest rate risk. At March 31, 2005 and 2004, the Company was not a party to any derivative contracts to hedge its interest rate risk.

The Company utilizes income simulation models to complement its traditional gap analysis. While the Asset/Liability Committee routinely monitors simulated net interest income sensitivity over a rolling two-year horizon, it also utilizes additional tools to monitor potential longer-term interest rate risk.

The income simulation models measure the Company’s net interest income volatility or sensitivity to interest rate changes utilizing statistical techniques that allow the Company to consider various factors which impact net interest income. These factors include actual maturities, estimated cash flows, repricing characteristics, deposits growth/retention and, most importantly, the relative sensitivity of the Company’s assets and liabilities to changes in market interest rates. This relative sensitivity is important to consider as the Company’s core deposit base has not been subject to the same degree of interest rate sensitivity as its assets. The core deposit costs are internally managed and tend to exhibit less sensitivity to changes in interest rates than the Company’s adjustable rate assets whose yields are based on external indices and generally change in concert with market interest rates.

The Company’s interest rate sensitivity is determined by identifying the probable impact of changes in market interest rates on the yields on the Company’s assets and the rates that would be paid on its liabilities. This modeling technique involves a degree of estimation based on certain assumptions that management believes to be reasonable. Utilizing this process, management projects the impact of changes in interest rates on net interest margin. The Company has established certain policy limits for the potential volatility of its net interest margin assuming certain levels of changes in market interest rates with the objective of maintaining a stable net interest margin under various probable rate scenarios. Management generally has maintained a risk position well within the policy limits. As of March 31, 2005, the model indicated the impact of a 200 basis point parallel and pro rata rise in rates over 12 months would approximate a 2.3% ($1.9 million) increase in net interest income, while the impact of a 200 basis point decline in rates over the same period would approximate a 2.8% ($2.3 million) decline from an unchanged rate environment.


25



The preceding sensitivity analysis does not represent a Company forecast and should not be relied upon as being indicative of expected operating results. These hypothetical estimates are based upon numerous assumptions including: the nature and timing of interest rate levels including yield curve shape, pre-payments on loans and securities, deposit decay rates, pricing decisions on loans and deposits, reinvestment/replacement of asset and liability cash flows, and others. While assumptions are developed based upon current economic and local market conditions, the Company cannot provide any assurances as to the predictive nature of these assumptions, including how customers preferences or competitor influences might change.

Also, as market conditions vary from those assumed in the sensitivity analysis, actual results will also differ due to: pre-payment/refinancing levels likely deviating from those assumed, the varying impact of interest rate change caps or floors on adjustable rate assets, the potential effect of changing debt service levels on customers with adjustable rate loans, depositor early withdrawals and product preference changes, and other variables. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis does not reflect actions that the Asset/Liability Committee might take in responding to or anticipating changes in interest rates.

The shape of the yield curve can cause downward pressure on net interest income. In general, if and to the extent that the yield curve is flatter (i.e., the differences between interest rates for different maturities are relatively smaller) than previously anticipated, then the yield on the Company’s interest-earning assets and its cash flows will tend to be lower. Management believes that a relatively flat yield curve shape could adversely affect the Company’s results in 2005.

Liquidity Risk

Liquidity is the ability to meet cash needs arising from changes in various categories of assets and liabilities. Liquidity is constantly monitored and managed at both the parent company and the bank levels. Liquid assets consist of cash and due from banks, interest-bearing deposits in banks and Federal funds sold and securities available for sale. Primary funding sources include core deposits, capital market funds and other money market sources. Core deposits included domestic noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing retail deposits, which historically have been relatively stable. The parent company and the bank believe that they have significant unused borrowing capacity. Contingency plans exist which we believe could be implemented on a timely basis to mitigate the impact of any dramatic change in market conditions.

While the parent company generates income from its own operations, it also depends for its cash requirements on funds maintained or generated by its subsidiaries, principally the bank. Such sources have been adequate to meet the parent company’s cash requirements throughout its history.

Various legal restrictions limit the extent to which the bank can supply funds to the parent company and its nonbank subsidiaries. All national banks are limited in the payment of dividends without the approval of the Comptroller of the Currency to an amount not to exceed the net profits as defined, for the year to date combined with its retained net profits for the preceding two calendar years.

At March 31, 2005, the parent company’s short-term debt, consisting principally of commercial paper used to finance ongoing current business activities, was approximately $39.2 million. The parent company had cash, interest-bearing deposits with banks and other current assets aggregating $30.6 million. The parent company also has back-up credit lines with banks of $24.0 million. Since 1979, the parent company has had no need to use the available back-up lines of credit.


26



The following table sets forth information regarding the Company’s obligations and commitments to make future payments under contract as of March 31, 2005:


Payments Due by Period  
     
Contractual
Obligations
    Total   Less than
1 Year
  1-3
Years
  4-5
Years
  After 5
Years
 

        (in thousands)  
                                   
Long-Term Debt     $ 90,000   $   $ 10,000   $   $ 80,000  
Operating Leases       28,817     3,479     6,751     6,283     12,304  





                                   
Total Contractual Cash Obligations     $ 118,817   $ 3,479   $ 16,751   $ 6,283   $ 92,304  






The following table sets forth information regarding the Company’s obligations under other commercial commitments as of March 31, 2005:


    Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period  
 
 
Other Commercial
Commitments
Total Amount
Committed
  Less than
1 Year
  1-3
Years
  4-5
Years
  After 5
Years
 

 
(in thousands)  
                                   
Residential loans     $ 37,238   $ 37,238   $   $   $  
Commercial Loans       19,423     14,227     3,322     1,874      





Total Loans       56,661     51,465     3,322     1,874      
Standby Letters of Credit       39,056     36,548     2,508          
Other Commercial Commitments       9,402     9,380             22  





                                   
Total Commercial Commitments     $ 105,119   $ 97,393   $ 5,830   $ 1,874   $ 22  






INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE

Our Internet address is www.sterlingbancorp.com and the investor relations section of our web site is located at www.sterlingbancorp.com/ir/investor.cfm. We make available free of charge, on or through the investor relations section of our web site, annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Also posted on our web site, and available in print upon request of any shareholder to our Investor Relations Department, are the charters for our Board of Directors’ Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, our Corporate Governance Guidelines, our Method for Interested Persons to Communicate with Non-Management Directors and a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics governing our directors, officers and employees. Within the time period required by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the New York Stock Exchange, we will post on our web site any amendment to the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and any waiver applicable to our senior financial officers, as defined in the Code, or our executive officers or directors. In addition, information concerning purchases and sales of our equity securities by our executive officers and directors is posted on our web site.

27



STERLING BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Interest Rate Sensitivity
 
To mitigate the vulnerability of earnings to changes in interest rates, the Company manages the repricing characteristics of assets and liabilities in an attempt to control net interest rate sensitivity. Management attempts to confine significant rate sensitivity gaps predominantly to repricing intervals of a year or less so that adjustments can be made quickly. Assets and liabilities with predetermined repricing dates are classified based on the earliest repricing period. Amounts are presented in thousands.
 
Repricing Date  
 
 
3 Months
or Less
  More than
3 Months
to 1 Year
  More than
1 Year to
5 Years
  Over
5 Years
  Nonrate
Sensitive
  Total  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ASSETS                          
  Interest-bearing deposits
    with other banks
  $ 4,089   $   $   $   $   $ 4,089  
  Federal funds sold     35,000                     35,000  
  Investment securities     4,821     6,950     134,151     550,992     9,642     706,556  
  Loans, net of unearned
    discounts
                                     
      Commercial and industrial     541,359     1,109     13,754     7     (248 )   555,981  
      Loans to depository
       institutions
                         
      Lease financing     2,627     15,296     159,419     9,134     (23,051 )   163,425  
      Real estate     93,408     9,268     131,812     35,959         270,447  
      Installment     13,372                 (2 )   13,370  
  Noninterest-earning
    assets and allowance
    for loan losses
                    152,384     152,384  
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Total Assets     694,676     32,623     439,136     596,092     138,725     1,901,252  
 
 
 
 
 
 
                       
LIABILITIES AND
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                                     
  Interest-bearing deposits                                      
    Savings [1]             28,864             28,864  
    NOW [1]             152,607             152,607  
    Money market [1]     205,811         45,294             251,105  
    Time - domestic     190,989     185,456     107,785     53         484,283  
         - foreign     1,365     1,645                 3,010  
  Securities sold u/a/r - customers     82,981                     82,981  
  Securities sold u/a/r - dealers     43,697                     43,697  
  Federal funds purchased                          
  Commercial paper     38,810                     38,810  
  Other short-term borrowings     387                     387  
  Long-term borrowings - FHLB             10,000     80,000     25,774     115,774  
  Noninterest-bearing liabilities
   and shareholders’ equity
                    699,734     699,734  
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Total Liabilities and
        Shareholders’ Equity
    564,040     187,101     344,550     80,053     725,508     1,901,252  
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                       
  Net Interest Rate
    Sensitivity Gap
  $ 130,636   $ (154,478 ) $ 94,586   $ 516,039   $ (586,783 ) $  






           
  Cumulative Gap
    March 31, 2005
  $ 130,636   $ (23,842 ) $ 70,744   $ 586,783   $   $  






                                       
  Cumulative Gap
    March 31, 2004
  $ 151,382   $ 16,414   $ 28,952   $ 573,491   $   $  






           
  Cumulative Gap
    December 31, 2004
  $ 250,603   $ 160,810   $ 187,606   $ 663,246   $   $  






   
[1] Historically, balances in non-maturity deposit accounts have remained relatively stable despite changes in levels of interest rates. Balances are shown in repricing periods based on management’s historical repricing practices and run-off experience.

28



ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

An evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. Based upon that evaluation, and the identification of a material weakness in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 (relating to inadequate resources for controls over the accounting for Company-owned split-dollar life insurance policies on the lives of certain officers of the Company) described in Item 9A of the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, as amended by Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A, the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms. For a discussion of the reasons and matters on which this conclusion was based, see Item 9A of the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, as amended by Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A.

The Company is currently working to eliminate the material weakness referred to above, and the following changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2005: The Company developed and implemented procedures for monthly expensing of premiums paid and or prepaid for Company-owned split-dollar life insurance policies on the lives of certain officers of the Company, retained actuarial assistance in determining the appropriate amounts to be expensed in respect of the Company’s obligations to pay future premiums on split-dollar life insurance policies issued as part of a transaction in which an officer relinquishes his right to receive pension payments in exchange for the insurance policy and in respect of the Company’s obligations to pay future post-retirement premiums on certain split-dollar life insurance policies, and retained life insurance consultants for assistance in determining the appropriate amounts to be credited in respect of increases in the cash surrender values of these various policies.

The Company will conduct tests of these new procedures and other changes to its internal control over financial reporting. The Company intends also to add personnel with greater expertise in accounting for employee benefits and related transactions under generally accepted accounting principles.


29



                                                                            PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 
Item 6. Exhibits
   
  The following exhibits are filed as part of this report:
   
    3. (i) Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed with the State of New York Department of State, October 28, 2004 (Filed as Exhibit 3(i) to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference).
         
      (ii) By-Laws as in effect on August 5, 2004 (Filed as Exhibit 3(ii)(A) to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference).
         
    11.   Statement Re: Computation of Per Share Earnings.
         
    31.   Certifications of the CEO and CFO pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a).
         
    32.   Certifications of the CEO and CFO required by Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the U.S. Code.

30



SIGNATURES

 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
          STERLING BANCORP
  (Registrant)
   
   
  Date   May 10, 2005   /s/ Louis J. Cappelli
    ———————————     ———————————————
          Louis J. Cappelli
Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer
           
  Date   May 10, 2005   /s/ John W. Tietjen
    ———————————     ———————————————
          John W. Tietjen
Executive Vice President, Treasurer
and Chief Financial Officer

31



STERLING BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

EXHIBIT INDEX

 
Exhibit
Number
  Description Sequential
Page No.

 

       
11   Statement re: Computation
of Per Share Earnings.
33
       
31   Certifications of the CEO and CFO pursuant to
Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a).
34
       
32   Certifications of the CEO and CFO required by
Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the
U.S. Code.
36

32