Sterling Bancorp STL, a financial holding company and the parent company of Sterling National Bank, today reported its financial results for the fiscal year and fourth quarter ended December 31, 2005.
2005 Highlights: - Gross revenue (interest and noninterest income) rose 11.4% year-over-year to a record $147.6 million. - Net interest income on a tax equivalent basis increased to a record $84.6 million. - Net interest margin was 4.94%, among the highest in the Company's peer
group."In 2005, we made important investments to enhance the value of the Sterling franchise, including opening a branch in lower Manhattan to directly serve that revitalized community and further expanding our presence in the region with the opening of a New Jersey office. In addition, the focus of the entire Sterling team on superior customer service and a product portfolio that addresses the needs of the small and mid-sized businesses the Company serves also contributed to our success."

http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/prov ...