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FORM 10-K
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
(Mark One):
[ ] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [Fee required]
For the fiscal year ended
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OR
[X] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [No fee required]
For the transition period from July 1, 1996 to December 31, 1996
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COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-20800
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STERLING FINANCIAL CORPORATION
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Washington 91-1572822
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(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
111 North Wall Street, Spokane, Washington 99201
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
(509) 458-2711
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
None None
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(Title of class) (Name of each exchange
on which registered)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock ($1.00 par value)
$1.8125 Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock ($1.00 par value)
8.75% Subordinated Notes Due 2000
(Title of class)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such
shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports),
and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90
days.
Yes X No
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Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to
Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be
contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy
or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of
this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. Yes X No
--- ---
As of February 28, 1997, the aggregate market value of the voting
stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference
to the average of the bid and asked prices on such date as reported by
the Nasdaq National Market, was $91,261,961.
The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant's Common Stock, par
value $1.00 per share, as of February 28, 1997 was 5,543,007.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Specific portions of the Registrant's Proxy Statement dated March 21,
1997 are incorporated by reference into Part III hereof.
STERLING FINANCIAL CORPORATION
DECEMBER 31, 1996 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
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Item 1. Business
General
Lending Activities
Investments and Mortgage-Backed Securities
Sources of FundsSubsidiaries
Competition
Personnel
Regulation
Item 2. Properties
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
PART II
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Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Stock and Related Shareholder
Matters
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations
General
Net Interest Income
Asset and Liability Management
Mortgage-Backed Securities
Results of Operations for the Six Months Ended
December 31, 1996 and 1995
Results of Operations for Fiscal Years Ended June 30,
1996 and 1995
Liquidity and Sources of Funds
Capital Resources
New Accounting Standards
Effects of Inflation and Changing Prices
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
Accounting and Financial Disclosure
PART III
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Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
PART IV
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Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on
Form 8-K
SIGNATURES
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Consolidated Financial Statements
ANY TREND OR FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION DISCUSSED IN THIS REPORT IS
SUBJECT TO NUMEROUS POSSIBLE RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES. THESE INCLUDE
BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: THE POSSIBILITY OF ADVERSE ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENTS WHICH MAY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, INCREASE DEFAULT AND
DELINQUENCY RISKS IN STERLING'S LOAN PORTFOLIOS; SHIFTS IN INTEREST
RATES WHICH MAY RESULT IN LOWER INTEREST RATE MARGINS; CHANGING
ACCOUNTING POLICIES; CHANGES IN THE MONETARY AND FISCAL POLICIES OF
THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT; THE CONSTANTLY CHANGING REGULATORY AND
COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT, AND OTHER RISKS. STERLING'S FUTURE RESULTS
MAY DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM HISTORICAL RESULTS AS WELL AS FROM ANY
TREND OR FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THIS REPORT.
PART I
Item 1. BUSINESS
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General
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Sterling Financial Corporation ("Sterling") is a unitary savings and
loan holding company, the significant operating subsidiary of which is
Sterling Savings Association ("Sterling Savings"). The significant
operating subsidiaries of Sterling Savings are Action Mortgage Company
("Action Mortgage"), INTERVEST-Mortgage Investment Company
("INTERVEST") and Harbor Financial Services, Inc. ("Harbor
Financial"). Sterling Savings commenced operations in 1983 as a State
of Washington-chartered, federally insured stock savings and loan
association headquartered in Spokane, Washington. Sterling, with
$1.5 billion in total assets at December 31, 1996, attracts Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") insured deposits from the
general public through 41 retail branches located primarily in rural
and suburban communities in Washington and Oregon. Sterling
originates loans through its branch offices as well as 10 Action
Mortgage residential loan production offices in the Spokane and
Seattle, Washington; Portland, Oregon and Boise, Idaho metropolitan
areas and three INTERVEST commercial real estate lending offices
located in the metropolitan areas of Seattle and Spokane, Washington
and Portland, Oregon. Sterling also markets tax-deferred annuities,
mutual funds and other financial products through Harbor Financial.
Sterling's revenues are derived primarily from interest earned on
loans and mortgage-backed securities, from fees and service charges
and from mortgage banking operations. The operations of Sterling
Savings, and savings institutions generally, are influenced
significantly by general economic conditions and by policies of its
primary thrift regulatory authorities, the Office of Thrift
Supervision ("OTS"), the FDIC and the State of Washington Department
of Financial Institutions ("Washington Supervisor").
Recently, Sterling has reorganized and focused its efforts on becoming
more like a community retail bank by increasing its business banking,
consumer and construction lending while increasing its retail
deposits. Sterling changed its fiscal year end from June 30 to
December 31, effective December 31, 1996. Accordingly, results of
operations included herein have been presented for the six months
ended December 31, 1996 and 1995.
On September 30, 1996, federal legislation was enacted which included
provisions regarding the recapitalization of the Savings Association
Insurance Fund ("SAIF"), which is operated by the FDIC and provides
deposit insurance for thrift institutions. The new legislation
required SAIF-insured savings institutions, like Sterling Savings, to
pay a one-time special assessment of $0.657 for every $100 of deposits
as of March 31, 1995. Sterling's SAIF assessment resulted in a pre-
tax charge to earnings of $5.8 million during the six months ended
December 31, 1996. The special assessment is designed to capitalize
the SAIF up to the prescribed 1.25% of SAIF-insured deposits.
Deposits insured by SAIF are currently assessed at the rate of zero to
$0.27 per $100 of domestic deposits. The SAIF assessment rate may
increase or decrease as is necessary to maintain the designated SAIF
reserve ratio of 1.25% of insured deposits.
Effective January 1, 1997, all FDIC-insured depository institutions
must pay an annual assessment to provide funds for the payment of
interest on bonds issued by the Financing Corporation, a federal
corporation chartered under the authority of the Federal Housing
Finance Board. The bonds ("FICO Bonds") were issued to capitalize the
Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation. Until December 31,
1999 or when the last savings and loan association ceases to exist,
whichever occurs first, depository institutions will pay approximately
$.064 per $100 of SAIF-assessable deposits and approximately $.013 per
$100 of Bank Insurance Fund ("BIF") assessable deposits.
The new legislation contemplates a unification of the charters
presently available to banks and thrifts. The Treasury Department is
required to make recommendations regarding unification of the
available charters and the merger of the insurance funds by March 31,
1997. The legislation requires a merger of the SAIF with BIF on
January 1, 1999 if the unification of the charters for all insured
institutions has, in fact, occurred. SAIF and BIF will continue to
operate as separate funds, if this unification of charters has not
taken place, until such time as additional federal legislation is
passed requiring a merger of the funds.
Sterling Savings may be required to convert its charter to either a
national bank charter, a state depository institution charter, or a
newly designed charter. Sterling may also become regulated at the
holding company level by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System ("Federal Reserve") rather than by the OTS. Regulation by the
Federal Reserve could subject Sterling to capital requirements that
are not currently applicable to Sterling as a thrift holding company
under OTS regulation and may result in statutory limitations on the
type of business activities in which Sterling may engage at the
holding company level, which business activities currently are not
restricted. At this time, Sterling Savings is unable to predict
whether a charter change will be required and, if it is, whether the
charter change will significantly impact Sterling Savings' operations.
See "Regulation."
Sterling intends to continue to pursue its growth strategy by focusing
on internal growth as well as acquisition opportunities. As part of
this strategy, Sterling is changing the mix of its assets and
liabilities to become more like a community-based retail bank.
Sterling may acquire (i) other financial institutions or branches
thereof, (ii) branch facilities, (iii) mortgage loan servicing
portfolios or mortgage banking operations, or (iv) other substantial
assets or deposit liabilities, all of which would be subject to prior
regulatory approval. As part of this growth strategy, Sterling
engages from time to time in discussions concerning possible
acquisitions. There can be no assurance, however, that Sterling will
be successful in identifying, acquiring or assimilating appropriate
acquisition candidates or be successful in implementing its internal
growth strategy or that these activities will result in improved
financial performance. See "Competition" and "Regulation."
Lending Activities
------------------
GENERAL. Sterling originates permanent and construction mortgage
loans collateralized by residential and commercial real estate,
business banking and consumer loans. The following table sets forth
information on loan origination and sale activities for the periods
indicated.
Six Months Ended December 31, Fiscal Years Ended June 30,
---------------------------------- --------------------------------
1996 1995 1996 1995
--------------- ----------------- --------------------------------
Amount % Amount % Amount % Amount %
-------- ------ -------- ------ -------- ------ -------- ------
(Dollars in thousands)
Mortgage--permanent:
One- to four-family
residential $72,524 23.0% $132,365 35.0% $216,935 31.7% $286,033 43.7%
Multifamily residential 2,200 0.7 9,875 2.6 11,094 1.6 19,398 3.0
Commercial property 16,790 5.3 25,861 6.9 28,761 4.2 11,460 1.7
Mortgage--construction:
One- to four-family
residential 94,331 29.9 76,137 20.2 177,606 26.0 144,136 22.0
Multifamily residential 12,735 4.0 29,303 7.8 68,169 10.0 29,945 4.6
Commercial property 10,925 3.5 17,455 4.6 35,234 5.2 21,850 3.3
Non-mortgage:
Consumer 33,333 10.6 31,964 8.5 49,202 7.2 66,489 10.2
Business banking 72,676 23.0 54,192 14.4 96,337 14.1 75,610 11.5
-------- ----- -------- ----- -------- ----- -------- -----
Total loans originated $315,514 100.0% $377,152 100.0% $683,338 100.0% $654,921 100.0%
======== ===== ======== ===== ======== ===== ======== =====
Residential mortgage
loans sold $ 77,856 $122,797 $232,061 $ 98,192
======== ======== ======== ========
One- to Four-Family Residential Lending. Sterling originates
primarily fixed-rate mortgages. Sterling also originates adjustable-
rate mortgages ("ARMs"), which have interest rates that adjust
annually and are indexed to either the weekly average yield on one-
year U.S. Treasury securities or the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle
Eleventh or Twelfth District Cost of Funds Indices. Sterling also
originates one- to four-family residential construction loans.
Since fiscal year 1994, there has been a significant decrease in the
volume of Sterling's permanent residential mortgage lending, primarily
due to a shrinking market. During the six months ended December 31,
1996 and the fiscal years ended June 30, 1996 and 1995, Sterling's
residential lending arm, Action Mortgage, increased its residential
construction lending in an effort to offset this decline in permanent
residential lending and to improve its operating margins. Sterling has
also placed greater emphasis on business banking and consumer lending.
Sterling continues to originate conventional and government-insured
residential loans for sale into the secondary mortgage market. Within
the secondary mortgage market for conventional loans, Sterling sells
its residential loans primarily on a servicing-released basis to
others. Sterling also sells loans to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Corporation (the "FHLMC") and the Federal National Mortgage
Association (the "FNMA"). Loans sold into the secondary market are
all sold without recourse to Sterling, except that Sterling may be
obligated to repurchase any loans which are not underwritten in
accordance with FHLMC and FNMA or applicable investor underwriting
guidelines. Sterling endeavors to underwrite residential loans in
compliance with FHLMC and FNMA underwriting standards. During the six
months ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, the number and amount of
loans repurchased from the FHLMC and the FNMA were not significant in
light of the number and amount of loans sold to the FHLMC and the
FNMA.
Conventional residential mortgage loans are originated for up to 95%
of the appraised value or selling price of the mortgaged property,
whichever is less. All loans with loan-to-value ratios in excess of
80% carry a requirement that the customer purchase private mortgage
insurance from approved third parties so that Sterling's risk is
limited to approximately 80% of the appraised value. Sterling's
residential lending programs are designed to comply with all
applicable regulatory requirements. For a discussion of Sterling's
management of interest rate risk ("IRR") on conventional loans, see "-
Secondary Market Activities."
Sterling makes residential construction loans on custom homes, pre-
sold homes and homes that are not pre-sold. Construction financing is
generally considered to involve a higher degree of risk than long-term
financing on improved, occupied real estate. Sterling's risk of loss
on construction loans depends largely upon the accuracy of the initial
estimate of the property's value at completion of construction or
development and the estimated cost (including interest) of
construction. If the estimate of construction costs proves to be
inaccurate, Sterling might have to advance funds beyond the amount
originally committed to permit completion of the development and to
protect its security position. Sterling also might be confronted, at
or prior to maturity of the loan, with a project with insufficient
value to ensure full repayment. Sterling's underwriting, monitoring
and disbursement practices with respect to construction financing are
intended to ensure that sufficient funds are available to complete
construction projects. Sterling endeavors to limit its risk through
its underwriting procedures, by using only approved, qualified
appraisers and by dealing only with qualified builders/borrowers.
MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL PROPERTY LENDING. Sterling
offers multifamily residential and commercial real estate loans as
both construction and permanent loans collateralized by real property
in the Pacific Northwest. Construction loans on such properties
typically have terms of 12 to 18 months and provide for variable
interest rates. Permanent loans on existing property typically have
maturities of 3 to 10 years. Multifamily residential and commercial
property loans generally involve a higher degree of risk than the
financing of one- to four-family residential real estate because they
typically involve large loan balances to single borrowers or groups of
related borrowers. The payment experience on such loans is typically
dependent on the successful operation of the real estate project, and
is subject to certain risks not present in one- to four-family
residential mortgage lending. These risks include excessive vacancy
rates or inadequate rental income levels. Construction lending is
subject to risks such as construction delays, cost overruns,
insufficient values and an inability to obtain permanent financing in
a timely manner. Sterling attempts to reduce its exposure to these
risks, typically by investigating the borrowers' finances, by
requiring financial statements from the borrowers and requiring such
statements to be updated at least annually, by requiring operating
statements on the properties and by acquiring personal guarantees from
the borrowers.
CONSUMER LENDING. Sterling's consumer lending program provides loans
for home improvement, automobiles, personal lines of credit, boats and
certain other purposes. Generally, consumer loans are originated for
terms ranging from six months to ten years. Interest rates are either
fixed or adjustable monthly, quarterly or semiannually, based on a
contractual formula at a margin over an established external index.
Sterling also makes loans collateralized by savings accounts and
second mortgage loans collateralized by real estate. Fixed-rate
secured financing is available with amortization terms up to 15 years
although Sterling typically has the right to demand a balloon payment
at five years.
BUSINESS BANKING LENDING. Sterling offers business banking loans
primarily collateralized by property. Such collateral is typically
comprised of accounts receivable, inventory and equipment. Business
lending is generally considered to involve a higher degree of risk
than the financing of real estate, primarily because security
interests in the collateral are more difficult to perfect and the
collateral may be difficult to obtain or liquidate following an
uncured default. Business banking loans typically offer relatively
higher yields, short maturities and variable interest rates. The
availability of such loans enables potential depositors to establish a
full-service banking relationship with Sterling. Sterling attempts to
reduce the risk of loss associated with business lending by closely
monitoring the financial condition and performance of its customers.
Sterling's Private Banking Group provides services to higher net worth
and higher income borrowers by originating a variety of consumer and
business banking loans to meet their needs. Such loans generally meet
the same underwriting requirements as similar loans of the same type
but typically involve larger balances and may have nonstandard terms.
As a result of the BIF/SAIF legislation, financial institutions, like
Sterling, are permitted to increase the volume of business banking
loans held in its portfolio from 10% of assets to 20% of assets.
LOAN PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS. The following table sets forth the
composition of Sterling's loan portfolio by type of loan at the dates
indicated.
June 30,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 31, 1996 1996 1995 1994 1993
------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ------------------
Amount % Amount % Amount % Amount % Amount %
---------- ------- ---------- ------ ---------- ------ ---------- ------ ---------- ------
(Dollars in thousands)
Mortgage--permanent:
One- to four-family
residential $ 274,757 26.6% $ 302,526 30.0% $ 600,438 53.0% $ 575,363 64.3% $ 389,177 63.4%
Multifamily residential 69,728 6.8 64,305 6.4 59,776 5.3 45,188 5.1 50,543 8.2
Commercial property 102,279 9.9 101,243 10.1 85,511 7.5 78,822 8.8 76,125 12.4
Land and other 361 0.0 374 0.0 2,271 0.2 2,702 0.3 4,406 0.7
---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- -----
447,125 43.3 468,448 46.5 747,996 66.0 702,075 78.5 520,251 84.7
---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- -----
Mortgage--construction:
One- to four-family
residential 148,252 14.3 137,930 13.7 113,531 10.0 37,054 4.1 14,014 2.3
Multifamily residential 77,743 7.5 79,048 7.8 42,158 3.7 31,856 3.6 6,499 1.1
Commercial property 37,875 3.7 40,003 4.0 22,630 2.0 833 0.1 375 0.1
---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- -----
263,870 25.5 256,981 25.5 178,319 15.7 69,743 7.8 20,889 3.5
---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- -----
Total mortgage loans 710,995 68.8 725,429 72.0 926,315 81.7 771,818 86.3 541,140 88.2
Consumer 123,340 11.9 111,507 11.1 108,182 9.5 69,316 7.8 43,870 7.2
Business banking 199,848 19.3 169,830 16.9 99,528 8.8 52,700 5.9 28,507 4.6
---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- -----
Total loans receivable 1,034,183 100.0% 1,006,766 100.0% 1,134,025 100.0% 893,834 100.0% 613,517 100.0%
Undisbursed portion of ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
loans in process (91,791) (112,325) (73,584) (44,148) (13,009)
Deferred loan origination
costs (fees) 468 891 3,153 2,082 (177)
Discount on loans acquired
pursuant to purchase
transactions (629) (776) (1,122) (1,508) (1,943)
Allowance for loan losses (7,891) (7,889) (7,361) (5,740) (4,719)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Loans receivable $ 934,340 $ 886,667 $1,055,111 $ 844,520 $ 593,669
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
CONTRACTUAL PRINCIPAL PAYMENTS. The following table sets forth the
scheduled contractual principal repayments for Sterling's loan
portfolio at December 31, 1996. Demand loans, loans having no stated
repayment schedule and no stated maturity, and overdrafts are reported
as due in one year or less. Loan balances do not include undisbursed
loan proceeds, unearned discounts, deferred loan origination fees or
allowances for loan losses.
Principal Payments Contractually
Balance Due in Fiscal Years
Outstanding at -----------------------------------
December 31, 1996 1997 1998-2001 Thereafter
----------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(Dollars in thousands)
Mortgage--permanent:
Fixed-rate $ 137,600 $ 14,256 $ 65,087 $ 58,257
Variable-rate 309,525 10,872 62,049 236,604
Mortgage--construction 263,870 146,577 107,584 9,709
Consumer 123,340 30,159 36,636 56,545
Business banking 199,848 52,771 47,512 99,565
---------- ----------- ---------- ----------
$1,034,183 $ 254,635 $ 318,868 $ 460,680
========== ========== ========== ==========
LOAN SERVICING. Sterling services its own loans as well as loans
owned by others. Loan servicing includes collecting and remitting
loan payments, accounting for principal and interest, holding escrow
funds for the payment of real estate taxes and insurance premiums,
contacting delinquent borrowers and supervising foreclosures in the
event of unremedied defaults.
Sterling receives a fee, generally ranging from 0.25% to 0.375% of the
unpaid principal balance of each loan serviced for others, to
compensate it for the costs of performing the servicing function. If
such fee exceeds the standard for that type of loan, the net present
value of the excess servicing fee is capitalized as an asset and,
subsequently, amortized into servicing fee income, using an
appropriate discount rate and certain prepayment assumptions. The
majority of conventional, Federal Housing Administration ("FHA") and
Veteran's Administration ("VA") insured loans are sold into the
secondary market on a loan-by-loan servicing-released basis. Sterling
generally receives a fee of approximately 1.0% to 2.0% of the
principal balance of such loans for releasing the servicing.
At December 31, 1996 and June 30, 1996 and 1995, Sterling serviced
for itself and for other investors mortgage loans totaling $1.5
billion, $1.5 billion and $1.7 billion, respectively. Of such
mortgage loans, Sterling serviced $530.5 million, $574.6 million and
$632.7 million, respectively, at these dates for the FHLMC and the
FNMA. Sterling's ability to continue as a seller/servicer for the
FHLMC and the FNMA is dependent upon meeting the qualifications of
these agencies. Sterling currently meets all applicable requirements
and anticipates meeting such requirements in the future.
Fom time to time, Sterling has sold portfolios of servicing rights
primarily to improve earnings and to increase its regulatory capital
ratios. During the six months ended December 31, 1996, Sterling did
not sell any portfolio of servicing rights. During the fiscal years
ended June 30, 1996 and 1995, Sterling sold bulk rights to service
conventional loans for others of approximately $172.2 million and
$437.8 million, respectively. Further, during the six months ended
December 31, 1996 and the fiscal years ended June 30, 1996 and 1995,
sales of loans into the secondary market were made primarily on a
servicing-released basis. These activities, while improving near-term
earnings, reduce the servicing portfolio and will result in lower
mortgage servicing income being reported in future periods. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations" hereafter referred to as "Management's
Discussion and Analysis" "- Results of Operations - Other Income."
SECONDARY MARKET ACTIVITIES. Sterling has developed correspondent
relationships with a number of independent brokers and financial
institutions to facilitate the origination or purchase and sale of
mortgage loans in the secondary market on either a participation or
whole loan basis. Substantially all of such purchased loans or
participations are secured by real estate located in the Pacific
Northwest. Those agents who present loans to Sterling for purchase
are required to provide a processed loan package prior to commitment.
Sterling then underwrites the loan in accordance with its established
lending standards. Sterling endeavors to underwrite residential loans
in compliance with FHLMC and FNMA underwriting standards. Although
management has the authority to purchase loans secured by real estate
located outside of its general lending areas, it generally has not
done so.
In originating one- to four-family residential mortgage loans for sale
in the secondary market, Sterling incurs market risk from the time of
the loan commitment until such time as the loan (or resulting
mortgage-backed security received in exchange for a pool of loans) is
sold. To help minimize this risk, Sterling obtains commitments from
investors to purchase loans or mortgage-backed securities at specified
yields or utilizes hedging techniques such as purchasing put options
which give Sterling the right to sell mortgage-backed securities at a
fixed price with respect to a portion of its loan commitments. These
actions are based upon estimated closings of loans. FHA/VA-insured
loans are usually sold immediately into the secondary market,
resulting in very little market risk exposure to Sterling. There can
be no assurance that such funding and hedging techniques will always
be successful.
LOAN COMMITMENTS. Sterling uses commitments to individual borrowers
and mortgage brokers for the purposes of originating and purchasing
loans. These commitments establish the terms and conditions under
which Sterling will fund the loans and closing must occur within a
specified period of time. Sterling had outstanding commitments to
originate or purchase loans aggregating $64.1 million at December 31,
1996. Sterling also had secured and unsecured commercial and personal
lines of credit totaling approximately $93.2 million, of which the
undisbursed portion is approximately $40.7 million at December 31,
1996. See Note 16 of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements"
included herein.
CLASSIFIED ASSETS, REAL ESTATE OWNED AND DELINQUENT LOANS. To measure
the quality of assets, including loans and real estate owned ("REO"),
Sterling has established guidelines for classifying assets and
determining provisions for anticipated loan and REO losses. Under
these guidelines, an allowance for anticipated loan and REO losses is
established when certain conditions exist. This system for
classifying and reserving for loans and REO is administered by
Sterling's Special Assets Department, which is responsible for
minimizing loan deficiencies and losses therefrom. An oversight
committee, comprised of senior management, monitors the activities and
progress of the Special Assets Department and reports results to
Sterling's Board of Directors.
Under this system, Sterling classifies loans and other assets it
considers of questionable quality. Sterling's system employs the
classification categories of "substandard," "doubtful" and "loss."
Substandard assets have deficiencies which give rise to the distinct
possibility that Sterling will sustain some loss if the deficiencies
are not corrected. Doubtful assets have the weaknesses of substandard
assets with the additional characteristic that the weaknesses make
collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing
facts, conditions and values, questionable, and there is a high
probability of loss. An asset classified as loss is considered
uncollectible and of such little value that it should not be included
as an asset of Sterling. Total classified assets increased to $16.1
million at December 31, 1996 from $8.1 million and $9.7 million at
June 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively. As a percentage of total
assets, classified assets were 1.0%, 0.6% and 0.6%, respectively, for
these periods. See "-Major Classified Loans."
Assets classified as substandard or doubtful require the establishment
of general valuation allowances in amounts considered by management to
be adequate under generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP").
Assets classified as loss require either a specific valuation
allowance of 100% of the amount classified or a write-off of such
amount. At December 31, 1996, Sterling's assets classified as loss
totaled $598,000. Judgments regarding the adequacy of a general
valuation allowance are based on continual evaluation of the nature,
volume and quality of the loan portfolio, REO and other assets,
specific problem assets and current economic conditions that may
affect the recoverability of recorded amounts.
REO is recorded at the lower of estimated fair value, less estimated
selling expenses or cost at foreclosure. Fair value is defined as the
amount in cash or cash-equivalent value of other consideration that a
real estate asset would yield in a current sale between a willing
buyer and a willing seller. Development and improvement costs
relating to the property are capitalized to the extent they are deemed
to be recovered upon disposal. The carrying value of acquired
property is continuously evaluated and, if necessary, an allowance is
established to reduce the carrying value to net realizable value
(which considers, among other things, estimated direct holding costs
and selling expenses). Loans are treated as in-substance foreclosed
if (i) the borrower has little or no equity in the collateral, (ii)
proceeds for repayment of the loan can only be expected from the
operation or sale of the collateral and (iii) the borrower has given
up control of the collateral to Sterling or has retained control but
does not appear to be able to rebuild equity in the collateral in the
near future.
The following table sets forth the activity in Sterling's REO for the
periods indicated.
Fiscal Years Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended ---------------------------
December 31, 1996 1996 1995
----------------- ------- -------
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning
of period $ 4,874 $ 5,298 $ 7,298
Loan foreclosures and
other additions 769 2,515 419
Capitalized expenses 283 115 0
Sales and other
reductions (1,921) (2,600) (2,385)
Provisions for loss (31) (454) (34)
------- ------- -------
Balance at end of
period $ 3,974 $ 4,874 $ 5,298
======= ======= =======
MAJOR CLASSIFIED LOANS. Each of Sterling's classified loans with
a net carrying value at December 31, 1996 of more than $400,000 is
described below. The following loans are classified as substandard at
December 31, 1996.
Sterling Savings originated four loans secured by deeds of trust on
commercial property located in Spokane, Washington, accounts
receivable, inventory and a first lien on equipment and fixtures. The
loans are current, but are classified due to inadequate working
capital and operating performance. The aggregate carrying value on
these loans at December 31, 1996 was $4.9 million. No specific
allowance has been established for these loans.
INTERVEST originated a commercial construction loan secured by two 2-
story office buildings in Richland, Washington. The borrower has
filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and Sterling is currently preparing a
motion for relief from stay in order to foreclose. The carrying value
on this loan at December 31, 1996 was approximately $1.6 million. No
specific allowance has been established for this loan.
Sterling Savings acquired a loan secured by a deed of trust on a
pyrolysis (tire recycling) plant located in Chehalis, Washington and
by deeds of trust on residential properties and assignments of real
estate contracts. This nonperforming loan was acquired through
Sterling's past acquisition of an insolvent thrift association. The
carrying value on the loan at December 31, 1996 was $1.0 million. No
specific allowance has been established for this loan.
Sterling Savings originated two commercial loans secured by first and
second deeds of trust on an office/retail property located in Spokane,
Washington. These loans are current but are classified for not
meeting restrictive covenants. The carrying value on these loans at
December 31, 1996 was approximately $458,000. No specific allowance
has been established for these loans.
MAJOR REAL ESTATE OWNED. Each of Sterling's REO properties with a net
carrying value at December 31, 1996 of more than $400,000 is described
below.
Sterling is a 99.5% partner in a partnership which owns a commercial
office building in Renton, Washington acquired through an assignment
of interest from a bankrupt Spokane borrower. The carrying value at
December 31, 1996 was $2.5 million, net of a specific loss allowance
of $192,000. The project consists of a five-story office building
with 30,510 square feet of rentable area and adjoining undeveloped
property. The office building is currently 41.7% leased, with active
marketing and negotiations being pursued to lease the remaining 17,800
square feet. An effort is being made to sell the entire project.
Sterling acquired a three-story office/retail/restaurant building
located in Olympia, Washington through foreclosure in August 1991.
The restaurant space has been converted to office space, and leasing
efforts are proceeding. The carrying value on this property at
December 31, 1996 was $632,000, net of a specific loss allowance of
$196,000.
DELINQUENT LOAN PROCEDURES. Delinquent and problem loans are part of
any lending business. If a borrower fails to make a required payment
when due, Sterling institutes internal collection procedures. For
residential mortgage loans, Sterling's collection procedures generally
provide that an initial mailing requesting payment be made to the
borrower when the loan is 15 days past due. At 25 days past due, the
borrower is contacted by telephone and payment is requested orally.
In most cases, deficiencies are cured promptly. At 30 days past due,
Sterling tracks the loan as a delinquency. At 45 days past due, a
notice of intent to foreclose is mailed. If the loan is still
delinquent 30 days following the mailing of the notice of intent to
foreclose, Sterling generally initiates foreclosure proceedings. In
certain instances, Sterling may modify the loan or grant a limited
moratorium on loan payments to enable the borrower to reorganize his
or her financial affairs.
The following table summarizes the principal balance of nonperforming
assets at the dates indicated.
June 30,
December 31, -------------------------------------
1996 1996 1995 1994 1993
------------ ------- ------- ------- -------
(Dollars in thousands)
Nonaccrual loans $ 2,329 $ 3,352 $ 3,395 $ 2,262 $ 5,065
Restructured loans 215 240 254 188 283
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total nonperforming loans 2,544 3,592 3,649 2,450 5,348
Real estate owned (1) 3,974 4,874 5,298 7,298 6,979
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total nonperforming assets $ 6,518 $ 8,466 $ 8,947 $ 9,748 $12,327
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Ratio of total nonperforming
assets to total assets 0.4% 0.6% 0.6% 0.7% 1.2%
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
June 30,
December 31, -------------------------------------
1996 1996 1995 1994 1993
------------ ------- ------- ------- -------
(Dollars in thousands)
Ratio of total nonperforming
loans to total loans 0.3% 0.4% 0.3% 0.3% 0.9%
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Ratio of allowance for
estimated losses on loans
to total nonperforming
loans (2) 305.3% 216.5% 205.7% 234.4% 86.0%
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
(1) Amount is net of the allowance for REO losses.
(2) Excludes loans classified as loss from allowance for loan losses
and from total nonperforming loans. Loans classified as loss
excluded from allowance for loan losses were $262,000, $213,000,
$145,000, $7,000 and $314,000 at December 31, 1996 and June 30,
1996, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively. Loans classified as loss
excluded from total nonperforming loans were $45,000, $46,000,
$141,000, $7,000 and $223,000 at December 31, 1996 and
June 30, 1996, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.
Sterling regularly reviews the collectibility of accrued interest
income and generally ceases to accrue interest on a loan when either
principal or interest is past due by 90 days or more. Any accrued and
uncollected interest is eliminated from income at that time. Loans may
be placed in nonaccrual status earlier if, in management's judgment,
the loan may be uncollectible. Interest on such a loan is then
recognized as income only if collected or if the loan is restored to
performing status. Additional interest income of $86,000, $151,000,
$224,000 and $231,000 would have been recorded during the six months
ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 and the fiscal years ended June 30,
1996 and 1995, respectively, if nonaccrual and restructured loans had
been current in accordance with their original contractual terms.
Sterling's quality control staff reviews various aspects of residential
real estate loans originated and acquired by Sterling to ensure
compliance with appropriate underwriting criteria. The results of
these reviews assist Sterling in monitoring the performance of its
personnel and independent appraisers. Sterling's mortgage loan quality
control function is intended to conform to guidelines and standards
established by the FNMA and the FHLMC, and as applicable, by other
private investors.
Sterling's quality control staff reviews other types of loans
(consumer, business banking and commercial real estate) and reports its
results to Sterling's Senior Loan Committee, which includes the Senior
Vice President of Loan Administration. The quality control staff checks
for appropriate documentation as well as conformance to Sterling's
underwriting criteria.
ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND REAL ESTATE OWNED LOSSES. Generally, Sterling
establishes specific allowances for the difference between the
anticipated fair value (market value less selling costs, foreclosure
costs and projected holding costs), adjusted for other possible sources
of repayment, and the book balance (loan principal or carrying value of
REO) of its loans classified as loss and REO. Each classified loan and
REO property is reviewed at least monthly. Allowances are established
or periodically increased, if necessary, based on the review of
information obtained through on-site inspections, market analysis,
appraisals and purchase offers. See Note 6 of "Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements."
Management believes that the allowance for loan losses is adequate
given the composition and risks of the loan portfolio, although there
can be no assurance that the allowance will be adequate to cover all
contingencies. The following table sets forth information regarding
changes in Sterling's allowance for estimated losses on loans for the
periods indicated.
Fiscal Years Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended ------------------------------
December 31, 1996 1996 1995 1994 1993
----------------- ------ ------ ------ ------
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning
of period $ 7,889 $ 7,361 $ 5,740 $ 4,719 $ 4,745
Charge-offs:
Mortgage--permanent (767) (751) (795) (565) (1,575)
Mortgage--
construction (7) 0 0 0 0
Consumer (382) (408) (216) (57) (4)
Business banking (19) (5) (9) (3) (7)
------- ------- ------ ------- -------
Total charge-offs (1,175) (1,164) (1,020) (625) (1,586)
------- ------- ------ ------- -------
Recoveries:
Mortgage--permanent 30 23 61 39 57
Consumer 39 45 23 7 2
Business banking 8 24 5 0 1
------- ------- ------ ------- -------
Total recoveries 77 92 89 46 60
------- ------- ------ ------- -------
Net charge-offs (1,098) (1,072) (931) (579) (1,526)
Provisions for loan
losses 1,100 1,600 1,600 1,600 1,500
Allowance for losses
on assets acquired 0 0 952 0 0
------- ------- ------ ------- -------
Balance at end of
period $ 7,891 $ 7,889 $ 7,361 $ 5,740 $ 4,719
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Allowances allocated
to loans classified
as loss $ 262 $ 213 $ 145 $ 7 $ 314
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Ratio of net charge-offs
to average loans out-
standing during the
period 0.12% 0.11% 0.09% 0.08% 0.29%
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Allowances are provided for individual loans that are contractually
past due where ultimate collection is considered questionable by
management. Such allowances are based, among other factors, upon the
net realizable value of the security of the loan or guarantees, if
applicable. The following table sets forth the allowances for
estimated losses on loans by loan category, based upon management's
assessment of the risk associated with such categories, at the dates
indicated, and summarizes the percentage of gross loans in each
category to total gross loans.
June 30,
--------------------------------------------------------
December 31, 1996 1996 1995
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Loans in Category Loans in Category Loans in Category
as a Percentage of as a Percentage of as a Percentage of
Amount Total Gross Loans Amount Total Gross Loans Amount Total Gross Loans
------- ------------------ ------- ------------------ ------- ------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
Mortgage-
permanent $ 3,156 43.3% $ 3,047 46.5% $ 3,375 66.0%
Mortgage-
construction 2,380 25.5 1,969 25.5 1,369 15.7
Consumer 334 11.9 403 11.1 366 8.9
Business banking 1,196 19.3 1,075 16.9 856 9.4
Unallocated 825 N/A 1,395 N/A 1,395 N/A
------- ----- ------- ----- ------- -----
$ 7,891 100.0% $ 7,889 100.0% $ 7,361 100.0%
======= ===== ======= ===== ======= =====
June 30,
--------------------------------------------------------
1994 1993
--------------------------- ---------------------------
Loans in Cateogry Loans in Category
as a Percentage of as a Percentage of
Amount Total Gross Loans Amount Total Gross Loans
------- ------------------ ------- ------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
Mortgage-
permanent $ 3,309 78.5% $ 3,035 84.7%
Mortgage-
construction 969 7.8 569 3.5
Consumer 359 7.8 209 7.2
Business banking 660 5.9 463 4.6
Unallocated 443 N/A 443 N/A
------- ----- ------- -----
$ 5,740 100.0% $ 4,719 100.0%
======= ===== ======= =====
Investments and Mortgage-backed Securities
------------------------------------------
Sterling invests primarily in mortgage-backed securities issued by the
FHLMC and the Government National Mortgage Association, U.S.
Government and agency obligations and stock in the Federal Home Loan
Bank of Seattle ("FHLB Seattle"). Such investments provide Sterling
with liquidity, a source of interest income and collateral which can
be used to secure borrowings. Sterling has, since its inception,
invested in investment-grade securities; it does not invest in high-
yield, below investment-grade securities. See Note 2 of "Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements."
The following table provides the carrying values, maturities and
weighted average yields of Sterling's investment and mortgage-backed
securities portfolio at December 31, 1996.
Maturity
------------------------------------------------------
Less than One to Five to Over
One Year Five Years Ten Years Ten Years Total
--------- ---------- --------- --------- ---------
(Dollars in thousands)
Mortgage-backed
securities, at fair
value(1):
Balance $ 0 $108,246 $ 11,147 $257,547 $376,940
Weighted average
yield 0.00% 5.86% 6.55% 6.62% 6.40%
U.S. government and
agency obligations,
at fair value(1):
Balance 0 66,919 0 0 66,919
Weighted average
yield 0.00 6.67 0.00 0.00 6.67
FHLB Seattle stock,
at cost:
Balance 0 0 0 25,923 25,923
Weighted average
yield(2) 0.00 0.00 0.00 7.00 7.00
Municipal bonds(3):
Balance 598 7,005 4,243 0 11,846
Weighted average
yield 4.26 4.40 4.73 0.00 4.51
Maturity
------------------------------------------------------
Less than One to Five to Over
One Year Five Years Ten Years Ten Years Total
--------- ---------- --------- --------- ---------
(Dollars in thousands)
Other:
Balance $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 33 $ 33
Weighted average
yield 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.11% 0.11%
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total carrying value $ 598 $182,170 $ 15,390 $283,503 $481,661
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Weighted average
yield 4.26% 6.10% 6.05% 6.65% 6.42%
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
(1) Based on contractual maturities.
(2) The weighted average yield on FHLB Seattle stock is based upon
the dividends received for the six months ended December 31,
1996.
(3) The weighted average yields on municipal bonds reflects the
actual yields on the bonds and is not tax effected.
The following tables set forth the carrying values and classifications
for financial statement reporting purposes of Sterling's investment
and mortgage-backed securities portfolio at the dates indicated.
June 30,
------------------
December 31, 1996 1996 1995
----------------- -------- --------
(Dollars in thousands)
Mortgage-backed securities $376,940 $399,893 $280,776
U.S. Government and agency
obligations 66,919 35,244 41,177
FHLB Seattle stock 25,923 24,911 23,151
Municipal bonds 11,846 11,854 12,223
Other 33 38 25
-------- -------- --------
Total $481,661 $471,940 $357,352
======== ======== ========
Available-for-sale $469,790 $460,061 $119,729
Held-to-maturity 11,871 11,879 237,623
-------- -------- --------
Total $481,661 $471,940 $357,352
======== ======== ========
Weighted average yield 6.42% 6.26% 6.16%
======== ======== ========
Sources of Funds
----------------
GENERAL. Sterling's primary sources of funds for use in lending and
for other general business purposes are deposits, loan repayments,
proceeds from sales of loans, proceeds from sales of mortgage-backed
and investment securities, FHLB Seattle advances and secured lines of
credit and other borrowings. Scheduled loan repayments are a
relatively stable source of funds, while other sources of funds are
influenced significantly by prevailing interest rates, interest rates
available on other investments and other economic conditions.
Borrowings may be used on a short-term basis to compensate for
reductions in other sources of funds (such as deposit inflows at less
than projected levels). Borrowings may also be used on a longer-term
basis to support expanded lending activities and to match repricing
intervals of assets. See "Lending Activities" and "Investments and
Mortgage-Backed Securities."
DEPOSIT ACTIVITIES. Sterling offers a variety of accounts for
depositors designed to attract both short-term and long-term deposits
from the general public. These accounts include certificates of
deposit ("CDs"), regular savings accounts and checking accounts,
including negotiable order of withdrawal ("NOW") accounts. These
accounts earn interest at rates established by management and are
based on a competitive market analysis. The method of compounding
varies from simple interest credited at maturity to daily compounding,
depending on the type of account.
With the exception of certain promotional CDs and variable-rate, 18-
month Individual Retirement Account certificates, all CDs carry a
fixed-rate of interest for a defined term from the opening date of the
account. Substantial penalties are imposed if principal is withdrawn
from most CDs prior to maturity.
Sterling supplements its retail deposit gathering by soliciting funds
from State of Washington public entities. Public funds were 5.7%,
6.2% and 8.5% of deposits for the six months ended December 31, 1996
and the fiscal years ended June 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
Public funds are generally obtained by competitive bidding among
qualifying financial institutions.
The primary retail deposit vehicles being utilized by Sterling's
customers are CDs with terms of one year or less, regular savings
accounts, money market accounts and NOW accounts. The following table
presents the average balance outstanding and weighted average interest
rate paid for each major category of deposits for the periods
indicated.
Six Months Ended December 31,
-----------------------------------------
Weighted Weighted
Average Average
Average Interest Average Interest
Balance Rate Balance Rate
-------- -------- -------- --------
(Dollars in thousands)
Certificates of deposit $578,738 5.64% $629,828 6.01%
Regular savings accounts and
money market accounts 222,223 3.82 175,479 3.68
Checking accounts:
NOW accounts 70,944 1.41 66,426 1.50
Non-interest-bearing demand
accounts 24,875 0.00 26,297 0.00
-------- ---- --------- ----
$896,780 4.70% $898,030 5.05%
======== ==== ========= ====
Six Months Ended December 31,
--------------------------------------
Weighted Weighted
Average Average
Average Interest Average Interest
Balance Rate Balance Rate
-------- -------- -------- --------
(Dollars in thousands)
Certificates of deposit $610,297 5.90% $626,952 5.23%
Regular savings accounts and
money market accounts 194,346 3.72 163,490 3.56
Checking accounts:
NOW accounts 67,507 1.52 66,060 1.80
Non-interest-bearing demand
accounts 24,346 0.00 21,961 0.00
-------- ---- --------- ----
$896,496 4.94% $878,463 4.53%
======== ==== ======== ====
The following table shows the amounts and maturities of CDs that had
balances of $100,000 or more at December 31, 1996.
(Dollars in thousands)
Remaining maturity:
Less than three months $ 66,917
Three to six months 41,551
Six to 12 months 32,742
Over 12 months 24,406
--------
$165,616
========
The following table presents, at December 31, 1996, the types of
deposit accounts offered by Sterling Savings and the balance in such
accounts:
December 31, 1996
------------------------------------------------
Percent of Interest Rate
Minimum Minimum Total Offered at
Term Category Balance Amount Deposits December 31, 1996
--------- -------------------------- -------- -------- ---------- -----------------
(Dollars in thousands, except minimum amounts)
Transaction Accounts:
None NOW checking $ 100 $ 72,686 8.0% 1.50%
None Commercial checking 100 24,180 2.7 0.00
None Regular savings 100 72,243 8.0 2.55
None Money market demand 2,500 148,696 16.5 3.20
-------- -----
317,805 35.2
-------- -----
Certificates of Deposit:
3 months Fixed term, fixed rate 500 1,048 0.1 3.50
6 months Fixed term, fixed rate 500 13,695 1.6 4.83
9 months Fixed term, adjustable rate 5,000 63,954 7.1 4.89
12 months Fixed term, fixed rate 500 104,909 11.6 5.14
12 months Fixed term, fixed rate 5,000 1,253 0.1 2.75
12 months Fixed term, adjustable rate 5,000 10,694 1.2 4.87
15 months Fixed term, adjustable rate 5,000 71,744 8.0 5.22
18 months Fixed term, fixed rate 500 66,877 7.4 5.60
24 months Fixed term, fixed rate 500 92,322 10.2 5.32
36 months Fixed term, fixed rate 500 12,673 1.4 5.37
36 months Zero coupon, fixed term(1) N/A 2,102 0.2 N/A
18 months Variable Rate, IRA 100 5,582 0.6 5.58
18 months Fixed Rate, IRA 500 1,867 0.2 5.22
36 months Variable Rate, IRA 2,000 15,879 1.8 5.60
7 days Jumbos 100,000 119,874 13.3 5.00
-------- -----
584,473 64.8
-------- -----
Total deposits $902,278 100.0%
======== =====
(1) Not offered as of December 31, 1996.
The following table sets forth the composition of Sterling's deposit
accounts at the dates indicated.
December 31, June 30, 1996
-------------------- --------------------
Percent of Percent of
Total Total
Amount Deposits Amount Deposits
-------- ---------- -------- ----------
NOW checking $ 72,686 8.0% $ 69,125 7.7%
Commercial checking 24,180 2.7 20,468 2.3
Regular savings 72,243 8.0 74,413 8.3
Money market demand 148,696 16.5 152,874 17.0
Variable-rate certificates:
18 months 5,582 0.6 5,478 0.6
Fixed-rate certificates:
1-11 months 198,571 22.0 201,319 22.4
12-35 months 267,955 29.7 234,412 26.1
36-240 months 112,365 12.5 140,298 15.6
-------- ----- -------- -----
902,278 100.0 898,387 100.0
Deposit premium 0 0.0 7 0.0
-------- ----- -------- -----
Total deposits $902,278 100.0% $898,394 100.0%
======== ===== ======== =====
Substantially all of Sterling's depositors are residents of the States
of Washington or Oregon. Sterling had no brokered deposits at
December 31, 1996.
Sterling is a member of The Exchange, an automated teller machine
system ("ATM") that allows participating customers to deposit or
withdraw from NOW accounts, money market demand accounts and savings
accounts at over 18,000 Exchange system machines located throughout
the United States and Canada. Sterling is also a member of the Plus
System ATM network, with numerous locations in the United States and
internationally. Sterling has installed automated teller machines in
21 of its branches to better serve customers in those markets.
Customers in these areas can access the system through automated
teller machines operated by other financial institutions.
BORROWINGS. Deposit accounts are Sterling's primary source of funds.
Sterling does, however, rely upon advances from the FHLB Seattle and
reverse repurchase agreements to supplement its funding and to meet
deposit withdrawal requirements. See "Management's Discussion and
Analysis - Sources of Funds."
The FHLB Seattle is part of a system, which consists of 12 regional
Federal Home Loan Banks (the "FHL Banks") each subject to Federal
Housing Finance Board supervision and regulation, that functions as a
central reserve bank providing credit to thrift institutions. As a
member, Sterling is required to own stock of the FHLB Seattle in an
amount determined by a formula based upon Sterling's loans outstanding
and advances from the FHLB Seattle. At December 31, 1996, Sterling
exceeded its FHLB Seattle stock ownership requirement of $12.5 million
by $13.4 million. The stock of the FHLB Seattle has always been
redeemable at par value, but there can be no assurance that this will
always be the case.
As a member of the FHLB Seattle, Sterling is authorized to apply for
advances on the security of its FHLB Seattle stock and certain of its
mortgage loans and other assets (principally securities which are
obligations of, or guaranteed by, the United States or its agencies),
provided certain standards related to creditworthiness are met. Each
credit program has its own interest rate and range of maturities. At
December 31, 1996, Sterling had advances totaling $259.6 million from
the FHLB Seattle which mature from fiscal years 1997 through 2015 at
interest rates ranging from 4.88% to 8.40%. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis - Liquidity and Sources of Funds" and Note 9
of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements."
Sterling also borrows funds under reverse repurchase agreements
pursuant to which it sells securities (generally treasury and
mortgage-backed securities) under an agreement to buy them back at a
specified price at a later date. These agreements to repurchase are
deemed to be borrowings collateralized by the securities sold.
Sterling uses these borrowings to supplement deposit gathering for
funding the origination of loans. Sterling had $229.8 million and
$195.8 million in reverse repurchase agreements outstanding at
December 31, 1996 and June 30, 1996, respectively. The use of reverse
repurchase agreements may expose Sterling to certain risks not
associated with other borrowings, including IRR and the possibility
that additional collateral may have to be provided if the market value
of the pledged collateral declines. For additional information
regarding reverse repurchase agreements, see "Management's Discussion
and Analysis - Asset and Liability Management," "Management's
Discussion and Analysis - Liquidity and Sources of Funds" and Note 10
of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements."
During fiscal year 1994, Sterling issued $17.2 million of 8.75%
Subordinated Notes due on January 31, 2000 ("the Subordinated Notes").
These Subordinated Notes are unsecured general obligations of Sterling
and are subordinated to certain other existing and future
indebtedness. Under the terms of the Subordinated Notes, Sterling is
limited by the amount of certain long-term debt that it can incur and
restricted, under certain circumstances, from paying of cash dividends
and from making other capital distributions. At December 31, 1996,
Sterling has the authority to incur approximately $39.2 million of
additional long-term debt within the covenants of the Subordinated
Notes. Interest on the Subordinated Notes is due the first day of
each month. Sterling may, at its option, redeem the Subordinated
Notes in whole or in part at par plus accrued interest. See Note 11
of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements."
In addition to the borrowings described above, Sterling has a $5.0
million line-of-credit agreement with Key Bank of Washington ("Key
Bank"). Advances under the line of credit accrue interest at Key
Bank's prime interest rate plus 0.50% (8.75% at December 31, 1996) and
the line of credit matures in October 1997. Management expects that
the line of credit will be renewed at that time on substantially the
same terms, although there can be no assurance in this regard.
Borrowings under this line of credit are secured by a pledge of
certain shares of Sterling Savings Preferred Stock which are owned by
Sterling. No amounts were outstanding on this line of credit at
December 31, 1996 and June 30, 1996. In August 1996, Sterling
completed a $15.0 million six-year loan with Key Bank. The proceeds
of this loan were used to purchase $3.0 million of Preferred Stock of
Sterling Savings and for general corporate purposes. Interest at a
variable rate (7.0% at December 31, 1996) is payable quarterly on this
loan. Principal is repayable in five annual payments of $3.0 million
each, commencing September 1998.
Sterling Savings has an unsecured $10.0 million line of credit
agreement with Key Bank. Advances under the line of credit accrue
interest at Key Bank's federal funds rate plus an incremental
negotiated rate and the line matures on October 1, 1997. Management
expects that the line of credit will be renewed at that time on
substantially the same terms, although there can be no assurance in
this regard. No amounts were outstanding on this line of credit at
December 31, 1996 and June 30, 1996.
The following table sets forth certain information regarding
Sterling's short-term borrowings as of and for the periods indicated.
Fiscal Years Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended ------------------
December 31, 1996 1996 1995
----------------- -------- --------
(Dollars in thousands)
Maximum amount outstanding
at any month end during
the period:
Reverse repurchase
agreements $232,885 $195,785 $148,055
Short-term advances 95,000 171,000 223,000
Average amount outstanding
during the period:
Reverse repurchase
agreements 213,560 156,578 118,064
Short-term advances 90,833 140,917 201,250
Fiscal Years Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended ------------------
December 31, 1996 1996 1995
----------------- -------- --------
(Dollars in thousands)
Weighted average interest rate
paid during the period:
Reverse repurchase
agreements 5.60% 5.91% 6.02%
Short-term advances 5.79 5.88 5.13
Weighted average interest rate
paid at end of period:
Reverse repurchase
agreements 5.62% 5.57% 6.67%
Short-term advances 5.75 6.42 5.41
The following table sets forth certain information concerning
Sterling's outstanding borrowings.
December 31, 1996 June 30, 1996
----------------- -----------------
Amount % Amount %
-------- ------ -------- ------
FHLB Seattle advances:
Short-term $ 90,000 17.3% $ 90,000 19.1%
Long-term 169,626 32.5 169,410 35.9
Securities sold subject to
reverse repurchase agreements 229,797 44.0 195,785 41.4
Subordinated Notes payable 17,240 3.3 17,240 3.6
Note payable 15,000 2.9 0 0.0
-------- ----- -------- -----
Total borrowings $521,663 100.0% $472,435 100.0%
======== ===== ======== =====
Weighted average interest rate 6.21% 6.25%
===== =====
Subsidiaries
------------
Sterling's principal subsidiary is Sterling Savings Association.
Sterling Savings has three principal subsidiaries which have been
previously described: Action Mortgage, Harbor Financial and INTERVEST.
Additionally, Sterling Financial Corporation and Sterling Savings have
the following wholly owned subsidiaries that are either inactive or
exist solely for the purpose of holding and owning specific assets or
properties and that are described below:
Sterling Financial Corporation
------------------------------
(1) Tri-Cities Mortgage Corporation ("TCMC") was obtained as part of
an acquisition in April 1988. The corporation's principal asset
is a 99.5% partnership interest in Renton Plaza Investors (a
partnership which owns a five-story office building near Renton,
Washington). See "Lending Activities - Classified Assets, Real
Estate Owned and Delinquent Loans - Major Real Estate Owned."
Sterling Savings Association
----------------------------
(1) Fidelity Service Corporation was organized in 1983 to acquire and
sell real and personal property in eastern Washington and Idaho.
The corporation's assets consist principally of office furniture
and equipment used by Sterling Savings.
(2) Evergreen Environmental Development Corporation ("EEDC") was
organized to engage in real estate development and was obtained in
an acquisition in December 1988. EEDC's assets include a 33%
interest in the Grapetree Partnership, which owns a parcel of raw
land in Spokane, Washington that it intends to develop into
single-family residential lots. Sterling Savings' investment in
the Grapetree Partnership has been deemed by its primary federal
regulators to be an impermissible investment. Accordingly,
Sterling Savings' investment has been deducted from tangible, core
and risk-based capital.
(3) Tri-West Mortgage, Inc. was obtained in an acquisition in 1988 and
was originally engaged in mortgage banking. The corporation is
now inactive.
Evergreen First Service Corporation was obtained in an acquisition
in 1988 and owns all of the outstanding capital stock of Harbor
Financial, through which Sterling offers tax-deferred annuities,
mutual funds and other financial products.
Competition
-----------
Sterling faces strong competition, both in attracting deposits and in
originating, purchasing and selling real estate and other loans, from
savings and loan associations, mutual savings banks, credit unions
and commercial banks and other institutions, many of which have
greater resources than Sterling. Sterling also faces strong
competition in marketing financial products such as annuities, mutual
funds and other financial products and in pursuing acquisition
opportunities. Some or all of these competitive institutions operate
in Sterling's market areas.
In September 1994, the Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching
Efficiency Act of 1994 (the "Interstate Banking Act") was enacted.
The Interstate Banking Act allows adequately capitalized and well-
managed bank holding companies to acquire banks in any state,
regardless of whether such an acquisition would be prohibited by
applicable state law. The Interstate Banking Act also allows
interstate merger transactions beginning June 1, 1997. Through such
merger transactions, banks will be able to acquire branches of out-of-
state banks by converting their offices into branches of the resulting
bank. Each state may enact a law before June 1, 1997, expressly
prohibiting merger transactions with out-of-state banks. If a state
"opts out" in this manner, no bank in any other state may establish a
branch in that state. Moreover, a bank whose home state "opts out" of
interstate branching may not participate in any interstate merger
transaction. As a result of the Interstate Banking Act, Sterling's
competitors may be able to conduct extensive interstate banking
operations and thereby gain competitive advantages.
Personnel
---------
As of December 31, 1996, Sterling, including its subsidiaries, had 495
full-time equivalent employees. Employees are not represented by a
collective bargaining unit. Sterling believes its relationship with
its employees is excellent.
Regulation
----------
INTRODUCTION. The following is not intended to be a complete
discussion but is intended to be a summary of some of the most
significant provisions of laws applicable to Sterling.
Sterling is a savings and loan holding company and as such is subject
to OTS regulations, examinations and reporting requirements. Sterling
Savings is chartered by the State of Washington and its savings
deposits are insured by the FDIC. Sterling Savings is subject to
comprehensive regulation, examination and supervision by the OTS, the
FDIC and the Washington Supervisor. Furthermore, certain transactions
and savings deposits are subject to regulations and controls
promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board (the "Fed").
SAVINGS AND LOAN HOLDING COMPANY REGULATION. Sterling is registered
as a savings and loan holding company under the Home Owners' Loan Act
(the "HOLA"). The HOLA generally permits a savings and loan holding
company to engage in activities which are unrelated to the operation
of a savings and loan association, provided the holding company
controls only one savings and loan association and such savings and
loan association meets the Qualified Thrift Lender Test (the "QTL
Test"). Sterling presently controls only one savings and loan
association, Sterling Savings, which at December 31, 1996 exceeded the
requirements to meet the QTL Test.
If Sterling Savings fails to meet the QTL Test in the future, Sterling
will become subject to restrictions on the activities in which it may
engage. Such activities would generally be limited to any activity
that the Fed by regulation has determined is permissible for bank
holding companies pursuant to Section 4(c) of the Bank Holding Company
Act of 1956, as amended (unless limited or prohibited by the OTS by
regulation), and certain other limited services and activities.
Sterling currently has no plans to engage in any new activity that
would be restricted if Sterling Savings were to fail to meet the QTL
Test in the future. Although Sterling Savings expects to remain in
compliance with the QTL Test in the future, there can be no assurance
in this regard.
Under the HOLA, no person may acquire control of a savings association
or a savings and loan holding company without the prior approval of
the OTS. In addition, as a savings and loan holding company, Sterling
would be prohibited from acquiring (i) control of another savings
association or a savings and loan holding company without the prior
approval of the OTS, (ii) by merger, consolidation or purchase, the
assets of another savings association, or savings and loan holding
company, without the prior approval of the OTS, (iii) more than 5% of
the voting shares of a savings association or a savings and loan
holding company which is not a subsidiary of Sterling or (iv) control
of a depository institution the accounts of which are not insured by
the FDIC.
The HOLA authorizes the OTS to issue a directive to a savings and loan
holding company and any of its subsidiaries if the OTS determines that
there is reasonable cause to believe that the continuation by the
holding company of any activity constitutes a serious risk to the
financial safety, soundness or stability of the holding company's
subsidiary savings association. The OTS may impose restrictions
through such directive to limit such risk, including limiting (i) the
payment of dividends by the savings association, (ii) transactions
between the savings association, the holding company and the
subsidiaries or affiliates of either and (iii) any activities of the
savings association that might create a serious risk that the
liabilities of the holding company and its other affiliates may be
imposed on the savings association. Such a directive has the same
effect as a final cease and desist order. The issuance of the
directive can be appealed to the Director of the OTS.
THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1991.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991
("FDICIA") provides for expanded regulation of depository institutions
and their affiliates, including parent holding companies. FDICIA
further provides the OTS with broad powers to take "prompt corrective
action" to resolve problems of insured depository institutions. The
extent of these powers depends upon whether the institution in
question is "well capitalized," "adequately capitalized,"
"undercapitalized," "significantly undercapitalized" or "critically
undercapitalized."
Under OTS regulations which implement the "prompt corrective action"
system mandated by FDICIA, an institution is "well capitalized" if its
ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets is 10% or more, its
ratio of core capital to risk-weighted assets is 6% or more, its ratio
of core capital to total assets is 5% or more and it is not subject to
any written agreement, order or directive to meet a specified capital
level. At December 31, 1996 Sterling Savings met the standards for a
"well capitalized" institution.
An institution which is "undercapitalized" must submit a capital
restoration plan to the OTS. The plan may be approved only if the OTS
determines it is likely to succeed in restoring the institution's
capital and will not appreciably increase the risks to which the
institution is exposed. The institution's performance under the plan
must be guaranteed by any company which controls the institution, up
to a maximum of 5% of the institution's assets. The OTS may also
require the institution to take various actions deemed appropriate to
minimize the potential losses to the deposit insurance fund. A
"significantly undercapitalized" institution is subject to additional
sanctions and a "critically undercapitalized" institution generally
must be placed in receivership or conservatorship.
FDICIA directs each bank regulatory agency and the OTS to review its
capital standards every two years to determine whether those standards
require sufficient capital to facilitate prompt corrective action to
prevent or minimize loss to the deposit insurance funds. FDICIA, as
amended, also requires the OTS to prescribe minimum operational and
managerial standards and standards for asset quality, earnings and
stock valuation for savings institutions. Any savings institution
which fails to meet the standards may be required to submit a plan for
corrective action. If a savings institution fails to submit or
implement an acceptable plan, the OTS may require the institution to
take any action the OTS determines will best carry out the purpose of
prompt corrective action.
Under FDICIA, only a "well capitalized" depository institution may
accept brokered deposits without prior regulatory approval. FDICIA
also requires annual examinations of all insured depository
institutions by the appropriate federal banking agency, with some
exceptions for small, well-capitalized institutions and state-
chartered institutions examined by state regulators. The federal
banking agencies are required to set compensation standards for
insured depository institutions that prohibit excessive compensation,
fees or benefits to officers, directors, employees and principal
shareholders. FDICIA also contains a number of consumer banking
provisions, including disclosure requirements and substantive
contractual limitations with respect to deposit accounts. FDICIA has
also greatly expanded the range of merger, purchase and assumption,
and deposit transfer transactions involving banks and savings
associations that are exempt from payment of exit and entry fees as
transfers of deposits between the FDIC's BIF and its SAIF. Many of
the provisions of FDICIA have been implemented through the adoption of
regulations by the federal banking agencies.
Sterling anticipates that it will continue to enhance its capital
resources and the regulatory capital ratios of Sterling Savings
through the retention of earnings, the amortization of intangible
assets and the management of the level and mix of assets, although
there can be no assurance in this regard.
REGULATORY CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS. Pursuant to the Financial
Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989 ("FIRREA"),
the OTS has adopted regulations implementing new capital standards
applicable to all savings associations, including Sterling Savings.
Such capital standards include (i) a requirement that savings
associations maintain tangible capital of not less than 1.5% of
adjusted total assets, (ii) a leverage (or core) ratio requirement
that savings associations maintain core capital of not less than 3.0%
of adjusted total assets, and (iii) a requirement that savings
associations maintain total capital of not less than 8.0% of risk-
weighted assets. As of December 31, 1996, Sterling Savings met all
regulatory capital requirements. For additional information, see
"Management's Discussion and Analysis - Liquidity and Sources of
Funds" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis - Capital Resources."
TANGIBLE CAPITAL. Tangible capital consists of common Shareholders'
equity, including retained earnings, non-cumulative perpetual
preferred stock and related surplus and minority interests in equity
accounts of fully consolidated subsidiaries. In calculating tangible
capital certain items must be deducted. These items are goodwill and
other intangible assets, nonqualifying purchased mortgage servicing
rights and investments (whether debt or equity) in subsidiaries
engaged in activities which are not permissible for national banks
(except for a declining amount of grandfathered investments as
described below). With respect to purchased mortgage servicing
rights, the amount that qualifies to be included in tangible capital
is the lower of (a) 90% of fair market value if determinable, (b) 90%
of original cost or (c) the current amortized book value. With
respect to investments in subsidiaries, if a subsidiary was engaged in
an activity not permissible for a national bank as of April 12, 1989,
the association's investments in such subsidiary must be excluded from
tangible capital. See "Subsidiaries" and "Lending Activities -
Classified Assets, Real Estate Owned and Delinquent Loans - Major Real
Estate Owned."
LEVERAGE (OR CORE) CAPITAL. "Core capital" is defined, essentially,
as tangible capital plus certain other qualifying intangible assets
(of up to 25% of core capital) which meet a three-part test of
separatability, marketability and market valuation.
RISK-BASED CAPITAL. FIRREA and the OTS capital regulations also
impose a risk-based capital requirement which is a percentage of
capital to risk-adjusted assets. A risk weight is assigned to both
the on-balance sheet assets and off-balance sheet commitments of a
savings association. Representative risk weights include: 0% for
assets that are backed by the full faith and credit of the United
States; 20% for stock, agency securities not backed by the full faith
and credit of the United States and certain mortgage-related
securities; 50% for qualifying mortgage loans and certain
mortgage-related securities; 100% for consumer, commercial and other
loans; and 200% for delinquent or repossessed assets.
Both core capital and "supplementary capital," as defined below, may
be used to meet the risk-based capital requirement, although
supplementary capital cannot be used in an amount greater than 100% of
core capital. For purposes of the risk-based capital requirement,
supplementary capital includes permanent capital instruments such as
cumulative perpetual preferred stock, perpetual or mandatory
convertible subordinated debt, maturing capital instruments such as
subordinated debt, intermediate-term preferred stock, commitment notes
and certain grandfathered mandatory redeemable preferred stock
(although the amount included declines as the instrument approaches
maturity), and general valuation loan and lease loss allowances up to
a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets. The risk-based capital
requirement was equal to 8.00% of risk-weighted assets at
December 31, 1996.
The following tables set forth Sterling Savings' tangible, core and
risk-based capital positions as reported to the OTS on the quarterly
Thrift Financial Report at December 31, 1996, computed in accordance
with the OTS capital regulations.
Tangible Capital
December 31, 1996
--------------------
Dollars Ratio (1)
-------- ---------
(Dollars in thousands)
Total Shareholders' equity: $106,300 6.94%
Adjustment:
Unrealized losses on certain available-
for-sale securities 6,020 0.39
Less:
Intangibles 10,147 0.66
Excess qualifying purchased mortgage
loan servicing 214 0.01
Investment in non-includable subsidiaries 370 0.02
-------- -----
Total tangible capital 101,589 6.64
Tangible capital requirement 22,934 1.50
-------- -----
Tangible capital excess $ 78,655 5.14%
======== =====
Core Capital
December 31, 1996
-------------------
Dollars Ratio (1)
-------- ---------
(Dollars in thousands)
Total tangible capital: $101,589 6.64%
Add:
Qualifying identified intangibles up
to 25% of other core capital 0 0.00
-------- -----
Total core capital 101,589 6.64
Core capital requirement 45,868 3.00
-------- -----
Core capital excess $ 55,721 3.64%
======== =====
Risk-Based Capital
December 31, 1996
--------------------
Dollars Ratio (1)
-------- ---------
(Dollars in thousands)
Total core capital: $101,589 10.99%
General valuation allowances 7,628 0.83
Assets required to be deducted (183) (0.02)
-------- -----
Total risk-based capital 109,034 11.80
Risk-based capital requirement 74,870 8.00
-------- -----
Risk-based capital excess $ 34,164 3.80%
======== =====
(1) Ratio of capital to total adjusted assets for tangible and core
capital and ratio of capital to risk-weighted assets for risk-
based capital.
The OTS has adopted a regulation that adds an IRR component to the
risk-based capital requirement for thrift institutions. Currently,
the OTS has waived inclusion of the IRR component in the risk-based
capital calculation, pending the issuance by the OTS of guidelines
regarding the appeal of such inclusion or calculation. Under the
rule, thrift institutions meeting or exceeding a base level of
interest rate exposure must take a deduction from the total capital
available to meet their risk-based capital requirement. That
deduction is equal to one-half of the difference between the
institution's actual measured exposure and the base level of exposure.
The institution's actual measured IRR is expressed as the change that
occurs in its net present value ("NPV") as a result of a hypothetical
200 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates (whichever
leads to the lower NPV) divided by the estimated economic value of its
assets. The base level of IRR which would require inclusion of a
capital component is defined as a decline in NPV which exceeds 2.0% of
an institution's assets expressed in terms of economic value. Using a
computer model, the OTS will calculate changes in each institution's
NPV based on financial data the institution submits on its Thrift
Financial Report. The OTS will then advise each institution of its
IRR capital requirement. The OTS, using December 31, 1996 financial
information, calculated that no IRR capital component would have been
required to be added to Sterling Savings' risk-based capital.
Savings associations which fail to meet the tangible, core or risk-
based capital requirements are subject to a number of sanctions or
restrictions. Under FIRREA, the OTS must prohibit any asset growth,
except that the OTS may permit growth in an amount not in excess of
net interest credited to the savings association's deposit liabilities
if (i) the savings association obtains the prior approval of the OTS;
(ii) any increase in assets is accompanied by an increase in tangible
capital in an amount not less than 3.0% of the increase in assets;
(iii) any increase in assets is accompanied by an increase in capital
not less in percentage amount than required under the risk-based
capital standards then applicable; (iv) any increase in assets is
invested in low-risk assets; and (v) the savings association's ratio
of core capital to total assets is not less than the ratio existing on
January 1, 1991.
The OTS also may require any savings association not in compliance
with capital standards (including any individual minimum capital
requirement) to comply with a capital directive issued by the OTS.
Such capital directive may order the savings association to (a)
achieve its minimum capital requirements by a specified date; (b)
adhere to a compliance schedule for achieving its minimum capital
requirements; (c) submit and adhere to a capital plan acceptable to
the OTS; and/or (d) take other actions including reducing its assets
or rate of liability growth and/or restricting its payment of
dividends in order to reach the required capital levels. The OTS, by
such capital directive, enforcement proceedings or otherwise, may
require an association not in compliance with the capital requirements
to (i) increase the amount of its regulatory capital to a specified
level; (ii) convene a meeting with the OTS supervision staff for the
purpose of accomplishing the objectives of the regulations; (iii)
reduce or limit the rate of interest that may be paid on savings
accounts; (iv) limit the receipt of deposits to those made to existing
accounts; (v) cease or limit lending or the making of a particular
loan or category of loan; (vi) cease or limit the purchase of loans or
the making of specified other investments; (vii) limit operational
expenditures to specific levels; (viii) increase liquid assets and
maintain such increased liquidity at specified levels; or (ix) take
such other action or actions as the OTS may deem necessary or
appropriate for the safety and soundness of the savings association or
the protection of its depositors. The material failure of a savings
association to comply with any plan, regulation, written agreement,
order or directive issued will be treated as an unsafe or unsound
practice which could result in the imposition of certain penalties or
sanctions including, but not limited to, the assessment of civil
monetary penalties, the issuance of a cease and desist order, or the
appointment of a conservator or receiver.
Any savings association which does not meet its regulatory capital
requirements may not accept brokered deposits if such deposits,
together with any existing brokered deposits outstanding, would exceed
5% of the association's total deposits, without a written waiver from
the OTS. In addition, the FDIC prohibits, with certain exceptions, an
"insolvent institution" from accepting any brokered deposits. An
insolvent institution is defined as any insured depository institution
which does not meet the minimum capital requirements applicable with
respect to such institution. This prohibition includes any renewal of
an account in any insolvent institution and any rollover of any amount
on deposit. The FDIC may waive this restriction upon application by
an insured depository institution and a finding that the acceptance of
such deposits does not constitute an unsafe or unsound practice with
respect to such institution. Sterling had no brokered deposits at
December 31, 1996.
A savings association which is not in compliance with its capital
requirements may apply to the OTS for an exemption from the sanctions
and penalties imposed upon a savings association for failure to comply
with its minimum capital standards. Pursuant to FIRREA, the OTS may
approve an application for a capital exemption if such exemption would
pose no significant risk to the affected insurance fund, the savings
association's management is competent, the savings association is in
compliance with all applicable statutes, regulations, orders and
supervisory agreements and directives, and the savings association's
management has not engaged in insider dealing, speculative practices
or any other activities that could have jeopardized the association's
safety and soundness or contributed to impairing the association's
capital. Any application for a capital exemption must be accompanied
by an acceptable capital plan. If a savings association receives
approval of capital exemption and operates in accordance with an
acceptable capital plan, it will be deemed to be in compliance with
its capital standards for purposes of OTS capital regulation only.
The savings association must request and receive approval of specific,
express exemptions from the provisions of other rules, regulations and
policy statements as part of the accepted capital plan to be deemed in
capital compliance for purposes of such other rules, regulations and
policy statements.
FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION. Sterling's deposits are
insured up to $100,000 per insured depositor (as defined by law and
regulations) by the FDIC through the SAIF. The SAIF is administered
and managed by the FDIC. The FDIC is authorized to conduct
examinations of and to require reporting by SAIF member institutions.
The FDIC may prohibit any SAIF member institution from engaging in any
activity the FDIC determines by regulation or order poses a serious
threat to the SAIF. The FDIC also has the authority to initiate
enforcement actions against savings associations.
On September 30, 1996, federal legislation was enacted which included
provisions regarding the recapitalization of the SAIF, which is
operated by the FDIC and provides deposit insurance for thrift
institutions. The new legislation required SAIF-insured savings
institutions, like Sterling Savings, to pay a one-time special
assessment of $0.657 for every $100 of deposits as of March 31, 1995.
The special assessment is designed to capitalize the SAIF up to the
prescribed 1.25% of SAIF-insured deposits. Sterling's SAIF assessment
resulted in a pre-tax charge to earnings of $5.8 million during the
six months ended December 31, 1996.
Deposits insured by SAIF are currently assessed at the rate of zero to
$0.27 per $100 of domestic deposits. The SAIF assessment rate may
increase or decrease as is necessary to maintain the designated SAIF
reserve ratio of 1.25% of insured deposits.
Effective January 1, 1997, all FDIC-insured depository institutions
must pay an annual assessment to provide funds for the payment of
interest on bonds issued by the Financing Corporation, a federal
corporation chartered under the authority of the Federal Housing
Finance Board. The FICO Bonds were issued to capitalize the Federal
Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation. Until December 31, 1999 or
when the last savings and loan association ceases to exist, whichever
occurs first, depository institutions will pay approximately $.064 per
$100 of SAIF-assessable deposits and approximately $.013 per $100 of
BIF-assessable deposits.
The new legislation contemplates a unification of the charters
presently available to banks and thrifts. The Treasury Department
is required to make recommendations regarding unification of the
available charters and the merger of the insurance funds by March 31,
1997. The legislation requires a merger of the SAIF with the BIF on
January 1, 1999 if the unification of the charters for all insured
institutions has, in fact, occurred. SAIF and BIF will continue to
operate as separate funds, if this unfication of charters has not
taken place, until such time as additional federal legislation is
passed requiring a merger of the funds.
Sterling Savings may be required to convert its charter to either a
national bank charter, a state depository institution charter, or a
newly designed charter. Sterling may also become regulated at the
holding company level by the Federal Reserve rather than by the OTS.
Regulation by the Federal Reserve could subject Sterling to capital
requirements that are not currently applicable to Sterling as a thrift
holding company under OTS regulation and may result in statutory
limitations on the type of business activities in which Sterling may
engage at the holding company level, which business activities
currently are not restricted. At this time, Sterling Savings is
unable to predict whether a charter change will be required and, if it
is, whether the charter change will significantly impact Sterling
Savings' operations.
The FDIC is empowered to initiate a termination of insurance
proceeding in cases where the Board of Directors of the FDIC
determines that an insured depository institution has engaged in
unsafe or unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to
continue operations, or has violated an applicable law, regulation,
order or condition imposed by the FDIC. The FDIC may deem failure to
comply with applicable regulatory capital requirements an unsafe and
unsound practice. If the FDIC terminates a savings association's
deposit insurance, funds then on deposit continue to be insured for at
least six months and up to two years after notice of such termination
is provided to the account holders. Furthermore, if the FDIC
initiates an insurance termination proceeding against a savings
association that has no tangible capital, the FDIC may issue a
temporary order immediately suspending deposit insurance on all
deposits received by such savings association.
RESOLUTION FUNDING CORPORATION. FIRREA provides for substantial
contributions by the FHL Banks to the Resolution Funding Corporation,
which was created under FIRREA to raise funds to be used to resolve
cases involving failed savings associations. The funding obligations
that FIRREA imposes on the FHL Banks may reduce the dividends paid by
the FHL Banks to their savings association shareholders', increase the
cost to FHL Bank members of the services provided by the FHL Banks, or
both. Each of these provisions may increase Sterling's cost of doing