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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 11-K
(Mark One)
     
þ   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006
OR
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     .
Commission File Number 0-20800
A.   Full title of the plan and the address of the plan, if different from that of the issuer named below:
NORTHERN EMPIRE BANCSHARES
401(k) PROFIT SHARING PLAN
B.   Name of issuer of the securities held pursuant to the plan and the address of its principal executive office:
Sterling Financial Corporation
111 North Wall Street
Spokane, WA 99201
REQUIRED INFORMATION
Item 4.   Financial statements and schedules prepared in accordance with the financial reporting requirements of ERISA.
 
 

 


 

CONTENTS
         
    PAGE  
    1  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
       
    2  
    3  
    4  
       
    8  
    9  
    10  
EXHIBIT 23 – CONSENT OF INDPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
       
 EXHIBIT 23

 


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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Trustees
Northern Empire Bancshares 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan
We have audited the accompanying statements of net assets available for benefits of Northern Empire Bancshares 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related statement of changes in net assets available for benefits for the year ended December 31, 2006. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Plan’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the net assets available for benefits of Northern Empire Bancshares 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the changes in its net assets available for benefits for the year ended December 31, 2006, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the financial statements taken as a whole. The supplemental schedule of assets (held at end of year) is presented for purposes of additional analysis and is not a required part of the basic financial statements but is supplementary information required by the Department of Labor’s Rules and Regulations for Reporting and Disclosure under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. This supplemental schedule is the responsibility of the Plan’s management. The supplemental schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the basic financial statements and, in our opinion, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole
/s/ Moss Adams LLP
Santa Rosa, California
June 29, 2007

 


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NORTHERN EMPIRE BANCSHARES 401(k) PROFIT SHARING PLAN
STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS
December 31, 2006 and 2005
                 
    2006     2005  
ASSETS
               
 
               
Investments
  $ 6,616,409     $ 5,390,730  
 
               
Participant loans
    145,563       178,908  
 
               
Receivable from participants
    14,412       14,877  
Receivable from employer
    2,709       2,553  
Receivable from loan repayments
    1,953       1,946  
 
           
 
    6,781,046       5,589,014  
 
               
LIABILITIES
               
 
               
Corrective distribution obligation
    0       297  
 
           
 
               
NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS
  $ 6,781,046     $ 5,588,717  
 
           
See accompanying notes
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NORTHERN EMPIRE BANCSHARES 401(k) PROFIT SHARING PLAN
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS
Year Ended December 31, 2006
         
Additions to net assets attributed to:
       
 
       
Investment income:
       
Net appreciation in fair value of participant directed investments
  $ 349,083  
Dividends and other income
    360,538  
Interest on participant loans
    11,243  
 
     
 
    720,864  
 
     
 
       
Contributions:
       
Employee deferrals
    656,515  
Employer contributions
    132,085  
Rollovers and other
    172,377  
 
     
 
    960,977  
 
     
Total additions
    1,681,841  
 
     
 
       
Deductions from net assets attributed to:
       
Withdrawals
    484,809  
Administrative expenses
    4,703  
 
     
 
       
 
    489,512  
 
     
 
       
Change in net assets
    1,192,329  
 
       
Net assets available for benefits — December 31, 2005
    5,588,717  
 
     
 
       
Net assets available for benefits — December 31, 2006
  $ 6,781,046  
 
     
See accompanying notes
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NORTHERN EMPIRE BANCSHARES 401(k) PROFIT SHARING PLAN
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Plan’s financial statements are prepared under the accrual method of accounting. The Annual Return/Report of Employee Benefit Plan (Form 5500) is prepared under the cash basis of accounting.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity 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 at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
The Plan’s investments are stated at fair value. Fair values of the investments are determined by the custodian based upon quoted market values of the underlying assets. Participants’ loans are valued at their outstanding balances, which approximate fair value. As described in Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position, FSP AAG INV-1 and SOP 94-4-1, Reporting of Fully Benefit-Responsive Investment Contracts Held by Certain Investment Companies Subject to the AICPA Investment Company Guide and Defined-Contribution Health and Welfare and Pension Plans (the FSP), investment contracts held by a defined-contribution plan are required to be reported at fair value. However, contract value is the relevant measurement attribute for that portion of the net assets available for benefits of a defined-contribution plan attributable to fully benefit-responsive investment contracts because contract value is the amount participants would receive if they were to initiate permitted transactions under the terms of the plan. The adoption of the FSP did not have a material effect on the Statement of Net Assets Available for Benefits, since the Plan’s guaranteed investment contracts are stated at contract value, which approximates fair value.
Investment securities are exposed to various risks, such as interest rate, market, and credit risk. It is at least reasonably possible, given the level of risk associated with investment securities that changes in the near term could materially affect a participant’s account balance and the amounts reported in the financial statements.
Benefits to participants are recorded when paid.
NOTE 2 — DESCRIPTION OF PLAN
The following description of the Plan provides only general information. Participants should refer to the Adoption Agreement for a more complete description of Plan provisions.
General - The Plan is a 401(k) salary deferral plan covering all employees of Northern Empire Bancshares and Sonoma National Bank, who have satisfied the eligibility requirements. The Plan is subject to provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Northern Empire Bancshares is the Plan sponsor and serves as the plan administrator. The plan administrator pays administrative expenses, such as custodian fees, legal, and accounting fees that may not be paid by forfeitures. Certain transaction fees are paid by the Plan. As of February 28, 2007, Northern Empire Bancshares merged with and into Sterling Financial Corporation (“Sterling”) and, as successor in interest to Northern Empire Bancshares, Sterling became the Plan sponsor and serves as the Plan Administrator.
Eligibility - Employees are eligible to make salary deferrals after completing 90 days of service. Eligibility for the employer matching contribution and the employer discretionary contribution, requires employees to complete one year of service in which at least 1,000 hours are worked during the plan year.
Contributions - Participants may elect to defer up to the limitations imposed by federal tax law. Participants direct the investment of contributions into various investment options offered by the Plan. The Company shall make a matching contribution equal to a participant’s elective deferral contribution, not to exceed $1,200 for each plan year. A discretionary contribution may be made each plan year in an amount determined by the Company. This contribution is allocated to participants in the plan on December 31 in the same proportion as a participant’s compensation bears to the total of all participants’ compensation. There were no discretionary contributions made during 2006 or 2005.
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NORTHERN EMPIRE BANCSHARES 401(k) PROFIT SHARING PLAN
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Vesting - Participants are fully vested in deferrals withheld from their compensation under the salary reduction agreement. Vesting in employer matching and discretionary contributions begins after the completion of one year of service, as defined, in increments of 33% per year until fully vested in year four.
Loans – Loans of up to 50% of amounts vested and under $50,000 are available to participants at a rate of interest that is 1.0% above the prime lending rate. The maximum loan term is 58 months, unless the loan qualifies as a home loan, in which case the term of the loan is not to exceed 358 months.
Payment of benefits - Upon retirement, termination of employment, death, or disability, a participant’s vested account balance will be distributed in a lump sum or in a variety of optional installment methods, as further described in the Plan agreement.
Forfeitures - A forfeiture is the non-vested portion of a participant’s account that is lost upon termination of employment. Any forfeitures which are not use to pay for transactions fees are to be reallocated to participants in the same manner of allocation as discretionary contributions. The Plan had forfeited amounts of $5,714 and $10,523 during December 31, 2006 and 2005.
Termination of Plan - Although it has not expressed any intention to do so, the Company has the right to terminate the Plan and discontinue contributions at any time. If the Plan is terminated, all amounts allocated to participants’ account become fully vested.
Investments - A participant may direct the investment of their account through investment options offered through Union Bank of California Select Benefit. Investments representing 5% or more of net assets available for benefits consist of the following:
                 
    2006   2005
Highmark Div. Money Market
  $ 1,664,073     $ 1,471,701  
Northern Empire Bancshares Common Stock
    691,358       595,890  
Vanguard 500 Index
    696,801       419,245  
Baron Small Cap
    408,080       358,934  
Fidelity Advisor Midcap
    0       328,938  
Federated Cap Appreciation
    0       313,332  
During the year, the plan investments (including investments purchased, sold as well as held during the year) appreciated in fair value as determined by quoted market prices as follows:
         
Corporate Stock
  $ 152,344  
Mutual funds (registered investment companies)
    196,739  
 
     
Net appreciation in fair value of investments
  $ 349,083  
 
     
NOTE 3 — TAX STATUS
The Plan is designed to operate as a standardized plan based on a favorable opinion letter dated April 2002 issued to the prototype sponsor that provided tax-exempt status under appropriate sections of the Internal Revenue Code. The Plan has been amended since receiving the determination letter; however, the plan administrator believes that the Plan is currently designed and being operated in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Internal Revenue Code.
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NORTHERN EMPIRE BANCSHARES 401(k) PROFIT SHARING PLAN
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 4 — PARTY-IN-INTEREST TRANSACTIONS
Plan investments include a stable value fund that is managed by Union Bank of California, the custodian of the Plan and, therefore, transactions between the Plan and Union Bank of California qualify as party-in-interest transactions.
NOTE 5 – RECONCILIATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS TO FORM 5500
The following is a reconciliation of net assets available for benefits per the financial statements at December 31, 2006 and 2005 to Form 5500.
                 
    2006     2005  
Net assets available for benefits per the financial statements
  $ 6,781,046     $ 5,588,717  
 
               
Receivables
    (19,074 )     (19,376 )
 
               
Corrective distribution obligation
    0       297  
 
           
 
               
Net assets available for benefits per Form 5500
    6,761,972       5,569,638  
 
           
 
               
Net increase in changes in net assets per the financial statements
    1,192,329       1,031,535  
Less receivables
    (19,074 )     (19,376 )
Add prior year receivables
    19,376       14,551  
Less prior year corrective distribution payable
    (297 )     0  
Add the corrective distributions payable
    0       297  
 
           
 
               
Net income per the Form 5500
  $ 1,192,334     $ 1,027,007  
 
           
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SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE REQUIRED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

 


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NORTHERN EMPIRE BANCSHARES 401(k) PROFIT SHARING PLAN
SCHEDULE OF ASSETS (HELD AT END OF YEAR)
EIN 94-2830529
PLAN NUMBER 001
PLAN YEAR 01/01/2006 TO 12/31/2006
                         
    (B)   (C)            
    Identity of issuer,   Description of investment including            
    borrower, lessor   maturity date, rate of interest,   (D)     (E)  
(A)   or similar party   collateral, par or maturity date   Cost     Current Value  
 
*  
Highmark Capital Management
  Diversified Money Market     * *   $ 1,664,073  
*  
Union Bank of California, N.A.
  Stable Value     * *     172,818  
   
Wells Fargo
  Adv Government Security     * *     192,932  
   
Oakmark Funds
  Equity and Income II     * *     180,172  
   
Barclays
  Lifepath Retirement     * *     573  
   
Barclays
  Lifepath 2010     * *     51,489  
   
Barclays
  Lifepath 2020     * *     186,357  
   
Barclays
  Lifepath 2030     * *     16,900  
   
Barclays
  Lifepath 2040     * *     14,945  
   
American Century
  Equity Income Adv     * *     246,127  
   
Oakmark Funds
  Oakmark II     * *     125,225  
   
HW
  Large Caq Value     * *     33,772  
   
Davis
  New York Venture     * *     3,998  
   
Federated
  Cap Appreciation A     * *     305,281  
   
Vanguard
  500 Index Inv     * *     696,801  
   
Calvert
  Soc Inv: Equity     * *     135,435  
   
Waddell & Reed
  Advisor Vanguard     * *     184,887  
   
Fidelity Investments
  Advisor Mid Capl     * *     312,564  
   
Turner
  Mid Cap Growth     * *     172,290  
   
Wells Fargo
  Adv Small Cap Value A     * *     242,383  
   
Baron
  Small Cap     * *     408,080  
   
American Century
  International Growth Adv     * *     143,875  
   
Fidelity Investments
  Advisor Div International     * *     165,145  
   
MFS
  International New Discovery     * *     83,660  
   
Ivy
  Science & Technology     * *     185,269  
*  
Northern Empire Bancshares
  Stock     * *     691,358  
   
Participant Loan
  5.00% to 9.25%     0       145,563  
   
 
                 
   
 
              $ 6,761,972  
   
 
                 
 
*   Denotes a party-in-interest
 
**   Information is not required as investments are participant directed
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NORTHERN EMPIRE BANCSHARES 401(k) PROFIT SHARING PLAN
SIGNATURES
SIGNATURES
The Plan. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the trustees (or other persons who administer the employee benefit plan) have duly caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
         
  Northern Empire Bancshares 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan
 
 
  By: Sterling Financial Corporation,
       as its Plan Administrator
 
     
Date: June 29, 2007  /s/ Robert G. Butterfield    
  Robert G. Butterfield   
  Senior Vice President, Principal Accounting Officer and Controller   
 
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INDEX TO EXHIBITS
     
Exhibit No.   Description
   
 
23  
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Page 10