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prnewswire

Sterling Bancorp Reports 2009 Third Quarter Results

Delivered Higher Net Interest Margin, Noninterest Income And Loan Origination Activity

  • Press Release
  • Source: Sterling Bancorp
  • On 8:00 am EDT, Tuesday October 27, 2009

NEW YORK, Oct. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

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Third Quarter 2009 Highlights

  • Higher Net Interest Margin. The net interest margin increased 7 basis points to 4.53%, principally due to management's disciplined approach to funding costs.

  • Noninterest Income Growth. Noninterest income before securities gains rose 25%, on higher accounts receivable management/factoring and mortgage banking fees.

  • Loan Originations. Sterling extended $60.6 million in new credit in the 2009 third quarter as a result of new borrower relationships; total loans in portfolio exceeded $1.2 billion at September 30, 2009.

  • Strong Deposit Funding. Demand deposits were $470.4 million at September 30, 2009, or 33% of total deposits, one of the highest ratios of demand to total deposits in the industry.

  • Solid Capital Base. The Company's capital ratios exceeded "well-capitalized" requirements, with total risk-based capital of 12.66% at September 30, 2009.

  • Expense Control. Noninterest expenses, excluding additional costs related to the acquisition of a factoring business and higher pension expense, were virtually flat with the third quarter of 2008.

  • Increased Loan Loss Allowance. The allowance for loan losses increased to $19.1 million and stood at 1.58% of portfolio loans at September 30, 2009, up from 1.33% a year ago.

Note: Reconciliations of GAAP and non-GAAP data are presented beginning on page 17.

Page 1 of 19

Sterling Bancorp (NYSE: STL - News), the parent company of New York City-based Sterling National Bank, today reported net income of $2.4 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, for the third quarter ended September 30, 2009. Adjusted net income, which excludes the tax-effected provision for loan losses, was $7.1 million, or $0.39 per diluted share, for the 2009 third quarter.

Management Comments

"Sterling has enhanced its competitive position and continued to demonstrate resiliency in the face of a global economic recession that is the most severe in recent memory. Our progress is supported by a solid capital base, a sharp focus on serving our customers, and a willingness to invest in growth opportunities. We delivered an increase in pre-tax, pre-provision income for the 2009 third quarter, to $10.5 million, which was significantly in excess of our credit costs and would have resulted in growth in capital," said Louis J. Cappelli, Sterling's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

"Our third quarter performance was broad-based across many of Sterling's product lines, as we focused on deepening existing customer relationships and adding new clients. We experienced growth in most of our loan portfolios as our business development efforts yielded quality new borrower relationships. We also generated higher income from our accounts receivable management and factoring services and mortgage banking operations."

"Sterling's third quarter performance comes at a time when the economic outlook remains uncertain. Taking nothing for granted, we will maintain our focus on the core strengths that have distinguished the Company during the current economic cycle. We are pursuing our traditional prudent approach to lending, distinguished by stringent underwriting and an emphasis on strong asset quality. Our capital levels remain in excess of well-capitalized requirements. We have kept tight control of expenses. And we have continued to enhance our business franchises. We believe these strengths will enable Sterling to continue to serve our marketplace and to pursue additional opportunities as they arise," Mr. Cappelli stated.

Third Quarter 2009 Financial Results

Sterling's net income for the 2009 third quarter was $2.4 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, compared to $3.8 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2008. The decrease in net income was primarily due to a $5.0 million increase in the provision for loan losses and a $1.5 million increase in noninterest expenses, which more than offset a $4.5 million increase in noninterest income.

Adjusted net income, which excludes the tax-effected provision for loan losses, was $7.1 million, or $0.39 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2009, compared to $5.2 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, for the year-ago period.

Net interest income, on a tax-equivalent basis, was $22.3 million for the 2009 third quarter, up from $21.8 million for the 2008 period. Net interest income benefitted from higher average loan balances, lower interest-bearing deposit balances and lower funding costs due to the Company's strategy of employing wholesale funding in lieu of higher priced deposits. These benefits were partially offset by lower yield on loans and investment securities due to market rates, lower investment securities balances and higher borrowed funds balances.

Page 2 of 19

Net interest margin increased to 4.53% for the 2009 third quarter, on a tax-equivalent basis, compared to 4.46% for the third quarter of 2008.

Noninterest income increased to $11.7 million for the 2009 third quarter, from $7.2 million a year ago. The increase reflected higher income from accounts receivable management and factoring services, largely due to Sterling's acquisition of a factoring, import trade financing and accounts receivable management business early this year, as well as higher mortgage banking income and deposit and other customer-related fees. Noninterest income also benefitted from securities gains in the 2009 third quarter, compared to securities losses in the prior year period. Excluding securities gains/losses, noninterest income rose 24.9% from the prior year.

Noninterest expenses totaled $23.2 million for the 2009 third quarter, versus $21.7 million a year ago. The increase was largely due to additional expenses associated with the acquired factoring business, higher FDIC deposit insurance premiums, and an increase in pension costs. Excluding such items, noninterest expense for the 2009 third quarter increased only 0.3% from the prior year.

The provision for income taxes was $1.2 million for the 2009 third quarter, compared to $1.5 million for the same period of 2008.

Nine Months 2009 Financial Results

Net income for the first nine months of 2009 was $6.8 million, or $0.37 per diluted share, compared to $12.0 million, or $0.66 per diluted share, for the same period of 2008. The decrease in net income was primarily due to a $13.9 million increase in the provision for loan losses and a $4.4 million increase in noninterest expenses, which more than offset a $1.6 million increase in net interest income and an $8.9 million increase in noninterest income.

Adjusted net income, which excludes the tax-effected provision for loan losses, was $19.5 million, or $1.07 per diluted share, for the first nine months of 2009, compared to $15.9 million, or $0.87 per diluted share, for the year-ago period.

Net interest income, on a tax-equivalent basis, rose to $65.4 million for the first nine months of 2009, from $63.4 million for the same 2008 period. The increase primarily reflected higher average loan balances, lower interest-bearing deposit balances and lower funding costs, partially offset by lower yield on loans and securities, lower investment securities balances and higher borrowed funds balances.

Net interest margin increased to 4.58% for the first nine months of 2009, on a tax-equivalent basis, compared to 4.53% for the same period of 2008.

Page 3 of 19

Noninterest income rose to $33.3 million for the first nine months of 2009, compared to $24.5 million a year ago. The increase was primarily due to higher income from accounts receivable management and factoring services, higher mortgage banking income, and deposit fees. Noninterest income also benefitted from securities gains in the 2009 period, compared to securities losses a year ago.

Noninterest expenses were $67.4 million for the 2009 period, compared with $63.0 million a year ago. Excluding the industry-wide FDIC special assessment, additional expenses associated with the acquired factoring business, and an increase in pension expense, which totaled $4.4 million, noninterest expense decreased slightly from the 2008 period.

The provision for income taxes was $3.9 million for the first nine months of 2009, compared to $6.5 million for the same period of 2008.

Loans and Deposits

Total loans held in portfolio were $1,207.8 million at September 30, 2009. The Company extended $60.6 million in new credit during the 2009 third quarter. At the same time, Sterling has reduced its lease financing balances by approximately $44.0 million, or 17.2%, since the end of 2008 as a prudent response to the impact of the recession on customers for this type of financing.

The Company believes its strong liquidity should provide capacity for further loan growth, as the ratio of portfolio loans to deposits at Sterling National Bank was approximately 85.7% at September 30, 2009.

Demand deposits totaled $470.4 million at September 30, 2009, and represented 33.4% of total deposits, one of the highest ratios of demand to total deposits in the industry.

Asset Quality

The recession has had a disproportionately negative impact on the small and midsized businesses that constitute much of Sterling's traditional customer base and, in particular, provide most of its lease financing business. Beginning this year, the Company has experienced elevated levels of nonaccrual loans and net charge-offs as compared with its historical experience, particularly in the lease financing portfolio.

Throughout 2009, Sterling has taken prudent action in response to the unprecedented conditions affecting much of the lending industry. The provision for loan losses was increased to $7.0 million for the 2009 third quarter, compared to $2.0 million a year ago. Net charge-offs were $5.7 million for the 2009 third quarter, compared to $5.6 million for the 2009 second quarter. The 2009 third quarter provision exceeded net charge-offs for the period by approximately $1.3 million. The allowance for loan losses has been strengthened to $19.1 million or 1.58% of loans held in portfolio at September 30, 2009, from $15.7 million or 1.33% a year earlier. Management also has intensified collection activities, especially with respect to the lease financing portfolio, and has further strengthened underwriting standards and enhanced credit evaluation criteria.

Page 4 of 19

The level of nonaccrual loans decreased to $19.8 million at September 30, 2009, from $20.6 million at June 30, 2009. Nonaccrual loans at September 30, 2008, were $6.8 million. The ratio of nonaccrual loans to total loans was 1.60% at September 30, 2009, compared to 1.69% at June 30, 2009 and 0.57% at September 30, 2008.

Capital

Sterling's capital ratios exceeded all regulatory requirements for well-capitalized institutions at September 30, 2009. The Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio at that date was 11.40% (compared to a requirement of 6.00%), total risk-based capital was 12.66% (requirement of 10.00%), and the Tier 1 leverage ratio was 8.28% (requirement of 5.00%).

The Company's capital ratios reflect the receipt in December 2008 of $42 million in proceeds from the issuance of preferred stock under the U.S. Treasury Capital Purchase Program. Excluding such proceeds, Sterling's capital ratios would continue to exceed regulatory requirements for a well-capitalized institution.

Conference Call

Sterling Bancorp will host a teleconference call for the financial community on October 27, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time to discuss the 2009 third quarter financial results. To access the conference call live, interested parties may dial 800-230-1951 at least 10 minutes prior to the call.

A replay of the conference call will be available beginning at approximately 1:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on October 27, 2009 until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on November 10, 2009. To access the replay by telephone, interested parties may dial 800-475-6701 and enter the Access Code 120744.

About Sterling Bancorp

Sterling Bancorp (NYSE: STL - News) is a New York-based banking and financial services company with assets of $2.1 billion. Established in 1929, the Company's principal banking subsidiary, Sterling National Bank, has successfully served the needs of businesses, professionals and individuals in the NY metropolitan area and beyond. Now in its 80th year, Sterling is well known for its focus on business customers, an extensive and diverse product portfolio and a high-touch, hands-on approach to customer service.

Sterling offers working capital lines, asset-based financing, factoring, accounts receivable financing and management, payroll funding and processing, equipment leasing and financing, commercial and residential mortgages, import trade financing, a wide array of depository products and cash management services, trust and estate administration and custodial account services.

Page 5 of 19

Certain statements in this press release, including but not limited to, statements as to future liquidity, future interest rate risk and operating expenses, statements concerning future results of operations, financial position or dividends, and plans and objectives for future operations, future capital, future liquidity and future growth, statements concerning the Company's belief that its capital levels in excess of well-capitalized requirements, tight control of expenses and continued enhancement of its business franchise will enable the Company to continue to serve its marketplace and to pursue additional opportunities as they arise and that its strong liquidity should provide capacity for further loan growth, and other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, are "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements are not historical facts but instead are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and represent only the Company's belief regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside its control. Any forward-looking statements the Company may make speak only as of the date on which such statements are made. The Company's actual results and financial position may differ materially from the anticipated results and financial condition indicated in or implied by these forward-looking statements. For a discussion of some of the risks and important factors that could affect the Company's future results and financial condition, see "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Forward-Looking Statements and Factors that Could Affect Future Results" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.

Page 6 of 19


                              STERLING BANCORP
                      Consolidated Financial Highlights
                                 (Unaudited)
          (dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data)

                                        Three Months      Nine Months
                                            Ended            Ended
                                        September 30,    September 30,
                                       --------------   ---------------
                                         2009    2008     2009     2008
                                         ----    ----     ----     ----
    GAAP OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS
       Net income                      $2,398  $3,785   $6,785  $11,957
       Dividends on preferred shares
        and accretion                     646       0    2,125        0
       Net income available to common
        shareholders                    1,752   3,785    4,660   11,957

       Net income per average
        common share:
         Basic                           0.13    0.21     0.37     0.67
         Diluted                         0.13    0.21     0.37     0.66
       Net income available to common
        shareholders,
         per average common share:
         Basic                           0.10    0.21     0.26     0.67
         Diluted                         0.10    0.21     0.26     0.66

       Annualized return on average
        assets (1)                       0.45%   0.71%    0.43%    0.78%
       Annualized return on average
        tangible
         common equity (2)              10.20%  16.24%    9.60%   16.64%
       Annualized return on
        average stated
         common equity (3)               8.13%  13.03%    7.69%   13.44%
       Net interest margin, tax-
        equivalent basis                 4.53%   4.46%    4.58%    4.53%

       Common shares outstanding:
         Period end                    18,106  18,043   18,106   18,043
         Average Basic                 18,106  18,016   18,104   17,973
         Average Diluted               18,120  18,227   18,193   18,219




    NON-GAAP OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS
       Adjusted net income             $7,056  $5,173  $19,477  $15,916

       Adjusted net income per average
        common share:
         Basic                           0.39    0.29     1.08     0.89
         Diluted                         0.39    0.28     1.07     0.87

       Annualized return on average
        assets (1)                       1.32%   0.98%    1.25%    1.03%
       Annualized return on average
        tangible
         common equity (2)              30.01%  22.20%   27.56%   22.15%
       Annualized return on
        average stated
         common equity (3)              23.91%  17.80%   22.06%   17.89%
       Net interest margin, tax-
        equivalent basis                 4.53%   4.46%    4.58%    4.53%

       Common shares outstanding:
         Period end                    18,106  18,043   18,106   18,043
         Average Basic                 18,106  18,016   18,104   17,973
         Average Diluted               18,120  18,227   18,193   18,219


    (1) Calculated by dividing net income by average assets.
    (2) Average tangible common equity represents average shareholders'
        equity less average preferred stock and average goodwill. Calculated
        by dividing net income by average tangible common equity.  See
        page 18.
    (3) Average stated common equity is equal to average shareholders' equity
        less average preferred stock.  Calculated by dividing net income by
    average stated common equity.  See page 18.

    Page 7 of 19


                                  STERLING BANCORP
                         Consolidated Financial Highlights
                                    (Unaudited)
                   (dollars in thousands, except per share data)

                                    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended
                                       September 30,         September 30,
                                    ------------------     -----------------
                                        2009       2008       2009       2008
                                        ----       ----       ----       ----
    BALANCE SHEET HIGHLIGHTS
    Period End Balances
       Investment securities        $722,617   $719,420   $722,617   $719,420
       Loans held for sale            25,782     15,987     25,782     15,987
       Loans held in portfolio,
          net of unearned discount 1,207,788  1,182,926  1,207,788  1,182,926
       Federal Reserve Bank and
        Federal Home Loan
          Bank stock, at cost          9,832     14,730      9,832     14,730
       Total earning assets        1,987,138  1,936,837  1,987,138  1,936,837
       Allowance for loan losses      19,099     15,733     19,099     15,733
       Total assets                2,136,805  2,088,890  2,136,805  2,088,890

       Demand deposits               470,404    452,044    470,404    452,044
       Savings, NOW and money
        market deposits              545,829    599,737    545,829    599,737
       Time deposits                 392,292    363,353    392,292    363,353
       Customer repurchase
        agreements                    55,628     55,022     55,628     55,022
       Other short-term borrowings   179,154    224,490    179,154    224,490
       Long-term borrowings          185,774    175,774    185,774    175,774
       Shareholders' equity          160,538    118,344    160,538    118,344

    Average Balances
       Investment securities        $726,934   $755,355   $712,155   $745,641
       Loans held for sale            44,433     18,226     43,550     24,247
       Loans held in portfolio,
          net of unearned discount 1,144,597  1,154,487  1,141,475  1,106,021
       Federal Reserve Bank and
        Federal Home Loan
          Bank stock                   9,769     13,640      9,700     11,139
       Total earning assets        1,976,118  1,946,041  1,936,641  1,890,593
       Total assets                2,126,044  2,108,263  2,086,485  2,057,360

       Demand deposits               437,551    432,045    423,825    425,912
       Savings, NOW and money
        market deposits              528,260    576,677    555,813    504,508
       Time deposits                 375,666    399,994    346,612    486,285
       Customer repurchase
        agreements                    76,495     89,900     76,159     87,192
       Other short-term borrowings   229,902    210,808    228,080    175,302
       Long-term borrowings          184,366    181,644    178,670    159,351
       Shareholders' equity          156,990    115,602    157,808    118,863

    ASSET QUALITY HIGHLIGHTS
    Period End
       Net charge-offs                $5,654     $1,361    $16,286     $4,470
       Nonaccrual loans               19,794      6,776     19,794      6,776
       Other real estate owned         1,837      1,991      1,837      1,991
       Nonperforming assets           21,631      8,767     21,631      8,767
       Nonaccrual loans/loans (1)       1.60%      0.57%      1.60%      0.57%
       Nonperforming assets/assets      1.01%      0.42%      1.01%      0.42%
       Allowance for loan losses/
        loans (2)                       1.58%      1.33%      1.58%      1.33%
       Allowance for loan losses/
        nonaccrual loans               96.49%    232.19%     96.49%    232.19%

    CAPITAL RATIOS
    Period End
       Tier 1 risk based               11.40%      9.70%     11.40%      9.70%
       Total risk based                12.66%     10.84%     12.66%     10.84%
       Leverage                         8.28%      6.48%      8.28%      6.48%

    Book value per common share
     (period end)                      $6.66      $6.56      $6.66      $6.56

    (1) The term "loans" includes loans held for sale and loans held in
        portfolio.
    (2) The term "loans" includes loans held in portfolio only.

    Page 8 of 19


                                  STERLING BANCORP
                            Consolidated Balance Sheets
                                    (Unaudited)
                     (in thousands, except number of shares)

                                                 September 30,
                                                --------------
                                               2009       2008
                                               ----       ----
    ASSETS
    Cash and due from banks                 $31,188    $32,251
    Interest-bearing
     deposits with other banks               21,119      3,774

    Investment securities
        Available for sale
         (at estimated fair value)          327,109    406,845
        Held to maturity
         (at amortized cost)                395,508    312,575
                                            -------    -------
                Total investment
                 securities                 722,617    719,420
                                            -------    -------

    Loans held for sale                      25,782     15,987
                                             ------     ------
    Loans held in portfolio, net of
     unearned discounts                   1,207,788  1,182,926
    Less allowance for loan losses           19,099     15,733
                                             ------     ------
                Loans held in
                 portfolio, net           1,188,689  1,167,193
                                          ---------  ---------
    Federal Reserve Bank and Federal
     Home Loan Bank stock, at cost            9,832     14,730

    Customers' liability
     under acceptances                            0        886
    Goodwill                                 22,901     22,901
    Premises and equipment, net               9,666     10,659
    Other real estate                         1,837      1,991
    Accrued interest receivable               8,141      8,371
    Cash surrender value of life
     insurance policies                      48,419     45,355
    Other assets                             46,614     45,372
                                            ------     ------
                                         $2,136,805 $2,088,890
                                         ========== ==========

    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
    Deposits
        Demand                             $470,404   $452,044
        Savings, NOW and money market       545,829    599,737
        Time                                392,292    363,353
                                            -------    -------
                Total deposits            1,408,525  1,415,134

    Securities sold under
     agreements to
     repurchase - customers                  55,628     55,022
    Securities sold under
     agreements to
     repurchase - dealers                         0     19,515
    Federal funds purchased                  25,675     55,000
    Commercial paper                         14,692     12,944
    Short-term borrowings - FHLB                  0    120,000
    Short-term borrowings - FRB             135,000     15,000
    Short-term borrowings - other             3,787      2,031
    Long-term borrowings - FHLB             160,000    150,000
    Long-term borrowings -
     subordinated debentures                 25,774     25,774
    Acceptances outstanding                      0        886
    Accrued interest payable                  1,529      2,223
    Accrued expenses and
     other liabilities                      145,657     97,017
                                            -------     ------
                Total liabilities         1,976,267  1,970,546

    Shareholders' equity                    160,538    118,344
                                            -------    -------
                                         $2,136,805 $2,088,890
                                         ========== ==========
    MEMORANDA
        Available for sale
         securities - amortized cost       $323,127   $418,705
        Held to maturity
         securities - estimated
         fair value                         407,730    311,888
        Shares outstanding
            Common issued                22,226,425 21,962,295
            Common in treasury            4,119,934  3,919,524

    NOTE: Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period's
    financial data to conform to current financial statement presentations.

    Page 9 of 19


                            STERLING BANCORP
                    Consolidated Statements of Income
                              (Unaudited)
             (dollars in thousands, except per share data)

                                         Three Months      Nine Months
                                             Ended            Ended
                                          September 30,   September 30,
                                       ---------------  ---------------
                                          2009    2008     2009    2008
                                          ----    ----     ----    ----
    INTEREST INCOME
    Loans                              $18,024 $20,387  $53,840 $61,208
    Investment securities -
     available for sale                  4,123   5,523   13,751  15,662
    Investment securities -
     held to maturity                    4,357   3,795   11,485  12,054
    Federal Reserve Bank and Federal
     Home Loan Bank stock                  191     257      387     500
    Federal funds sold                       0       7        0       8
    Deposits with other banks               27      11       46      30
                                            --      --       --      --
                Total interest income   26,722  29,980   79,509  89,462
                                        ------  ------   ------  ------

    INTEREST EXPENSE
    Savings, NOW and money
     market deposits                       872   2,011    2,940   4,710
    Time deposits                        1,933   3,062    6,148  12,434
    Securities sold u/a/r - customers       79     419      282   1,507
    Securities sold u/a/r - dealers          0     382        0   1,115
    Federal funds purchased                  2     197       43     776
    Commercial paper                        15      99       55     411
    Short-term borrowings - FHLB             0     470       11     996
    Short-term borrowings - FRB            131       1      356       2
    Short-term borrowings - other            0       9        1      28
    Long-term borrowings - FHLB          1,197   1,107    3,453   2,906
    Long-term subordinated debentures      523     523    1,570   1,570
                                           ---     ---    -----   -----
                Total interest expense   4,752   8,280   14,859  26,455
                                         -----   -----   ------  ------

    Net interest income                 21,970  21,700   64,650  63,007
    Provision for loan losses            6,950   1,950   19,950   6,100
                                         -----   -----   ------   -----

    Net interest income after
     provision for loan losses          15,020  19,750   44,700  56,907
                                        ------  ------   ------  ------

    NONINTEREST INCOME
    Accounts receivable management/
        factoring commissions
         and other fees                  4,997   4,348   13,098  11,712
    Service charges on
     deposit accounts                    1,553   1,346    4,296   4,029
    Other customer related
     service charges and fees              817     682    2,136   2,094
    Mortgage banking income              2,505   1,469    7,152   6,670
    Trust fees                             110     136      366     395
    Income from life
     insurance policies                    280     289      828     852
    Gain/(Loss) on sale of OREO             19     (58)      39    (361)
    Securities gains/(losses)            1,221  (1,177)   5,160  (1,684)
    Other income                           233     208      262     780
                                           ---     ---      ---     ---
                Total noninterest
                 income                 11,735   7,243   33,337  24,487
                                        ------   -----   ------  ------

    NONINTEREST EXPENSES
    Salaries                             9,960   9,617   29,934  28,456
    Employee benefits                    3,206   2,411    9,151   7,499
                                         -----   -----    -----   -----
        Total personnel expense         13,166  12,028   39,085  35,955
    Occupancy and equipment
     expenses, net                       2,806   2,919    8,381   8,702
    Advertising and marketing              916     740    2,596   2,728
    Professional fees                    1,847   2,644    4,870   5,882
    Communications                         429     450    1,295   1,311
    Deposit insurance                    1,195     243    3,059     512
    Other expenses                       2,818   2,653    8,086   7,883
                                         -----   -----    -----   -----
                Total noninterest
                 expenses               23,177  21,677   67,372  62,973
                                        ------  ------   ------  ------

    Income before income taxes           3,578   5,316   10,665  18,421
    Provision for income taxes           1,180   1,531    3,880   6,464
                                         -----   -----    -----   -----
    Net income                           2,398   3,785    6,785  11,957
    Dividends on preferred
     shares and accretion                  646       0    2,125       0
                                           ---    ----    -----    ----
    Net income available to
     common shareholders                $1,752  $3,785   $4,660 $11,957
                                        ======  ======   ====== =======

    Page 10 of 19


                          STERLING BANCORP
                  Consolidated Statements of Income
                             (Unaudited)
            (dollars in thousands, except per share data)
                             (continued)

                           Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended
                              September 30,         September 30,
                           ------------------     -----------------
                             2009       2008       2009       2008
                             ----       ----       ----       ----
    Average number of common
     shares outstanding
            Basic      18,106,491 18,015,871 18,104,057 17,972,517
            Diluted    18,120,412 18,226,811 18,192,585 18,219,375

    Net Income per average
     common share
            Basic           $0.13      $0.21      $0.37      $0.67
            Diluted          0.13       0.21       0.37       0.66


    Net income available to
     common shareholders
     per average common share
            Basic            0.10       0.21       0.26       0.67
            Diluted          0.10       0.21       0.26       0.66


    Dividends per
     common share            0.09       0.19       0.47       0.57


    NOTE: Certain reclassifications have been made to prior periods'
          financial data to conform to current financial statement
          presentations.

    Page 11 of 19


                               STERLING BANCORP
              Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
                                 (Unaudited)
                                (in thousands)

                                        Three Months     Nine Months
                                            Ended           Ended
                                        September 30,   September 30,
                                      --------------  ---------------
                                        2009    2008    2009     2008
                                        ----    ----    ----     ----

    Net income                        $2,398  $3,785  $6,785  $11,957

    Other comprehensive
     income, net of tax:
        Unrealized holding gains
         on securities, arising
         during the period             2,664  (2,727)  4,352   (6,531)

        Reclassification
         adjustment for
         securities (gains)
         losses included in
         net income                     (666)    645  (2,818)     923

        Amortization of:
            Prior service cost             9       9      27       27
            Net actuarial losses         532     229   1,404      689
                                      ------  ------  ------   ------
    Comprehensive income              $4,937  $1,941  $9,750   $7,065
                                      ======  ======  ======   ======



                                 STERLING BANCORP
          Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
                                   (Unaudited)
                                 (in thousands)

                                    Three Months         Nine Months
                                        Ended              Ended
                                    September 30,      September 30,
                                  ----------------    -----------------
                                   2009      2008      2009      2008
                                   ----      ----      ----      ----
    Balance, at
     beginning of period       $157,721  $119,725  $160,480  $121,070
    Net income for period         2,398     3,785     6,785    11,957
    Common shares issued
     under stock incentive
     plan and related tax
     benefits                         0     1,672       209     7,971
    Stock option
     compensation expense            33         0        99         0
    Cash dividends -
     Common shares               (1,628)   (3,425)   (8,503)  (10,249)
    Cash dividends -
     Preferred shares              (525)        0    (1,353)        0
    Surrender of shares
     issued under incentive
     compensation plan                0    (1,569)     (144)   (6,787)
    Change in net unrealized
     holding gains on available
     for sale securities          2,664    (2,727)    4,352    (6,531)
    Reclassification
     adjustment for securities
     (gains) losses included
      in net income                (666)      645    (2,818)      923
    Adjustment to retained
     earnings upon adoption of
     EITF Issue 06-4
     effective January 1, 2008        0         0         0      (726)
    Amortization of:
        Prior service cost            9         9        27        27
        Net actuarial losses        532       229     1,404       689

                               --------  --------  --------  --------
    Balance, at end
     of period                 $160,538  $118,344  $160,538  $118,344
                               ========  ========  ========  ========

    Page 12 of 19


                                   STERLING BANCORP
                                Average Balance Sheets  [1]
                                      (Unaudited)
                                  (dollars in thousands)

                                              Three Months Ended
                                              ------------------
                                  September 30, 2009       September 30, 2008
                            AVERAGE          AVERAGE   AVERAGE         AVERAGE
                            BALANCE INTEREST   RATE    BALANCE INTEREST  RATE
                            ------- --------   ----    ------- --------  ----
    Assets
      Interest-bearing
       deposits with other
       banks                $50,385     $27   0.21%    $2,920    $11     1.51%
                            -------     ---   ----     ------    ---     ----
      Investment
       securities -
       available for
       sale                 320,494   3,903   4.87    409,132  5,308     5.19
      Investment
       securities - held
       to maturity          345,186   3,975   4.61    323,145  3,795     4.70
      Investment
       securities - tax
       exempt [2]            61,254     969   6.33     23,078    351     6.08
                             ------     ---            ------    ---
          Total investment
           securities       726,934   8,847   4.87    755,355  9,454     5.01
                            -------   -----           -------  -----
      FRB and FHLB
       stock [2]              9,769     192   7.87     13,640    258     7.58
      Federal Funds sold          0       0   0.00      1,413      7     1.81
      Loans, net of
       unearned
       discount[3]        1,189,030  18,024   6.25  1,172,713 20,387     6.99
                          ---------  ------         --------- ------

        Total Interest-
             Earning
             Assets [2]   1,976,118  27,090   5.53% 1,946,041 30,117     6.19%
                                     ------   ====            ------     ====

      Cash and due
       from banks            28,342                    50,264
      Allowance for
       loan losses          (20,307)                  (16,367)
      Goodwill               22,901                    22,901
      Other                 118,990                   105,424
                            -------                   -------
          Total Assets   $2,126,044                $2,108,263
                         ==========                ==========

    Liabilities and
     Shareholders' Equity
      Interest-bearing
       deposits
        Domestic
          Savings           $18,022       3   0.07%   $17,527     14     0.33%
          NOW               180,753     106   0.23    251,271    633     1.00
          Money market      329,485     763   0.92    307,879  1,364     1.76
          Time              375,087   1,931   2.04    399,417  3,060     3.05
        Foreign Time            579       2   1.09        577      2     1.09
                                ---     ---               ---    ---
        Total Interest-
        Bearing Deposits    903,926   2,805   1.23    976,671  5,073     2.07
                            -------   -----           -------  -----
      Borrowings
        Securities sold
         u/a/r -
         customers           76,495      79   0.41     89,900    419     1.85
        Securities sold
         u/a/r -dealers           0       0   0.00     62,977    382     2.41
        Federal funds
         purchased            6,911       2   0.16     37,717    197     2.04
        Commercial paper     13,448      15   0.43     18,331     99     2.15
        Short-term
         borrowings - FHLB        0       0   0.00     90,295    470     2.07
        Short-term
         borrowings - FRB   207,554     131   0.25        326      1     1.11
        Short-term
         borrowings -
         other                1,989       0   0.00      1,162      9     2.88
        Long-term
         borrowings - FHLB  158,592   1,197   2.99    155,870  1,107     2.84
        Long-term
         borrowings -
         sub debt            25,774     523   8.38     25,774    523     8.37
                             ------     ---            ------    ---
            Total
             Borrowings     490,763   1,947   1.58    482,352  3,207     2.65
                            -------   -----           -------  -----

        Total Interest-
             Bearing
           Liabilities    1,394,689   4,752   1.35% 1,459,023  8,280     2.26%
                          ---------   -----   ====  ---------  -----     ====

    Noninterest-
     bearing demand
     deposits               437,551                   432,045
    Other liabilities       136,814                   101,593
                           -------                    -------

           Total
            Liabilities   1,969,054                 1,992,661

    Shareholders' equity    156,990                   115,602
                           -------                    -------

        Total Liabilities
         and Shareholders'
         Equity          $2,126,044                $2,108,263
                         ==========                ==========

    Net interest income/
     spread [2]                       22,338  4.18%           21,837     3.93%
                                              ====                       ====

    Net yield on
     interest-
     earning assets                           4.53%                      4.46%
                                              ====                       ====

    Less: Tax-equivalent
     adjustment                         368                      137
                                        ---                      ---

    Net interest income             $21,970                  $21,700
                                    =======                  =======

    [1] The average balances of assets, liabilities and shareholders' equity
        are computed on the basis of daily averages. Average rates are
        presented on a tax-equivalent basis. Certain reclassifications have
        been made to prior period amounts to conform to current presentation.
    [2] Interest and/or average rates are presented on a tax-equivalent basis.
    [3] Includes loans held for sale and loans held in portfolio; all loans
        are domestic.  Nonaccrual loans are included in amounts outstanding
        and income has been included to the extent earned.

    Page 13 of 19

                                  STERLING BANCORP
                              Average Balance Sheets [1]
                                     (Unaudited)
                                 (dollars in thousands)

                                            Nine Months Ended
                                            -----------------
                                  September 30, 2009     September 30, 2008
                                  ------------------     ------------------
                            AVERAGE          AVERAGE   AVERAGE         AVERAGE
                            BALANCE INTEREST   RATE    BALANCE INTEREST  RATE
                            ------- --------   ----    ------- --------  ----
    Assets
      Interest-bearing
       deposits with other
       banks              $29,761     $46     0.21%    $2,952     $30    1.34%
                          -------     ---     ----     ------     ---    ----

      Investment
       securities -
       available for
       sale               359,882  13,103     4.85    383,934  15,065    5.23
      Investment
       securities - held
       to maturity        312,075  10,974     4.69    340,313  12,054    4.72
      Investment
       securities - tax
       exempt  [2]         40,198   1,865     6.19     21,394     979    6.10
                           ------   -----              ------     ---
          Total investment
           securities     712,155  25,942     4.86    745,641  28,098    5.02
                          -------  ------             -------  ------
      FRB and FHLB
       stock  [2]           9,700     390     5.37     11,139     503    6.02
      Federal funds sold        0       0     0.00        593       8    1.81
      Loans, net of
       unearned
       discount [3]     1,185,025  53,840     6.32  1,130,268  61,208    7.46
                        ---------  ------           ---------  ------

        Total Interest-
             Earning
           Assets [2]   1,936,641  80,218     5.64% 1,890,593  89,847    6.45%
                                   ------     ====             ------    ====

      Cash and due
       from banks          30,115                      55,133
      Allowance for
       loan losses        (18,409)                    (15,963)
      Goodwill             22,901                      22,901
      Other               115,237                     104,696
                          -------                     -------
          Total Assets $2,086,485                  $2,057,360
                       ==========                  ==========

    Liabilities and
     Shareholders' Equity
      Interest-bearing
       deposits
        Domestic
          Savings         $18,105      15     0.11%   $18,633      48    0.34%
          NOW             201,238     400     0.27    248,112   2,001    1.08
          Money market    336,470   2,525     1.00    237,763   2,661    1.50
          Time            346,034   6,143     2.37    485,709  12,429    3.42
        Foreign
          Time                578       5     1.09        576       5    1.09
                              ---     ---                 ---     ---
        Total Interest-
        Bearing Deposits  902,425   9,088     1.35    990,793  17,144    2.31
                          -------   -----             -------  ------
      Borrowings
        Securities sold
         u/a/r -
         customers         76,159     282     0.49     87,192   1,507    2.31
        Securities sold
         u/a/r -dealers         0       0     0.00     55,205   1,115    2.70
        Federal funds
         purchased         25,390      43     0.23     41,976     776    2.43
        Commercial paper   12,148      55     0.60     19,672     412    2.79
        Short-term
         borrowings - FHLB  4,560      11     0.31     56,763     995    2.34
        Short-term
         borrowings - FRB 184,249     356     0.26        197       2    1.63
        Short-term
         borrowings -
         other              1,733       1     0.05      1,489      28    2.45
        Long-term
         borrowings -
         FHLB             152,896   3,453     3.02    133,577   2,906    2.90
        Long-term
         borrowings -
         sub debt          25,774   1,570     8.38     25,774   1,570    8.38
                           ------   -----              ------   -----
            Total
             Borrowings   482,909   5,771     1.60    421,845   9,311    2.95
                          -------   -----             -------   -----

        Total Interest-
             Bearing
           Liabilities  1,385,334  14,859     1.43% 1,412,638 26,455     2.50%
                        ---------  ------     ====  --------- ------     ====

    Noninterest-
     bearing demand
     deposits             423,825                     425,912
    Other liabilities     119,518                      99,947
                          -------                      ------

       Total
        Liabilities     1,928,677                   1,938,497

    Shareholders' equity  157,808                     118,863
                          -------                     -------

         Total
          Liabilities
          and
          Shareholders'
          Equity       $2,086,485                  $2,057,360
                       ==========                  ==========

    Net interest income/
     spread [2]                    65,359     4.21%            63,392    3.95%
                                              ====                       ====

    Net yield on
     interest-
     earning assets
                                              4.58%                      4.53%
                                              ====                        ===

    Less: Tax-equivalent
     adjustment                       709                         385
                                      ---                         ---

    Net interest income           $64,650                     $63,007
                                  =======                     =======

    [1] The average balances of assets, liabilities and shareholders' equity
        are computed on the basis of daily averages. Average rates are
        presented on a tax-equivalent basis. Certain reclassifications have
        been made to prior period amounts to conform to current presentation.
    [2] Interest and/or average rates are presented on a tax-equivalent basis.
    [3] Includes loans held for sale and loans held in portfolio; all loans
        are domestic.  Nonaccrual loans are included in amounts outstanding
        and income has been included to the extent earned.

    Page 14 of 19


                                  STERLING BANCORP
                               Rate/Volume Analysis  [1]
                                     (Unaudited)
                                    (in thousands)

                                                Increase/(Decrease)
                                                Three Months Ended
                                                September 30, 2009
                                                ------------------
                                             Volume    Rate   Net  [2]
                                             ------    ----   --------
    INTEREST INCOME
    Interest-bearing deposits with other banks  $34     $(18)      $16
                                                ---     ----       ---

    Investment securities -
     available for sale                      (1,094)    (311)   (1,405)
    Investment securities - held to maturity    255      (75)      180
    Investment securities - tax exempt          603       15       618
                                                ---       --       ---
          Total investment securities          (236)    (371)     (607)
                                               ----     ----      ----

    FRB and FHLB stock                          (76)      10       (66)
    Federal funds sold                           (8)       0        (8)

    Loans, net of unearned discounts [3]        233   (2,596)   (2,363)
                                                ---   ------    ------
    TOTAL INTEREST INCOME                      $(53) $(2,975)  $(3,028)
                                               ====  =======   =======

    INTEREST EXPENSE
    Interest-bearing deposits
      Domestic
        Savings                                  $0     $(11)     $(11)
        NOW                                    (141)    (386)     (527)
        Money market                             90     (691)     (601)
        Time                                   (175)    (954)   (1,129)
      Foreign
        Time                                      0        0         0
                                                ---      ---       ---
          Total interest-bearing deposits      (226)  (2,042)   (2,268)
                                               ----   ------    ------

    Borrowings
      Securities sold under agreements to
       repurchase - customers                  (55)    (285)     (340)
      Securities sold under agreements to
       repurchase - dealers                   (382)       0      (382)
      Federal funds purchased                  (91)    (104)     (195)
      Commercial paper                         (21)     (63)      (84)
      Short-term borrowings - FHLB            (469)       0      (469)
      Short-term borrowings - FRB              132       (2)      130
      Short-term borrowings - other              3      (12)       (9)
      Long-term borrowings - FHLB               22       68        90
      Long-term borrowings -
       subordinated debentures                   0        0         0
                                               ---      ---       ---
          Total borrowings                    (861)    (398)   (1,259)
                                              ----     ----    ------

                                           -------  -------   -------
    TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE                 $(1,087) $(2,440)  $(3,527)
                                           =======  =======   =======

    NET INTEREST INCOME                     $1,034    $(535)     $499
                                            ======    =====      ====

    [1] This table is presented on a tax-equivalent basis.
    [2] Changes in interest income and interest expense due to a combination
        of both volume and rate have been allocated to the change due
        to volume and the change due to rate in proportion to the relationship
        of change due solely to each. The change in interest income for
        Federal funds sold and in interest expense for securities sold under
        agreements to repurchase-dealers and short-term borrowings-FHLB
        has been allocated entirely to the volume variance.
    [3] Includes loans held for sale and loans held in portfolio; all loans
        are domestic. Nonaccrual loans are included in amounts outstanding,
        and income has been included to the extent earned.

    Page 15 of 19


                                  STERLING BANCORP
                             Rate/Volume Analysis [1]
                                    (Unaudited)
                                   (in thousands)

                                                Increase/(Decrease)
                                                Nine Months Ended
                                                September 30, 2009
                                                ------------------

                                             Volume     Rate    Net  [2]
                                             ------     ----    --------
    INTEREST INCOME
    Interest-bearing
     deposits with
     other banks                                $60     $(44)      $16
                                                ---     ----       ---

    Investment securities -
     available for sale                        (937)  (1,026)   (1,963)
    Investment securities -
     held to maturity                        (1,007)     (73)   (1,080)
    Investment securities -
     tax exempt                                 873       14       887
                                                ---       --       ---
          Total investment securities        (1,071)  (1,085)   (2,156)
                                             ------   ------    ------

    FRB and FHLB stock                          (63)     (50)     (113)
    Federal funds sold                           (8)       0        (8)

    Loans, net of unearned discounts[3]       2,689  (10,057)   (7,368)
                                              -----  -------    ------
    TOTAL INTEREST INCOME                    $1,607 $(11,236)  $(9,629)
                                             ====== ========   =======

    INTEREST EXPENSE
    Interest-bearing deposits
      Domestic
        Savings                                 $(1)    $(32)     $(33)
        NOW                                    (327)  (1,274)   (1,601)
        Money market                            905   (1,041)     (136)
        Time                                 (3,060)  (3,226)   (6,286)
      Foreign
        Time                                      0        0         0
                                                ---      ---       ---
          Total interest-bearing deposits    (2,483)  (5,573)   (8,056)
                                             ------   ------    ------

    Borrowings
      Securities sold under agreements
       to repurchase - customers               (174)  (1,051)   (1,225)
      Securities sold under agreements
       to repurchase - dealers               (1,115)       0    (1,115)
      Federal funds purchased                  (224)    (509)     (733)
      Commercial paper                         (118)    (239)     (357)
      Short-term borrowings - FHLB             (508)    (476)     (984)
      Short-term borrowings - FRB               358       (4)      354
      Short-term borrowings - other               0      (27)      (27)
      Long-term borrowings - FHLB               423      124       547
      Long-term borrowings -
       subordinated debentures                    0        0         0
                                             ------   ------    ------
          Total borrowings                   (1,358)  (2,182)   (3,540)
                                             ------   ------    ------

                                            -------   ------- --------
    TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE                  $(3,841) $(7,755) $(11,596)
                                            =======   ======= ========

    NET INTEREST INCOME                      $5,448  $(3,481)   $1,967
                                             ======   =======   ======

    [1] This table is presented on a tax-equivalent basis.
    [2] Changes in interest income and interest expense due to a combination
        of both volume and rate have been allocated to the change due
        to volume and the change due to rate in proportion to the relationship
        of change due solely to each. The change in interest income for
        Federal funds sold and in interest expense for securities sold under
        agreements to repurchase-dealers, and short-term borrowings-
        other has been allocated entirely to the volume variance. The effect
        of the extra day in 2008 has also been allocated entirely to the
        volume variance.
    [3] Includes loans held for sale and loans held in portfolio; all loans
        are domestic. Nonaccrual loans are included in amounts outstanding,
        and income has been included to the extent earned.

    Page 16 of 19


                                STERLING BANCORP
                     Reconciliation of GAAP and Adjusted
                                  Net Income
                                 (Unaudited)
               (dollars in thousands, except per share data)

    This press release contains certain supplemental financial information,
    described in the following tables, which has been determined by methods
    other than U. S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). These
    non-GAAP financial measures provide useful supplemental information to
    both management and investors in evaluating Sterling's financial results.
    Adjusted net income excludes the effect of certain items that are unusual
    and/or difficult to predict.  These non-GAAP measures should not be
    considered a substitute for GAAP basis measures and results, and Sterling
    strongly encourages investors to review its consolidated statements in
    their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure. Non-GAAP
    financial measures are not standardized, and, therefore, it may not be
    possible to compare these financial measures with other companies'
    non-GAAP financial measures that may have the same or similar names.


                                         Three Months   Nine Months
                                             Ended         Ended
                                         September 30,  September 30,
                                         ------------ ---------------
                                         2009   2008    2009    2008
                                         ----   ----    ----    ----
    Adjusted net income

    GAAP net income                    $2,398 $3,785  $6,785 $11,957
                                       ------ ------  ------ -------
      Adjustments to GAAP net income:
       Provision for loan losses        6,950  1,950  19,950   6,100
       Tax effect                       2,292    562   7,258   2,141
                                        -----    ---   -----   -----
      Total adjustments
       to GAAP net income:              4,658  1,388  12,692   3,959
                                        -----  -----  ------   -----
     Adjusted net income               $7,056 $5,173 $19,477 $15,916
                                       ====== ====== ======= =======


    Adjusted per share data

    Adjusted net income                $7,056 $5,173 $19,477 $15,916
                                       ====== ====== ======= =======

    Average number of basic
     shares outstanding                18,106 18,016  18,104  17,973

      Basic earnings, as adjusted       $0.39  $0.29   $1.08   $0.89

    Average number of diluted
     shares outstanding                18,120 18,227  18,193  18,219

      Diluted earnings, as
       adjusted                         $0.39  $0.28   $1.07   $0.87

    Page 17 of 19


                                 STERLING BANCORP
            Reconciliation of Average Shareholders' Equity and Adjusted
                     Average Stated and Tangible Common Equity
                                   (Unaudited)
                              (dollars in thousands)

    This press release contains certain supplemental financial information,
    described in the following tables, which has been determined by methods
    other than U. S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). These
    non-GAAP financial measures provide useful supplemental information to
    both management and investors in evaluating Sterling's financial
    results. Adjusted average stated common equity excludes average preferred
    equity. Adjusted average tangible common equity excludes average preferred
    equity, average goodwill and average other intangible assets. Adjusted
    return on average stated common equity is calculated by dividing adjusted
    net income (annualized) by adjusted average stated  common equity.
    Adjusted return on average tangible common equity is calculated by
    dividing adjusted net income by adjusted average tangible common equity.
    These non-GAAP measures should not be considered a substitute for GAAP
    basis measures and results, and Sterling strongly encourages investors to
    review its consolidated statements in their entirety and not to rely on
    any single financial measure. Non-GAAP financial measures are not
    standardized, and, therefore, it may not be possible to compare these
    financial measures with other companies' non-GAAP financial measures that
    may have the same or similar names.

                                    Three Months        Nine Months
                                       Ended              Ended
                                    September 30,      September 30,
                                  ----------------    ---------------
                                  2009      2008      2009      2008
                                  ----      ----      ----      ----
    Adjusted average tangible
     common equity

      Average shareholders'
       equity                 $156,990  $115,602  $157,808  $118,863
       Less:
        Preferred equity        39,922         0    39,787         0
        Goodwill and
         intangible assets      23,793    23,899    23,534    22,901
                                ------    ------    ------    ------
      Average tangible
       common equity           $93,275   $91,703   $94,487   $95,962
                               =======   =======   =======   =======

    Adjusted average stated
     common equity

      Average
       shareholders' equity   $156,990  $115,602  $157,808  $118,863
       Less:
        Preferred equity        39,922         0    39,787         0
                                ------       ---    ------       ---
      Average stated
       common equity          $117,068  $115,602  $118,021  $118,863
                              ========  ========  ========  ========

        Adjusted return on
         average tangible
         common equity

    Adjusted net income         $7,056    $5,173   $19,477   $15,916
                                ------    ------   -------   -------

      Average shareholders'
       equity                  156,990   115,602   157,808   118,863
       Less:
        Preferred equity        39,922         0    39,787         0
        Goodwill and
         intangible assets      23,793    23,899    23,534    22,901
                                ------    ------    ------    ------
      Average tangible
       common equity           $93,275   $91,703   $94,487   $95,962
                               =======   =======   =======   =======

       Adjusted annualized
        return on average
         tangible common equity  30.01%    22.44%    27.56%    22.15%

         Adjusted return on
          average stated
          common equity

      Average shareholders'
       equity                 $156,990  $115,602  $157,808  $118,863
       Less:
        Preferred equity        39,922         0    39,787         0
                                ------       ---    ------       ---
      Average stated
       common equity          $117,068  $115,602  $118,021  $118,863
                              ========  ========  ========  ========

       Adjusted annualized
        return on average
         stated common
          equity                 23.91%    17.80%    22.06%    17.89%

    Page 18 of 19


                                 STERLING BANCORP
                      Reconciliation of GAAP and Adjusted
                                 Pre-tax Income
                  Noninterest Income and Noninterest Expense

                                  (Unaudited)
                            (dollars in thousands)

    This press release contains certain supplemental financial information,
    described in the following tables, which has been determined by methods
    other than U. S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). These
    non-GAAP financial measures provide useful supplemental information to
    both management and investors in evaluating Sterling's financial results.
    Pre-tax, pre-provision income and noninterest income excluding securities
    gains (losses) exclude the effect of certain items that are unusual and/or
    difficult to predict. The incremental pension expense is calculated by
    subtracting the pension expense for the 2008 period from the pension
    expense for the 2009 period. These non-GAAP measures should not be
    considered a substitute for GAAP basis measures and results, and Sterling
    strongly encourages investors to review its consolidated statements in
    their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure. Non-GAAP
    financial measures are not standardized, and, therefore, it may not be
    possible to compare these financial measures with other companies'
    non-GAAP financial measures that may have the same or similar names.


                                    Three Months      Nine Months
                                       Ended             Ended
                                    September 30,     September 30,
                                   -------------     ---------------
                                   2009     2008      2009     2008
                                   ----     ----      ----     ----
    Pre-tax, pre-provision income

      GAAP pre-tax income        $3,578   $5,316   $10,665  $18,421
       Plus:
        Provision for
         loan losses              6,950    1,950    19,950    6,100
                                  -----    -----    ------    -----
      Pre-tax, pre-provision
       income                   $10,528   $7,266   $30,615  $24,521
                                =======   ======   =======  =======


    Noninterest income excluding
     securities gains (losses)

      Total noninterest income  $11,735   $7,243   $33,337  $24,487
       Less (Plus):
        Securities
         gains (losses)           1,221   (1,177)    5,160   (1,684)
      Noninterest income
       excluding securities
       gains (losses)           $10,514   $8,420   $28,177  $26,171
                                =======   ======   =======  =======

    Adjusted noninterest expenses

    Total noninterest
     expenses                  $$23,177 $$21,677  $$67,372 $$62,973
                               -------- --------  -------- --------
       Less:
        Special FDIC
         assessment                   0        0       978        0
        Incremental pension
         plan expense               775        0     1,697        0
        Acquired factoring
         business                   657        0     1,761        0
                                    ---      ---     -----      ---
        Total adjustments to
         noninterest expenses     1,432        0     4,436        0
                                  -----      ---     -----      ---
      Adjusted noninterest
       expenses                 $21,745  $21,677   $62,936  $62,973
                                =======  =======   =======  =======

    Page 19 of 19

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