SLFI Sterling Financial (MM)

LANCASTER, Pa., Jan. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sterling Financial Corporation (NASDAQ:SLFI) reported earnings for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2006. "2006 was a challenging year for our company and for the financial services industry," said J. Roger Moyer, Jr., president and chief executive officer of Sterling Financial Corporation. "I am pleased that we continued to advance our core customer strategies and, as a result, were able to turn in a solid financial performance, considering the interest rate environment and competitive pressures in our markets." Results of Operations Quarter Ended December 31, 2006 Sterling's net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2006 was $10.4 million or $0.35 per diluted share, compared to $10.2 million or $0.35 per diluted share for the same period last year. Fourth quarter 2006 and 2005 net income included the impact of discontinued operations totaling net after-tax losses of $215,000 or $0.01 per diluted share, and $13,000 or $0.00 per diluted share, respectively. On December 31, 2006 Sterling divested three related lines of business associated with its insurance segment, Corporate Healthcare Strategies, LLC ("CHS"), Professional Services Group and certain insurance assets of its property and casualty insurance agency, Lancaster Insurance Group, LLC. All prior period results included herein have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation which displays the operating results of the divested businesses as discontinued operations. These reclassifications had no effect on net income or stockholders' equity. Unless otherwise noted, the remaining discussion and tabular data relate only to Sterling's continuing operations. Sterling's net income from continuing operations for the quarter ended December 31, 2006 was $10.7 million, an increase of $427,000, or 4.2 percent from the fourth quarter of 2005. Diluted earnings per share totaled $0.36 for the fourth quarter of 2006 versus $0.35 for the same period in 2005, an increase of 2.9 percent. Return on average assets and return on average realized equity were 1.32 percent and 13.27 percent, respectively, for the fourth quarter of 2006, compared to 1.40 percent and 13.98 percent, respectively, for the same period last year. Return on average tangible equity was 18.93 percent for the quarter ended December 31, 2006, compared to 20.22 percent for the same period last year. Total revenue, comprised of net interest income and non-interest income excluding net gains on sale of securities, was $49.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2006, an increase of $3.8 million or 8.3 percent from the same period last year. Non-interest expense totaled $33.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2006, an increase of $2.8 million or 9.3 percent from the fourth quarter of 2005. The efficiency ratio was 59.20 percent for the three months ended December 31, 2006, compared to 58.71 percent for the fourth quarter of 2005. Sterling's net interest income increased from $29.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2005 to $31.2 million for the same period in 2006, a 5.7 percent increase. The growth in net interest income has resulted primarily from the continued organic growth in loans and deposits, particularly higher yielding loans, including commercial loans and finance receivables. The net interest margin was 4.58 percent for the fourth quarter of 2006 as compared to 4.69 percent for the three months ended September 30, 2006, and 4.82 percent for the quarter ended December 31, 2005. While Sterling has been successful in managing its net interest income by attracting new households and growing its loans and deposits, it has also experienced pressure in its net interest margin primarily resulting from the relatively flat yield curve when compared to historical levels, and increased pricing competition on loans and deposits. The provision for loan losses was $1.5 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2006, compared to $1.4 million for the same period in 2005. The increase in the provision was primarily due to growth in the loan portfolio. Non-interest income, excluding net gains on sale of securities, was $18.1 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2006, a 12.9 percent increase over $16.0 million earned during the same period in 2005. This increase was driven by a 9.5 percent increase in service charges and commissions related to deposit growth and transaction fees generated by the banking segment; a 20.2 percent increase in rental income on operating leases from the leasing segment as a result of growth in the business; an increase of 5.4 percent in trust and investment management income and brokerage fees and commissions generated by the investment services segment resulting primarily from growth in assets under administration; an increase of 12.5 percent in other operating income primarily due to higher gains on sale of loans; partially offset by a decrease in mortgage banking income of 13.7 percent. Non-interest expense was $33.0 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2006, an increase of $2.9 million or 9.3 percent from $30.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2005. Contributing to the increase was $136,000 related to the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R, "Share Based Payment" (Statement No. 123R) and $1.6 million resulting from expenses incurred in support of business growth as well as initiatives undertaken this year to promote growth in customer relationships. In addition, depreciation on operating lease assets totaling $7.0 million for the fourth quarter 2006 increased $1.0 million or 17.3 percent, corresponding with the increase noted above in rental income on operating leases. Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006 Sterling's net income for 2006 was $36.5 million or $1.24 per diluted share, compared to $39.3 million or $1.34 per diluted share for 2005. Included in Sterling's 2006 and 2005 net income was discontinued operations totaling a net after-tax loss of $5.1 million or $0.17 per diluted share, and net income of $210,000 or $0.01 per diluted share, respectively. Sterling's net income from continuing operations was $41.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, an increase of $2.5 million, or 6.5 percent as compared to year ended December 31, 2005. Diluted earnings per share totaled $1.41 for 2006 versus $1.33 for 2005 an increase of 6.0 percent. Return on average assets, return on average realized equity and return on average tangible equity were 1.36 percent, 13.59 percent, and 19.76 percent, respectively, for 2006, as compared to 1.38 percent, 13.89 percent and 20.13 percent, respectively, for the prior year. Total revenue, comprised of net interest income and non-interest income excluding net gains on sale of securities of $189.7 million for the year ended 2006 increased $15.4 million or 8.8 percent from the same period last year. Non-interest expense totaled $126.6 million for 2006, an increase of $9.8 million or 8.4 percent from the same period in 2005. The efficiency ratio was 59.12 percent for the year ended December 31, 2006, compared to 59.50 percent for 2005. Sterling's net interest income improved from $114.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2005 to $122.0 million in 2006, a 6.8 percent increase. This increase was driven primarily by growth in loans and deposits, partially offset by a decrease of ten basis points in the net interest margin to 4.71 percent as a result of the interest rate environment and pricing competition during 2006. The provision for loan losses was $5.2 million for 2006, compared to $4.4 million in 2005. This increase was driven primarily by growth in the loan portfolio. Non-interest income, excluding net gains on sale of securities, was $67.7 million for 2006, a 12.6 percent increase over $60.1 million earned during the same period in 2005. This increase was driven by a 10.8 percent increase in service charges and commissions related to deposit growth and transaction fees generated by the banking segment; a 17.6 percent increase in rental income on operating leases from the leasing segment as a result of growth in the business; an increase of 5.8 percent in trust and investment management income and brokerage fees and commissions generated by the investment services segment resulting primarily from growth in assets under administration; an increase of 16.5 percent in other operating income primarily due to higher gains on sale of loans; partially offset by a decrease in mortgage banking income of 8.0 percent. Non-interest expenses were $126.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, compared to $116.8 million in 2005, an increase of $9.8 million or 8.4 percent. Contributing to the increase were employment related expenses from a combined $699,000 in charges related to the departure of certain employees and expenses related to the adoption of Statement No. 123R and $4.2 million resulting from expenses incurred in support of business growth as well as initiatives undertaken this year to promote growth in customer relationships. In addition, depreciation on operating lease assets totaling $26.5 million for 2006, increased $3.5 million or 15.2 percent, corresponding with the increase in rental income on operating leases as noted above. Financial Position Total assets of $3.3 billion at December 31, 2006, increased 4.1 percent from September 30, 2006 and 10.5 percent from December 31, 2005. The growth in assets was primarily attributable to an increase in loans outstanding, which totaled $2.4 billion at December 31, 2006, an annualized increase of 14.8 percent (4.1 percent excluding the fourth quarter 2006 acquisition of Bay Net Financial) from the September 30, 2006 balance of $2.3 billion and a 12.2 percent (9.3 percent excluding Bay Net Financial) increase over the December 31, 2005 balance of $2.1 billion. The remaining increase in the loan portfolio both on a year over year basis and sequential quarter basis resulted from growth over most loan categories, particularly in finance receivables and commercial loans. Sterling's loan growth was funded with growth in deposits. At December 31, 2006, total deposits were $2.6 billion, an increase of $124 million or an annualized 19.8 percent (7.8 percent excluding Bay Net Financial) from September 30, 2006 and an increase of $390 million or 17.5 percent (14.1 percent excluding Bay Net Financial) over December 31, 2005. On a sequential quarter basis, non-maturity deposits and time deposits increased an annualized 17.4 percent and 22.9 percent, respectively. On a year over year basis, non- maturity deposits and time deposits increased 14.2 percent and 22.0 percent, respectively. Credit quality remained consistent in the fourth quarter of 2006 versus prior periods. Non-performing loans to total loans were 0.16 percent at December 31, 2006, versus 0.19 percent and 0.22 percent at September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively. Net charge-offs to total average loans were 0.15 percent at December 31, 2006, versus 0.11 percent and 0.11 percent at September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively. The allowance for loan losses of $23.4 million represented 0.99 percent of total loans at December 31, 2006, compared to 1.00 percent at both September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005. Non-GAAP Presentations In addition to the results of operation presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), Sterling's management uses, and this press release contains, certain non-GAAP financial measures to monitor performance, including the efficiency ratio, return on average realized equity and return on average tangible equity. The efficiency ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure that we believe provides readers with important information regarding Sterling's results of operations. Comparison of Sterling's efficiency ratio with that of other companies' may not be appropriate, as they may calculate their ratio in a different manner. Sterling's calculation of the efficiency ratio is computed by dividing non- interest expenses, less depreciation on operating leases, by the sum of tax equivalent net interest income and non-interest income, less depreciation on operating leases. Sterling nets the depreciation on operating leases against related income, as it is consistent with utilizing net interest income presentation for comparable capital leases, which nets interest expense against interest income. The efficiency ratio excludes net gains on sale of securities. Return on average realized equity is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is calculated by taking net income, divided by average stockholders' equity, excluding average other comprehensive income. We believe the presentation of return on realized average equity provides a reader with a better understanding of our financial performance based on economic transactions, as it excludes the impact of unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale and derivatives used in cash flow hedges, which can fluctuate based on interest rate volatility. Return on average tangible equity is a non-GAAP financial measure, defined as net income, excluding the amortization of intangible assets, divided by average stockholders' equity less average goodwill and intangible assets. We believe that by excluding the impact of purchase accounting, the return on average tangible equity provides the reader with an important view of our financial performance. Sterling, in referring to its net income, is referring to income determined in conformity with GAAP. Although we believe that the above-mentioned non-GAAP financial measures enhance readers' understanding of our business and performance, these non-GAAP measures should not be considered an alternative to GAAP. About Sterling With assets of $3.3 billion and investment assets under administration of $2.8 billion, Sterling Financial Corporation (NASDAQ:SLFI) is a diversified financial services company based in Lancaster, Pa. Sterling Banking Group affiliates offer a full range of banking services in south-central Pennsylvania, northern Maryland and northern Delaware; the group also offers correspondent banking services in the mid-Atlantic region to other companies within the financial services industry. Sterling Financial Services Group affiliates provide specialty commercial financing; fleet and equipment leasing; investment, trust and brokerage services; and banking related insurance services. Visit http://www.sterlingfi.com/ for more information. Banking Group -- Banks: Pennsylvania: Bank of Lancaster County, N.A.; Bank of Lebanon County; PennSterling Bank; and Pennsylvania State Bank. Pennsylvania and Maryland: Bank of Hanover and Trust Company. Maryland: Bay First Bank Delaware: Delaware Sterling Bank & Trust Company. Correspondent banking services: Correspondent Services Group (provider of Sterling services to other financial institutions). Financial Services Group -- Specialty commercial financing: Equipment Finance LLC (commercial financing company for the forestry, land clearing and construction industries). Fleet and equipment leasing: Town & Country Leasing, LLC (nationwide fleet and equipment leasing company). Trust, investment and brokerage services: Sterling Financial Trust Company (trust and investment services), Church Capital Management, LLC (registered investment advisor) and Bainbridge Securities Inc. (securities broker/dealer). Other services: Sterling Financial Settlement Services, LLC (title insurance agency) This news release may contain forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results and trends could differ materially from those set forth in such statements due to various factors. Such factors include costs and efforts required to integrate aspects of the operations of the companies being more difficult than expected, anticipated merger-related synergies not being achieved timely or not being achieved at all, the possibility that increased demand or prices for Sterling's financial services and products may not occur, changing economic and competitive conditions, volatility in interest rates, technological developments, costs associated with complying with laws, rules and regulations, and other risks and uncertainties, including those detailed in Sterling's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. STERLING FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) December 31, December 31, (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 2006 2005 Assets Cash and due from banks $86,472 $ 79,509 Federal funds sold 61,017 30,203 Cash and cash equivalents 147,489 109,712 Interest-bearing deposits in banks 6,339 5,690 Short-term investments 3,119 2,156 Mortgage loans held for sale 4,136 3,200 Securities held-to-maturity 21,530 28,891 Securities available-for-sale 460,016 455,117 Loans, net of unearned income 2,360,526 2,104,086 Allowance for loan losses (23,427) (21,003) Loans, net of allowance for loan losses 2,337,099 2,083,083 Premises and equipment, net 48,983 43,498 Assets held for operating lease, net 89,120 73,636 Other real estate owned 45 60 Goodwill 88,670 67,770 Intangible assets 6,312 6,448 Mortgage servicing rights 3,177 3,011 Accrued interest receivable 13,979 12,304 Assets related to discontinued operations -- 16,836 Other assets 46,953 54,325 Total assets $3,276,967 $2,965,737 Liabilities Deposits: Non-interest bearing $311,881 $304,475 Interest-bearing 2,304,031 1,921,812 Total deposits 2,615,912 2,226,287 Short-term borrowings 78,833 140,573 Long-term debt 117,207 168,642 Subordinated notes payable 87,630 87,630 Accrued interest payable 10,332 8,821 Liabilities related to discontinued operations -- 498 Other liabilities 36,468 35,200 Total liabilities 2,946,382 2,667,651 Stockholders' equity Preferred stock -- -- Common stock 148,642 145,692 Capital surplus 88,279 79,351 Restricted stock -- (2,926) Retained earnings 92,404 72,849 Accumulated other comprehensive income 2,756 4,042 Common stock in treasury, at cost (1,496) (922) Total stockholders' equity 330,585 298,086 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $3,276,967 $2,965,737 Ratios: Book value per share $11.14 $10.31 Realized book value per share 11.05 10.17 Allowance for loan losses to total loans 0.99% 1.00% Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans 635% 460% Nonperforming loans to total loans 0.16% 0.22% Net charge-offs to total average loans 0.15% 0.11% STERLING FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) Three Months Ended, Twelve Months Ended, December 31, December 31, (Dollars in thousands, 2006 2005 2006 2005 except per share data) Interest and dividend income Loans, including fees $49,223 $40,630 $182,808 $149,762 Debt securities Taxable 2,930 2,607 10,626 10,852 Tax-exempt 2,446 2,622 10,089 10,439 Dividends 196 182 817 668 Federal funds sold 316 73 887 322 Short-term investments 148 45 314 135 Total interest and dividend income 55,259 46,159 205,541 172,178 Interest expense Deposits 19,948 12,474 65,526 41,002 Short-term borrowings 1,249 846 5,742 3,000 Long-term debt 1,357 1,905 6,462 8,677 Subordinated debt 1,469 1,391 5,766 5,226 Total interest expense 24,023 16,616 83,496 57,905 Net interest income 31,236 29,543 122,045 114,273 Provision for loan losses 1,524 1,354 5,171 4,383 Net interest income after provision for loan losses 29,712 28,189 116,874 109,890 Non-interest income Trust and investment management income 2,709 2,464 9,928 9,273 Service charges on deposit accounts 2,379 2,191 9,130 8,434 Other service charges, commissions and fees 1,416 1,274 5,481 4,752 Brokerage fees and commissions 672 744 3,087 3,023 Insurance commissions and fees 58 49 213 227 Mortgage banking income 515 597 1,930 2,097 Rental income on operating leases 8,608 7,161 32,306 27,481 Other operating income 1,730 1,538 5,595 4,802 Securities gains, net 327 372 1,485 861 Total non-interest income 18,414 16,390 69,155 60,950 Non-interest expenses Salaries and employee benefits 15,082 13,951 57,852 54,267 Net occupancy 1,790 1,517 6,662 6,027 Furniture and equipment 2,111 1,841 8,034 7,165 Professional services 1,037 1,136 3,939 4,036 Depreciation on operating lease assets 6,998 5,966 26,459 22,958 Taxes other than income 753 656 2,838 2,590 Intangible asset amortization 390 372 1,428 1,535 Other 4,789 4,710 19,428 18,248 Total non-interest expenses 32,950 30,149 126,640 116,826 Income before income taxes 15,176 14,430 59,389 54,014 Income tax expenses 4,518 4,199 17,807 14,957 Net income from continuing operations 10,658 10,231 41,582 39,057 Discontinued operations, net of tax (215) (13) (5,130) 210 Net income $10,443 $10,218 $36,452 $39,267 Basic earnings per share: Continuing operations $0.36 $0.35 $1.43 $1.35 Discontinued operations (0.01) -- (0.17) 0.01 Net income $0.35 $0.35 $1.26 $1.36 Diluted earnings per share: Continuing operations $0.36 $0.35 $1.41 $1.33 Discontinued operations (0.01) -- (0.17) 0.01 Net income $0.35 $0.35 $1.24 $1.34 Dividends Declared $0.15 $0.14 $0.58 $0.54 Performance ratios (based on income from continuing operations): Return on average assets 1.32% 1.40% 1.36% 1.38% Return on average realized equity 13.27% 13.98% 13.59% 13.89% Return on average tangible equity 18.93% 20.22% 19.76% 20.13% Efficiency ratio 59.20% 58.71% 59.12% 59.50% DATASOURCE: Sterling Financial Corporation CONTACT: Financial: Tito Lima, Chief Financial Officer, +1-717-735-4547, , or Media: Joe Patterson, +1-717-735-5651 (office), +1-717-940-2759 (mobile), , both of Sterling Financial Corporation

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