Sterling Financial reports another quarter of losses

Sterling Financial Corp. today reported a second-quarter loss of $58.2 million, including a $70.8 million allowance for credit losses. A year ago, the Spokane bank reported a net loss of $33.9 million after a $79.7 million allowance for credit losses. Per share, the 2010 quarter loss was $1.12, compared with 65 cents for the 2009 quarter. But Chief Executive Officer Greg Seibly said the second-quarter numbers were an improvement compared with the first quarter, and there were other positive indicators for Sterling, which has been trying since last fall to raise additional capital. Non-performing loans declined eight percent compared with the first quarter, to $884.1 million, and loan origination increased 25 percent. Retail deposits climbed but the total fell, to $7.2 billion, as Sterling continued to reduce its dependence on brokered deposits. The number of accounts increased. Total assets, at $9.7 billion, have fallen 21 percent since June 30, 2009.