FORM 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

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 SEPTEMBER 30, 2011

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from             to             .

Commission File Number.....001-34696

 

 

STERLING FINANCIAL CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Washington   91-1572822

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

111 North Wall Street, Spokane, Washington 99201

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(509) 458-3711

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Date File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   x (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date:

 

Class

 

Outstanding as of October 31, 2011

Common Stock

  61,973,619

 

 

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

September 30, 2011

 

          Page  

PART I - Financial Information

     1   

Item 1

  

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

     1   
  

Consolidated Balance Sheets

     2   
  

Consolidated Statements of Operations

     3   
  

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

     4   
  

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

     5   
  

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     7   

Item 2

  

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

     31   

Item 3

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     47   

Item 4

  

Controls and Procedures

     47   

PART II - Other Information

     48   

Item 1

  

Legal Proceedings

     48   

Item 1A

  

Risk Factors

     49   

Item 2

  

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

     49   

Item 3

  

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

     49   

Item 4

  

(Removed And Reserved)

     49   

Item 5

  

Other Information

     49   

Item 6

  

Exhibits

     49   

Signatures

        50   


Table of Contents

STERLING FINANCIAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands)

 

      September 30,
2011
    December 31,
2010
 

ASSETS:

    

Cash and cash equivalents:

    

Interest bearing

   $ 372,650      $ 341,425   

Non-interest bearing

     89,872        70,158   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total cash and cash equivalents

     462,522        411,583   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Restricted cash

     19,195        15,681   

Investments and mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”):

    

Available for sale

     2,446,523        2,825,010   

Held to maturity

     1,900        13,464   

Loans held for sale

     241,039        222,216   

Loans receivable, net

     5,428,355        5,379,081   

Accrued interest receivable

     33,618        34,087   

Other real estate owned, net (“OREO”)

     111,566        161,653   

Properties and equipment, net

     84,380        81,094   

Bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”)

     174,092        169,288   

Core deposit intangible assets, net

     13,290        16,929   

Mortgage servicing rights, net

     21,160        20,604   

Prepaid expenses and other assets, net

     138,234        142,479   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 9,175,874      $ 9,493,169   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES:

    

Deposits:

    

Noninterest bearing

   $ 1,167,552      $ 992,368   

Interest bearing

     5,311,688        5,918,639   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deposits

     6,479,240        6,911,007   

Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”)

     407,000        407,211   

Securities sold under repurchase agreements and funds purchased

     1,056,352        1,032,512   

Junior subordinated debentures

     245,289        245,285   

Accrued interest payable

     21,152        17,259   

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     107,348        109,128   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     8,316,381        8,722,402   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

    

Preferred stock, 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares outstanding

     0        0   

Common stock, 151,515,151 shares authorized; 61,968,510 and 61,926,187 shares outstanding

     1,963,820        1,960,871   

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     57,297        (4,179

Accumulated deficit

     (1,161,624     (1,185,925
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

     859,493        770,767   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 9,175,874      $ 9,493,169   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

2


Table of Contents

STERLING FINANCIAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2011     2010     2011     2010  

Interest income:

        

Loans

   $ 82,010      $ 85,886      $ 242,132      $ 276,747   

MBS

     16,719        18,127        56,681        56,569   

Investments and cash equivalents

     2,650        2,641        8,150        8,039   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total interest income

     101,379        106,654        306,963        341,355   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest expense:

        

Deposits

     14,135        22,639        46,645        75,153   

Short-term borrowings

     657        1,220        847        5,434   

Long-term borrowings

     11,751        15,360        36,085        45,348   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total interest expense

     26,543        39,219        83,577        125,935   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income

     74,836        67,435        223,386        215,420   

Provision for credit losses

     6,000        60,892        26,000        220,229   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income (expense) after provision for credit losses

     68,836        6,543        197,386        (4,809
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Noninterest income:

        

Fees and service charges

     12,332        13,826        37,839        41,094   

Mortgage banking operations

     16,360        19,409        37,481        42,354   

Loan servicing fees

     (4,694     (1,120     (2,884     (382

BOLI

     1,612        1,570        4,922        5,425   

Gains on sales of securities, net

     0        7,005        14,298        24,265   

Other

     3,502        (1,032     1,773        (6,573
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total noninterest income

     29,112        39,658        93,429        106,183   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Noninterest expense

     86,620        94,223        266,515        287,515   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

     11,328        (48,022     24,300        (186,141

Income tax expense

     0        0        0        0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

     11,328        (48,022     24,300        (186,141

Preferred stock dividend

     0        (2,715     0        (11,596

Benefit to common shareholders (1)

     0        84,329        0        84,329   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) available to common shareholders

   $ 11,328      $ 33,592      $ 24,300      $ (113,408
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) per share - basic (2)

   $ 0.18      $ 7.05      $ 0.39      $ (53.29
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) per share - diluted (2)

   $ 0.18      $ 1.31      $ 0.39      $ (53.29
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding - basic (2)

     61,958,183        4,764,875        61,944,392        2,128,059   

Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (2)

     62,041,203        25,739,308        62,236,465        2,128,059   

 

(1) The August 26, 2010 conversion of Series C preferred stock into common stock resulted in an increase in income available to common shareholders.
(2) Reflects the 1-for-66 reverse stock split in November 2010.

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

3


Table of Contents

STERLING FINANCIAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2011      2010     2011     2010  

Net income (loss)

   $ 11,328       $ (48,022   $ 24,300      $ (186,141
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income:

         

Change in unrealized gains on investments and MBS available-for-sale

     39,564         6,215        78,158        42,618   

Less deferred income tax provision

     0         2,561        (2,384     (1,504

Realized net gains reclassified from other comprehensive income

     0         (7,005     (14,298     (24,265
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net other comprehensive income

     39,564         1,771        61,476        16,849   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 50,892       $ (46,251   $ 85,776      $ (169,292
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

4


Table of Contents

STERLING FINANCIAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands)

 

     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
     2011     2010  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income (loss)

   $ 24,300      $ (186,141

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Provision for credit losses

     26,000        220,229   

Net gain on sales of loans

     (38,007     (38,836

Net gain on sales of investments and MBS

     (14,298     (24,265

Stock based compensation

     2,949        813   

Loss on OREO

     61,617        66,274   

Increase in cash surrender value of BOLI

     (4,804     (5,425

Depreciation and amortization

     30,161        22,082   

Change in:

    

Accrued interest receivable

     469        7,465   

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     4,246        42,083   

Accrued interest payable

     3,893        (4,171

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     (1,279     7,733   

Proceeds from sales of loans originated for sale

     1,394,273        1,678,816   

Loans originated for sale

     (1,399,822     (1,739,032
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     89,698        47,625   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Change in restricted cash

     (3,514     (14,677

Net (increase) decrease in loans

     (298,315     865,544   

Proceeds from sales of loans

     39,320        310,155   

Purchase of investment securities

     (9,857     (20,857

Proceeds from maturities of investment securities

     478        8,035   

Proceeds from sale of investment securities

     30,987        17,429   

Purchase of MBS

     (264,156     (1,711,340

Principal payments received on MBS

     341,827        437,644   

Proceeds from sales of MBS

     353,444        763,437   

Office properties and equipment, net

     (13,069     (2,344

Improvements and other changes to OREO

     (5,357     (2,887

Proceeds from sales of OREO

     197,528        120,532   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by investing activities

     369,316        770,671   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

5


Table of Contents

STERLING FINANCIAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)—cont.

(in thousands)

 

     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
     2011     2010  

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Net change in deposits

   $ (431,767   $ (865,976

Advances from FHLB

     0        538,050   

Repayment of advances from FHLB

     (148     (1,037,643

Net change in securities sold under repurchase agreements and funds purchased

     23,840        (14,201

Proceeds from stock issuance, net

     0        684,412   

Other

     0        3,370   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

     (408,075     (691,988
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     50,939        126,308   

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     411,583        564,783   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 462,522      $ 691,091   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures:

    

Cash paid on interest during the period

   $ 79,684      $ 130,106   

Cash received on income tax refunds during the period

     0        49,340   

Noncash financing and investing activities:

    

Loans converted into OREO

     203,701        257,448   

Preferred stock cash dividend accrued

     0        10,349   

Conversion of preferred stock into common stock

     0        295,384   

Conversion of preferred stock accrued dividend into common stock

     0        19,865   

Conversion of Treasury warrant

     0        3,669   

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

6


Table of Contents

STERLING FINANCIAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2011

1. Basis of Presentation:

The foregoing unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X as promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, these financial statements do not include all of the disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements as disclosed in the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. In the opinion of management, the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements furnished herein include all adjustments, all of which are of a normal recurring nature, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented.

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities known to exist as of the date the financial statements are published, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Uncertainties with respect to such estimates and assumptions are inherent in the preparation of Sterling Financial Corporation’s (“Sterling’s”) consolidated financial statements; accordingly, it is possible that the actual results could differ from these estimates and assumptions, which could have a material effect on the reported amounts of Sterling’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.

In addition to other established accounting policies, the following is a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements:

In July 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2010-20, “Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses.” This update amends codification topic 310 on receivables to improve the disclosures that an entity provides about the credit quality of its financing receivables and the related allowance for credit losses. As a result of these amendments, an entity is required to disaggregate by portfolio segment or class certain existing disclosures and provide certain new disclosures about its financing receivables and related allowance for credit losses. This guidance was phased in, with the new disclosure requirements for period end balances effective as of December 31, 2010, and the new disclosure requirements for activity during the reporting period effective March 31, 2011. The troubled debt restructuring disclosures in this ASU became effective September 30, 2011. See Note 3.

In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-2, “A Creditor’s Determination of Whether a Restructuring Is a Troubled Debt Restructuring.” This update to codification topic 310 provides guidance for what constitutes a concession and whether a debtor is experiencing financial difficulties. The amendments in this update were effective for Sterling on July 1, 2011, with retrospective application from January 1, 2011. This update did not have a material effect on Sterling’s consolidated financial statements.

In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-3, “Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements.” This update to codification topic 860 revises the assessment of effective control for purposes of determining if a reverse repurchase agreement should be accounted for as a sale, as compared with a secured borrowing. ASU 2011-3 will be effective for Sterling on January 1, 2012, and is not expected to have a material effect on Sterling’s consolidated financial statements.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-4, “Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS.” This update to codification topic 820 clarifies the application of existing fair value measurement and disclosure requirements, and implements changes to the codification that align U.S. GAAP and IFRS. This update will be effective for Sterling on January 1, 2012, and is not expected to have a material effect on Sterling’s consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-5, “Presentation of Comprehensive Income.” This update to codification topic 220 eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders equity, and requires a presentation of comprehensive income either on the face of the

 

7


Table of Contents

income statement, or on a separate schedule immediately following the income statement. This update will be effective for Sterling on January 1, 2012, and is not expected to have a material effect on Sterling’s consolidated financial statements.

2. Investments and MBS:

The carrying and fair values of investments and MBS are summarized as follows:

 

     Amortized
Cost
     Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    Fair Value  
     (in thousands)  

September 30, 2011

  

Available for sale

          

MBS (1)

     2,166,944       $ 55,269       $ (265     2,221,948   

Municipal bonds

     196,486         10,395         (1,876     205,005   

Other

     24,897         2         (5,329     19,570   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 2,388,327       $ 65,666       $ (7,470   $ 2,446,523   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Held to maturity

          

Tax credits

   $ 1,900       $ 0       $ 0      $ 1,900   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,900       $ 0       $ 0      $ 1,900   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2010

          

Available for sale

          

MBS (1)

   $ 2,598,086       $ 30,017       $ (25,493   $ 2,602,610   

Municipal bonds

     208,588         949         (8,394     201,143   

Other

     24,821         2         (3,566     21,257   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 2,831,495       $ 30,968       $ (37,453   $ 2,825,010   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Held to maturity

          

Tax credits

   $ 13,464       $ 0       $ 0      $ 13,464   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 13,464       $ 0       $ 0      $ 13,464   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Sterling’s MBS portfolio is comprised primarily of residential agency securities. As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, MBS also included $21.2 million and $48.4 million, respectively, of nonagency collateralized mortgage obligations.

Other available for sale securities primarily consist of a single issuer trust preferred security at both September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010. During the second quarter of 2011, Sterling sold $10.5 million of tax credit investments in low income housing partnerships. Until recently, there was not a liquid market for these investments. The sale was driven by the absence of a current tax burden for Sterling, combined with monthly expenses associated with the tax credits. The tax credit investments carrying balance were being systematically reduced over their projected life. The sale resulted in a loss of $2.2 million. Total sales of Sterling’s securities during the periods ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 are summarized as follows:

 

     Proceeds from
Sales
     Gross Realized
Gains
     Gross Realized
(Losses)
 
     (in thousands)  

Nine months ended:

        

September 30, 2011

   $ 384,431       $ 16,605       $ (2,307

September 30, 2010

     780,866         30,686         (6,421

 

8


Table of Contents

The following table summarizes Sterling’s investments and MBS that had a market value below their amortized cost as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, segregated by those investments that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months and those that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for 12 months or longer:

 

     Less than 12 months     12 months or longer     Total  
     Market Value      Unrealized
Losses
    Market Value      Unrealized
Losses
    Market Value      Unrealized
Losses
 
     (in thousands)  

September 30, 2011

  

Municipal bonds

   $ 0       $ 0      $ 17,543       $ (1,876   $ 17,543       $ (1,876

MBS

     57,931         (265     0         0        57,931         (265

Other

     0         0        19,563         (5,329     19,563         (5,329
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 57,931       $ (265   $ 37,106       $ (7,205   $ 95,037       $ (7,470
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 31, 2010

               

Municipal bonds

   $ 89,364       $ (3,193   $ 47,101       $ (5,201   $ 136,465       $ (8,394

MBS

     1,460,173         (25,493     0         0        1,460,173         (25,493

Other

     0         0        21,250         (3,566     21,250         (3,566
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,549,537       $ (28,686   $ 68,351       $ (8,767   $ 1,617,888       $ (37,453
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table presents the amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities as of September 30, 2011, grouped by contractual maturity. Actual maturities for MBS will differ from contractual maturities as a result of the level of prepayments experienced on the underlying mortgages. As of September 30, 2011, the weighted average life of the MBS portfolio was 3.5 years, and its effective duration was 2.7%. This compares with a weighted average life of 5.0 years, and an effective duration of 3.6% at December 31, 2010.

 

     Held-to-maturity      Available-for-sale  
     Amortized Cost      Estimated Fair
Value
     Amortized Cost      Estimated Fair
Value
 
     (in thousands)  

Due within one year

   $ 0       $ 0       $ 657       $ 657   

Due after one year through five years

     0         0         0         0   

Due after five years through ten years

     0         0         208,652         213,278   

Due after ten years

     1,900         1,900         2,179,018         2,232,588   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,900       $ 1,900       $ 2,388,327       $ 2,446,523   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Management evaluates investment securities for other-than-temporary declines in fair value on a quarterly basis. If the fair value of investment securities falls below their amortized cost and the decline is deemed to be other than temporary, the securities are written down to current market value, resulting in a loss. There were no investment securities that management identified to be other than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2011, because Sterling expects the return of all principal and interest on all securities within its investment and MBS portfolio pursuant to the contractual terms, has the ability and intent to hold these investments, has no intent to sell securities that are deemed to have a market value impairment, and believes it is unlikely that Sterling would be required to sell these investments before a recovery in market price occurs, or until maturity. As of September 30, 2011, Sterling held nonagency collateralized mortgage obligations with an amortized book value of $20.9 million, and a net unrealized gain of $310,000. All nonagency collateralized mortgage obligations are internally monitored monthly and independently stress-tested quarterly for both credit quality and collateral strength, and are AAA rated according to at least one major rating agency. The vintage, or year of issuance, for these nonagency securities ranges from 2003 to 2005. As of September 30, 2011, Sterling held municipal bonds with an amortized book value of $196.5 million, and a net unrealized gain of $8.5 million. Sterling reviews its municipal bonds for impairment at least quarterly. Approximately 90% of Sterling’s municipal bonds held as of September 30, 2011 were general obligation bonds. Additionally, as of September 30, 2011, Sterling held one single issuer trust preferred security with an amortized book value of $24.9 million, and a net unrealized loss of $5.3 million. The issuer is JP Morgan Chase, interest payments have not been deferred, and the security is rated A2 by Moody’s.

 

9


Table of Contents

3. Loans Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses:

The following table presents the composition of Sterling’s loan portfolio as of the balance sheet dates:

 

     September 30,
2011
    December 31,
2010
 
     (in thousands)  

Residential real estate

   $ 701,921      $ 758,410   

Multifamily real estate

     990,707        517,022   

Commercial real estate (1)

     1,287,381        1,314,657   

Construction:

    

Residential

     44,671        156,853   

Multifamily

     29,285        90,518   

Commercial

     147,655        278,297   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total construction

     221,611        525,668   

Consumer

     683,972        744,068   

Commercial banking (2)

     1,729,626        1,770,426   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross loans receivable

     5,615,218        5,630,251   

Deferred loan fees, net

     (668     (4,114

Allowance for loan losses

     (186,195     (247,056
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loans receivable

   $ 5,428,355      $ 5,379,081   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Comprised of non owner-occupied commercial real estate (“CRE”).

(2) 

Comprised of commercial and industrial (“C&I”), and owner-occupied CRE.

Gross loans pledged as collateral for borrowings from the FHLB and the Federal Reserve totaled $1.34 billion and $1.52 billion as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the unamortized portion of discounts on acquired loans was $4.5 million and $5.3 million, respectively.

 

10


Table of Contents

The following table sets forth details by segment for Sterling’s loan portfolio and related allowance as of the balance sheet dates:

 

     Real Estate           Commercial              
     Residential     Multifamily     Commercial     Construction     Consumer     Banking     Unallocated     Total  
     (in thousands)  

September 30, 2011

  

Loans receivable, gross:

                

Individually evaluated for impairment

   $ 19,477      $ 4,912      $ 57,318      $ 106,434      $ 1,196      $ 92,400      $ 0      $ 281,737   

Collectively evaluated for impairment

     682,444        985,795        1,230,063        115,177        682,776        1,637,226        0        5,333,481   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total loans receivable, gross

   $ 701,921      $ 990,707      $ 1,287,381      $ 221,611      $ 683,972      $ 1,729,626      $ 0      $ 5,615,218   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Allowance for loan losses:

                

Individually evaluated for impairment

   $ (1,723   $ (49   $ (3,685   $ (6,061   $ (31   $ (3,727   $ 0      $ (15,276

Collectively evaluated for impairment

     (18,327     (20,380     (39,137     (18,249     (12,580     (34,443     (27,803     (170,919
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total allowance for loan losses

   $ (20,050   $ (20,429   $ (42,822   $ (24,310   $ (12,611   $ (38,170   $ (27,803   $ (186,195
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2010

                

Loans receivable, gross:

                

Individually evaluated for impairment

   $ 74,994      $ 23,541      $ 103,389      $ 332,287      $ 4,852      $ 80,880      $ 0      $ 619,943   

Collectively evaluated for impairment

     683,416        493,481        1,211,268        193,381        739,216        1,689,546        0        5,010,308   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total loans receivable, gross

   $ 758,410      $ 517,022      $ 1,314,657      $ 525,668      $ 744,068      $ 1,770,426      $ 0      $ 5,630,251   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Allowance for loan losses:

                

Individually evaluated for impairment

   $ (1,239   $ (1,158   $ (7,859   $ (20,676   $ (33   $ (6,689   $ 0      $ (37,654

Collectively evaluated for impairment

     (16,068     (8,510     (41,503     (45,201     (14,612     (50,262     (33,246     (209,402
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total allowance for loan losses

   $ (17,307   $ (9,668   $ (49,362   $ (65,877   $ (14,645   $ (56,951   $ (33,246   $ (247,056
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

11


Table of Contents

The following tables present a roll forward by segment of the allowance for credit losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010:

 

     Real Estate           Commercial
Banking
             
     Residential     Multifamily     Commercial     Construction     Consumer       Unallocated     Total  
     (in thousands)  

2011 quarterly activity

  

Allowance for loan losses:

                

Beginning balance, July 1

   $ 20,826      $ 11,251      $ 46,449      $ 44,907      $ 13,800      $ 46,602      $ 28,253      $ 212,088   

Charge-offs

     (4,204     (1,035     (11,189     (14,426     (2,554     (7,769     0        (41,177

Recoveries

     178        684        31        6,066        463        3,862        0        11,284   

Provisions

     3,250        9,529        7,531        (12,237     902        (4,525     (450     4,000   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance, September 30

     20,050        20,429        42,822        24,310        12,611        38,170        27,803        186,195   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Allowance for unfunded commitments:

                

Beginning balance, July 1

     2,349        0        0        2,555        2,363        755        (591     7,431   

Charge-offs

     (55     0        0        0        0        0        0        (55

Recoveries

     0        0        0        0        0        0        0        0   

Provisions

     710        0        0        (387     (638     783        1,532        2,000   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance, September 30

     3,004        0        0        2,168        1,725        1,538        941        9,376   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total credit allowance

   $ 23,054      $ 20,430      $ 42,822      $ 26,478      $ 14,336      $ 39,707      $ 28,744      $ 195,571   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

2010 quarterly activity

                

Allowance for loan losses:

                

Beginning balance, July 1

   $ 15,392      $ 5,036      $ 55,524      $ 103,750      $ 16,053      $ 61,622      $ 7,473      $ 264,850   

Charge-offs

     (10,708     (5,173     (12,739     (43,268     (3,696     (8,225     0        (83,809

Recoveries

     187        146        627        4,592        511        601        0        6,664   

Provisions

     11,438        7,121        9,461        16,001        3,664        7,964        5,151        60,800   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance, September 30

     16,309        7,130        52,873        81,075        16,532        61,962        12,624        248,505   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Allowance for unfunded commitments:

                

Beginning balance, July 1

     1,494        1        1        6,776        1,115        1,444        120        10,951   

Charge-offs

     (26     0        0        0        0        0        0        (26

Recoveries

     0        0        0        0        0        0        0        0   

Provisions

     377        (1     46        (1,493     63        (117     1,217        92   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance, September 30

     1,845        0        47        5,283        1,178        1,327        1,337        11,017   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total credit allowance

   $ 18,154      $ 7,130      $ 52,920      $ 86,358      $ 17,710      $ 63,289      $ 13,961      $ 259,522   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

12


Table of Contents
     Real Estate           Commercial
Banking
             
     Residential     Multifamily     Commercial     Construction     Consumer       Unallocated     Total  
     (in thousands)  

2011 year to date

  

Allowance for loan losses:

                

Beginning balance, January 1

   $ 17,307      $ 9,668      $ 49,362      $ 65,877      $ 14,645      $ 56,951      $ 33,246      $ 247,056   

Charge-offs

     (15,230     (1,703     (22,107     (42,785     (6,817     (21,261     0        (109,903

Recoveries

     1,032        1,852        1,484        11,633        1,421        5,120        0        22,542   

Provisions

     16,941        10,612        14,083        (10,415     3,362        (2,640     (5,443     26,500   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance, September 30

     20,050        20,429        42,822        24,310        12,611        38,170        27,803        186,195   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Allowance for unfunded commitments:

                

Beginning balance, January 1

     3,103        0        31        4,127        1,112        1,306        1,028        10,707   

Charge-offs

     (831     0        0        0        0        0        0        (831

Recoveries

     0        0        0        0        0        0        0        0   

Provisions

     732        0        (31     (1,959     613        232        (87     (500
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance, September 30

     3,004        0        0        2,168        1,725        1,538        941        9,376   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total credit allowance

   $ 23,054      $ 20,429      $ 42,822      $ 26,478      $ 14,336      $ 39,708      $ 28,744      $ 195,571   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

2010 year to date

                

Allowance for loan losses:

                

Beginning balance, January 1

   $ 28,319      $ 8,985      $ 42,296      $ 185,222      $ 19,198      $ 59,135      $ 288      $ 343,443   

Charge-offs

     (26,767     (17,119     (42,331     (220,889     (11,975     (17,426     0        (336,507

Recoveries

     791        145        1,193        16,271        1,467        1,112        0        20,979   

Provisions

     13,966        15,119        51,715        100,471        7,842        19,141        12,336        220,590   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance, September 30

     16,309        7,130        52,873        81,075        16,532        61,962        12,624        248,505   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Allowance for unfunded commitments:

                

Beginning balance, January 1

     713        (1     0        9,228        1,481        1,665        (1,119     11,967   

Charge-offs

     (589     0        0        0        0        0        0        (589

Recoveries

     0        0        0        0        0        0        0        0   

Provisions

     1,721        1        47        (3,945     (303     (338     2,456        (361
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance, September 30

     1,845        0        47        5,283        1,178        1,327        1,337        11,017   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total credit allowance

   $ 18,154      $ 7,130      $ 52,920      $ 86,358      $ 17,710      $ 63,289      $ 13,961      $ 259,522   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

13


Table of Contents

In establishing its allowance for loan losses, Sterling groups its loan portfolio into standard portfolio segments for homogeneous loans. The groups are further segregated based on internal risk ratings. Both qualitative and quantitative data are considered in determining the probability of default and loss given default for each group of loans. The probability of default and loss given default are used to calculate an expected loss rate which is multiplied by the loan balance in each category to determine the general allowance for loan losses. If a loan is determined to be impaired, Sterling performs an individual evaluation of the loan. The individual evaluation compares the present value of the expected future cash flows or the fair value of the underlying collateral to the recorded investment in the loan. The results of the individual impairment evaluation could determine the need to record a confirmed loss or a specific reserve.

Sterling assigns risk rating classifications to its loans. These risk ratings are divided into the following groups:

 

   

Pass – asset is considered of sufficient quality to preclude a Special Mention or an adverse rating. Pass assets generally are well protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or by the value of the asset or underlying collateral.

 

   

Special Mention – asset has potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the asset or in Sterling’s credit position at some future date. Special Mention assets are not adversely classified and do not expose an institution to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification.

 

   

Substandard – asset is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or by the collateral pledged, if any. Assets so classified have well-defined weaknesses. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that Sterling will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

 

   

Doubtful/Loss – a Doubtful asset has the weaknesses of those classified Substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable. An asset classified Loss is considered uncollectible and/or of such little value that its continuance as an asset, without establishment of a specific valuation allowance or charge-off, is not warranted. This classification does not necessarily mean that an asset has absolutely no recovery or salvage value; but rather, it is not practical or desirable to defer writing off an asset that is no longer deemed to have financial value, even though partial recovery may be recognized in the future.

 

14


Table of Contents

The following table presents credit quality indicators for Sterling’s loan portfolio as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 grouped according to internally assigned risk ratings and payment activity:

 

     Real Estate             Commercial
Banking
               
     Residential      Multifamily      Commercial      Construction      Consumer         Total      % of
total
 
     (in thousands)  

September 30, 2011

  

Pass

   $ 648,931       $ 958,001       $ 1,126,590       $ 64,987       $ 672,854       $ 1,502,954       $ 4,974,317         89

Special mention

     14,560         15,242         78,786         39,530         3,851         98,910         250,879         4

Substandard

     36,707         17,415         78,319         111,033         7,236         122,568         373,278         7

Doubtful/Loss

     1,723         49         3,686         6,061         31         5,194         16,744         0
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 701,921       $ 990,707       $ 1,287,381       $ 221,611       $ 683,972       $ 1,729,626       $ 5,615,218         100
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Restructured

   $ 18,561       $ 0       $ 4,368       $ 39,557       $ 0       $ 20,511       $ 82,997         1

Nonaccrual

     30,600         5,296         55,594         69,348         5,705         73,599         240,142         4
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Nonperforming

     49,161         5,296         59,962         108,905         5,705         94,110         323,139         5

Performing

     652,760         985,411         1,227,419         112,706         678,267         1,635,516         5,292,079         95
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 701,921       $ 990,707       $ 1,287,381       $ 221,611       $ 683,972       $ 1,729,626       $ 5,615,218         100
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 31, 2010

                       

Pass

   $ 638,273       $ 446,363       $ 1,047,239       $ 68,099       $ 718,831       $ 1,474,312       $ 4,393,117         78

Special mention

     15,670         29,566         91,870         89,524         7,074         89,680         323,384         6

Substandard

     104,467         41,093         175,548         368,045         18,163         205,354         912,670         16

Doubtful/Loss

     0         0         0         0         0         1,080         1,080         0
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 758,410       $ 517,022       $ 1,314,657       $ 525,668       $ 744,068       $ 1,770,426       $ 5,630,251         100
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Restructured

   $ 20,569       $ 0       $ 10,856       $ 57,662       $ 119       $ 19,298       $ 108,504         2

Nonaccrual

     70,842         23,541         95,229         277,993         7,854         70,674         546,133         10
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Nonperforming

     91,411         23,541         106,085         335,655         7,973         89,972         654,637         12

Performing

     666,999         493,481         1,208,572         190,013         736,095         1,680,454         4,975,614         88
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 758,410       $ 517,022       $ 1,314,657       $ 525,668       $ 744,068       $ 1,770,426       $ 5,630,251         100
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

15


Table of Contents

Aging by class for Sterling’s loan portfolio as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 was as follows:

 

     Real Estate             Commercial
Banking
               
     Residential      Multifamily      Commercial      Construction      Consumer         Total      % of
total
 
     (in thousands)  

September 30, 2011

  

30 - 59 days past due

   $ 5,788       $ 0       $ 8,118       $ 4,453       $ 5,365       $ 19,918       $ 43,642         1

60 - 89 days past due

     3,083         169         16,656         5,235         1,616         7,002         33,761         1

> 90 days past due

     24,870         4,750         36,026         74,939         5,358         57,619         203,562         4
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total past due

     33,741         4,919         60,800         84,627         12,339         84,539         280,965         6

Current

     668,180         985,788         1,226,581         136,984         671,633         1,645,087         5,334,253         94
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Loans

   $ 701,921       $ 990,707       $ 1,287,381       $ 221,611       $ 683,972       $ 1,729,626       $ 5,615,218         100
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

> 90 days and accruing

   $ 0       $ 0       $ 0       $ 0       $ 0       $ 0       $ 0      
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

December 31, 2010

                       

30 - 59 days past due

   $ 10,273       $ 3,235       $ 4,251       $ 27,251       $ 5,650       $ 12,994       $ 63,654         1

60 - 89 days past due

     4,179         6,146         7,089         15,419         1,837         4,099         38,769         1

> 90 days past due

     35,544         6,428         34,517         232,140         4,834         52,497         365,960         6
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total past due

     49,996         15,809         45,857         274,810         12,321         69,590         468,383         8

Current

     708,414         501,213         1,268,800         250,858         731,747         1,700,836         5,161,868         92
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Loans

   $ 758,410       $ 517,022       $ 1,314,657       $ 525,668       $ 744,068       $ 1,770,426       $ 5,630,251         100
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

> 90 days and accruing

   $ 0       $ 0       $ 0       $ 0       $ 0       $ 0       $ 0      
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

16


Table of Contents

Sterling considers its nonperforming loans to be impaired loans, which include $35.8 million and $34.7 million of homogeneous and small balance loans which were collectively evaluated for impairment on September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. Impaired loans by class were as follows at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:

 

                   Book Balance             Three Months Ended
September 30, 2011
     Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2011
 
     Unpaid
Principal
Balance
     Charge-Offs      Without
Specific
Reserve
     With
Specific
Reserve
     Specific
Reserve
     Average
Book
Balance
     Interest
Income
Recognized
     Average
Book
Balance
     Interest
Income
Recognized
 
     (in thousands)  

September 30, 2011

  

Residential real estate

   $ 62,020       $ 12,859       $ 40,441       $ 8,720       $ 1,723       $ 51,786       $ 247       $ 70,286       $ 567   

Multifamily real estate

     5,614         318         4,897         399         49         7,206         67         14,419         690   

Commercial real estate

     86,122         26,160         37,528         22,434         3,685         58,185         620         83,024         1,848   

Construction

     163,914         55,009         45,527         63,378         6,061         142,356         1,146         222,280         1,190   

Consumer

     6,794         1,089         5,560         145         31         5,635         0         6,839         —     

Commercial banking

     122,790         28,680         65,124         28,986         3,727         94,457         803         92,041         2,234   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 447,254       $ 124,115       $ 199,077       $ 124,062       $ 15,276       $ 359,624       $ 2,883       $ 488,889       $ 6,529   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 31, 2010

                          

Residential real estate

   $ 114,401       $ 22,990       $ 27,956       $ 63,455       $ 1,239               

Multifamily real estate

     30,464         6,923         8,326         15,215         1,158               

Commercial real estate

     135,366         29,281         30,400         75,685         7,859               

Construction

     539,331         203,676         65,618         270,037         20,676               

Consumer

     12,740         4,767         4,353         3,620         33               

Commercial banking

     142,110         52,138         46,948         43,024         6,689               
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

             

Total

   $ 974,412       $ 319,775       $ 183,601       $ 471,036       $ 37,654               
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

             

 

17


Table of Contents

The following tables present loans that were modified and recorded as troubled debt restructurings (“TDR’s”) during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30, 2011
 
     Number of
Contracts
     Pre-Modification
Recorded
Investment
     Post-Modification
Recorded
Investment
 
     (in thousands, except number of contracts)  

Residential real estate

     0       $ 0       $ 0   

Multifamily real estate

     0         0         0   

Commercial real estate

     0         0         0   

Construction

     1         18,644         19,229   

Consumer

     0         0         0   

Commercial banking

     0         0         0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total (1)

     1       $ 18,644       $ 19,229   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Amounts exclude specific loan loss reserves.

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2011
 
     Number of
Contracts
     Pre-Modification
Recorded
Investment
     Post-Modification
Recorded
Investment
 
     (in thousands, except number of contracts)  

Residential real estate

     0       $ 0       $ 0   

Multifamily real estate

     0         0         0   

Commercial real estate

     8         3,271         3,282   

Construction

     2         21,419         22,046   

Consumer

     0         0         0   

Commercial banking

     8         14,809         14,918   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total (1)

     18       $ 39,499       $ 40,246   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Amounts exclude specific loan loss reserves.

 

18


Table of Contents

The majority of TDRs are determined to be impaired prior to being restructured. As such, they are individually evaluated for impairment, unless they are considered homogeneous loans in which case they would be collectively evaluated for impairment. As of September 30, 2011, Sterling had specific reserves of $1.8 million on TDRs, which were restructured during the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The following table shows the post modification recorded investment for TDRs restructured during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 by the primary type of concession granted:

     Principal
Deferral
     Rate
Reduction
     Capitalized
Interest into
Principal
Balance
     Forgiveness
of Principal
and/or
Interest
     Total  
     (in thousands)  

Residential Real Estate

   $ 0       $ 0       $ 0       $ 0       $ 0   

Multifamily Real Estate

     0         0         0         0         0   

Commercial Real Estate

     0         1,856         1,426            3,282   

Construction

     2,816         0         0         19,230         22,046   

Consumer

     0         0         0         0         0   

Commercial Banking

     10,230         345         0         4,343         14,918   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 13,046       $ 2,201       $ 1,426       $ 23,573       $ 40,246   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Restructurings that result in the forgiveness of principal or interest are typically part of a bankruptcy settlement. TDR’s that were restructured during the 12 months ended September 30, 2011 and defaulted during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, were as follows:

During the three months ended September 30, 2011

 

     Number of
Contracts
     Recorded
Investment
at Default
 

Residential real estate

     0       $ 0   

Multifamily real estate

     0         0   

Commercial real estate

     2         366   

Construction

     0         0   

Consumer

     0         0   

Commercial banking

     0         0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     2       $ 366   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2011

 

     Number of
Contracts
     Recorded
Investment
at Default
 

Residential real estate

     1       $ 564   

Multifamily real estate

     0         0   

Commercial real estate

     3         588   

Construction

     0         0   

Consumer

     0         0   

Commercial banking

     1         377   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     5       $ 1,529   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

19


Table of Contents

At the applicable foreclosure date, OREO is recorded at the fair value of the real estate, less the estimated costs to sell. The carrying value of OREO is periodically evaluated and, if necessary, an allowance is established to reduce the carrying value to net realizable value. Changes in this allowance were as follows for the periods presented:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2011     2010     2011     2010  
     (in thousands)  

Allowance for OREO losses:

        

Balance, beginning of period

   $ 17,844      $ 14,068      $ 21,799      $ 8,204   

Provision

     7,995        4,784        20,850        20,894   

Charge-offs

     (6,298     (5,643     (23,108     (15,889
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, end of period

   $ 19,541      $ 13,209      $ 19,541      $ 13,209   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The increase in charge-offs during the periods presented was due to the increase in OREO sales, which totaled $194.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to $113.9 million during the same period in 2010.

4. Junior Subordinated Debentures:

Sterling has raised regulatory capital through the formation of trust subsidiaries and the assumption of similar obligations through mergers with other financial institutions. The trusts are business trusts in which Sterling owns all of the common equity. The proceeds from the sale of the securities were used to purchase junior subordinated debentures issued by Sterling. Sterling’s obligations under the junior subordinated debentures and related documents, taken together, constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by Sterling of the trusts’ obligations. The junior subordinated debentures are treated as debt of Sterling. The junior subordinated debentures generally mature 30 years after issuance and are redeemable at the option of Sterling under certain conditions, including, with respect to certain of the trusts, payment of call premiums. During the third quarter of 2009, Sterling elected to defer regularly scheduled interest payments on these securities, and has continued to defer these payments through September 30, 2011. As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the accrued deferred interest was $14.0 million and $9.4 million, respectively. Sterling is allowed to defer payments of interest on the junior subordinated debentures for up to 20 consecutive quarterly periods without triggering an event of default. Details of the junior subordinated debentures are as follows:

 

Subsidiary Issuer

   Issue Date    Maturity
Date
   Next Call
Date
   Rate at September 30,
2011
    Amount  
     (in thousands)  

Sterling Capital Trust IX

   July 2007    Oct 2037    Oct 2012      Floating         1.70   $ 46,392   

Sterling Capital Trust VIII

   Sept 2006    Sept 2036    Dec 2011      Floating         1.88        51,547   

Sterling Capital Trust VII

   June 2006    June 2036    Dec 2011      Floating         1.77        56,702   

Lynnwood Capital Trust II

   June 2005    June 2035    Dec 2011      Floating         2.05        10,310   

Sterling Capital Trust VI

   June 2003    Sept 2033    Dec 2011      Floating         3.45        10,310   

Sterling Capital Statutory Trust V

   May 2003    May 2033    Dec 2011      Floating         3.50        20,619   

Sterling Capital Trust IV

   May 2003    May 2033    Nov 2011      Floating         3.41        10,310   

Sterling Capital Trust III

   April 2003    April 2033    Oct 2011      Floating         3.52        14,433   

Lynnwood Capital Trust I

   Mar 2003    Mar 2033    Dec 2011      Floating         3.40        9,448   

Klamath First Capital Trust I

   July 2001    July 2031    Jan 2012      Floating         4.20        15,218   
                

 

 

 
                 2.39 %*    $ 245,289   
                

 

 

 

 

* Weighted average rate

 

20


Table of Contents

5. Earnings (Loss) Per Share:

The following table presents the basic and diluted earnings per common share computations:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2011      2010      2011      2010  
     (in thousands, except shares and per share amounts)  

Numerator:

           

Net income (loss) available to common shareholders

   $ 11,328       $ 33,592       $ 24,300       $ (113,408

Denominator:

           

Weighted average shares outstanding - basic

     61,958,183         4,764,875         61,944,392         2,128,059   

Dilutive securities outstanding

     83,020         20,974,433         292,073         0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted

     62,041,203         25,739,308         62,236,465         2,128,059   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) per share - basic

   $ 0.18       $ 7.05       $ 0.39       $ (53.29
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) per share - diluted

   $ 0.18       $ 1.31       $ 0.39       $ (53.29
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Antidilutive securities outstanding (weighted average):

           

Stock options

     16,291         19,833         16,823         21,112   

Warrants

     2,625,000         0         0         359,016   

Convertible preferred

     0         0         0         6,709,291   

Restricted shares

     9,049         2,087         63,405         2,397   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total antidilutive securities outstanding

     2,650,340         21,920         80,228         7,091,816   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Prior period share and per share amounts disclosed in this footnote, as well as all other prior period share and per share amounts disclosed in these financial statements, have been restated to reflect the 1-for-66 reverse stock split that was effected in November 2010.

 

21


Table of Contents

6. Noninterest Expense:

The following table details the components of Sterling’s noninterest expense:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2011      2010      2011      2010  
     (in thousands)  

Employee compensation and benefits

   $ 43,828       $ 42,561       $ 129,514       $ 125,875   

OREO operations

     10,739         10,456         36,591         38,585   

Occupancy and equipment

     9,580         9,562         29,558         29,306   

Data processing

     5,651         5,858         18,339         16,322   

Insurance

     3,914         6,632         12,589         29,508   

Professional fees

     3,161         8,303         9,571         17,469   

Depreciation

     3,000         3,326         9,026         10,266   

Advertising

     1,932         3,195         6,659         9,105   

Travel and entertainment

     1,336         895         3,931         2,570   

Amortization of core deposit intangibles

     1,190         1,225         3,639         3,674   

Other

     2,289         2,210         7,098         4,835   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total noninterest expense

   $ 86,620       $ 94,223       $ 266,515       $ 287,515   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

7. Income Taxes:

Sterling uses an estimate of future earnings and an evaluation of its loss carryback ability and tax planning strategies to determine whether it is more likely than not that it will realize the benefit of its deferred tax asset. Sterling determined that it did not meet the required threshold as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, and accordingly, had a full valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets. As of September 30, 2011, the reserved net deferred tax asset was approximately $335 million, including approximately $288 million of net operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. This is compared with a reserved deferred tax asset of approximately $359 million, including approximately $263 million of net operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards, as of December 31, 2010. The primary reason for the decline in the net deferred tax asset since year end was due to the change in the unrealized gains on available for sale securities.

With regard to the deferred tax asset, the benefits of Sterling’s accumulated tax losses would be reduced in the event of an “ownership change,” as determined under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. During 2010, in order to preserve the benefits of these tax losses, Sterling’s shareholders approved a protective amendment to the restated articles of incorporation and Sterling’s board adopted a tax preservation rights plan, both of which restrict certain stock transfers that would result in an investor acquiring more than 4.95% of Sterling’s total outstanding common stock.

 

22


Table of Contents

8. Stock-Based Compensation:

The following table presents a summary of stock option and restricted stock activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2011:

 

     Stock Options      Restricted Stock  
     Number     Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
     Number     Weighted
Average
Grant Price
 

Balance, January 1, 2011

     18,920      $ 1,357.97         368,805      $ 18.24   

Granted

     0        0.00         116,230        17.40   

Exercised/vested

     0        0.00         (43,017     24.76   

Cancelled/expired

     (2,849     1,178.77         (24,125     16.39   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Outstanding, September 30, 2011

     16,071      $ 1,389.74         417,893      $ 17.44   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Exercisable, September 30, 2011

     14,244      $ 1,502.18        
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

Prior period share and per share amounts disclosed in this footnote, as well as all other prior period share and per share amounts disclosed in these financial statements, have been restated to reflect the 1-for-66 reverse stock split that was effected in November 2010. The following presents the weighted average remaining contractual life and the aggregate intrinsic value for stock options as of the dates indicated:

 

     Stock Options  
     Outstanding      Exercisable  
     Weighted
Average Life
     Intrinsic
Value
     Weighted
Average Life
     Intrinsic
Value
 

December 31, 2010

     2.8 years       $ 0         2.6 years       $ 0   

September 30, 2011

     2.4 years         0         2.3 years         0   

As of September 30, 2011, a total of 5,513,176 shares remained available for grant under Sterling’s 2003, 2007 and 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plans. The stock options granted under these plans have terms of four, six, eight and ten years. Restricted shares granted during 2011 have vesting schedules that vary, ranging from vesting immediately upon grant to vesting up to three years after the grant date.

Stock-based compensation expense recognized during the periods presented was as follows:

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2011      2010  
     (in thousands)  

Stock options

   $ 226       $ 567   

Restricted stock

     2,723         246   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 2,949       $ 813   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2011, unrecognized equity compensation expense totaled $5.3 million, as the underlying outstanding awards had not yet been earned. This amount will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.1 years. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, 249 stock options were forfeited, and 24,125 shares of restricted stock were forfeited.

9. Derivatives and Hedging:

From time to time, Sterling may enter into interest rate swap transactions with loan customers. The interest rate risk on these swap transactions is managed by entering into offsetting interest rate swap agreements with various unaffiliated counterparties (“broker-dealers”). Both customer and broker-dealer related interest rate derivatives are carried at fair value by Sterling.

As part of its mortgage banking activities, Sterling makes commitments to prospective borrowers on residential mortgage loan applications, which may have the interest rates locked for a period of 10 to 60 days (“interest rate

 

23


Table of Contents

lock commitments”). These interest rate lock commitments, and loans held for sale that have not been committed to investors, give rise to interest rate risk. Sterling hedges the interest rate risk arising from these mortgage banking activities by entering into forward sales agreements on MBS with third parties (“forward commitments”).

Residential mortgage loans held for sale that were not committed to investors were $199.3 million and $207.0 million as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. The following table summarizes the off-balance sheet portions of Sterling’s mortgage banking operations, as well as Sterling’s interest rate swaps:

 

     September 30, 2011  
            Fair Value  
     Notional      Asset      Liability  
     (in thousands)  

Interest rate lock commitments

   $ 236,521       $ 7,218       $ 0   

Forward commitments

     373,079         0         4,656   

Interest rate swaps - broker-dealer

     44,195         0         4,777   

Interest rate swaps - customer

     46,814         4,987         0   
     December 31, 2010  
            Fair Value  
     Notional      Asset      Liability  
     (in thousands)  

Interest rate lock commitments

   $ 118,589       $ 1,869       $ 0   

Forward commitments

     285,300         3,770         0   

Interest rate swaps - broker-dealer

     47,815         0         4,426   

Interest rate swaps - customer

     50,467         4,877         0   

The fair value of these derivatives are included in other assets and liabilities, respectively. Gains and losses on Sterling’s mortgage banking derivative transactions are included in mortgage banking income, while gains and losses on Sterling’s interest rate swap transactions are included in other noninterest income. The following table sets forth these gains and losses:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2011     2010     2011     2010  
     (in thousands)  

Mortgage banking operations

   $ (2,116   $ (686     (5,015   $ (3,448

Other noninterest income

     1,191        (272     1,228        (195

10. Fair Value:

Fair value estimates are determined as of a specific date using quoted market prices, where available, or various assumptions and estimates. As the assumptions underlying these estimates change, the fair value of the financial instruments will change. The use of assumptions and various valuation techniques, as well as the absence of secondary markets for certain financial instruments, will likely reduce the comparability of fair value disclosures between financial institutions. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent and should not be construed to represent the full underlying value of Sterling.

 

24


Table of Contents

The carrying amounts and fair values of financial instruments as of the periods indicated were as follows. Other assets are comprised of FHLB stock and derivatives, while other liabilities are comprised of derivatives:

 

     September 30, 2011      December 31, 2010  
     Carrying
Amount
     Fair Value      Carrying
Amount
     Fair Value  
     (in thousands)  

Financial assets:

  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 481,717       $ 481,717       $ 427,264       $ 427,264   

Investments and MBS:

           

Available for sale

     2,446,523         2,446,523         2,825,010         2,825,010   

Held to maturity

     1,900         1,900         13,464         13,464   

Loans held for sale

     241,039         241,039         222,216         222,216   

Loans receivable, net

     5,428,355         5,192,500         5,379,081         5,078,157   

Accrued interest receivable

     33,618         33,618         34,087         34,087   

Other assets

     111,484         111,484         110,487         110,487   

Financial liabilities:

           

Non-maturity deposits

     3,692,335         3,692,335         3,376,188         3,123,840   

Deposits with stated maturities

     2,786,905         2,838,301         3,534,819         3,588,051   

Borrowings

     1,708,641         1,719,609         1,685,008         1,660,387   

Accrued interest payable

     21,152         21,152         17,259         17,259   

Other liabilities

     10,007         10,007         6,176         6,176   

Companies have the option of carrying financial assets and liabilities at fair value, which can be implemented on all or individually selected financial instruments. The framework for defining and measuring fair value requires that one of three valuation methods be used to determine fair market value: the market approach, the income approach or the cost approach. To increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements and related disclosures, the standard also creates a fair value hierarchy to prioritize the inputs to these valuation methods into the following three levels:

 

   

Level 1 inputs are a select class of observable inputs, based upon the quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets that are accessible as of the measurement date, and are to be used whenever available.

 

   

Level 2 inputs are other types of observable inputs, such as quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are inactive; or other inputs that are observable or can be derived from or supported by observable market data. Level 2 inputs are to be used whenever Level 1 inputs are not available.

 

   

Level 3 inputs are substantially unobservable, reflecting the reporting entity’s own assumptions regarding what market participants would assume when pricing a financial instrument. Level 3 inputs are to be used only when Level 1 and Level 2 inputs are unavailable.

The methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments are as follows:

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value due to the relatively short-term nature of these instruments.

Investments and MBS

The fair value of investments and MBS has been valued using a matrix pricing technique based on quoted prices for similar instruments, which Sterling validates with non-binding broker quotes, in depth collateral analysis and cash flow stress testing.

 

25


Table of Contents

Loans Held for Sale

Sterling has elected to carry loans held for sale at fair value. The fair values are based on investor quotes in the secondary market based upon the fair value of options and commitments to sell or issue mortgage loans. The fair value election was made to match changes in the value of these loans with the value of their economic hedges. Loan origination fees, costs and servicing rights, which were previously deferred on these loans, are now recognized as part of the loan value at origination.

Loans Receivable

The fair value of performing loans is estimated by discounting the cash flows using interest rates that consider the current credit and interest rate risk inherent in the loans and current economic and lending conditions and does not incorporate the exit price concept of fair value. The fair value of nonperforming collateral dependent loans is estimated based upon the value of the underlying collateral. The fair value of other nonperforming loans is estimated by discounting management’s current estimate of future cash flows using a rate estimated to be commensurate with the risks involved. In addition, a liquidity discount has been applied against the entire portfolio to reflect the uncertainty surrounding the timing of when a sale may occur.

Mortgage Servicing Rights

The fair value of mortgage servicing rights is estimated using a discounted cash flow model to arrive at the present value of future expected earnings from the servicing of the loans. Model inputs include prepayment speeds, market interest rates, contractual interest rates on the loans being serviced, and the amount of other fee income generated over the servicing contract.

OREO

The fair value of OREO is estimated using third party appraisals, subject to updates to reflect comparable market transactions, with appraisals ordered for “as is” or “disposition” value.

Deposits

The fair values of deposits subject to immediate withdrawal such as interest and noninterest bearing checking, regular savings, and money market deposit accounts, are equal to the amounts payable on demand at the reporting date. Fair values for time deposits are estimated by discounting future cash flows using interest rates currently offered on time deposits with similar remaining maturities.

Borrowings

The carrying amounts of short-term borrowings under repurchase agreements, federal funds purchased, short-term FHLB advances and other short-term borrowings approximate their fair values due to the relatively short period of time between the origination of the instruments and the expected payment dates on the instruments. The fair value of advances under lines of credit approximates their carrying value because such advances bear variable rates of interest. The fair value of long-term FHLB advances and other long-term borrowings is estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on Sterling’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements with similar remaining terms.

 

26


Table of Contents

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis. The following table presents Sterling’s financial instruments that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

 

     Total      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  
     (in thousands)  

Balance, September 30, 2011:

           

Investment securities available-for-sale:

           

MBS

   $ 2,221,948       $ 0       $ 2,221,948       $ 0   

Municipal bonds

     205,005         0         205,005         0   

Other

     19,570         0         19,570         0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investment securities available-for-sale

     2,446,523         0         2,446,523         0   

Loans held for sale

     241,039         0         241,039         0   

Other assets - derivatives

     12,205         0         12,205         0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 2,699,767       $ 0       $ 2,699,767       $ 0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other liabilities - derivatives

   $ 10,007       $ 0       $ 10,007       $ 0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2010:

           

Investment securities available-for-sale:

           

MBS

   $ 2,602,610       $ 0       $ 2,602,610       $ 0   

Municipal bonds

     201,143         0         201,143         0   

Other

     21,257         0         21,257         0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investment securities available-for-sale

     2,825,010         0         2,825,010         0   

Loans held for sale

     222,216         0         222,216         0   

Other assets - derivatives

     10,516         0         10,516         0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 3,057,742       $ 0       $ 3,057,742       $ 0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other liabilities - derivatives

   $ 6,176       $ 0       $ 6,176       $ 0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivatives represent mortgage banking interest rate lock and loan delivery commitments, a common stock warrant carried as a derivative liability and interest rate swaps. Market values on the interest rate swaps equal the present value differential between the fixed interest rate payments, as established in the swap agreement, and the floating interest rate payments, as projected by the forward interest rate curve, over the term of the swap. See Note 9 for a further discussion of these derivatives. The difference between the aggregate fair value and the aggregate unpaid principal balance of loans held for sale that are carried at fair value were included in earnings as follows:

 

     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
     2011      2010  
     (in thousands)  

Mortgage banking operations

   $ 8,542       $ 8,778   

 

27


Table of Contents

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis. Sterling may be required, from time to time, to measure certain assets at fair value on a non-recurring basis from application of lower of cost or market (“LOCOM”) accounting or write-downs of individual assets. The following table presents the carrying value for these assets as of the dates indicated:

 

     September 30, 2011         
     Total Carrying
Value
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Losses During the
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2011
 
     (in thousands)  

Loans

   $ 269,987       $ 0       $ 0       $ 269,987       $ (52,248

OREO

     39,786         0         0         39,786         (13,408

Mortgage servicing rights

     21,160         0         0         21,160         (5,502
     December 31, 2010      Gains (Losses)
During the Twelve
Months Ended
December 31, 2010
 
     Total Carrying
Value
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3     

Loans

   $ 549,320       $ 0       $ 0       $ 549,320       $ (181,165

OREO

     63,586         0         0         63,586         (21,096

Mortgage servicing rights

     20,604         0         0         20,604         1,115   

The loans disclosed above represent the net balance of loans for which a charge against earnings has occurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2011, and the year ended December 31, 2010, respectively, with these charges comprised of charge-offs and increases in the specific reserve. OREO represents the carrying value on properties for which a specific reserve was established during the periods presented as a result of updated appraisals subsequent to foreclosure. In addition to the loan and OREO losses disclosed above, charge-offs at foreclosure for properties held as of period end totaled $23.9 million and $33.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and the year ended December 31, 2010, respectively. Fair value adjustments to the mortgage servicing rights were mainly due to market derived assumptions associated with mortgage prepayment speeds. Sterling carries its mortgage servicing rights at LOCOM, and they are accordingly measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis.

11. Regulatory Capital:

The following table sets forth the respective regulatory capital positions for Sterling and Sterling Savings Bank as of September 30, 2011:

 

     Actual      Adequately
Capitalized
    Well-Capitalized  
     Amount      Ratio     Amount      Ratio     Amount      Ratio  
     (in thousands)  

Tier 1 leverage ratio

               

Sterling

   $ 1,029,482         11.1   $ 369,332         4.0   $ 461,665         5.0

Sterling Savings Bank

     999,680         10.8     369,296         4.0     461,620         5.0

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio

               

Sterling

     1,029,482         17.1     240,872         4.0     361,307         6.0

Sterling Savings Bank

     999,680         16.6     240,116         4.0     360,173         6.0

Total risk-based capital ratio

               

Sterling

     1,106,124         18.4     481,743         8.0     602,179         10.0

Sterling Savings Bank

     1,076,204         17.9     480,231         8.0     600,289         10.0

12. Segment Information:

For 2011, Sterling changed its reporting segments to reflect the integration of Golf Savings Bank into Sterling Savings Bank and leadership realignments. The segments for 2011 are as follows:

 

   

Community Banking – a division within Sterling Savings Bank providing traditional banking services through the retail banking, private banking and commercial banking groups.

 

   

Home Loan Division – originating residential real estate loans primarily through the mortgage banking operations of Sterling Savings Bank on both a servicing-retained and servicing-released basis.

 

28


Table of Contents
   

Commercial Real Estate – a division within Sterling Savings Bank focused on the origination and servicing of multifamily real estate, commercial real estate and construction loans.

The Other and Eliminations caption represents intercompany eliminations of revenue and expenses. Segment results for the comparable period presented are grouped according to the original classifications, due to the impracticability of reclassification to current period presentation.

 

     As of and for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2011  
     Community
Banking
     Home Loan
Division
    Commercial
Real Estate
     Other and
Eliminations
    Total  
     (in thousands)        

Interest income

   $ 86,572       $ 0      $ 14,813       $ (6   $ 101,379   

Interest expense

     23,042         26        3,477         (2     26,543   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income

     63,530         (26     11,336         (4     74,836   

Provision for credit losses

     297         0        5,703         0        6,000   

Noninterest income

     10,136         17,649        1,323         4        29,112   

Noninterest expense

     66,023         16,267        4,330         0        86,620   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

   $ 7,346       $ 1,356      $ 2,626       $ 0      $ 11,328   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 9,110,888       $ 21,490      $ 43,496       $ 0      $ 9,175,874   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     As of and for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2010  
     Community
Banking
    Residential
Construction
Lending
    Residential
Mortgage
Banking
     Commercial
Mortgage
Banking
    Other and
Eliminations
    Total  
     (in thousands)  

Interest income

   $ 99,481      $ 1,391      $ 5,131       $ 717      $ (66   $ 106,654   

Interest expense

     31,544        3,380        2,636         0        1,659        39,219   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income

     67,937        (1,989     2,495         717        (1,725     67,435   

Provision for credit losses

     52,371        7,629        892         0        0        60,892   

Noninterest income

     23,675        5        14,759         843        376        39,658   

Noninterest expense

     79,770        1,364        6,609         1,659        4,821        94,223   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

   $ (40,529   $ (10,977   $ 9,753       $ (99   $ (6,170   $ (48,022
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 8,976,324      $ 398,881      $ 655,536       $ 7,658      $ (8,356   $ 10,030,043   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

29


Table of Contents
     As of and for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011  
     Community
Banking
     Home Loan
Division
    Commercial
Real Estate
     Other and
Eliminations
    Total  
     (in thousands)        

Interest income

   $ 267,495       $ 2,832      $ 37,274       $ (638   $ 306,963   

Interest expense

     73,574         1,001        9,098         (96     83,577   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income

     193,921         1,831        28,176         (542     223,386   

Provision for credit losses

     19,598         (56     6,458         0        26,000   

Noninterest income

     52,254         36,297        4,364         514        93,429   

Noninterest expense

     215,117         36,768        14,630         0        266,515   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

   $ 11,460       $ 1,416      $ 11,452       $ (28   $ 24,300   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 9,110,888       $ 21,490      $ 43,496       $ 0      $ 9,175,874   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     As of and for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010  
     Community
Banking
    Residential
Construction
Lending
    Residential
Mortgage
Banking
     Commercial
Mortgage
Banking
     Other and
Eliminations
    Total  
     (in thousands)  

Interest income

   $ 314,067      $ 6,313      $ 17,834       $ 3,137       $ 4      $ 341,355   

Interest expense

     97,671        15,052        8,629         0         4,583        125,935   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income

     216,396        (8,739     9,205         3,137         (4,579     215,420   

Provision for credit losses

     151,831        60,169        8,229         0         0        220,229   

Noninterest income

     63,285        28        41,246         2,005         (381     106,183   

Noninterest expense

     236,399        4,387        31,592         4,070         11,067        287,515   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

   $ (108,549   $ (73,267   $ 10,630       $ 1,072       $ (16,027   $ (186,141
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 8,976,324      $ 398,881      $ 655,536       $ 7,658       $ (8,356   $ 10,030,043   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

13. Commitments and Contingencies:

Sterling’s subsidiary Sterling Savings Bank is a plaintiff in a foreclosure against a commercial borrower in which the borrower seeks to certify a class of commercial borrowers on the basis of claims arising from the use of the 365/360 method of interest computation in certain commercial promissory notes. The borrower alleges generally that the promissory notes at issue set forth annual or per annum interest rates, that the bank’s use of the 365/360 method of calculation of interest set forth elsewhere in the promissory notes caused the borrower to pay interest over a calendar year at a higher rate than the per annum rate stated in the promissory notes, and that this was a breach of the terms of the promissory notes and violated the Washington Consumer Protection Act. The borrower, on behalf of a class of other borrowers who signed similar promissory notes, seeks damages, restitution, declaratory and injunctive relief, prejudgment interest, costs, and attorneys’ fees. The class has not yet been certified and the parties are currently in discovery. Sterling believes the lawsuit is without merit and intends to defend against it vigorously. Currently, a loss resulting from these claims is not considered probable or reasonably estimable in amount.

14. Subsequent Event:

On November 7, 2011, Sterling announced that its subsidiary, Sterling Savings Bank, entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with First Independent Investment Group, Inc. (“FIG”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, First Independent Bank (“First Independent”), to acquire certain assets and operations, and assume all deposits, of First Independent. The transaction has been approved by the boards of directors of Sterling and FIG and First Independent and the shareholders of FIG and First Independent. The closing of the transaction is subject to various conditions including receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals.

 

30


Table of Contents

Item 2 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This report contains forward-looking statements. For a discussion about such statements, including the risks and uncertainties inherent therein, see “Forward-Looking Statements.” Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes presented elsewhere in this report and in Sterling’s 2010 annual report on Form 10-K.

General

Sterling Financial Corporation, with headquarters in Spokane, Washington, is the bank holding company for Sterling Savings Bank, which commenced operations in 1983. References to “Sterling,” “the Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us” in this report refer to Sterling Financial Corporation, a Washington corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries on a combined basis, unless otherwise specified or the context otherwise requires. References to “Sterling Savings Bank” refer to our subsidiary Sterling Savings Bank, a Washington state-chartered commercial bank. Sterling Savings Bank offers retail and commercial banking products and services, mortgage lending and investment products to individuals, small businesses, commercial organizations and corporations. As of September 30, 2011, Sterling had assets of $9.18 billion and operated 178 depository branches in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and California.

Executive Summary and Highlights

Net income available to common shareholders was $11.3 million, or $0.18 per common share, for the three months ended September 30, 2011, compared to net income available to common shareholders of $33.6 million, or $1.31 per diluted common share, for the comparable 2010 quarter. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, net income available to common shareholders was $24.3 million, or $0.39 per common share, versus a net loss attributable to common shareholders of $113.4 million, or $53.29 per common share for the same period in 2010. Comparability in per share results over the periods presented reflects a one-time, non-cash increase to income available to common shareholders of $84.3 million related to the conversion of the preferred stock held by the U.S. Treasury into common stock, and the increase in the amount of shares outstanding in connection with Sterling’s recapitalization in August 2010.

The following are selected financial highlights at September 30, 2011:

 

   

Third consecutive quarter of positive earnings and earnings growth.

 

   

Classified assets declined $599.1 million, or 54%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

 

   

Net interest margin expanded to 3.34% for the third quarter of 2011, from 2.77% during the third quarter of 2010.

 

   

Noninterest expenses declined $21.0 million, or 7%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 versus the 2010 comparative period.

 

   

Tier 1 leverage ratio increased to 11.1%.

Critical Accounting Policies

The accounting and reporting policies of Sterling conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and to general practices within the banking industry. The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

31


Table of Contents

Allowance for Credit Losses. The allowance for credit losses is comprised of the allowance for loan losses and the reserve for unfunded credit commitments. In general, determining the amount of the allowance requires significant judgment and the use of estimates by management. Sterling maintains an allowance for loan losses to absorb probable losses in the loan portfolio based on a quarterly analysis of the portfolio and expected future losses. This analysis is designed to determine an appropriate level and allocation of the allowance for losses among loan types by considering factors affecting loan losses, including specific and confirmed losses, levels and trends in classified and nonperforming loans, historical loan loss experience, loan migration analysis, current national and local economic conditions, volume, growth and composition of the portfolio, regulatory guidance and other relevant factors. The reserve for unfunded credit commitments includes loss coverage for loan repurchases arising from mortgage banking activities. Management monitors the loan portfolio to evaluate the adequacy of the allowance. The allowance can increase or decrease each quarter based upon the results of management’s analysis.

The portfolio is grouped into standard industry segments for homogeneous loans based on characteristics such as loan type, borrower and collateral. Annual and quarterly loan migration to loss data is used to determine the probability of default. Currently, Sterling is establishing the expected loss rate on loans using losses from the most recent 12 months to estimate the amount that would be lost if a default were to occur, which is termed the “loss given default.” The probability of default is multiplied by the loss given default to calculate the expected losses for each loan category.

Sterling may also maintain an unallocated allowance to provide for other credit losses that may exist in the loan portfolio that are not taken into consideration in establishing the probability of default and loss given default. The unallocated amount may generally be maintained at higher levels during times of economic uncertainty. The unallocated amount is reviewed at least quarterly based on credit and economic trends. As of September 30, 2011, the unallocated allowance was $27.8 million of the allowance for loan losses, compared with $33.2 million at December 31, 2010.

Individual loan reviews are based upon specific quantitative and qualitative criteria, including the size of the loan, loan quality ratings, value of collateral, repayment ability of borrowers and guarantors, as applicable, and historical experience factors. The historical experience factors utilized and allowances for homogeneous loans (such as residential mortgage loans and consumer loans) are collectively evaluated based upon historical loss experience, loan migration analysis, trends in losses and delinquencies, growth of loans in particular markets, and known changes in economic conditions in each particular lending market.

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable Sterling will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal and interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, the ability and willingness of guarantors to make payments, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price or the fair value of collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

The fair value of the underlying collateral for real estate loans, which may or may not be collateral dependent, is determined by using appraisals from qualified external sources. For commercial properties and residential development loans, the external appraisals are reviewed by qualified internal appraisal staff to ensure compliance with appropriate standards and technical accuracy. Appraisals are updated according to regulatory provisions for extensions or restructurings of commercial or residential real estate construction and permanent loans that have not performed within the terms of the original loan. Updated appraisals are also ordered for loans that have not been restructured, but that have stale valuation information, generally defined in the current market as information older than one year, and deteriorating credit quality that warrants classification as substandard.

The timing of obtaining appraisals may vary, depending on the nature and complexity of the property being evaluated and the general breadth of appraisal activity in the marketplace, but generally it is within 30 to 90 days of

 

32


Table of Contents

recognition of substandard status, following determination of collateral dependency, or in connection with a loan’s maturity or a negotiation that may result in the restructuring or extension of a real estate secured loan. Delays in timing may occur to comply with actions such as a bankruptcy filing or provisions of an SBA guarantee.

Estimates of fair value may be used for substandard collateral dependent loans at quarter end if external appraisals are not expected to be completed in time for determining quarter end results or to update values between appraisal dates to reflect recent sales activity of comparable inventory or pending property sales of the subject collateral. Sterling records a specific reserve for impaired loans for which an updated valuation analysis has not been completed within the last quarter. The specific reserve is calculated by applying an estimated fair value adjustment to each loan based on market and property type. Estimates of value are not used to raise a value; however, estimates may be used to recognize deterioration of market values in quarters between appraisal updates. The judgment with respect to recognition of any provision or related charge-off for a confirmed loss also takes into consideration whether the loan is collateral dependent or whether it is supported by sources of repayment or cash flow beyond the collateral that is being valued. For loans that are deemed to be collateral dependent, the amount of charge-offs is determined in relation to the collateral’s appraised value. For loans that are not deemed to be collateral dependent, the amount of charge-offs may differ from the collateral’s appraised value because there is additional support for the loan, such as cash flow from other sources.

The off-balance sheet portion of the allowance for credit losses primarily relates to loss exposure from Sterling’s mortgage banking operations. Loans sold into the secondary market are sold with limited recourse to Sterling, meaning that Sterling may be obligated to repurchase any loans that are not underwritten in accordance with agency guidelines or have post-closing borrower misrepresentations.

While management uses available information to provide for loan losses, the ultimate collectability of a substantial portion of the loan portfolio and the need for future additions to the allowance will be influenced by changes in economic conditions and other relevant factors. There can be no assurance that the allowance for credit losses will be adequate to cover all losses, but management believes the allowance for credit losses was appropriate at September 30, 2011.

Income Taxes. Sterling estimates income taxes payable based on the amount it expects to owe various taxing authorities. Accrued income taxes represent the net estimated amount due to, or to be received from, taxing authorities. In estimating accrued income taxes, Sterling assesses the relative merits and risks of the appropriate tax treatment of transactions, taking into account the applicable statutory, judicial and regulatory guidance in the context of Sterling’s tax position. Sterling also considers recent audits and examinations, as well as its historical experience in making such estimates. Although Sterling uses available information to record income taxes, underlying estimates and assumptions can change over time as a result of unanticipated events or circumstances. Penalties and interest associated with any potential estimate variances would be included in income tax expense on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Sterling uses an estimate of future earnings and an evaluation of its loss carryback ability and tax planning strategies to determine whether it is more likely than not that it will realize the benefit of its net deferred tax asset. Sterling has determined that it does not at this time meet the required threshold, and accordingly, has a valuation allowance against its deferred tax asset. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, Sterling did not recognize any income tax expense, as the income tax for the periods was offset by a reduction in the deferred tax asset valuation allowance.

 

33


Table of Contents

Results of Operations

The most significant component of earnings for a financial institution typically is net interest income, which is the difference between interest income, primarily from loans, MBS and investment securities, and interest expense, primarily on deposits and borrowings. Net interest spread refers to the difference between the yield on interest-earning assets and the rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest margin refers to net interest income divided by total average interest-earning assets and is influenced by the level and relative mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. The following table sets forth, on a tax equivalent basis, information with regard to Sterling’s net interest income, net interest spread and net interest margin:

 

     Three Months Ended  
     September 30, 2011     September 30, 2010  
     Average
Balance
     Interest
Income/
Expense
     Yields/
Rates
    Average
Balance
     Interest
Income/
Expense
     Yields/
Rates
 
     (in thousands)  

ASSETS:

  

Loans:

                

Mortgage

   $ 3,470,241       $ 45,843         5.24   $ 3,954,265       $ 43,495         4.36

Commercial and consumer

     2,483,204         36,282         5.80     2,843,072         42,474         5.93
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total loans (1)

     5,953,445         82,125         5.47     6,797,337         85,969         5.02

MBS (2)

     2,193,055         16,719         3.02     1,920,690         18,127         3.74

Investments and cash (2)

     767,714         3,596         1.86     1,001,212         3,722         1.47

FHLB stock

     99,395         0         0.00     100,364         0         0.00
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total interest-earning assets

     9,013,609         102,440         4.51     9,819,603         107,818         4.36
     

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

Noninterest-earning assets (3)

     219,503              5,906         
  

 

 

         

 

 

       

Total average assets

   $ 9,233,112            $ 9,825,509         
  

 

 

         

 

 

       

LIABILITIES and EQUITY:

                

Deposits:

                

Interest-bearing transaction

   $ 501,884         123         0.10   $ 737,114         315         0.17

Savings and MMDA

     1,970,823         1,601         0.32     1,653,751         2,288         0.55

Time deposits

     2,952,566         12,411         1.67     3,671,278         20,036         2.17
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total interest-bearing deposits

     5,425,273         14,135         1.03     6,062,143         22,639         1.48

Borrowings

     1,710,388         12,408         2.88     2,152,611         16,580         3.06
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total interest-bearing liabilities

     7,135,661         26,543         1.48     8,214,754         39,219         1.89

Noninterest-bearing transaction

     1,132,589         0         0.00     1,001,012         0         0.00
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total funding liabilities

     8,268,250         26,543         1.27     9,215,766         39,219         1.69
     

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other noninterest-bearing liabilities

     132,625              165,568         
  

 

 

         

 

 

       

Total average liabilities

     8,400,875              9,381,334         

Total average equity

     832,237              444,175         
  

 

 

         

 

 

       

Total average liabilities and equity

   $ 9,233,112            $ 9,825,509         
  

 

 

         

 

 

       

Net interest income and spread (4)

      $ 75,897         3.03      $ 68,599         2.46
     

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net interest margin (4)

           3.34           2.77
        

 

 

         

 

 

 

Deposits:

                

Total interest-bearing deposits

   $ 5,425,273       $ 14,135         1.03   $ 6,062,143       $ 22,639         1.48

Noninterest-bearing transaction

     1,132,589         0         0.00     1,001,012         0         0.00
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total deposits

   $ 6,557,862       $ 14,135         0.86   $ 7,063,155       $ 22,639         1.27
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Includes gross nonperforming loans.

(2) 

Does not include market value adjustments on available for sale securities.

(3) 

Includes charge-offs on nonperforming loans (“confirmed losses”) and the allowance for loan losses.

(4) 

Interest income on certain loans and securities are presented gross of their applicable tax savings using a 37% effective tax rate.

 

34


Table of Contents
     Nine Months Ended  
     September 30, 2011     September 30, 2010  
     Average
Balance
     Interest
Income/
Expense
     Yields/
Rates
    Average
Balance
    Interest
Income/
Expense
     Yields/
Rates
 
     (in thousands)  

ASSETS:

  

Loans:

               

Mortgage

   $ 3,472,494       $ 132,731         5.11   $ 4,357,787      $ 142,414         4.37

Commercial and consumer

     2,494,194         109,749         5.88     3,055,382        134,702         5.89
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total loans (1)

     5,966,688         242,480         5.43     7,413,169        277,116         5.00

MBS (2)

     2,409,804         56,681         3.14     1,804,816        56,569         4.19

Investments and cash (2)

     742,983         11,228         2.02     1,023,688        11,420         1.49

FHLB stock

     99,657         0         0.00     89,484        0         0.00
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total interest-earning assets

     9,219,132         310,389         4.50     10,331,157        345,105         4.47
     

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Noninterest-earning assets (3)

     137,355              (76,429     
  

 

 

         

 

 

      

Total average assets

   $ 9,356,487            $ 10,254,728        
  

 

 

         

 

 

      

LIABILITIES and EQUITY:

               

Deposits:

               

Interest-bearing transaction

   $ 499,310         397         0.11   $ 869,793        1,674         0.26

Savings and MMDA

     1,970,654         5,311         0.36     1,613,654        8,172         0.68

Time deposits

     3,191,041         40,937         1.72     3,882,905        65,307         2.25
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total interest-bearing deposits

     5,661,005         46,645         1.10     6,366,352        75,153         1.58

Borrowings

     1,703,027         36,932         2.90     2,402,102        50,782         2.83
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total interest-bearing liabilities

     7,364,032         83,577         1.52     8,768,454        125,935         1.92

Noninterest-bearing transaction

     1,059,759         0         0.00     994,430        0         0.00
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total funding liabilities

     8,423,791         83,577         1.33     9,762,884        125,935         1.72
     

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other noninterest-bearing liabilities

     130,620              173,845        
  

 

 

         

 

 

      

Total average liabilities

     8,554,411              9,936,729        

Total average equity

     802,076              317,999        
  

 

 

         

 

 

      

Total average liabilities and equity

   $ 9,356,487            $ 10,254,728        
  

 

 

         

 

 

      

Net interest income and spread (4)

      $ 226,812         2.98     $ 219,170         2.55
     

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net interest margin (4)

           3.29          2.84
        

 

 

        

 

 

 

Deposits:

               

Total interest-bearing deposits

   $ 5,661,005       $ 46,645         1.10   $ 6,366,352      $ 75,153         1.58

Noninterest-bearing transaction

     1,059,759         0         0.00     994,430        0         0.00
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total deposits

   $ 6,720,764       $ 46,645         0.93   $ 7,360,782      $ 75,153         1.37
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes gross nonperforming loans.
(2) Does not include market value adjustments on available for sale securities.
(3) Includes charge-offs on nonperforming loans (“confirmed losses”) and the allowance for loan losses.
(4) Interest income on certain loans and securities are presented gross of their applicable tax savings using a 37% effective tax rate.

The following table sets forth the return on average assets and return on average common equity for the periods presented:

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
     2011     2010     2011     2010  

Return on average assets

     0.49     -1.94     0.35     -2.43

Return on average common equity

     5.40     50.40     4.05     NM  (1) 

 

(1)

NM stands for “not meaningful,” as the balance of common equity reflected a deficit for the periods indicated.

Net Interest Income. Sterling’s net interest income was $74.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of 11% compared with $67.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010, reflecting the decline in nonperforming loans and lower funding costs. Net interest income was $223.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of 4% compared with $215.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, reflecting the decline in nonperforming loans and lower funding costs partially offset by lower average loan balances.

 

35


Table of Contents

Net interest margin expanded to 3.34% and 3.29% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, as compared with 2.77% and 2.84% for the respective 2010 periods, due to the decline in nonperforming loans and the reduced cost of deposits. The reversal of interest income on nonperforming loans reduced the net interest margin by 26 basis points for the third quarter of 2011, compared with a reduction of 70 basis points for the same period a year ago, and a reduction of 40 basis points for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared with a reduction of 80 basis points for the same period in 2010.

Provision for Credit Losses. Management’s policy is to establish valuation allowances for estimated losses by charging corresponding provisions against income. The evaluation of the adequacy of specific and general valuation allowances is an ongoing process. This process includes information derived from many factors, including historical loss trends, trends in classified assets, trends in delinquent and nonaccrual loans, trends in portfolio volume, diversification as to type of loan, size of individual credit exposure, current and anticipated economic conditions, loan policies, collection policies and effectiveness, quality of credit evaluation, effectiveness of policies, procedures and practices, and recent loss experience of peer banking institutions.

Sterling recorded provisions for credit losses of $6.0 million and $26.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, as compared with $60.9 million and $220.2 million for the 2010 respective periods. The reduced level of credit loss provisioning reflects improvement in asset quality as evidenced by the decline in nonperforming loans and charge-offs.

Noninterest Income. Non-interest income was as follows for the periods presented:

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
     2011     2010     % Change     2011     2010     % change  
     (in thousands)  

Fees and service charges

   $ 12,332      $ 13,826        -11   $ 37,839      $ 41,094        -8

Mortgage banking operations

     16,360        19,409        -16     37,481        42,354        -12

Loan servicing fees

     (4,694     (1,120     319     (2,884     (382     655

BOLI

     1,612        1,570        3     4,922        5,425        -9

Gains on sales of securities, net

     0        7,005        -100     14,298        24,265        -41

Other

     3,502        (1,032     -439     1,773        (6,573     -127
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total noninterest income

   $ 29,112      $ 39,658        -27   $ 93,429      $ 106,183        -27
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The reduction in quarterly fees and service charges income was primarily related to lower non-sufficient funds fees due to implementation of provisions related to the Dodd-Frank Act. The decline in income from mortgage banking operations reflected a lower level of residential loan originations and sales. Fluctuation in loan servicing fees is mainly attributable to market value adjustments to mortgage servicing rights and growth in the balance of the loan servicing portfolio. Due to a decline in prevailing interest rates, Sterling recorded a fair value write down of $5.1 million on its mortgage servicing rights, which resulted in negative loan servicing fees for the third quarter of 2011. The level of gain on sales of securities during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was driven by portfolio rebalancing to reduce duration levels while realizing certain valuations, with no sales transacting during the third quarter of 2011. Other noninterest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 included $3.7 million of losses on loan sales, the majority of which was related to a $218.5 million sale of consumer indirect auto loans. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, other noninterest income included $2.3 million gain from the sale of SBA loans.

 

36


Table of Contents

The following table presents components of mortgage banking income for the periods presented:

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
     2011     2010     2011     2010  
     (in thousands)     (in thousands)  

Loan originations - residential real estate for sale

   $ 545,278      $ 703,220      $ 1,365,519      $ 1,739,032   

Loan sales - residential

     475,034        520,612        1,371,465        1,667,527   

Margin on residential loan sales

     2.66     2.47     2.46     2.27

Noninterest Expense. Noninterest expense was as follows for the periods presented:

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
     2011      2010      % change     2011      2010      % change  
     (in thousands)  

Employee compensation and benefits

   $ 43,828       $ 42,561         3   $ 129,514       $ 125,875         3

OREO operations

     10,739         10,456         3     36,591         38,585         -5

Occupancy and equipment

     9,580         9,562         0     29,558         29,306         1

Data processing

     5,651         5,858         -4     18,339         16,322         12

Insurance

     3,914         6,632         -41     12,589         29,508         -57

Professional fees

     3,161         8,303         -62     9,571         17,469         -45

Depreciation

     3,000         3,326         -10     9,026         10,266         -12

Advertising

     1,932         3,195         -40     6,659         9,105         -27

Travel and entertainment

     1,336         895         49     3,931         2,570         53

Amortization of core deposit intangibles

     1,190         1,225         -3     3,639         3,674         -1

Other

     2,289         2,210         4     7,098         4,835         47
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total noninterest expense

   $ 86,620       $ 94,223         -8   $ 266,515       $ 287,515         -7
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The decrease in noninterest expense for the three and nine month periods was primarily due to lower professional fees and a lower level of FDIC deposit insurance premiums. Insurance, which is primarily comprised of FDIC deposit insurance premiums, was down compared to the 2010 amounts due to the lower assessment rates applicable to Sterling Savings Bank this year.

During the second quarter of 2011, Sterling successfully completed the conversion to a new core operating system that is expected to support future growth and reduce associated operating expenses. In connection with the core conversion, Sterling incurred $1.2 million of non-recurring implementation expenses during the third quarter of 2011, and $5.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

Income Tax Provision. During the periods presented, Sterling did not recognize any federal or state tax expense or benefit, as the income tax provision was offset by changes in the deferred tax valuation allowance. As of September 30, 2011, the reserved net deferred tax asset was approximately $335 million, including approximately $288 million of net operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards.

Financial Position

Assets. At September 30, 2011, Sterling’s assets were $9.18 billion, down $317.3 million from $9.49 billion at December 31, 2010, primarily as a result of a decline in investments and MBS.

Investments and MBS. Sterling’s investment and MBS portfolio at September 30, 2011 was $2.45 billion, compared with $2.84 billion at December 31, 2010, with sales, prepayments and maturities outpacing purchases during the period. The level of securities sales during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 were due to portfolio rebalancing to reduce duration levels while realizing certain valuations. As of September 30, 2011, the

 

37


Table of Contents

weighted average life of the MBS portfolio was 3.5 years, and its effective duration was 2.7%. This compares with a weighted average life of 5.0 years, and an effective duration of 3.6% at December 31, 2010. On September 30, 2011, the investment and MBS portfolio had an unrealized net gain of $58.2 million versus an unrealized net loss of $6.5 million at December 31, 2010.

Loans Receivable. The following table sets forth the composition of Sterling’s loan portfolio by class of loan at the dates indicated:

 

     September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
     Amount     %     Amount     %  
     (in thousands)  

Residential real estate

   $ 701,921        13      $ 758,410        13   

Multifamily real estate

     990,707        18        517,022        9   

Commercial real estate

     1,287,381        23        1,314,657        24   

Construction:

        

Residential

     44,671        1        156,853        3   

Multifamily

     29,285        1        90,518        2   

Commercial

     147,655        3        278,297        5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total construction

     221,611        4        525,668        9   

Consumer

     683,972        12        744,068        13   

Commercial banking

     1,729,626        30        1,770,426        32   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross loans receivable

     5,615,218        100     5,630,251        100
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net deferred origination fees

     (668       (4,114  

Allowance for loan losses

     (186,195       (247,056  
  

 

 

     

 

 

   

Loans receivable, net

   $ 5,428,355        $ 5,379,081     
  

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

38


Table of Contents

During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, gross loan balances declined $15.0 million, with loan runoff experienced primarily in the construction loan portfolio, offset by new multifamily loan originations. Multifamily real estate originations of $540.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 reflect Sterling’s strategic focus on multifamily lending. Additionally, loan purchases during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 included $123.3 million of seasoned commercial loans for both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied properties within Sterling’s footprint. The following table sets forth Sterling’s loan originations and purchases for the periods indicated:

 

     Three Months Ended      Nine Months Ended  
     September 30,
2011
     December 31,
2010
     September 30,
2010
     September 30,
2011
     September 30,
2010
 
     (in thousands)  

Loan originations:

              

Residential real estate

   $ 560,171       $ 777,238       $ 732,114       $ 1,431,353       $ 1,785,315   

Multifamily real estate

     203,606         27,642         0         540,591         1,727   

Commercial real estate

     310         30,180         30,666         41,676         67,992   

Construction:

              

Residential

     3,223         6,502         3,820         11,305         13,082   

Commercial

     0         0         0         1,800         500   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total construction

     3,223         6,502         3,820         13,105         13,582   

Consumer

     29,513         19,449         19,256         97,888         68,368   

Commercial banking

     96,806         35,098         24,599         280,430         95,878   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total loan originations

     893,629         896,109         810,455         2,405,043         2,032,862   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loan purchases:

              

Residential real estate

     2,701         0         0         10,251         0   

Multifamily real estate

     309         82,702         0         2,749         0   

Commercial real estate

     0         0         0         48,584         0   

Commercial banking

     22,495         0         0         74,716         0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total loan purchases

     25,505         82,702         0         136,300         0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total loan originations and purchases

   $ 919,134       $ 978,811       $ 810,455       $ 2,541,343       $ 2,032,862   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table presents a roll-forward of the allowance for credit losses for the periods presented:

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
     2011     2010     2011     2010  
     (in thousands)     (in thousands)  

Allowance for credit losses

        

Allowance - loans, beginning balance

   $ 212,088      $ 264,850      $ 247,056      $ 343,443   

Provision

     4,000        60,800        26,500        220,590   

Charge-offs

     (41,177     (83,809     (109,903     (336,507

Recoveries

     11,284        6,664        22,542        20,979   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Allowance - loans, ending balance

     186,195        248,505        186,195        248,505   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Allowance - unfunded commitments, beginning balance

     7,431        10,951        10,707        11,967   

Provision

     2,000        92        (500     (361

Charge-offs

     (55     (26     (831     (589
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Allowance - unfunded commitments, ending balance

     9,376        11,017        9,376        11,017   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total credit allowance

   $ 195,571      $ 259,522      $ 195,571      $ 259,522   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

39


Table of Contents

See Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details by loan segment for changes in the allowance for credit losses. The following table presents classified assets, which are comprised of performing substandard loans, nonperforming loans and OREO:

 

     September 30,
2011
    December 31,
2010
 
     (in thousands)  

Residential real estate

   $ 38,041      $ 104,467   

Multifamily real estate

     17,464        43,331   

Commercial real estate

     81,829        173,444   

Construction

    

Residential construction

     25,813        112,600   

Commercial construction

     76,588        186,229   

Multifamily construction

     14,271        76,818   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total construction

     116,672        375,647   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consumer

     7,635        18,868   

Commercial banking

     127,277        222,125   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total classified loans

     388,918        937,882   

OREO

     111,566        161,653   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total classified assets

   $ 500,484      $ 1,099,535   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Classified assets/ total assets

     5.45     11.58

Classified assets declined $599.1 million, or 54% during the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The reductions were primarily due to resolutions of nonperforming loans, sales of OREO, upgraded risk ratings, and charge-offs.

 

40


Table of Contents

Nonperforming assets, a subset of classified assets that includes nonperforming loans and OREO, and related information are summarized in the following table as of the dates indicated:

 

     September 30,
2011
    December 31,
2010
 
     (in thousands)  

Past due 90 days or more and accruing

   $ 0      $ 0   

Nonaccrual loans

     240,142        546,133   

Restructured loans

     82,997        108,504   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total nonperforming loans

     323,139        654,637   

OREO

     111,566        161,653   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total nonperforming assets

     434,705        816,290   

Specific reserve - loans

     (15,276     (37,654
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net nonperforming assets

   $ 419,429      $ 778,636   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Nonperforming loans before charge-offs, gross

   $ 335,412      $ 874,628   

Charge-offs on nonperforming loans

     (124,115     (319,773
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Nonperforming loans, net of charge-offs

     211,297        554,855   

Nonperforming loans without charge-offs (1)

     111,842        99,782   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total nonperforming loans

   $ 323,139      $ 654,637   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Nonperforming assets to total assets

     4.74     8.60

Nonperforming loans to loans

     5.76     11.64

Nonperforming loans carried at fair value to total nonperforming loans

     65     85

Charge-offs plus specific loan reserves to gross nonperforming loans

     42     41

Loan loss allowance to nonperforming loans

     58     38

Loan loss allowance to nonperforming loans excluding loans individually evaluated for impairment (2)

     153     210

 

(1) Charge-offs have not been recorded on these nonperforming loans, as the value of the underlying collateral exceeds the carrying value of the loans.
(2) Excludes the specific loan loss reserve.

 

41


Table of Contents

As of September 30, 2011, Sterling has recognized charge-offs, which are also referred to as confirmed losses, totaling $124.1 million on collateral dependent nonperforming loans held in its portfolio. As a result of these confirmed losses, Sterling has written down the carrying value of these loans to the appraisal value of their underlying collateral less the estimated cost to sell the collateral. The ratio of allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans, excluding these loans individually evaluated for impairment, was 153% at September 30, 2011. Further declines in real estate appraisal values could result in additional losses on these loans. The following table presents a roll-forward of nonperforming loans for the periods indicated:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2011     2010     2011     2010  

Nonperforming loans:

        

Beginning Balance

   $ 396,109      $ 884,135      $ 654,637      $ 895,931   

Additions

     66,613        171,664        178,725        762,480   

Charge-offs

     (29,893     (77,145     (87,361     (315,528

Paydowns and sales

     (42,379     (78,759     (163,440     (234,963

Foreclosures

     (60,483     (74,323     (161,671     (208,362

Upgrade to accrual

     (6,828     (16,601     (97,751     (90,587
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending Balance

   $ 323,139      $ 808,971      $ 323,139      $ 808,971   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table presents certain information on Sterling’s nonperforming assets:

 

     September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
     (in thousands)  

Residential construction

  

Puget Sound

   $ 15,535        4   $ 55,365        7

Portland, OR

     13,553        3     48,781        6

Northern California

     4,565        1     9,474        1

Vancouver, WA

     1,401        0     12,455        2

Southern California

     1,533        0     4,574        1

Bend, OR

     381        0     7,479        1

Other

     8,226        2     27,532        3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total residential construction

     45,194        10     165,660        21

Commercial construction

        

Puget Sound

     26,439        6     48,619        6

Northern California

     12,625        3     45,132        6

Southern California

     12,906        3     27,227        3

Other

     67,029        15     76,860        9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total commercial construction

     118,999        27     197,838        24

Multifamily construction

        

Puget Sound

     26,761        6     41,407        5

Other

     6,454        2     25,385        3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total multifamily construction

     33,215        8     66,792        8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total construction

     197,408        45     430,290        53
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commercial banking

     101,887        24     110,872        14

Commercial real estate

     68,858        16     123,146        15

Residential real estate

     53,168        12     115,923        14

Multifamily real estate

     7,325        2     25,806        3

Consumer

     6,059        1     10,253        1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total nonperforming assets

     434,705        100     816,290        100
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

Specific reserve - loans

     (15,276       (37,654  
  

 

 

     

 

 

   

Net nonperforming assets (1)

   $ 419,429        $ 778,636     
  

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

(1) Net of cumulative confirmed losses on loans and OREO of $299.7 million for September 30, 2011 and $516.3 million for December 31, 2010.

 

42


Table of Contents

The following table presents a roll-forward of OREO for the periods indicated:

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
     2011     2010     2011     2010  
     Amount     Properties     Amount     Properties     Amount     Properties     Amount     Properties  

OREO:

                

Beginning Balance

   $ 101,406        250      $ 135,233        337      $ 161,653        439      $ 83,272        203   

Additions

     60,483        91        74,323        218        161,671        389        208,362        574   

Valuation adjustments

     (7,995       (4,784       (20,850       (20,894  

Sales

     (40,845     (163     (48,953     (162     (194,081     (650     (113,934     (384

Other changes

     (1,483       982          3,173          (5  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending Balance

   $ 111,566        178      $ 156,801        393      $ 111,566        178      $ 156,801        393   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table presents the property type composition of OREO as of the following dates:

 

     September 30, 2011      December 31, 2010  
     Amount      Number of
Properties
     Amount      Number of
Properties
 

OREO:

           

Residential real estate

   $ 3,952         33       $ 24,239         109   

Multifamily real estate

     2,028         3         25         1   

Commercial real estate

     13,872         17         33,817         49   

Construction:

           

Residential - acquisition and development

     3,507         11         7,353         21   

Residential - lots

     4,361         16         13,586         68   

Residential - land

     6,832         11         14,283         16   

Residential - vertical

     5,137         23         22,929         116   

Multifamily

     16,877         7         4,946         15   

Commercial

     46,092         24         34,925         16   

Consumer

     1,297         9         3,272         22   

Commercial banking

     7,611         24         2,278         6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending Balance

   $ 111,566         178       $ 161,653         439   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table presents the location of the various properties that comprise OREO as of the following dates:

 

     September 30, 2011      December 31, 2010  
     Amount      Number of
Properties
     Amount      Number of
Properties
 

OREO:

           

Oregon

   $ 38,543         54       $ 45,786         131   

California

     32,932         59         40,456         65   

Washington

     29,839         45         50,113         165   

Arizona

     4,541         11         12,255         20   

Idaho

     2,176         7         10,995         46   

Other

     3,535         2         2,048         12   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending Balance

   $ 111,566         178       $ 161,653         439   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

43


Table of Contents

Deposits. The following table sets forth the composition of Sterling’s deposits at the dates indicated:

 

     September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
     Amount      %     Amount      %  
     (in thousands)  

Interest-bearing transaction

   $ 508,189         8   $ 497,395         7

Noninterest-bearing transaction

     1,167,552         18     992,368         14

Savings and MMDA

     2,016,594         31     1,886,425         27

Time deposits

     2,786,905         43     3,534,819         52
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total deposits

   $ 6,479,240         100   $ 6,911,007         100
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Changes in deposits during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 mainly reflect a reduction in time deposits. The reduction in time deposits during the period was expected, as Sterling allowed higher rate retail time and public deposits to run off, thereby improving the deposit mix and reducing funding costs. This runoff was partially offset by an increase in transaction, savings and MMDA accounts, which increased by $316.1 million since December 31, 2010.

Borrowings. In addition to deposits, Sterling uses other borrowings as sources of funds. The aggregate amount of other borrowings outstanding comprised of FHLB advances, reverse repurchase agreements, and junior subordinated debentures, remained relatively unchanged over the periods presented at $1.71 billion as of September 30, 2011 compared with $1.69 billion at December 31, 2010, respectively.

Asset and Liability Management

The principal objective of Sterling’s asset and liability management activities is to provide optimum levels of net interest income and stable sources of funding while maintaining acceptable levels of interest-rate risk and liquidity risk. The Asset/Liability Committee (“ALCO”) measures interest rate risk exposure primarily through interest rate shock simulations for both net interest income and the economic value of equity (“EVE”). Interest rate risk arises from mismatches in assets and liabilities, with mismatches due to differences in the timing of rate repricing for the various instruments, the amount or volume of the underlying assets and liabilities that are repricing, and by how much or the level at which the rate is repricing. The specific characteristics of the underlying assets and liabilities, including any embedded optionality, such as a prepayment option on a loan, influence these differences.

The net interest income interest rate shock simulation measures the effect of changes in interest rates on net interest income over 12 months. This simulation consists of measuring the change in net interest income over the next 12 months from the base case scenario, from which rates are shocked, in a parallel fashion, up and down. The base case uses the assumption of the existing balance sheet and existing interest rates. The simulation requires numerous assumptions, including relative levels of market interest rates, instantaneous and parallel shifts in the yield curve, loan prepayments and reactions of depositors to changes in interest rates, and should not be relied upon as being indicative of actual or future results. The analysis does not contemplate actions Sterling may undertake in response to changes in interest rates and market conditions. The results of this simulation are included in the following table for the periods presented:

 

     September 30,
2011
    December 31,
2010
 

Change in Interest Rate in

Basis Points (Rate Shock)

   % Change in
NII
    % Change in
NII
 

+300

     (6.3     (11.2

+200

     (2.7     (5.5

+100

     (0.8     (2.4

Static

     0.0        0.0   

-100

     NM  (1)      NM  (1) 

 

(1) Results are not meaningful in a low interest rate environment.

 

44


Table of Contents

EVE simulation analysis measures risk in the balance sheet that might not be taken into account in the net interest income simulation. Whereas net interest income simulation highlights exposure over a relatively short time period of 12 months, EVE simulation analysis incorporates all cash flows over the estimated remaining life of all balance sheet positions. The EVE simulation analysis of the balance sheet, at a point in time, is defined as the discounted present value of asset cash flows minus the discounted value of liability cash flows. The difference between the present value of the asset and liability represents the EVE. As with net interest income, the base case simulation uses current market rates, from which rates are shocked up and down in a parallel fashion. As with the net interest income simulation model, EVE simulation analysis is based on key assumptions about the timing and variability of balance sheet cash flows. However, because the simulation represents much longer time periods, inaccuracy of assumptions may increase the variability of outcomes within the simulation. It also does not take into account actions management may undertake in response to anticipated changes in interest rates. The results of this simulation are included in the following table for the periods presented:

 

     September 30,
2011
    December 31,
2010
 

Change in Interest Rate in

Basis Points (Rate Shock)

   % Change in
EVE
    % Change in
EVE
 

+300

     (5.8     (21.7

+200

     2.4        (8.2

+100

     4.0        (1.4

Static

     0.0        0.0   

-100

     NM  (1)      NM  (1) 

 

(1) Results are not meaningful in a low interest rate environment.

Sterling has customer-related interest rate swap derivatives outstanding, with a total notional amount of $91.0 million of related swaps outstanding as of September 30, 2011. For a description, see Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. As of September 30, 2011, Sterling has not entered into any other derivative transactions as part of managing its interest rate risk. However, Sterling continues to consider derivatives, including non-customer related interest rate swaps, caps and floors as viable alternatives in the asset and liability management process.

Capital and Liquidity Management

Sterling’s primary sources of funds are: retail, public and brokered deposits; the collection of principal and interest primarily from loans, as well as from mortgage backed securities; the sale of loans into the secondary market in connection with Sterling’s mortgage banking activities; borrowings from the FHLB and the Federal Reserve; and borrowings from commercial banks (including reverse repurchase agreements). Public deposits from states, municipalities, and other public entities generally require collateralization for some or all of the deposit amounts, depending on state and local requirements. Reverse repurchase agreements allow Sterling to sell investments (generally U.S. agency securities and MBS) under an agreement to buy them back at a specified price at a later date. Reverse repurchase agreements are considered collateralized obligations and may expose Sterling to certain risks not associated with other borrowings, including interest rate risk and the possibility that additional collateral may have to be provided if the market value of the pledged collateral declines. Sterling Savings Bank’s credit line with FHLB of Seattle provides for borrowings up to a percentage of its total assets, subject to collateralization requirements, with borrowing terms ranging from overnight to term advances. Sterling Savings Bank actively manages its liquidity to maintain an adequate margin over the level necessary to support the funding of loans and deposit withdrawals. Liquidity may vary from time to time, depending on economic conditions, deposit fluctuations, loan funding needs and regulatory requirements.

The total value of Sterling’s cash and cash equivalents, and securities was $2.93 billion at September 30, 2011, compared with $3.27 billion at December 31, 2010. Available liquidity as of September 30, 2011 was $1.75 billion, compared to total available liquidity of $1.68 billion as of December 31, 2010. Available liquidity as of September 30, 2011 included unpledged portions of cash and cash equivalents, and securities of $881.8 million, available borrowing capacity from the FHLB, the Federal Reserve and correspondent banks of $630.9 million, as well as loans held for sale of $241.0 million.

 

45


Table of Contents

Sterling, on a parent company-only basis, had cash of approximately $45.7 million and $47.5 million at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. The parent (holding) company’s significant cash flows primarily relate to capital investments in and capital distributions from Sterling Savings Bank, capital distributions to shareholders, and interest payments on its junior subordinated debentures. During the third quarter of 2009, Sterling elected to defer regularly scheduled interest payments on its junior subordinated debentures, and continued to defer these payments through September 30, 2011. As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the accrued deferred interest on junior subordinated debentures was $14.0 million and $9.4 million, respectively. Sterling is allowed to defer payments of interest on the junior subordinated debentures for up to 20 consecutive quarters without triggering an event of default. No cash dividends were declared during the periods presented. Sterling’s ability to pay dividends is generally limited by its earnings, financial condition, and capital and regulatory requirements. During the third quarter of 2010, Sterling contributed $650.0 million of capital to Sterling Savings Bank. No capital was downstreamed from Sterling to Sterling Savings Bank during the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

Regulation and Compliance

Sterling, as a bank holding company, is subject to ongoing comprehensive examination and regulation by the Federal Reserve, and Sterling Savings Bank, as a Washington state-chartered bank, is subject to ongoing comprehensive regulation and examination by the Washington Department of Financial Institutions (the “WDFI”) and the FDIC. Sterling Savings Bank is further subject to standard Federal Reserve regulations related to deposit reserves and certain other matters.

On September 27, 2010, Sterling announced that the cease and desist order, put in place in October 2009 with Sterling Savings Bank, was terminated, reflecting a stronger balance sheet and capital position. Although the cease and desist order is no longer applicable, Sterling Savings Bank continues to be subject to enhanced supervisory review by the FDIC and WDFI under a memorandum of understanding (the “SSB MOU”), pursuant to which Sterling Savings Bank must maintain Tier 1 capital in an amount that ensures that its leverage ratio is at least 8%. Sterling Savings Bank is also required to meet certain asset quality targets, develop a written capital plan, develop a three-year strategic plan and comply with other requirements.

As of the date of this filing, Sterling continues to be subject to a regulatory agreement with the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (the “Reserve Bank Agreement”). Under the terms of the Reserve Bank Agreement, Sterling is subject to restrictions on its ability to pay dividends and distributions, incur debt, purchase or redeem its stock and appoint new board members or senior executive officers. Under the Reserve Bank Agreement, Sterling is also required to act as a source of strength to Sterling Savings Bank and to report quarterly to the Reserve Bank on steps taken to improve its capital ratios and risk, liquidity and fund management and on other matters.

Forward-Looking Statements

From time to time, Sterling and its senior managers have made and will make forward-looking statements that are not historical facts and that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor for “forward-looking statements” provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements about Sterling’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements contained in this release that are not historical facts and pertain to Sterling’s future operating results. When used in this report, the words “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates” and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. We make forward-looking statements regarding projected sources of funds, use of proceeds, availability of acquisition and growth opportunities, ability to repay government funds, payment of dividends, adequacy of our allowance for loan and lease losses and provision for loan and lease losses, our real estate portfolio and subsequent charge-offs. Such statements may be contained in this report and in other documents that Sterling files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such statements may also be made by Sterling and its senior managers in oral or written presentations to analysts, investors, the media and others.

 

46


Table of Contents

Actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in these forward-looking statements because such statements are inherently subject to significant assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond Sterling’s control. These include but are not limited to:

 

   

our ability to maintain adequate liquidity;

 

   

our ability to comply with the Reserve Bank Agreement and the SSB MOU;

 

   

our ability to attract and retain deposits and loans;

 

   

demand for financial services in our markets;

 

   

competitive market pricing factors;

 

   

further deterioration in economic conditions that could result in increased losses on loans;

 

   

risks associated with concentrations in real estate-related loans;

 

   

market interest rate volatility;

 

   

stability of funding sources and continued availability of borrowings;

 

   

changes in legal or regulatory requirements or the results of regulatory examinations that could restrict growth;

 

   

our ability to recruit and retain key management and staff;

 

   

risks associated with merger and acquisition integration;

 

   

our ability to incur debt on reasonable terms;

 

   

regulatory limits on the ability of Sterling Savings Bank to pay dividends to Sterling;

 

   

impact of legislative and regulatory change on the financial sector;

 

   

future legislative or administrative changes to the Troubled Asset Relief Program (“TARP”) Capital Purchase Program; and

 

   

the impact of legislative changes and related rules and regulations on Sterling’s business operations and competitiveness, including the impact of executive compensation restrictions, which may affect Sterling’s ability to retain and recruit executives in competition with other firms who do not operate under such restrictions.

Other factors that could cause actual conditions, events or results to differ significantly from those described in the forward-looking statements may be found under “Risk Factors” in Sterling’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.

 

Item 3 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

For a discussion of Sterling’s market risks, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis - Asset and Liability Management.”

 

Item 4 Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Sterling’s management, with the participation of Sterling’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of Sterling’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, Sterling’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, Sterling’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by Sterling in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in Sterling’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Sterling’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

47


Table of Contents

PART II – Other Information

 

Item 1 Legal Proceedings

Securities Class Action Litigation

On December 11, 2009, a putative securities class action was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington against Sterling and certain of our current and former officers. The court appointed a lead plaintiff on March 9, 2010. On June 18, 2010, the lead plaintiff filed a consolidated complaint (the “Complaint”). The Complaint purports to be brought on behalf of a class of persons who purchased or otherwise acquired Sterling’s stock during the period from July 23, 2008 to October 15, 2009. The Complaint alleges that defendants violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by failing to disclose the extent of Sterling’s delinquent commercial real estate, construction and land development loans, properly record losses for impaired loans, and properly reserve for loan losses, thereby causing Sterling’s stock price to be artificially inflated during the purported class period. Plaintiffs seek unspecified damages and attorneys’ fees and costs. Sterling believes the lawsuit is without merit and intends to defend against it vigorously. On August 30, 2010, Sterling moved to dismiss the Complaint. On March 2, 2011, after complete briefing, the court held a hearing on the motion to dismiss. The court has not yet issued an order on the motion. Failure by Sterling to obtain a favorable resolution of the claims set forth in the complaint could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Currently, a loss resulting from these claims is not considered probable or reasonably estimable in amount.

ERISA Class Action Litigation

On January 20 and 22, 2010, two putative class action complaints were filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington against Sterling Financial Corporation and Sterling Savings Bank (collectively, “Sterling”), as well as certain of Sterling’s current and former officers and directors. The two complaints were merged in a Consolidated Amended Complaint (the “Complaint”) filed on July 16, 2010 in the same court. The Complaint does not name all of the individuals named in the prior complaints, but it is expected that additional defendants will be added. The Complaint alleges that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties under sections 404 and 405 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), with respect to the Sterling Savings Bank Employee Savings and Investment Plan (the “401(k) Plan”) and the FirstBank Northwest Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) (collectively, the “Plans”). Specifically, the Complaint alleges that the defendants breached their duties by investing assets of the Plans in Sterling’s securities when it was imprudent to do so, and by investing such assets in Sterling securities when defendants knew or should have known that the price of those securities was inflated due to misrepresentations and omissions about Sterling’s business practices. The business practices at issue include alleged over-reliance on risky construction loans; alleged inadequate loan reserves; alleged spiking increases in nonperforming assets, nonperforming loans, classified assets, and 90+-day delinquent loans; alleged inadequate accounting for rising loan payment shortfalls; alleged unsafe and unsound banking practices; and a capital base that was allegedly inadequate to withstand the significant deterioration in the real estate markets. The putative class periods are October 22, 2007 to the present for the 401(k) Plan class, and October 22, 2007 to November 14, 2008 for the ESOP class. The Complaint seeks damages of an unspecified amount and attorneys’ fees and costs. Sterling believes the lawsuit is without merit and intends to defend against it vigorously. A hearing on the motion to dismiss occurred on March 22, 2011, with the court indicating that it would take the motion under submission. The court has not yet issued an order on the motion. Failure by Sterling to obtain a favorable resolution of the claims set forth in the Complaint could have a material adverse effect on Sterling’s business, results of operations, and financial condition. Currently, a loss resulting from these claims is not considered probable or reasonably estimable in amount.

Derivative Class Action Litigation

On February 10, 2010, a shareholder derivative action was filed in the Superior Court for Spokane County, Washington, purportedly on behalf of and for the benefit of Sterling, against certain of our current and former officers and directors. On August 2, 2010, plaintiff filed an amended complaint (the “Complaint”) alleging, among other claims, breach of fiduciary duty, aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty, and unjust enrichment. The Complaint alleges that the individual defendants failed to prevent Sterling from issuing improper financial statements, maintain a sufficient allowance for loan and lease losses, and establish effective credit risk management

 

48


Table of Contents

and oversight mechanisms regarding Sterling’s commercial real estate, construction and land development loans, losses and reserves recorded for impaired loans, and accounting for goodwill and deferred tax assets. The Complaint seeks unspecified damages, restitution, disgorgement of profits, equitable and injunctive relief, attorneys’ fees, accountants’ and experts’ fees, costs, and expenses. Because the Complaint is derivative in nature, it does not seek monetary damages from Sterling. However, Sterling may be required throughout the pendency of the action to advance the legal fees and costs incurred by the defendant officers and directors. On September 13, 2010, Sterling moved to dismiss the Complaint. The hearing on Sterling’s motion to dismiss was held on January 14, 2011. On February 25, 2011, the court issued an order denying Sterling’s motion to dismiss in its entirety. On April 12, 2011, Sterling filed a request for discretionary review with the Washington Court of Appeals, which was denied on June 1, 2011. Currently, a loss resulting from these claims is not considered probable or reasonably estimable in amount, and, due to the nature of the claim, any such loss would be payable, in part, to Sterling.

 

Item 1A Risk Factors

You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties we describe in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 before deciding to invest in, or retain, shares of our common stock. These are not the only risks and uncertainties that we face. Additional risks and uncertainties that we do not currently know about or that we currently believe are immaterial, or that we have not predicted, may also harm our business operations or adversely affect us. If any of these risks or uncertainties actually occurs, our business, financial condition, operating results or liquidity could be materially harmed.

 

Item 2 Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Not applicable.

 

Item 3 Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable.

 

Item 4 (Removed and Reserved)

 

Item 5 Other Information

 

Item 6 Exhibits

The exhibits filed as part of this report and the exhibits incorporated herein by reference are listed in the Exhibit Index at page E-1.

 

49


Table of Contents

STERLING FINANCIAL CORPORATION

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 FINANCIAL CORPORATION
                                 (Registrant)

        November 8, 2011        

    By:  

/s/ Robert G. Butterfield

                    Date

      Robert G. Butterfield
      Senior Vice President, Controller, and
      Principal Accounting Officer

 

 

50


Table of Contents

Exhibit No.

  

Exhibit Index

    3.1    Restated Articles of Incorporation of Sterling. Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Sterling’s Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 dated May 8, 2009 and incorporated by reference herein.
    3.2    Articles of Amendment of Restated Articles of Incorporation of Sterling increasing the authorized shares of common stock. Filed as Exhibit 4.2 to Sterling’s Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 dated September 21, 2009 and incorporated by reference herein.
    3.3    Articles of Amendment to Sterling’s Restated Articles of Incorporation designating Fixed Rate Cumulative Mandatorily Convertible Preferred Stock, Series C. Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Sterling’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 30, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.
    3.4    Articles of Amendment to Sterling’s Restated Articles of Incorporation eliminating par value of Sterling Common Stock. Filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Sterling’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 30, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.
    3.5    Articles of Amendment to Sterling’s Restated Articles of Incorporation designating Fixed Rate Cumulative Mandatorily Convertible Preferred Stock, Series B. Filed as Exhibit 3.3 to Sterling’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 30, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.
    3.6    Articles of Amendment to Sterling’s Restated Articles of Incorporation designating Fixed Rate Cumulative Mandatorily Convertible Preferred Stock, Series D. Filed as Exhibit 3.4 to Sterling’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 30, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.
    3.7    Articles of Amendment to Sterling’s Restated Articles of Incorporation increasing the authorized shares of common stock. Filed as exhibit 3.7 to Sterling’s Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated November 3, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.
    3.8    Articles of Amendment to Sterling’s Restated Articles of Incorporation reducing the authorized shares of common stock. Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Sterling’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 18, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.
    3.9    Articles of Amendment to Sterling’s Restated Articles of Incorporation regarding certain transfer restrictions. Filed as Exhibit 3.9 to Sterling’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.
    3.10    Amended and Restated Bylaws of Sterling. Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Sterling’s Registration Statement on Form 8-K dated April 25, 2011, and incorporated by referenced herein.
    4.1    Reference is made to Exhibits 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9 and 3.10.
    4.2    Form of Common Stock Certificate. Filed as Exhibit 4.3 to Sterling’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 dated July 20, 2009 and incorporated by reference herein.
    4.3    Shareholder Rights Plan, dated as of April 14, 2010, between Sterling Financial Corporation and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as Rights Agent, which includes the Form of Articles of Amendment to the Restated Articles of Incorporation of Sterling Financial Corporation (Series E Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock) as Exhibit A, the Summary of Terms of the Rights Agreement as Exhibit B and the Form of Right Certificate as Exhibit C. Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Sterling’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 15, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.
    4.4    First Amendment to Shareholder Rights Plan, dated as of December 8, 2010, between Sterling Financial Corporation and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as Rights Agent. Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Sterling’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 10, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.

 

E-1


Table of Contents
    4.5    Form of Warrant to Purchase Shares of Sterling Common Stock, dated August 26, 2010 and issued to Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund VI, L.P., Thomas H. Lee Parallel Fund VI, L.P., Thomas H. Lee Parallel (DT) Fund VI, L.P. and THL Sterling Equity Investors, L.P. Filed as Exhibit 4.7 to Sterling’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated September 24, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.
    4.6    Form of Warrant to Purchase Shares of Sterling Common Stock, dated August 26, 2010 and issued to Warburg Pincus Private Equity X, L.P. Filed as Exhibit 4.8 to Sterling’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated September 24, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.
    4.7    Amended and Restated Warrant to purchase shares of Sterling Common Stock, dated August 26, 2010 and issued to the United States Department of the Treasury. Filed as Exhibit 4.9 to Sterling’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated September 24, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.
    4.8    Sterling has outstanding certain long-term debt. None of such debt exceeds ten percent of Sterling’s total assets; therefore, copies of the constituent instruments defining the rights of the holders of such debt are not included as exhibits. Copies of instruments with respect to such long-term debt will be furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.
  31.1    Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith.
  31.2    Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith.
  32.1    Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Furnished herewith.
  32.2    Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Furnished herewith.
101.INS*    XBRL Instance Document. Furnished herewith.
101.SCH*    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema. Furnished herewith.
101.CAL*    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase. Furnished herewith.
101.LAB*    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase. Furnished herewith.
101.PRE*    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase. Furnished herewith.

 

* Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are furnished and not deemed filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under these sections.

 

E-2