STERLING BANCORP
10-K, 2000-03-29
NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANKS
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<PAGE>   1
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                  ------------

                                    FORM 10-K
                Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
                       The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999        Commission File No. 1-5273-1

                                  ------------

                                STERLING BANCORP
               (Exact Name of Registrant as specified in charter)

          NEW YORK 13-2565216
     (State or other jurisdiction of         I.R.S. employer identification No.)
     incorporation or organization)
    430 PARK AVENUE, NEW YORK, N.Y.                       10022-3505
(Address of principal executive offices)                  (Zip Code)
                                 (212) 826-8000
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)


           SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT:

                                                        NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE
     TITLE OF EACH CLASS                                 ON WHICH REGISTERED
- ------------------------------                          ----------------------
Common Shares, $1 par value                             New York Stock Exchange
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights                         New York Stock Exchange



           SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT:
                                      None

  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

  Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K (Section229.405 of this chapter) 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.[ ]

  On March 13, 2000 the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by
non-affiliates of the Registrant was $105,761,403.

  Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the Registrant's classes
of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

  THE REGISTRANT HAS ONE CLASS OF COMMON STOCK OF WHICH 8,352,221 SHARES WERE
OUTSTANDING AT MARCH 13, 2000.

                       DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

  (1)    Specified portions of the Sterling Bancorp 1999 Annual Report are
         incorporated by reference in Parts I and II.

  (2)    Specified portions of the Sterling Bancorp definitive Proxy Statement
         dated March 13, 2000 are incorporated by reference in Part III.
<PAGE>   2
                                STERLING BANCORP


                                    FORM 10-K


                                TABLE OF CONTENTS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               PAGE
                                                                               ----

                                     PART I
                                     ------

<S>              <C>                                                           <C>
Item  1.         BUSINESS...........................................           I- 1

Item  2.         PROPERTIES.........................................           I- 9

Item  3.         LEGAL PROCEEDINGS..................................           I-12

Item  4.         SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY
                      HOLDERS.......................................           I-12


                                     PART II
                                     -------


Item  5.         MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND
                      RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS....................          II-1

Item  6.         SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA............................           II-1

Item  7.         MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
                      CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS............          II-1

Item  7A.        QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES
                      ABOUT MARKET RISK..............................          II-1

Item  8.         FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA........           II-1

Item  9.         CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON
                      ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE............          II-1



                                    PART III
                                    --------

Item 10.         DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE
                      REGISTRANT.....................................         III-1

Item 11.         EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.............................          III-1

Item 12.         SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL
                      OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT..........................         III-1

Item 13.         CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.....          III-1


                                     PART IV
                                     -------

Item 14.         EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES,
                      AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K........................          IV-1
</TABLE>


SIGNATURES

Exhibits Submitted in a Separate Volume.
<PAGE>   3
                                     PART I


ITEM 1. BUSINESS
                                     GENERAL

Sterling Bancorp ("the parent company" or "the Registrant") is a bank holding
company, as defined by the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956("the BHCA"), as
amended. Throughout the report, the terms "the Company" or "Sterling" refers to
Sterling Bancorp and its subsidiaries. Sterling provides a full range of
financial products and services, including business and consumer loans,
commercial and residential mortgage lending and brokerage, asset-based
financing, accounts receivable management services, trade financing, equipment
leasing, corporate and consumer deposit services, trust and estate
administration and investment management services. The Company has operations in
metropolitan New York and Washington, DC areas, as well as Virginia and other
mid-Atlantic territories and conducts business throughout the United States. The
parent company owns all of the outstanding shares of Sterling National Bank
("the bank") - its principal subsidiary, and all of the outstanding shares of
Sterling Industrial Loan Association and Sterling Banking Corporation ("finance
subsidiaries"). Sterling National Mortgage Company, Inc. ("SNMC-New York"),
Sterling National Mortgage Corp. ("SNMC-Virginia"), Sterling Factors Corporation
("Factors") and Sterling Holding Company of Virginia, Inc. are wholly owned
subsidiaries of the bank. Until 1998, Factors was a finance subsidiary of the
Registrant. Sterling Holding Company of Virginia, Inc. was formed as of December
21, 1998 and owns all of the outstanding common shares of Sterling Real Estate
Holding Company, Inc. which was formed as of March 1, 1997. Segment information
appearing in footnote 20 beginning on page 37 of the 1999 Annual Report is
incorporated by reference herein.


                           GOVERNMENT MONETARY POLICY

The Company is affected by the credit policies of monetary authorities,
including the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. An important
element of the Federal Reserve System is to regulate the national supply of bank
credit. Among the instruments of monetary policy used by the Federal Reserve are
open market operations in U.S. Government securities, changes in the discount
rate, reserve requirements on member bank deposits, and funds availability
regulations. The monetary policies of the Federal Reserve have in the past had a
significant effect on operations of financial institutions, including the bank,
and will continue to do so in the future. Changing conditions in the national
economy and in the money markets make it impossible to predict future changes in
interest rates, deposit levels, loan demand or their effects on the business and
earnings of the Company. Foreign activities of the Company are not considered to
be material.


                                   COMPETITION

There is intense competition in all areas in which the Company conducts its
business. The Company competes with banks and other financial institutions.


THE BANK

Sterling National Bank was organized in 1929 under the National Bank Act and
commenced operations in New York City. The bank maintains six offices in New
York City (three branches and an International Banking Facility in Manhattan and
two branches in Queens). The executive office is located at 430 Park Avenue, New
York, New York. There are regional representatives located in Richmond,
Virginia.

                                       I-1
<PAGE>   4
      The bank provides a range of banking services to businesses and
individuals including checking, savings and money market accounts, certificates
of deposit, business loans, personal and installment loans, VISA/MASTERCARD,
safe deposit and night depository facilities. Business lending, depository and
related financial services are furnished to a wide range of customers in diverse
industries, including commercial, industrial and financial companies of all
sizes as well as government and non-profit agencies. Loan facilities available
to these customers include short-term revolving credit arrangements, term loans,
letters of credit,accounts receivable management services, asset-based
financing, equipment financing, real estate and mortgage loans, leasing and lock
box services.

      Through its international division and International Banking Facility, the
bank offers financial services to its customers and correspondents in the
world's major financial centers. These services consist of financing import and
export transactions, issuance of letters of credit and creation of bankers
acceptances. In addition to its direct worldwide correspondent banking
relationships, active bank account relationships are maintained with leading
foreign banking institutions in major financial centers.

      The bank's trust division provides a variety of fiduciary, investment
management, advisory and corporate agency services to individuals, corporations
and foundations. The bank acts as trustee for pension, profit-sharing and other
employee benefit plans and personal trusts and estates. For corporations, the
bank acts as trustee, transfer agent, registrar and in other corporate agency
capacities.

      Factors provides accounts receivable management services. Factors
purchases clients' accounts receivable, assumes credit risk on approved orders
and handles credit and collection details and bookkeeping requirements. Income
for these services is derived from commissions charged for receivables serviced
and interest charged on advances to the client. For these services, Factors
receives a portion of factoring commissions paid by the clients plus a portion
of interest charged on advances. The accounts receivable factored are for
clients primarily engaged in the apparel and textile industries.

      Sterling's mortgage banking and brokerage business is conducted through
companies located in Virginia and New York. SNMC-Virginia, with offices in
Virginia and North Carolina, originates and services non-conforming mortgages,
for its own portfolio and resale, on residential properties in Virginia and
several adjoining states. SNMC-New York, with offices in New York (on Long
Island and in Westchester County) and New Jersey (in Mercer County), originates
for resale conforming, residential mortgage loans throughout the tri-state
metropolitan area, and has offices on Long Island and in Westchester.

      There are no industry concentrations exceeding 10% of loans, gross in the
commercial and industrial loan portfolio. Approximately 70% of the bank's loans
are to borrowers located in the metropolitan New York area.

      The composition of income from the operations of the bank and its
subsidiaries for the years ended: [1] December 31, 1999 included interest and
fees on commercial and other loans (53%), interest and dividends on investment
securities (26%) and other (21%); [2] December 31, 1998 included interest and
fees on commercial and other loans (54%), interest and dividends on investment
securities (25%), and other (21%); [3] December 31, 1997 included interest and
fees on commercial and other loans (55%), interest and dividends on investment
securities (28%), and other (17%).

      At December 31, 1999, the bank and its subsidiaries had 348 employees,
consisting of 122 officers and 226 supervisory and clerical employees. The bank
considers its relations with its employees to be satisfactory.

                                       I-2
<PAGE>   5
PARENT COMPANY AND FINANCE SUBSIDIARIES

      The parent company makes loans that are secured by personal property,
accounts receivable or other collateral; occasionally unsecured advances are
provided to its customers.

      Sterling Financial Services Company("Sterling Financial"), a division of
the parent company, is a nationwide provider of consumer receivables financing.
Sterling Financial engages in asset based lending with independent dealers who
market products, such as housewares, appliances, automobiles, and educational
material to consumers on an installment basis with repayment terms between 12
and 48 months. Sterling Financial administers these installment contracts for
the dealer, providing billing, payment processing and other bookkeeping
services. Sterling Financial makes advances to each dealer of up to 80% of the
discounted aggregate value of the dealer's installment contracts.

      The composition of income (excluding equity in undistributed net income of
the bank) of the parent company and its finance subsidiaries for the years
ended: [1] December 31, 1999 included interest and fees on loans (47%),
dividends, interest and service fees (52%) and other (1%); [2] December 31, 1998
included interest and fees on loans (71%), dividends, interest and service fees
(28%), and other (1%); [3] December 31, 1997 included interest and fees on loans
(61%), dividends, interest and service fees (25%), and other (14%). For the year
ended December 31, 1997, Factors was a finance subsidiary, and the results of
its operations were included in the foregoing and in all financial statements
relating to that year.

      At December 31, 1999, the parent company employed 24 persons consisting of
7 officers with the balance of the employees performing supervisory and clerical
functions. The parent company and its finance subsidiaries consider employee
relations to be satisfactory.

                           SUPERVISION AND REGULATION

GENERAL

Sterling Bancorp is a registered bank holding company under the BHCA and is
subject to supervision, examination and reporting requirements of the Board of
Governors of The Federal Reserve System ("FRB").

      The BHCA requires the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board for the
acquisition by a bank holding company of more than 5% of the voting stock or
substantially all of the assets of any bank or bank holding company. Also, under
the BHCA, bank holding companies are prohibited, with certain exceptions, from
engaging in, or from acquiring more than 5% of the voting stock of any company
engaging in, activities other than banking or managing or controlling banks or
furnishing services to or performing services for their subsidiaries. The BHCA
also authorizes the Federal Reserve Board to permit bank holding companies to
engage in, and to acquire or retain shares of companies that engage in,
activities which the Federal Reserve Board determines to be so closely related
to banking or managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto.

                                       I-3
<PAGE>   6
The Federal Reserve Board has ruled on a number of activities and found some of
them to come within such standard while finding that other activities do not
fall within the permissible scope of such standard; other activities have been
proposed by the Federal Reserve Board for consideration. The effect of the
Federal Reserve Board's findings under the standard has been to expand the
financially related activities in which bank holding companies may engage.
Revisions of the Federal Reserve Board's principal regulation (Regulation Y)
affecting bank holding companies have expanded the scope of permissible
bank-related activities and liberalized procedures to allow the entry into such
activities.

      As a federally insured national bank, the bank is subject to supervision,
examination and reporting requirements of the Office of the Comptroller of the
Currency ("OCC") and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC").

      Sterling Industrial Loan Association is subject to supervision and
regulation by the Bureau of Financial Institutions of the State Corporation
Commission of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Sterling Banking Corporation is
subject to supervision and regulation by the Banking Department of the State of
New York.

PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS

Various legal restrictions limit the extent to which the bank can supply funds
to the parent company and its nonbank subsidiaries. All national banks are
limited in the payment of dividends without the approval of the Comptroller of
the Currency to an amount not to exceed the net profits (as defined) for that
year to date combined with its retained net profits for the preceding two
calendar years. In addition, from time to time dividends are paid to the parent
company by the finance subsidiaries from their retained earnings without
regulatory restrictions.

CAPITAL ADEQUACY

The Company and the bank are subject to risk-based capital regulations. The
purpose of these regulations is to quantitatively measure capital against risk-
weighted assets, including off-balance sheet items. These regulations define the
elements of total capital into Tier 1 and Tier 2 components and establish
minimum ratios of 4% for Tier 1 capital and 8% for Total Capital for capital
adequacy purposes. Supplementing these regulations is a leverage requirement.
This requirement establishes a minimum leverage ratio, (at least 3% to 5%) which
is calculated by dividing Tier 1 capital by adjusted quarterly average assets
(after deducting goodwill). In addition, the Company and the bank are subject to
the provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of
1981 ("FDICIA") which imposes a number of mandatory supervisory measures and
establishes a system of prompt corrective action to resolve the problems of
undercapitalized institutions. Among other matters, FDICIA establishes five
capital categories of "well capitalized", "adequately capitalized",
"undercapitalized", "significantly undercapitalized", and "critically
undercapitalized". Such classifications are used by regulatory agencies to
determine a bank's deposit insurance premium, and to consider applications
authorizing institutions to increase their asset size or otherwise expand
business activities or acquire other institutions.

                                       I-4
<PAGE>   7
Under the provisions of FDICIA, a "well capitalized" institution must maintain
minimum leverage, Tier 1 and Total Capital ratios of 5%, 6% and 10%,
respectively. At December 31, 1999, the capital ratios for the Company and the
bank exceeded the requirements for "well capitalized" institutions.

      The table presenting capital and ratios for the Company and the bank as of
December 31, 1999 and 1998 appears in footnote 19 beginning on page 36 of the
Company's 1999 Annual Report and is incorporated by reference herein.

TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

There are also various requirements and restrictions imposed by the laws of the
United States and the State of New York and by regulations of the Federal
Reserve System, of which the bank is a member, affecting the operations of the
Company including the requirement to maintain reserves against deposits,
restrictions relating to: (a) the nature and amount of loans that may be made by
the bank and the interest that may be charged thereon; (b) extensions of credit
by subsidiary banks of a bank holding company to the bank holding company or
certain of its subsidiaries; (c) investments in the stock or other securities
thereof, and on the taking of such stock or securities as collateral for loans
to any borrower; and (d) other investments, branching and other activities of
the Company and the bank.

SUPPORT OF THE BANK

The Federal Reserve Board has issued regulations under the BHCA that require a
bank holding company to serve as a source of financial and managerial strength
to its subsidiary banks. As a result, the Federal Reserve Board, pursuant to
such regulations, may require the parent company to stand ready to use its
resources to provide adequate capital funds to its banking subsidiaries during
periods of financial stress or adversity. This support may be required at times
when, absent such regulations, the bank holding company might not otherwise
provide such support.

      In addition, the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement
Act of 1984 provides that a depository institution insured by the FDIC can be
held liable by the FDIC for any loss incurred or reasonably expected to be
incurred in connection with the default of a commonly controlled FDIC insured
depository institution or in connection with any assistance provided by the FDIC
to a commonly controlled institution "in danger of default" (as defined).

      In its resolution of the problems of an insured depository institution in
default or in danger of default, the FDIC is generally required to satisfy its
obligations to insured depositors at the least possible cost to the deposit
insurance fund. In addition, the FDIC may not take any action that would have
the effect of increasing the losses to the deposit insurance fund by protecting
depositors for more than the insured portion of deposits (generally $100,000) or
creditors other than depositors. Under the provisions of FDICIA, the FDIC is
authorized to settle all uninsured and unsecured claims in the insolvency of an
insured bank by making a final settlement payment after the declaration of
insolvency. Such a payment would constitute full payment and satisfaction of the
FDIC's obligations to claimants. The rate of such final settlement payment is to
be a percentage rate determined by the FDIC reflecting an average of the FDIC's
receivership recovery experience.

                                       I-5
<PAGE>   8
FDIC INSURANCE

Under the FDIC's risk related insurance assessment system, insured depository
institutions may be required to pay annual assessments to the FDIC. An
institution's risk classification is based on assignment of the institution by
the FDIC to one of three capital groups and to one of three supervisory
subgroups. The three supervisory subgroups are Group "A"- financially solid
institutions with only a few minor weaknesses, Group "B"- institutions with
weaknesses which, if uncorrected, could cause substantial deterioration of the
institution and increased risk to the insurance fund and Group "C"- institutions
with a substantial probability of loss to the fund absent effective corrective
action. The three capital categories are well capitalized; adequately
capitalized; and undercapitalized. These three categories are substantially the
same as the prompt corrective action categories previously described, with the
undercapitalized category including institutions that are undercapitalized,
significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized for prompt
corrective action purposes.

     Future assessment rates will be based on capital levels and bank
regulators' ratings as is required by FDICIA. In addition, the bank will be
required to make payments for the servicing of obligations of the Financing
Corporation (FICO) issued in connection with the resolution of savings and loan
associations, so long as such obligations remain outstanding.

     Under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, insurance of deposits may be
terminated by the FDIC upon a finding that the institution has engaged in unsafe
and unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue
operations, or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order, or
condition imposed by the FDIC.

SAFETY AND SOUNDNESS STANDARDS

Federal banking agencies promulgate safety and soundness standards relating to
internal controls, information systems and internal audit systems, loan
documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset growth,
compensation, fees, and benefits. With respect to internal controls, information
systems and internal audit systems, the standards describe the functions that
adequate internal controls and information systems must be able to perform,
including: (i) monitoring adherence to prescribed policies; (ii) effective risk
management; (iii) timely and accurate financial, operations, and regulatory
reporting; (iv) safeguarding and managing assets; and (v) compliance with
applicable laws and regulations. The standards also include requirements that:
(i) those performing internal audits be qualified and independent; (ii) internal
controls and information systems be tested and reviewed; (iii) corrective
actions be adequately documented; and (iv) that results of an audit be made
available for review of management actions.


LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS

On November 12, 1999, the President signed the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act into law.
Effective as of March 11, 2000, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act:

*  allows bank holding companies meeting management, capital and CRA standards
   to engage in a substantially broader range of nonbanking activities than was
   previously permissible, including insurance underwriting and making merchant
   banking investments in commercial and financial companies;

*  allows insurers and other financial services companies to acquire banks;

*  removes various restrictions that previously applied to bank holding company
   ownership of securities firms and mutual fund advisory companies; and

*  establishes the overall regulatory structure applicable to bank holding
   companies that also engage in insurance and securities operations.

     In order for a bank holding company to engage in the broader range of
activities that are permitted by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, (1) all of its
depository institutions must be well-capitalized and well-managed and (2) it
must file a declaration with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System (the "Federal Reserve Board") that it elects to be a "financial holding
company".


                                       I-6
<PAGE>   9
In addition, to commence any new activity permitted by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley
Act and to acquire any company engaged in any new activities permitted by the
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, each insured depository institution of the financial
holding company must have received at least a "Satisfactory" rating in its most
recent examination under the Community Reinvestment Act. Although the Company
currently meets the requirements to engage in the activities that are permitted
by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, it has not yet determined whether to become a
"financial holding company".

     The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act also modified laws related to financial privacy
and community reinvestment. The new financial privacy provisions generally
prohibit financial institutions, including the Company, from disclosing
nonpublic personal financial information to third parties unless customers have
the opportunity to "opt out" of the disclosure.

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED STATISTICAL INFORMATION


  I.     Distribution of Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity; Interest
         Rates and Interest Differential.

The information appearing on pages 57, 58, and 59 of the Company's 1999 Annual
Report is incorporated by reference herein.


 II.     Investment Portfolio

A summary of the Company's investment securities by type with related carrying
values at the end of each of the most recent three fiscal years appears on page
47 of the Company's 1999 Annual Report and is incorporated herein by reference.
Information regarding book values and range of maturities by type of security
and weighted average yields for totals of each category is presented in the
Company's 1999 Annual Report on pages 23 and 24 and is incorporated by reference
herein. The average yield by maturity range is not available.



III.     Loan Portfolio

A table setting forth the composition of the Company's loan portfolio, net of
unearned discounts, at the end of each of the most recent five fiscal years
appears on page 48 of the Company's 1999 Annual Report and is incorporated
herein by reference.

   A table setting forth the maturities and sensitivity to changes in interest
rates of the Company's commercial and industrial and foreign loans at December
31, 1999 appears on page 48 of the Company's 1999 Annual Report and is
incorporated herein by reference.

   It is the policy of the Company to consider all customer requests for
extensions of original maturity dates (rollovers), whether in whole or in part,
as though each was an application for a new loan subject to standard approval
criteria, including credit evaluation. The information appearing in the
Company's 1999 Annual Report beginning on page 48 under the caption "Loan
Portfolio", page 25 in footnote 5 and on page 20 in footnote 1 under the caption
"Loans" is incorporated by reference herein.

   A table setting forth the aggregate amount of domestic non-accrual, past due
and restructured loans of the Company at the end of each of the most recent five
fiscal years appears on page 49 of the Company's 1999 Annual Report and is
incorporated herein by reference; there were no foreign loans accounted for on a
nonaccrual basis and there were no troubled debt restructurings for any types of
loans. Loans contractually past due 90 days or more as to principal or interest
and still accruing are loans which are both well-secured or guaranteed by
financially responsible third parties and are in the process of collection.

                                       I-7
<PAGE>   10
 IV. Summary of Loan Loss Experience

The information appearing in the Company's 1999 Annual Report beginning on page
25 in footnote 6 and beginning on page 49 under the caption "Asset Quality" is
incorporated by reference herein. A table setting forth certain information with
respect to the Company's loan loss experience for each of the most recent five
fiscal years appears on page 50 of the Company's 1999 Annual Report and is
incorporated herein by reference.

      The Company considers its allowance for loan losses to be adequate based
upon the size and risk characteristics of the outstanding loan portfolio at
December 31, 1999. Net losses within the loan portfolio are not statistically
predictable and changes in conditions in the next twelve months could result in
future provisions for loan losses varying from the level taken in 1999.

      To comply with a regulatory requirement to provide an allocation of the
allowance for possible loan losses, a table presenting the Company's allocation
of the allowance appears on page 51 of the Company's 1999 Annual Report and is
incorporated herein by reference. This allocation is based on subjective
estimates by management and may vary from year to year based on management's
evaluation of the risk characteristics of the loan portfolio. The information
appearing in the Company's 1999 Annual Report beginning on page 49 under the
caption "Asset Quality" is incorporated by reference herein. The amount
allocated to a particular loan category may not necessarily be indicative of
actual future charge-offs in a loan category.

  V. Deposits

Average deposits and average rates paid for each of the most recent three years
is presented in the Company's 1999 Annual Report on page 57 and is incorporated
by reference herein.

        Outstanding time certificates of deposit issued from domestic offices in
amounts of $100,000 or more and interest expense on domestic and foreign
deposits are presented in the Company's 1999 Annual Report on page 26 in
footnote 7 and is incorporated by reference herein.

        The table providing selected information with respect to the Company's
deposits for each of the most recent three fiscal years appears on page 51 of
the Company's 1999 Annual Report and is incorporated by reference herein.

        Interest expense for the most recent three fiscal years is presented in
footnote 7 on page 26 of the Company's 1999 Annual Report and is incorporated by
reference herein.

                                       I-8
<PAGE>   11
VI. Return on Assets and Equity

The Company's returns on average total assets and average shareholders' equity,
dividend payout ratio and average shareholders' equity to average total assets
for each of the most recent three years follow:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          Years Ended December 31,
                                                                                      --------------------------------
                                                                                       1999         1998        1997
                                                                                      ------      --------    --------

<S>                                                                                  <C>          <C>         <C>
Return on average total assets (Net income
   divided by average total assets)                                                    1.42%         1.37%       1.30%
Return on average shareholders' equity (Net
   income divided by average equity)                                                  14.23%        13.24%      13.20%
Dividend payout ratio (Dividends declared per
   share divided by net income per share)                                             27.98%        27.47%      26.64%
Average shareholders' equity to average total
   assets (Average equity divided by average
   total assets)                                                                      10.01%        10.33%       9.84%
</TABLE>


VII. Short-Term Borrowings

Balance and rate data for significant categories of the Company's Short-Term
Borrowings, for each of the most recent three years is presented in the
Company's 1999 Annual Report on page 27 in footnote 8 and is incorporated by
reference herein.


ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

The principal offices of the Company occupy one floor at 430 Park Avenue, New
York, N.Y. consisting of approximately 15,000 square feet. The lease for these
premises expires June 29, 2001. Annual rental commitments approximate $405,000.
Certain finance subsidiaries maintain offices in Great Neck, New York and
Richmond, Virginia.

            In addition to the principal offices, the bank maintains operating
leases for four branch offices, the International Banking Facility, an
Operations Center, and additional office space in New York City, Westchester,
Nassau and Suffolk counties (New York), in Mercer County (New Jersey) and in
Richmond and Virginia Beach (Virginia) with an aggregate of approximately
114,700 square feet. The annual office rental commitments for these premises
approximates $1,776,000. The leases have expiration dates ranging from 2000
through 2015 with varying additional renewal options. The bank also maintains a
branch located in Forest Hills owned by the bank (and not subject to a
mortgage).


ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Neither Registrant nor any of its subsidiaries is party to any material legal
proceedings.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

None.







                                      I-9
<PAGE>   12
                                     PART II


ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
        MATTERS


The information appearing on page 54 of the Sterling Bancorp 1999 Annual Report
under the caption "MARKET FOR THE COMPANY'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED SECURITY
HOLDER MATTERS" is incorporated by reference herein.



ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA


The information appearing on page 45 of the 1999 Annual Report under the caption
"SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA" is incorporated by reference herein.



ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
        OF OPERATIONS


The information appearing on pages 45 - 59 of the 1999 Annual Report under the
caption "MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS" is incorporated by reference herein. Supplementary data appearing
on page 43 footnote 23 of the 1999 Annual Report is incorporated by reference
herein.


ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES
         ABOUT MARKET RISK


The information appearing on pages 52 - 54 of the 1999 Annual Report under the
caption "ASSET/LIABILITY MANAGEMENT" is incorporated by reference herein.


ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA


The Company's consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 1999 and 1998
and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1999 and
the statements of condition of Sterling National Bank as of December 31, 1999
and 1998, notes thereto and Independent Auditors' Report thereon appearing on
pages 14 - 44 of the 1999 Annual Report, are incorporated by reference herein.


ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
        FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE


        None.





                                      II-1
<PAGE>   13
                                    PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

The information beginning on page 1 of the Sterling Bancorp Proxy Statement
dated March 13, 2000 under the caption "ELECTION OF DIRECTORS" and beginning on
page 8 of the same proxy statement under the caption "Security Ownership of
Directors and Executive Officers and Certain Beneficial Owners" are incorporated
by reference herein.

Executive Officers - This information is included pursuant to Instruction 3 to
Item 401 (b) and (c) of Regulation S-K:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                              Held
                                                                                            Executive
                                                                                             Office
Name of Executive           Title                                         Age                Since
- -----------------           ------------------------------------          ---              ---------
<S>                        <C>                                           <C>               <C>
Louis J. Cappelli           Chairman of the Board and
                             Chief Executive Officer,
                             Director                                      69                1967
John C. Millman             President, Director                            57                1986
Jerrold Gilbert             Executive Vice President, and General
                             Counsel                                       63                1974
John W. Tietjen             Executive Vice President, Treasurer
                             and Chief Financial Officer                   55                1989
John A. Aloisio             Senior Vice President                          57                1992
</TABLE>


All executive officers are elected annually by the Board of Directors and serve
at the pleasure of the Board. There are no arrangements or understandings
between any of the foregoing officers and any other person or persons pursuant
to which he was selected as an executive officer.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information beginning on page 3 of the Sterling Bancorp Proxy Statement
dated March 13, 2000 under the caption " Executive Compensation and Related
Matters" and on page 7 of the same Proxy Statement under the caption
"Transactions with the Company and Other Matters" are incorporated by reference
herein.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL
         OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The information beginning on page 8 of the Sterling Bancorp Proxy Statement
dated March 13, 2000 under the caption "Security Ownership of Directors and
Executive Officers and Certain Beneficial Owners" is incorporated by reference
herein.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

The information appearing on page 7 of the Sterling Bancorp Proxy Statement
dated March 13, 2000 under the caption "Transactions with the Company and Other
Matters" is incorporated by reference herein.



                                     III-1
<PAGE>   14
                                    PART IV


ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)      The documents filed as a part of this report are listed below:

         1. Financial Statements

            Annual Report to security holders, Sterling Bancorp 1999 Annual
         Report (This document is filed only to the extent of pages 14 through
         59 which are incorporated by reference herein).

         2. Financial Statement Schedules

            None

         3. Exhibits

            3 (i)(A)     Amended and restated Certificate of Incorporation filed
                         with the State of New York, Department of State, August
                         14, 1986 (Filed as Exhibit 3.3 to Registrant's Form
                         10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1986 and
                         incorporated by reference herein).

              (i)(B)     Certificate of Amendment of The Certificate of
                         Incorporation filed with the State of New York
                         Department of State, June 13, 1988 (Filed as Exhibit
                         3.5 to Registrant's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
                         December 31, 1988 and incorporated by reference
                         herein).

              (i)(C)     Certificate of Amendment of The Certificate of
                         Incorporation filed with the State of New York
                         Department of State, March 5, 1993 (Filed as Exhibit
                         4.1 to Registrant's Form 8-K dated March 5, 1993 and
                         incorporated by reference herein).

             (ii)(A)     By-Laws as in effect on March 15, 1993 (Filed as
                         Exhibit 3.3 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the
                         fiscal year ended December 31, 1992 and incorporated by
                         reference herein).

             (ii)(B)     Amendments to By-Laws adopted May 21, 1999 (Filed as
                         Exhibit 3 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the six
                         months ended June 30, 1999 and incorporated by
                         reference herein).

            4    (a)     Indenture relating to floating interest rate
                         convertible subordinated debentures, 4th series, due
                         November 1, 1999 (Filed as Exhibit 4(a) to Registrant's
                         Registration Statement 33-23877 and incorporated by
                         reference herein).

                 (b)     Indenture dated as of August 1, 1995 relating to
                         floating interest rate convertible subordinated
                         debentures, series V, due July 1, 2001 (Filed as
                         Exhibit T3C to Registrant's Application for
                         Qualification of Indenture No. 022-22183 and
                         incorporated by reference herein).




                                      IV-1
<PAGE>   15
         10      (i)     Employment Agreements, dated as of February 19, 1993
                         (Filed as Exhibits 3.4(a) and 3.4(b), respectively, to
                         the Registrant's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
                         December 31, 1992 and incorporated by reference
                         herein).

                           (a)      For Louis J. Cappelli
                           (b)      For John C. Millman

                (ii)     Amendments to Employment Agreements dated February 14,
                         1995 (Filed as Exhibits 3.10(ii)(a) and 3.10(ii)(b),
                         respectively to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the
                         fiscal year ended December 31, 1994 and incorporated by
                         reference herein).

                           (a)      For Louis J. Cappelli
                           (b)      For John C. Millman

               (iii)     Amendments to Employment Agreements dated February 8,
                         1997 (Filed as Exhibits 3.10(iii)(a) and 3.10(iii)(b),
                         respectively to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the
                         fiscal year ended December 31, 1995 and incorporated by
                         reference herein).

                           (a)      For Louis J. Cappelli
                           (b)      For John C. Millman

                (iv)     Amendments to Employment Agreements dated February 28,
                         1998 (Filed as Exhibits 3.10(iv)(a) and 3.10(iv)(b),
                         respectively to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the
                         fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 and incorporated by
                         reference herein).

                           (a)      For Louis J. Cappelli
                           (b)      For John C. Millman

                 (v)     Amendments to Employment Agreements dated February 19,
                         1999 (Filed as Exhibits 3.10(v)(a) and 3.10(v)(b),
                         respectively to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the
                         fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 and incorporated by
                         reference herein).

                           (a)      For Louis J. Cappelli
                           (b)      For John C. Millman

                (vi)     Amendments to Employment Agreements dated May 22,
                         1999(Filed as Exhibits 10(i)(a) and 10(i)(b),
                         respectively, to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the six
                         months ended June 30, 1999 and incorporated by
                         reference herein).

               (vii)     Form of change of Control Severance agreement entered
                         in on May 21, 1999 between the Registrant and each of
                         six executives (Filed as Exhibit 10(ii) to the
                         Registrant's Form 10-Q for the six months ended June
                         30, 1999 and incorporated by reference herein).

              (viii)     Amendments to Employment Agreements dated March 9, 1999
                         (Filed as Exhibits 3.10(viii)(a) and 3.10(viii)(b),
                         respectively to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the
                         fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 and incorporated by
                         reference herein).

                           (a)      For Louis J. Cappelli
                           (b)      For John C. Millman

                (ix)     Amendments to Employment Agreements dated February 24,
                         2000

                           (a)      For Louis J. Cappelli
                           (b)      For John C. Millman

         11       Statement re: Computation of Per Share Earnings.

         13       Annual Report to security holders, Sterling Bancorp 1999
                  Annual Report (This document is filed only to the extent of
                  pages 14 through 59, which are incorporated by reference
                  herein).

         21       Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

         23       Consent of KPMG LLP Independent Certified Public Accountants

         27       Financial Data Schedule.

(b)   Reports on Form 8-K:

There were no reports on Form 8-K filed during the last quarter of the period
covered by this report.






                                      IV-2
<PAGE>   16
                                   SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, The Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.



                                STERLING BANCORP




                         /s/      Louis J. Cappelli
                         ------------------------------
                           Louis J. Cappelli, Chairman
                          (Principal Executive Officer)

                                 March 29, 2000
                             ----------------------
                                      Date


                         /s/      John W. Tietjen
                        ----------------------------
                           John W. Tietjen, Treasurer
                  (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

                                  March 29, 2000
                            ----------------------
                                      Date


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and
in the capacities and on the dates indicated:




March 29, 2000                /s/       Louis J. Cappelli            Director
- ----------------              ----------------------------       ---------------
    (Date)                               (Signature)                   (Title)

March 29, 2000                /s/       John C. Millman              Director
- ----------------              ----------------------------       ---------------
    (Date)                               (Signature)                   (Title)

March 29, 2000                /s/       Lillian Berkman              Director
- ----------------              ----------------------------       ---------------
    (Date)                               (Signature)                   (Title)

March 29, 2000                /s/       Walter Feldesman             Director
- ----------------              ----------------------------       ---------------
    (Date)                               (Signature)                   (Title)

March 29, 2000                /s/       Henry J. Humphreys           Director
- ----------------              ----------------------------       ---------------
    (Date)                               (Signature)                   (Title)

March 29, 2000                /s/       Robert Abrams                Director
- ----------------              ----------------------------       ---------------
    (Date)                               (Signature)                   (Title)
<PAGE>   17
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             WASHINGTON D.C. 20549



                                DOCUMENTS FILED

                                   AS A PART

                                 OF THIS REPORT

                                       ON

                                   FORM 10-K

                              ANNUAL REPORT - 1999











                             ----------------------



                                STERLING BANCORP




<PAGE>   18

                                 DOCUMENT INDEX

1.  Financial Statements

                              Annual Report to security holders, Sterling
                              Bancorp 1999 Annual Report (This document is filed
                              only to the extent of pages 14 through 59 which
                              are incorporated by reference herein).

2.  Financial Statement Schedules

         None

3.  Exhibits

                  3   (i)(A)  Amended and restated Certificate of Incorporation
                              filed with the State of New York, Department of
                              State, August 14, 1986 (Filed as Exhibit 3.3 to
                              Registrant's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
                              December 31, 1986 and incorporated by reference
                              herein).

                      (i)(B)  Certificate of Amendment of The Certificate of
                              Incorporation filed with the State of New York
                              Department of State, June 13, 1988 (Filed as
                              Exhibit 3.5 to Registrant's Form 10-K for the
                              fiscal year ended December 31, 1988 and
                              incorporated by reference herein).

                      (i)(C)  Certificate of Amendment of The Certificate of
                              Incorporation filed with the State of New York
                              Department of State, March 5, 1993 (Filed as
                              Exhibit 4.1 to Registrant's Form 8-K dated March
                              5, 1993 and incorporated by reference herein).


                     (ii)(A)  By-Laws as in effect on March 15, 1993 (Filed as
                              Exhibit 3.3 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the
                              fiscal year ended December 31, 1992 and
                              incorporated by reference herein).

                     (ii)(B)  Amendments to By-Laws adopted May 21, 1999 (Filed
                              as Exhibit 3 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the
                              six months ended June 30, 1999 and incorporated by
                              reference herein).

                  4      (a)  Indenture relating to floating interest rate
                              convertible subordinated debentures, 4th series,
                              due November 1, 1999 (Filed as Exhibit 4(a) to
                              Registrant's Registration Statement 33-23877 and
                              incorporated by reference herein).

                         (b)  Indenture dated as of August 1, 1995 relating to
                              floating interest rate convertible subordinated
                              debentures, series V, due July 1, 2001 (Filed as
                              Exhibit T3C to Registrant's Application for
                              Qualification of Indenture No. 022-22183 and
                              incorporated by reference herein).

                 10   (i)     Employment Agreements, dated as of February 19,
                              1993 (Filed as Exhibits 3.4(a) and 3.4(b),
                              respectively, to the Registrant's Form 10-K for
                              the fiscal year ended December 31, 1992 and
                              incorporated by reference herein).

                                    (a)      For Louis J. Cappelli
                                    (b)      For John C. Millman

                     (ii)     Amendments to Employment Agreements dated February
                              14, 1995 (Filed as Exhibits 3.10(ii)(a) and
                              3.10(ii)(b), respectively to the Registrant's Form
                              10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994
                              and incorporated by reference herein). (a) For
                              Louis J. Cappelli (b) For John C. Millman

                    (iii)     Amendments to Employment Agreements dated February
                              8, 1997 (Filed as Exhibits 3.10(iii)(a) and
                              3.10(iii)(b), respectively to the Registrant's
                              Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
                              1995 and incorporated by reference herein).
<PAGE>   19
                     (iv)     Amendments to Employment Agreements dated February
                              28, 1998 (Filed as Exhibits 3.10(iv)(a) and
                              3.10(iv)(b), respectively to the Registrant's Form
                              10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997
                              and incorporated by reference herein).

                                    (a)      For Louis J. Cappelli
                                    (b)      For John C. Millman

                      (v)     Amendments to Employment Agreements dated February
                              19, 1999 (Filed as Exhibits 3.10(v)(a) and
                              3.10(v)(b), respectively to the Registrant's Form
                              10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998
                              and incorporated by reference herein).

                                    (a)      For Louis J. Cappelli
                                    (b)      For John C. Millman

                     (vi)     Amendments to Employment Agreements dated May 22,
                              1999(Filed as Exhibits 10(i)(a) and 10(i)(b),
                              respectively, to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for
                              the six months ended June 30, 1999 and
                              incorporated by reference herein).

                    (vii)     Form of change of Control Severance agreement
                              entered in on May 21, 1999 between the Registrant
                              and each of six executives (Filed as Exhibit
                              10(ii) to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the six
                              months ended June 30, 1999 and incorporated by
                              reference herein).

                    (viii)    Amendments to Employment Agreements dated March 9,
                              1999(Filed as Exhibits 3.10(viii)(a) and
                              3.10(viii)(b), respectively, to the Registrant's
                              Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
                              1998 and incorporated by reference herein).

                                    (a)      For Louis J. Cappelli
                                    (b)      For John C. Millman

                     (ix)     Amendments to Employment Agreements dated February
                              24, 2000

                                    (a)      For Louis J. Cappelli
                                    (b)      For John C. Millman

         11                   Statement re: Computation of Per Share Earnings.

         13                   Annual Report to security holders, Sterling
                              Bancorp 1999 Annual Report (This document is filed
                              only to the extent of pages 14 through 59, which
                              are incorporated by reference herein).

         21                   Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

         23                   Consent of KPMG LLP Independent Certified Public
                              Accountants

         27                   Financial Data Schedule.

(b)   Reports on Form 8-K:

There were no reports on Form 8-K filed during the last quarter of the period
covered by this report.
<PAGE>   20
                                  EXHIBIT INDEX

          Exhibit
          Number
          ------
          3    (i)(A)       Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
                            filed with the State of New York, Department of
                            State, August 14, 1986 (Filed as Exhibit 3.3 to
                            Registrant's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
                            December 31, 1986 and incorporated by reference
                            herein).

               (i)(B)       Certificate of Amendment of The Certificate of
                            Incorporation filed with the State of New York
                            Department of State, June 13, 1988 (Filed as Exhibit
                            3.5 to Registrant's Form 10-K for the fiscal year
                            ended December 31, 1988 and incorporated by
                            reference herein).

               (i)(C)       Certificate of Amendment of The Certificate of
                            Incorporation filed with the State of New York
                            Department of State, March 5, 1993 (Filed as Exhibit
                            4.1 to Registrant's Form 8-K dated March 5, 1993 and
                            incorporated by reference herein).

              (ii)          By-Laws as in effect on March 15, 1993 (Filed as
                            Exhibit 3.3 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the
                            fiscal year ended December 31, 1992 and incorporated
                            by reference herein).

          4       (a)       Indenture relating to floating interest rate
                            convertible subordinated debentures, 4th series, due
                            November 1, 1999 (Filed as Exhibit 4(a) to
                            Registrant's Registration Statement 33-23877 and
                            incorporated by reference herein).

                  (b)       Indenture dated as of August 1, 1995 relating to
                            floating interest rate convertible subordinated
                            debentures, series V, due July 1, 2001 (Filed as
                            Exhibit T3C to Registrant's Application for
                            Qualification of Indenture No. 022-22183 and
                            incorporated by reference herein).

         10    (i)          Employment Agreements, dated as of February 19, 1993
                            (Filed as Exhibits 3.4(a) and 3.4(b), respectively,
                            to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the fiscal year
                            ended December 31, 1992 and incorporated by
                            reference herein).

                                    (a)      For Louis J. Cappelli
                                    (b)      For John C. Millman

              (ii)          Amendments to Employment Agreements dated February
                            14, 1995 (Filed as Exhibits 3.10(ii)(a) and
                            3.10(ii)(b), respectively, to the Registrant's Form
                            10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994 and
                            incorporated by reference herein).

                                    (a)      For Louis J. Cappelli
                                    (b)      For John C. Millman


              (iii)         Amendments to Employment Agreements dated February
                            8, 1997 (Filed as Exhibits 3.10(iii)(a) and
                            3.10(iii)(b), respectively to the Registrant's Form
                            10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995 and
                            incorporated by reference herein).

                                    (a)      For Louis J. Cappelli
                                    (b)      For John C. Millman
<PAGE>   21
               (iv)         Amendments to Employment Agreements dated February
                            28, 1998 (Filed as Exhibits 3.10(iv)(a) and
                            3.10(iv)(b), respectively to the Registrant's Form
                            10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 and
                            incorporated by reference herein).

                                    (a)      For Louis J. Cappelli
                                    (b)      For John C. Millman

                (v)         Amendments to Employment Agreements dated February
                            19, 1999 (Filed as Exhibits 3.10(v)(a) and
                            3.10(v)(b), respectively to the Registrant's Form
                            10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 and
                            incorporated by reference herein).

                                    (a)      For Louis J. Cappelli
                                    (b)      For John C. Millman (vi)

                            Amendments to Employment Agreements dated May 22,
                            1999 (Filed as Exhibits 10(i)(a) and 10(i)(b),
                            respectively, to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the
                            six months ended June 30, 1999 and incorporated by
                            reference herein).

                            (vii) Form of change of Control Severance agreement
                            entered in on May 21, 1999 between the Registrant
                            and each of six executives (Filed as Exhibit 10(ii)
                            to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the six months
                            ended June 30, 1999 and incorporated by reference
                            herein).

              (viii)        Amendments to Employment Agreements dated March 9,
                            1999 (Filed as Exhibits 10(viii)(a) and 10(viii)(b),
                            respectively, to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the
                            fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 and incorporated
                            by reference herein).

                                    (a)      For Louis J. Cappelli
                                    (b)      For John C. Millman

               (ix)         Amendments to Employment Agreements dated February
                            24, 2000

                                    (a)      For Louis J. Cappelli
                                    (b)      For John C. Millman

         11                 Statement re: Computation of Per Share Earnings.

         13                 Annual Report to security holders, Sterling Bancorp
                            1999 Annual Report (This document is filed only to
                            the extent of pages 14 through 59, which are
                            incorporated by reference herein).

         21                 Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

         23                 Consent of KPMG LLP Independent Certified Public
                            Accountants

         27                 Financial Data Schedule.

<PAGE>   1
                                                              Exhibit 10 (ix)(a)

                                  [LETTERHEAD]



                                February 24, 2000






Mr. Louis J. Cappelli
Chairman
Sterling Bancorp
430 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10022

Dear Mr. Cappelli:

This will confirm the following amendment to your employment agreement, dated
February 19, 1993 (as amended, February 14, 1995, February 8, 1996, February 28
1997, February 19, 1998, May 22, 1998 and March 9, 1999), with our Company:

         The date in the third line of Paragraph 1 (captioned "Term") is amended
         to December 31, 2004.

The foregoing amendment was recommended by the Compenstation Committee and was
approved by the Board of Directors at its February 17, 2000 meeting.

Kindly sign and return the enclosed copy to the Company in order to confirm your
understanding and acceptance of the foregoing amendment.

                                      Sincerely,

                                      STERLING BANCORP


                                      By: /s/ Jerrold Gilbert
                                          ----------------------------------
                                          Executive Vice President


Agreed:

/s/ Louis J. Cappelli
- --------------------------
    Louis J. Cappelli

<PAGE>   1
                                                              Exhibit 10 (ix)(b)

                                  [LETTERHEAD]



                                February 24, 2000





Mr. John C. Millman
President
Sterling Bancorp
430 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10022

Dear Mr. Millman:

This will confirm the following amendment to your employment agreement, dated
February 19, 1993 (as amended, February 14, 1995, February 8, 1996, February 28
1997, February 19, 1998, May 22, 1998 and March 9, 1999), with our Company:

         The date in the third line of Paragraph 1 (captioned "Term") is amended
         to December 31, 2002.

The foregoing amendment was recommended by the Compensation Committee and was
approved by the Board of Directors at its February 17, 2000 meeting.

Kindly sign and return the enclosed copy to the Company in order to confirm your
understanding and acceptance of the foregoing amendment.

                                      Sincerely,

                                      STERLING BANCORP


                                      By: /s/ Jerrold Gilbert
                                          -----------------------------------
                                          Executive Vice President


Agreed:

/s/ John C. Millman
- -----------------------------
    John C. Millman

<PAGE>   1
                                                                      Exhibit 11



                        STERLING BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
               STATEMENT RE COMPUTATION OF PER SHARE EARNINGS [1]


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         Years Ended December 31,
                                                         ----------------------------------------------------------
                                                             1999                    1998                  1997
                                                         ------------             -----------           -----------



<S>                                                      <C>                       <C>                 <C>
Net income                                               $ 14,563,952              $ 12,796,543        $ 10,888,403
Less: preferred dividends                                      65,587                    51,053              36,264
                                                         ------------              ------------        ------------
NET INCOME AVAILABLE FOR COMMON SHAREHOLDERS               14,498,365                12,745,490          10,852,139
Add: interest on convertible subordinated debt                     --                        --             136,709
                                                          -----------              ------------        ------------
NET INCOME ADJUSTED FOR DILUTED COMPUTATION              $ 14,498,365              $ 12,745,490        $ 10,988,848
                                                         ============              ============        ============

WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING                  8,485,017                 8,639,857           8,272,874
Add dilutive effect of:
      Stock options [2]                                       121,552                   240,644             120,020
      Convertible preferred stock                             242,670                   244,587             246,922
      Convertible subordinated debt                            --                        --                 361,584
                                                         ------------              ------------        ------------
ADJUSTED FOR ASSUMED DILUTED COMPUTATION                    8,849,239                 9,125,088           9,001,400
                                                         ============              ============        ============

BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE                                        $1.71                     $1.48               $1.31
                                                                =====                     =====               =====
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARES                                     $1.64                     $1.40               $1.22
                                                                =====                     =====               =====
</TABLE>







[1]         The parent company's Board of Directors announced on November 18,
            1999, the declaration of a 5% stock dividend payable on December 14,
            1999 to shareholders of record on that date. Fractional shares were
            cashed-out and payments were made to shareholders in lieu of
            fractional shares. The basic and diluted average number of shares
            outstanding and earnings per share information for all prior
            reporting periods have been restated to reflect the effect of the
            stock dividend.

[2]         Options issued with exercise prices greater than the average market
            price of the common shares for each of the years ended December 31,
            1999, 1998 and 1997 have not been included in computation of diluted
            EPS for those respective years. As of December 31, 1999, 628,950
            options to purchase shares at prices between $19.77 and $26.67 were
            not included; as of December 31, 1998, options to purchase 16,800
            shares at a price of $26.67 were not included; as of December 31,
            1997, no options were excluded.




<PAGE>   1

                                                                      Exhibit 13

                              FINANCIAL INFORMATION

               Consolidated Financial Statements               14

               Consolidated Statements of Condition            19

               Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements      20

               Independent Auditors' Report                    44

               Management's Discussion and Analysis of
               Financial Condition and Results of Operations   45


<PAGE>   2

                        Sterling Bancorp and Subsidiaries
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,                                                                             1999                1998
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                 <C>                 <C>
Assets
Cash and due from banks                                                             $    35,505,342     $    43,311,268
Interest-bearing deposits with other banks                                                  515,000             515,000

Securities available for sale (at estimated market value)                               162,463,715         145,060,902
Securities held to maturity (estimated market value $286,220,249 and
  $185,425,123, respectively)                                                           294,938,717         184,745,325
                                                                                    -----------------------------------
      Total investment securities                                                       457,402,432         329,806,227
                                                                                    -----------------------------------
Loans, net of unearned discounts                                                        689,096,080         640,206,308
Less allowance for possible loan losses                                                  11,116,848          10,156,077
                                                                                    -----------------------------------
      Loans, net                                                                        677,979,232         630,050,231
                                                                                    -----------------------------------
Customers' liability under acceptances                                                    3,888,140             609,431
Excess cost over equity in net assets of the banking subsidiary                          21,158,440          21,158,440
Premises and equipment, net                                                               5,847,842           6,294,654
Accrued interest receivable                                                               4,541,954           3,991,914
Other real estate owned                                                                     358,175           1,044,509
Other assets                                                                             11,690,695           7,663,541
                                                                                    -----------------------------------
                                                                                    $ 1,218,887,252     $ 1,044,445,215
                                                                                    ===================================

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Noninterest-bearing deposits                                                        $   291,807,803     $   329,020,287
Interest-bearing deposits                                                               570,712,149         373,782,181
                                                                                    -----------------------------------

      Total deposits                                                                    862,519,952         702,802,468
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase              118,238,418          99,429,027
Commercial paper                                                                         40,319,200          41,529,300
Other short-term borrowings                                                              10,993,363          12,771,325
Acceptances outstanding                                                                   3,888,140             609,431
Due to factoring clients                                                                 37,933,948          32,074,004
Accrued expenses and other liabilities                                                   18,704,104          11,678,336
Other long-term borrowings--FHLB                                                         21,050,000          41,400,000
                                                                                    -----------------------------------
      Total liabilities                                                               1,113,647,125         942,293,891
                                                                                    -----------------------------------
Commitments and contingent liabilities

Shareholders' Equity
  Preferred stock, $5 par value                                                           2,443,430           2,463,890
  Common stock, $1 par value. Authorized 20,000,000 shares;
    issued 8,723,051 and 8,310,284 shares, respectively                                   8,723,051           8,310,284
  Capital surplus                                                                        51,911,883          45,287,315
  Retained earnings                                                                      52,360,024          48,817,648
  Accumulated other comprehensive income:
    Net unrealized (depreciation) appreciation on securities available for sale,
      net of tax                                                                         (2,634,509)            538,840
                                                                                    -----------------------------------

                                                                                        112,803,879         105,417,977
  Less
    Common stock in treasury at cost, 357,993 and 101,693 shares, respectively            6,515,522           1,592,690
    Unearned compensation                                                                 1,048,230           1,673,963
                                                                                    -----------------------------------
      Total shareholders' equity                                                        105,240,127         102,151,324
                                                                                    -----------------------------------
                                                                                    $ 1,218,887,252     $ 1,044,445,215
                                                                                    ===================================
</TABLE>

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


14
<PAGE>   3

                        Sterling Bancorp and Subsidiaries
                        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,                                        1999           1998            1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                          <C>            <C>            <C>
Interest Income
  Loans                                                      $55,554,212    $52,216,562    $46,783,503
  Deposits with other banks                                      227,940        132,352        225,051
  Investment securities
    Available for sale                                         8,375,949      7,562,173      4,543,430
    Held to maturity                                          15,073,036     13,485,747     15,903,348
  Federal funds sold                                             555,774        564,622        370,741
                                                             -----------------------------------------
      Total interest income                                   79,786,911     73,961,456     67,826,073
                                                             -----------------------------------------

Interest Expense
  Deposits                                                    16,705,744     16,106,218     14,943,623
  Federal funds purchased and securities sold
    under agreements to repurchase                             5,021,305      4,002,161      4,480,085
  Commercial paper                                             1,780,107      1,719,857      1,298,916
  Other short-term borrowings                                    766,138        921,076        656,570
  Long-term convertible subordinated debentures                       --             --        250,060
  Other long-term borrowings--FHLB                             2,051,600      1,774,228        624,939
                                                             -----------------------------------------
      Total interest expense                                  26,324,894     24,523,540     22,254,193
                                                             -----------------------------------------
      Net interest income                                     53,462,017     49,437,916     45,571,880
Provision for loan losses                                      5,583,800      5,389,000      3,075,000
                                                             -----------------------------------------
      Net interest income after provision for loan losses     47,878,217     44,048,916     42,496,880
                                                             -----------------------------------------
Noninterest Income
  Factoring income                                             4,816,088      4,481,711      4,456,355
  Mortgage banking income                                      5,382,766      4,650,353      3,341,093
  Service charges on deposit accounts                          3,100,990      3,194,510      2,049,839
  Trade finance income                                         2,242,770      1,976,757      1,553,048
  Trust fees                                                     890,493        858,934        659,314
  Other service charges and fees                               1,387,348        939,636        847,392
  Net securities gains                                                --         86,291             --
  Other income                                                   123,945        260,149         64,888
                                                             -----------------------------------------
      Total noninterest income                                17,944,400     16,448,341     12,971,929
                                                             -----------------------------------------
Noninterest Expenses
  Salaries                                                    20,120,568     18,114,084     17,151,370
  Employee benefits                                            3,950,572      3,671,487      3,401,063
                                                             -----------------------------------------
      Total personnel expense                                 24,071,140     21,785,571     20,552,433
  Occupancy expense, net                                       3,459,987      3,321,081      3,084,946
  Equipment expense                                            2,622,960      2,455,347      2,389,691
  Other expenses                                              11,428,560     10,735,564      9,679,249
                                                             -----------------------------------------
      Total noninterest expenses                              41,582,647     38,297,563     35,706,319
                                                             -----------------------------------------
Income before income taxes                                    24,239,970     22,199,694     19,762,490
Provision for income taxes                                     9,676,018      9,403,151      8,874,087
                                                             -----------------------------------------
Net income                                                   $14,563,952    $12,796,543    $10,888,403
                                                             =========================================

Average number of common shares outstanding
  Basic                                                        8,485,017      8,639,857      8,272,874
  Diluted                                                      8,849,239      9,125,088      9,001,400
Earnings per average common share
  Basic                                                      $      1.71    $      1.48    $      1.31
  Diluted                                                           1.64           1.40           1.22
Dividends per common share                                           .50            .43            .37
</TABLE>

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


15
<PAGE>   4

                        Sterling Bancorp and Subsidiaries
                           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
                           OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,                                               1999            1998              1997
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                <C>              <C>              <C>
Net income                                                         $ 14,563,952     $ 12,796,543     $ 10,888,403
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
  Unrealized (losses)/gains on securities:
    Unrealized holding (losses)/gains arising during the period      (3,173,349)         388,150          107,373
    Less: reclassification adjustment for gains
        included in net income                                               --          (46,684)              --
                                                                   ----------------------------------------------
Comprehensive income, net of tax                                   $ 11,390,603     $ 13,138,009     $ 10,995,776
                                                                   ==============================================
</TABLE>

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


16
<PAGE>   5

                        Sterling Bancorp and Subsidiaries
                           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
                         CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,                                                1999              1998             1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                <C>               <C>               <C>
Preferred Stock
  Balance at beginning of year                                     $   2,463,890     $   2,486,730     $   2,506,600
  Conversions of Series B and Series D shares                            (20,460)          (22,840)          (19,870)
                                                                   -------------------------------------------------
  Balance at end of year                                           $   2,443,430     $   2,463,890     $   2,486,730
                                                                   =================================================

Common Stock
  Balance at beginning of year                                     $   8,310,284     $   8,262,500     $   7,725,533
  Conversions of subordinated debentures                                      --                --           519,480
  Conversions of preferred shares into common shares                       2,046             2,284             1,987
  Options exercised                                                       12,500            45,500            15,500
  Common shares issued in connection with stock dividend                 398,221                --                --
                                                                   -------------------------------------------------
  Balance at end of year                                           $   8,723,051     $   8,310,284     $   8,262,500
                                                                   =================================================

Capital Surplus
  Balance at beginning of year                                     $  45,287,315     $  44,775,759     $  38,619,434
  Conversions of subordinated debentures                                      --                --         5,975,019
  Conversions of preferred shares into common shares                      18,414            20,556            17,883
  Options exercised                                                      135,063           491,000           169,250
  Common shares issued in connection with stock dividend               6,471,091                --                --
  Forfeiture of shares issued under incentive compensation plan               --                --            (5,827)
                                                                   -------------------------------------------------
  Balance at end of year                                           $  51,911,883     $  45,287,315     $  44,775,759
                                                                   =================================================

Retained Earnings
  Balance at beginning of year                                     $  48,817,648     $  39,590,806     $  31,648,806
  Net income                                                          14,563,952        12,796,543        10,888,403
  Cash dividends paid--common shares                                  (4,074,846)       (3,515,636)       (2,900,466)
                     --preferred shares                                  (65,711)          (54,065)          (45,937)
  Stock dividend paid--common shares                                  (6,869,312)               --                --
                     --cash in lieu                                      (11,707)               --                --
                                                                   -------------------------------------------------
  Balance at end of year                                           $  52,360,024     $  48,817,648     $  39,590,806
                                                                   =================================================

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net
  Balance at beginning of year                                     $     538,840     $     197,374     $      90,001
                                                                   -------------------------------------------------

  Unrealized holding gains/(losses) arising during the period:
    Before tax                                                        (5,865,712)          717,461           197,779
    Tax effect                                                         2,692,363          (329,311)          (90,406)
                                                                   -------------------------------------------------
    Net of tax                                                        (3,173,349)          388,150           107,373
                                                                   -------------------------------------------------
  Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income
    Before tax                                                                --           (86,291)               --
    Tax effect                                                                --            39,607                --
                                                                   -------------------------------------------------
    Net of tax                                                                --           (46,684)               --
                                                                   -------------------------------------------------
  Balance at end of year                                           $  (2,634,509)    $     538,840     $     197,374
                                                                   =================================================

Treasury Stock
  Balance at beginning of year                                     $  (1,592,690)    $    (441,257)    $    (418,959)
  Purchase of common shares                                           (4,922,832)       (1,151,433)               --
  Forfeiture of shares issued under incentive compensation plan               --                --           (22,298)
                                                                   -------------------------------------------------
  Balance at end of year                                           $  (6,515,522)    $  (1,592,690)    $    (441,257)
                                                                   =================================================

Unearned Compensation
  Balance at beginning of year                                     $  (1,673,963)    $  (2,249,346)    $  (2,993,980)
  Forfeiture of shares issued under incentive compensation plan               --                --            28,125
  Amortization of unearned compensation                                  625,733           575,383           716,509
                                                                   -------------------------------------------------
  Balance at end of year                                           $  (1,048,230)    $  (1,673,963)    $  (2,249,346)
                                                                   =================================================

Total Shareholders' Equity
  Balance at beginning of year                                     $ 102,151,324     $  92,622,566     $  77,177,435
  Net changes during the year                                          3,088,803         9,528,758        15,445,131
                                                                   -------------------------------------------------
  Balance at end of year                                           $ 105,240,127     $ 102,151,324     $  92,622,566
                                                                   =================================================
</TABLE>

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


17
<PAGE>   6

                        Sterling Bancorp and Subsidiaries
                           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
                                   CASH FLOWS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,                                                          1999             1998               1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                           <C>               <C>               <C>
Operating Activities
  Net income                                                                  $  14,563,952     $  12,796,543     $  10,888,403
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
    provided by operating activities:
      Provision for loan losses                                                   5,583,800         5,389,000         3,075,000
      Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment                     1,890,313         1,686,199         1,465,620
      Deferred income tax provision (benefit)                                        15,080          (454,107)         (854,612)
      Net change in loans held for sale                                           9,123,907       (12,714,005)       (3,846,158)
      Net securities gains                                                               --           (86,291)               --
      Amortization of unearned compensation                                         625,733           575,383           716,509
      Amortization of premiums on investment securities                           1,840,417         2,107,863         1,357,973
      Accretion of discounts on investment securities                              (892,117)         (637,104)         (150,942)
      (Increase) Decrease in accrued interest receivable                           (550,040)          155,094           110,134
      Increase in due to factoring clients                                        5,859,944         1,275,394         7,658,106
      Increase (Decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities               7,025,768           117,886        (2,015,388)
      Other, net                                                                 (5,972,899)       (3,767,727)       (2,505,835)
                                                                              -------------------------------------------------
        Net cash provided by operating activities                                39,113,858         6,444,128        15,898,810
                                                                              -------------------------------------------------

Investing Activities
  Purchase of premises and equipment                                             (1,443,501)         (650,791)       (3,286,942)
  Net decrease in interest-bearing deposits with other banks                             --         2,495,000                --
  Decrease in Federal funds sold                                                         --                --         3,000,000
  Net increase in loans                                                         (58,013,679)      (69,010,458)      (89,119,131)
  Decrease (Increase) in other real estate owned                                    686,334          (299,073)         (364,336)
  Proceeds from prepayments, redemptions or maturities
    of securities--held to maturity                                              60,065,989        69,459,395        39,933,896
  Purchases of securities--held to maturity                                    (171,671,423)      (19,853,914)      (50,284,272)
  Proceeds from sale of securities--available for sale                                   --        14,965,434                --
  Proceeds from prepayments, redemptions or maturities--
    available for sale                                                          153,664,553       340,067,757        30,680,545
  Purchases of securities--available for sale                                  (176,469,337)     (350,247,181)     (101,959,442)
                                                                              -------------------------------------------------
        Net cash used in investing activities                                  (193,181,064)      (13,073,831)     (171,399,682)
                                                                              -------------------------------------------------

Financing Activities
  Net (decrease) increase in noninterest-bearing deposits                       (37,212,484)       16,558,798        82,484,706
  Net increase (decrease) in interest-bearing deposits                          196,929,968       (45,164,310)       74,500,913
  Net increase (decrease) in securities sold under agreements
    to repurchase                                                                47,809,391       (16,323,519)          608,146
  Net (decrease) increase in commercial paper and
    other short-term borrowings                                                  (2,988,062)       10,338,773       (19,027,839)
  (Decrease) Increase in other long-term borrowings--FHLB                       (20,350,000)       39,650,000       (12,750,000)
  (Decrease) Increase in Federal funds purchased                                (29,000,000)        9,000,000        18,000,000
  Purchase of treasury shares                                                    (4,922,832)       (1,151,433)               --
  Proceeds from exercise of stock options                                           147,563           536,500           184,750
  Cash dividends paid on preferred and common shares                             (4,140,557)       (3,569,701)       (2,946,403)
  Cash paid in lieu of fractional shares in connection with stock dividend          (11,707)               --                --
                                                                              -------------------------------------------------
        Net cash provided by financing activities                               146,261,280         9,875,108       141,054,273
                                                                              -------------------------------------------------
Net (decrease) increase in cash and due from banks                               (7,805,926)        3,245,405       (14,446,599)
Cash and due from banks--beginning of year                                       43,311,268        40,065,863        54,512,462
                                                                              -------------------------------------------------
Cash and due from banks--end of year                                          $  35,505,342     $  43,311,268     $  40,065,863
                                                                              =================================================

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activities:
  Debenture and preferred stock conversions                                   $      20,460     $      22,840     $   6,408,870
  Forfeiture of treasury shares                                                          --                --           (22,298)
  Issuance of common stock                                                          398,221                --                --
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
  Interest paid                                                                  25,298,166        25,256,440        23,607,904
  Income taxes paid                                                               8,573,024         7,487,552         9,793,000
</TABLE>

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


18
<PAGE>   7

                             Sterling National Bank
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONDITION

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,                                                                        1999                1998
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                           <C>                 <C>
Assets
Cash and due from banks                                                       $    35,344,570     $    43,215,888
Interest-bearing deposits with other banks                                            515,000             515,000

Securities available for sale (at estimated market value)                         162,409,401         145,000,334
Securities held to maturity (estimated market value $286,220,249 and
  $185,425,123, respectively)                                                     294,938,717         184,745,325
                                                                              -----------------------------------
      Total investment securities                                                 457,348,118         329,745,659
                                                                              -----------------------------------
Loans, net of unearned discounts                                                  649,554,159         591,076,395
Less allowance for loan losses                                                      8,944,702           7,861,384
                                                                              -----------------------------------
      Loans, net                                                                  640,609,457         583,215,011
                                                                              -----------------------------------
Receivables from affiliates                                                           660,570             669,394
Customers' liability under acceptances                                              3,888,140             609,431
Premises and equipment, net                                                         5,762,846           6,157,011
Accrued interest receivable                                                         4,564,403           3,978,189
Other real estate owned                                                               358,175           1,044,509
Other assets                                                                       10,470,419           6,570,141
                                                                              -----------------------------------
                                                                              $ 1,159,521,698     $   975,720,233
                                                                              ===================================

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Noninterest-bearing deposits                                                  $   299,716,917     $   330,441,058
Interest-bearing deposits                                                         589,699,315         382,382,957
                                                                              -----------------------------------
      Total deposits                                                              889,416,232         712,824,015
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase        118,238,418          99,429,027
Other short-term borrowings                                                        10,993,363          12,771,325
Due to affiliates                                                                   1,029,467             906,438
Acceptances outstanding                                                             3,888,140             609,431
Due to factoring clients                                                           37,933,948          32,074,004
Accrued expenses and other liabilities                                             13,577,702          11,058,871
Long-term borrowings--FHLB                                                         21,050,000          41,400,000
                                                                              -----------------------------------
      Total liabilities                                                         1,096,127,270         911,073,111
                                                                              -----------------------------------
Commitments and contingent liabilities

Shareholders' Equity
  Common stock, $50 par value
    Authorized and issued, 358,526 shares                                          17,926,300          17,926,300
  Surplus                                                                          19,762,560          19,762,560
  Undivided profits                                                                28,345,418          26,428,146
  Accumulated other comprehensive income:
    Net unrealized (depreciation) appreciation on securities
      available for sale, net of tax                                               (2,639,850)            530,116
                                                                              -----------------------------------
      Total shareholders' equity                                                   63,394,428          64,647,122
                                                                              -----------------------------------
                                                                              $ 1,159,521,698     $   975,720,233
                                                                              ===================================
</TABLE>

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


19
<PAGE>   8

                        Sterling Bancorp and Subsidiaries
                              NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Sterling Bancorp ("the parent company") is a bank holding company, as defined by
the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. Throughout the notes, the term
"the Company" refers to Sterling Bancorp and its subsidiaries. The Sterling
companies provide a full range of products and services, including business and
consumer loans, commercial and residential mortgage lending and brokerage,
asset-based financing, accounts receivable management, trade financing, leasing,
trust and estate administration and investment management services. Sterling has
operations in New York and Virginia and conducts business throughout the United
States.

      The following summarizes the significant accounting policies of Sterling
Bancorp and its subsidiaries.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the parent company
and its subsidiaries, principally Sterling National Bank ("the bank"), after
elimination of material intercompany transactions.

General Accounting Policies

The Company follows generally accepted accounting principles and prevailing
practices within the banking industry. Any preparation of financial statements
requires management to make assumptions and estimates that impact the amounts
reported in those statements and are, by their nature, subject to change in the
future as additional information becomes available or as circumstances vary.
Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years' consolidated
financial statements to conform to the current presentation.

Investment Securities

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 115,
"Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities," securities
are designated as available for sale or held to maturity at the time of
acquisition. Securities which the Company will hold for indefinite periods of
time and which might be sold in the future as part of efforts to manage interest
rate risk or in response to changes in interest rates, changes in prepayment
risk, changes in market conditions or changes in economic factors, are
classified as available for sale and carried at estimated market values. Net
aggregate unrealized gains or losses are included in a valuation allowance
account and are reported, net of taxes, as a component of shareholders' equity.
Securities which the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to
maturity are designated as held to maturity and are carried at amortized cost,
adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts over the period
to maturity. Interest and dividends on securities are reported in interest
income. Gains and losses realized on sales of securities are determined on the
specific identification method and are reported in noninterest income as net
securities gains.

Loans

Loans, other than those held for sale, are reported at their principal amount
outstanding, net of unearned discounts and unamortized nonrefundable fees and
direct costs associated with their origination or acquisition. Interest earned
on loans without discounts is credited to income based on loan principal amounts
outstanding at appropriate interest rates. Material origination fees net of
direct costs and discounts on loans are credited to income over the terms of the
loans using a method which results in an approximate level rate of return.

      Mortgage loans held for sale, including deferred fees and costs, are
reported at the lower of cost or market value as determined by outstanding
commitments from investors or current investor yield requirements calculated on
the aggregate loan basis. Gains or losses resulting from sales of mortgage
loans, net of unamortized deferred fees and costs, are recognized when the
proceeds are received from investors and are included under the caption
"Mortgage banking income."

      Nonaccrual loans are those on which the accrual of interest has ceased.
Loans, including loans that are individually identified as being impaired under
SFAS No. 114, are generally placed on nonaccrual status immediately if, in the
opinion of management, principal or interest is not likely to be paid in
accordance with the terms of the loan agreement, or when principal or interest
is past due 90 days or more and collateral, if any, is insufficient to cover
principal and interest. Interest accrued but not collected at the date a loan is
placed on nonaccrual status is reversed against interest income. Interest income
is recognized on nonaccrual loans only to the extent received in cash. However,
where there is doubt regarding the ultimate collectibility of the loan
principal, cash receipts, whether designated as principal or interest, are
thereafter


20
<PAGE>   9

applied to reduce the carrying value of the loan. Loans are restored to accrual
status only when interest and principal payments are brought current and future
payments are reasonably assured.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses, which is available for losses incurred in the
loan portfolio, is increased by a provision charged to expense and decreased by
charge-offs, net of recoveries.

      SFAS No. 114 and No. 118 address the accounting for impairment of certain
loans when it is probable that all amounts due pursuant to the contractual terms
of the loan will not be collected. Under the provisions of these standards,
individually identified impaired loans are measured based on the present value
of payments expected to be received, using the historical effective loan rate as
the discount rate. Alternatively, measurement may also be based on observable
market prices; or, for loans that are solely dependent on the collateral for
repayment, measurement may be based on the fair value of the collateral. Loans
that are to be foreclosed are measured based on the fair value of the
collateral. If the recorded investment in the impaired loan exceeds fair value,
a valuation allowance is required as a component of the allowance for loan
losses. Changes to the valuation allowance are recorded as a component of the
provision for loan losses.

      The adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is reviewed regularly by
management. Additions to the allowance for loan losses are made by a provision
charged to the expense. On a quarterly basis, a comprehensive review of the
adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is performed. This assessment is made
in the context of historical losses and other factors, including changes in the
composition and volume of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions and
the relationship of the allowance to the loan portfolio.

Excess Cost Over Equity in Net Assets of the Banking Subsidiary

The Company follows the provisions of SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of."
This statement establishes accounting standards for determining and measuring
the impairment of certain assets, including excess cost over equity in net
assets. Since the bank was acquired by the parent company prior to October 31,
1970 and the excess cost over equity in net assets has a continuing value, this
excess is not being amortized.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment, excluding land, are stated at cost less accumulated
depreciation and amortization. Land is reported at cost. Depreciation is
computed on a straight-line basis and is charged to noninterest expense over the
estimated useful lives of the related assets. Amortization of leasehold
improvements is charged to noninterest expense over the terms of the respective
leases or the estimated useful lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter.
Maintenance, repairs and minor improvements are charged to noninterest expenses
as incurred.

Income Taxes

The Company follows the provisions of SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income
Taxes," which requires the asset and liability method of accounting for income
taxes. Deferred income tax expense (benefit) is determined by recognizing
deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable
to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing
assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. The realization of
deferred tax assets is assessed and a valuation allowance is provided for that
portion of the assets for which it is more likely than not that it will not be
realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax
rates and will be adjusted for the effects of future changes in tax laws or
rates, if any.

      For income tax purposes, the Company files: a consolidated Federal income
tax return; combined New York City and New York State income tax returns; and
separate state income tax returns for its out-of-state subsidiaries. The parent
company either pays or collects on account of current income taxes to or from
its subsidiaries.

Statements of Cash Flows

For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash and
due from banks.

Stock Incentive Plans

The Company follows the provisions of SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation," which permits entities to recognize as expense over the vesting
period the fair value of all stock-based awards on the date of grant.
Alternatively, SFAS No. 123 also allows entities to continue to apply the
provisions of Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25 and provide pro
forma net income and pro forma earnings per share disclosures for employee stock
options grants made in 1995 and future years as if the fair-value based


21
<PAGE>   10

method defined in SFAS No. 123 had been applied. The Company has elected to
continue to apply the provisions of APB Opinion No. 25 and provide the pro forma
disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 123.

Earnings Per Average Common Share

The Company follows the provisions of SFAS No. 128, "Earnings per Share," which
require the presentation of basic earnings per share and, for entities with
complex capital structures, diluted earnings per share. Basic earnings per share
is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the
weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted
earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if
securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted
into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared
in the earnings of the Company.

      The Board announced on November 18, 1999, the declaration of a 5% stock
dividend payable on December 14, 1999 to shareholders of record on that date.
Fractional shares were cashed-out and payments were made to shareholders in lieu
of fractional shares. The basic and diluted average number of shares outstanding
and earnings per share information for all prior reporting periods have been
restated to reflect the effect of the stock dividend.

Off-Balance Sheet Instruments

The Company enters into interest rate floor contracts primarily to manage
interest rate exposure. These instruments are entered into as hedges against
interest rate risk associated with certain identified assets. The premiums paid
for these instruments are amortized to interest income over the term of the
related asset. Amounts receivable are accounted for on an accrual basis and are
recognized as adjustments to the interest income of the related assets.

NOTE 2. CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS

The bank is required to maintain average reserves, net of vault cash, on deposit
with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York against outstanding domestic deposit
liabilities. The required reserves, which are reported in cash and due from
banks, were $5,816,000 and $2,786,000 at December 31, 1999 and 1998,
respectively. Average required reserves during 1999 and 1998 were $4,912,000 and
$6,914,000, respectively.

NOTE 3. MONEY MARKET INVESTMENTS

The Company's money market investments include interest-bearing deposits with
other banks and Federal funds sold. The following table presents information
regarding money market investments.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,                                   1999              1998              1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                     <C>               <C>               <C>
Interest-bearing deposits with other banks
  At December 31  --Balance                             $   515,000       $   515,000       $ 3,010,000
                  --Average interest rate                      4.07%             3.59%             5.53%
                  --Average original maturity              173 Days          182 Days          176 Days
  During the year --Maximum month-end balance               715,000         2,880,000         7,010,000
                  --Daily average balance                   528,000         1,070,000         3,285,000
                  --Average interest rate earned               5.36%             5.03%             5.68%
                  --Range of interest rates earned        2.00-5.50%        1.00-5.30%        5.38-6.25%
                                                        ===============================================

Federal funds sold
  At December 31  --Balance                             $        --       $        --       $        --
                  --Average interest rate                        --                --                --
                  --Average original maturity                    --                --                --
  During the year --Maximum month-end balance            15,000,000        31,000,000        25,000,000
                  --Daily average balance                11,049,000        10,356,000         6,718,000
                  --Average interest rate earned               4.96%             5.45%             5.52%
                  --Range of interest rates earned        3.50-5.75%        4.25-5.85%        5.06-5.88%
                                                        ===============================================
</TABLE>


22
<PAGE>   11

NOTE 4. INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The amortized cost and estimated market value of securities available for sale
are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     Gross             Gross            Estimated
                                                                 Amortized         Unrealized       Unrealized            Market
December 31, 1999                                                   Cost             Gains            Losses              Value
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                             <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
U.S. Treasury securities                                        $ 24,854,055      $         --      $      7,180      $ 24,846,875
Obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies--
  mortgage-backed securities                                     102,458,468            23,637         4,080,894        98,401,211
Obligations of state and political institutions                   28,048,753            10,660           825,798        27,233,615
Other debt securities                                              5,000,000                --                --         5,000,000
Federal Reserve Bank and other equity securities                   6,972,142            10,651               779         6,982,014
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total                                                       $167,333,418      $     44,948      $  4,914,651      $162,463,715
==================================================================================================================================

<CAPTION>
December 31, 1998
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Treasury securities                                        $ 19,735,251      $         --      $      4,001      $ 19,731,250
Obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies--
  mortgage-backed securities                                      84,784,200           673,175           135,970        85,321,405
Obligations of state and political institutions                   18,770,310           454,857             8,180        19,216,987
Other debt securities                                             13,993,442                --                --        13,993,442
Federal Reserve Bank and other equity securities                   6,781,691            16,916               789         6,797,818
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total                                                       $144,064,894      $  1,144,948      $    148,940      $145,060,902
==================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

      The carrying value and estimated market value of securities held to
maturity are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     Gross             Gross           Estimated
                                                                 Carrying          Unrealized        Unrealized          Market
December 31, 1999                                                  Value             Gains             Losses            Value
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                             <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
Obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies--
  mortgage-backed securities                                    $292,938,717      $    111,210      $  8,829,678      $284,220,249
Debt securities issued by foreign governments                      2,000,000                --                --         2,000,000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total                                                       $294,938,717      $    111,210      $  8,829,678      $286,220,249
==================================================================================================================================

<CAPTION>
December 31, 1998
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                             <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
Obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies--
  mortgage-backed securities                                    $182,745,325      $  1,800,684      $  1,120,886      $183,425,123
Debt securities issued by foreign governments                      2,000,000                --                --         2,000,000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total                                                       $184,745,325      $  1,800,684      $  1,120,886      $185,425,123
==================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>


23
<PAGE>   12

      The following table presents information regarding securities available
for sale and securities held to maturity at December 31, 1999, based on
contractual maturity. Expected maturities will differ from contractual
maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with
or without call or prepayment penalties. The average yield is based on the ratio
of actual income divided by the average outstanding balances during the year.
The average yield on obligations of state and political subdivisions is stated
on a tax-equivalent basis.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   Estimated
                                                                 Amortized           Market    Average
Securities available for sale                                       Cost             Value      Yield
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                             <C>               <C>            <C>
U.S. Treasury securities
  Due within 1 year                                             $ 24,854,055      $ 24,846,875   4.67%
                                                                ------------------------------
Obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies--
  mortgage-backed securities                                     102,458,468        98,401,211   6.21
                                                                ------------------------------
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
  Due after 1 year but within 5 years                              1,742,418         1,728,021
  Due after 5 years                                               26,306,335        25,505,594
                                                                ------------------------------
    Total                                                         28,048,753        27,233,615   7.09
                                                                ------------------------------
Other debt securities
  Due within 1 year                                                5,000,000         5,000,000   5.30
                                                                ------------------------------
Federal Reserve Bank and other securities                          6,972,142         6,982,014   6.74
                                                                ------------------------------
    Total                                                       $167,333,418      $162,463,715   6.38
                                                                ==============================

<CAPTION>
Securities held to maturity
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>          <C>                                                <C>               <C>            <C>
Obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies--
  mortgage-backed securities                                    $292,938,717      $284,220,249   6.33%
                                                                ------------------------------

Debt securities issued by foreign governments
  Due after 1 year but within 5 years                              1,250,000         1,250,000
  Due after 5 years                                                  750,000           750,000
                                                                ------------------------------
    Total                                                          2,000,000         2,000,000   7.30
                                                                ------------------------------
    Total                                                       $294,938,717      $286,220,249   6.34
                                                                ==============================
</TABLE>

      Information regarding securities sales from the available for sale
portfolio is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,              1999                1998               1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                   <C>             <C>                    <C>
Proceeds                              $ --            $14,965,434            $ --
Gross gains                             --                 86,291              --
Gross losses                            --                     --              --
</TABLE>

      The carrying value of investment securities pledged to secure public funds
on deposit, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, advances from the
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York and for other purposes required by law is as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     1999                1998
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                               <C>                <C>
Secure funds on deposit                          $ 16,239,332        $ 26,955,948
Secure repurchase agreements                      122,362,030          60,909,831
Secure Federal Home Loan Bank advances             25,410,806          60,565,313
                                                 --------------------------------
  Total                                          $164,012,168        $148,431,092
                                                 ================================
</TABLE>


                                                                              24
<PAGE>   13

NOTE 5. LOANS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,                                         1999               1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                              <C>                <C>
Domestic
  Commercial and industrial                      $462,845,464       $465,734,367
  Lease financing                                  91,845,424         64,696,840
  Real estate--mortgage                            96,509,540        104,879,473
  Real estate--construction                         4,958,005                 --
  Installment                                      13,321,386         13,860,990
  Loans to depository institutions                 30,000,000                 --
Foreign
  Government and official institutions                783,359            787,256
                                                 -------------------------------
Loans, gross                                      700,263,178        649,958,926
  Less unearned discounts                          11,167,098          9,752,618
                                                 -------------------------------
Loans, net of unearned discounts                 $689,096,080       $640,206,308
                                                 ===============================
</TABLE>

      The Company originates certain residential mortgage loans with the
intention of reselling those loans, including the servicing rights, without
recourse. Residential mortgage loans held for sale, included in "Real
estate--mortgage," are $13,231,000 and $22,210,000 at December 31, 1999 and
1998, respectively.

      There are no industry concentrations (exceeding 10% of loans, gross) in
the commercial and industrial loan portfolio. Approximately 76% of the bank's
loans are to borrowers located in the metropolitan New York area.

      Nonaccrual loans at December 31, 1999 and 1998 totalled $1,417,000 and
$1,214,000, respectively. There were no reduced rate loans at December 31, 1999
or 1998. The interest income that would have been earned on nonaccrual loans
outstanding at December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 in accordance with their
original terms is estimated to be $39,000, $88,000 and $55,000, respectively,
for the years then ended. No interest income was realized for the aforementioned
years and there were no commitments to lend additional funds on nonaccrual
loans.

      Loans are made at normal lending limits and credit terms to officers or
directors (including their immediate families) of the Company or for the
benefits of corporations in which they have a beneficial interest. There were no
outstanding balances on such loans in excess of $60,000 to any individual or
entity at December 31, 1999 or 1998.

NOTE 6. CHANGES IN THE ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,                      1999               1998               1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                       <C>                <C>                <C>
Balance at beginning of year              $ 10,156,077       $  8,677,610       $  8,003,392
Provision for loan losses                    5,583,800          5,389,000          3,075,000
                                          --------------------------------------------------
                                            15,739,877         14,066,610         11,078,392
                                          --------------------------------------------------
Less charge-offs, net of recoveries:
  Charge-offs                                5,021,581          4,350,944          2,724,281
  Recoveries                                  (398,552)          (440,411)          (323,499)
                                          --------------------------------------------------
    Net charge-offs (recoveries)             4,623,029          3,910,533          2,400,782
                                          --------------------------------------------------
Balance at end of year                    $ 11,116,848       $ 10,156,077       $  8,677,610
                                          ==================================================
</TABLE>

      The Company follows SFAS No. 114, which establishes rules for calculating
certain components of the allowance for loan losses. SFAS No. 114 requires that
impairment of larger-balance, nonhomogenous loans that are individually
evaluated be measured by comparing the net carrying amount of the loan to the
present values of the expected future principal and interest cash flows
discounted at the loan's effective rate, the secondary market value of the loan,
or the fair value of the collateral for collateral-dependent loans. A valuation
allowance for any shortfall is established within the overall allowance for loan
losses. The net carrying amount of the loan reflects credit write-offs, cash
receipts applied to reduce the recorded investment in the loan, and unearned
fees. SFAS No. 114 does not apply to smaller-balance homogenous consumer loans
that are collectively evaluated for impairment, such as residential mortgages,
and consumer installment loans.


25
<PAGE>   14
      As of December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, $315,000, $286,000 and $808,000,
respectively, of loans were judged to be impaired within the scope of SFAS No.
114 and carried on a cash-basis. The average recorded investment in impaired
loans during the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, was approximately
$435,000, $589,000 and $526,000, respectively. The application of SFAS No. 114
indicated that these loans required valuation allowances, totaling $150,000,
$100,000 and $250,000 at December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively, which
are included within the overall allowance for loan losses.

NOTE 7. INTEREST-BEARING DEPOSITS

The following table presents certain information for interest expense on
deposits:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,                                         1999            1998              1997
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                          <C>              <C>              <C>
Interest expense
  Interest-bearing deposits in domestic offices
    Savings                                                  $    572,358     $    537,798     $    530,502
    NOW                                                         1,684,477        1,808,972          588,212
    Money Market                                                4,486,117        4,221,286        4,048,343
    Time
      Three months or less                                      4,949,566        5,282,470        4,382,256
      More than three months through twelve months              3,931,787        3,156,896        4,082,256
      More than twelve months through sixty months                958,559          953,362        1,154,252
                                                             ----------------------------------------------
                                                               16,582,864       15,960,784       14,785,821
  Interest-bearing deposits in foreign offices
    Time
      Three months or less                                         52,600           73,105           82,057
      More than three months through twelve months                 70,280           72,329           75,745
                                                             ----------------------------------------------
        Total                                                $ 16,705,744     $ 16,106,218     $ 14,943,623
                                                             ==============================================
</TABLE>

      Foreign deposits totaled $2,830,000 and $2,730,000 at December 31, 1999
and 1998, respectively.

      The aggregate of time certificates of deposit and other time deposits in
denominations of $100,000 or more by remaining maturity range and related
interest expense is presented below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,                                                     1999             1998             1997
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                          <C>              <C>              <C>
Domestic
  Three months or less                                       $ 83,352,007     $ 78,557,787     $ 70,173,286
  More than three months through six months                    40,840,515        6,538,501       13,028,032
  More than six months through twelve months                   29,671,064       15,044,812       21,722,086
  More than twelve months through twenty-four months              370,000          246,453        2,698,923
  More than twenty-four months through thirty-six months          233,908               --          120,000
                                                             ----------------------------------------------
    Total                                                     154,467,494      100,387,553      107,742,327
                                                             ----------------------------------------------
Foreign
  Three months or less                                          1,730,000        1,730,000        1,580,000
  More than three months through six months                     1,100,000        1,000,000        1,000,000
  More than six months through twelve months                           --               --          130,000
                                                             ----------------------------------------------
                                                                2,830,000        2,730,000        2,710,000
                                                             ----------------------------------------------
                                                             $157,297,494     $103,117,553     $110,452,327
                                                             ==============================================

<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,                                         1999             1998             1997
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                          <C>              <C>              <C>
Interest Expense
  Domestic Expense                                           $  5,165,518     $  5,310,269     $  4,931,786
  Foreign                                                         122,880          145,434          157,802
                                                             ----------------------------------------------
    Total                                                    $  5,288,398     $  5,455,703     $  5,089,588
                                                             ==============================================
</TABLE>


                                                                              26
<PAGE>   15

NOTE 8. SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS

The following table presents information regarding Federal funds purchased,
securities sold under agreements to repurchase, and commercial paper.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,                                 1999              1998              1997
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>               <C>
Federal funds purchased
  At December 31  --Balance                          $  5,000,000      $ 34,000,000      $ 25,000,000
                  --Average interest rate                    4.75%             5.69%             6.58%
                  --Average original maturity               1 Day             1 Day             1 Day
  During the year --Maximum month-end balance          24,000,000        34,000,000        25,000,000
                  --Daily average balance               5,529,000         1,630,000         3,112,000
                  --Average interest rate paid               5.38%             5.34%             5.82%
                  --Range of interest rates paid        4.00-6.25%        4.50-7.00%        5.25-7.00%
                                                     ================================================

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
  At December 31  --Balance                          $113,238,418      $ 65,429,027      $ 81,752,546
                  --Average interest rate                    5.18%             4.69%             5.51%
                  --Average original maturity             80 Days           66 Days           72 Days
  During the year --Maximum month-end balance         128,169,089       102,286,658        89,979,699
                  --Daily average balance              96,262,000        75,737,000        80,094,000
                  --Average interest rate paid               4.91%             5.15%             5.37%
                  --Range of interest rates paid        3.65-5.96%        4.25-5.85%        4.70-6.17%
                                                     ================================================

Commercial paper
  At December 31  --Balance                          $ 40,319,200      $ 41,529,300      $ 24,070,600
                  --Average interest rate                    4.80%             4.72%             5.22%
                  --Average original maturity             74 Days           51 Days          111 Days
  During the year --Maximum month-end balance          43,295,900        43,617,400        27,491,000
                  --Daily average balance              37,466,000        33,843,000        24,804,000
                  --Average interest rate paid               4.75%             5.08%             5.24%
                  --Range of interest rates paid        3.50-5.20%        2.50-5.30%        3.25-5.45%
                                                     ================================================
</TABLE>

      The parent company has agreements with its line banks for back-up lines of
credit for which it pays a fee at the annual rate of 1/4 of 1% times the line of
credit extended. At December 31, 1999, these back-up bank lines of credit
totaled $24,000,000; no lines were used at any time during 1999 and 1998.

      Other short-term borrowings include collateralized advances from the
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York due within one year and treasury tax and loan
funds. At December 31, 1999, Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings included an
advance of $350,000 repayable March 5, 2000 at a rate of 5.92%.

      At December 31, 1998, Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings included an
advance of $10,000,000 payable January 4, 1999 at a rate of 5.125% and an
advance of $350,000 repayable in March 1999 at a rate of 5.68%.

      At December 31, 1997, Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings included an
advance of $3,000,000 payable January 2, 1998 at a rate of 5.63%, an advance of
$250,000 repayable in March 1998 at a rate of 5.44% and advances of $12,500,000
repayable in October 1998 at rates between 5.05% and 5.17%.


27
<PAGE>   16

NOTE 9. OTHER LONG-TERM BORROWINGS

These borrowings represent advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York
("FHLB"), as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    December 31,
Advance                            Interest      Maturity      Initial      ---------------------------
 Type                                Rate          Date       Call Date         1999            1998
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                  <C>          <C>           <C>         <C>             <C>
Term                                 5.92%         3/5/00            --     $        --     $   350,000
Term                                 6.07          3/5/01            --         350,000         350,000
Term                                 6.22          3/5/02            --         350,000         350,000
Term                                 6.37          3/5/03            --         350,000         350,000
Callable                             4.93         2/17/08       2/17/99              --      10,000,000
Callable                             5.06         2/17/08       2/17/00      10,000,000      10,000,000
Callable                             5.13         2/17/08       2/17/01      10,000,000      10,000,000
Callable                             5.04         3/25/08       3/25/99              --      10,000,000
                                                                            ---------------------------
  Total                                                                     $21,050,000     $41,400,000
                                                                            ===========================
  Weighted-average interest rate                                                   5.15%           5.08%
</TABLE>

      Under the terms of a collateral agreement with the FHLB, advances are
secured by stock in the FHLB and by certain qualifying assets (primarily
mortgage-backed securities) having market values at least equal to 110% of the
advances outstanding. After the initial call date, each callable advance is
callable by the FHLB quarterly from the initial call date.

NOTE 10. PREFERRED STOCK

The parent company is authorized to issue up to 644,389 shares of convertible
preferred stock, $5 par value, in one or more series. At December 31, 1999 and
1998 two series of preferred stock had been issued--Series B and Series D.

      The following table presents information regarding the parent company's
preferred stock:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,                                                                          1999            1998
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                 <C>            <C>
Series B shares. Authorized 4,389 shares; issued and outstanding--1,230 shares,
  at liquidation value                                                              $   24,600     $   24,600
Series D shares. Authorized 300,000 shares; issued and outstanding--241,883 and
  243,929 shares, respectively, at liquidation value                                 2,418,830      2,439,290
                                                                                    -------------------------
    Total                                                                           $2,443,430     $2,463,890
                                                                                    =========================
</TABLE>

Series B

Series B shares may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the election of the
parent company at a price of $28 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends to
the date of redemption. In the event of involuntary liquidation of the parent
company, the holders of these shares are entitled to receive, before any
distribution to the holders of common shares, $20 per share ("liquidation
value"). At the option of holders of these shares, such shares are convertible
into common shares of the parent company at a conversion rate of two common
shares for each Series B share surrendered. There were no conversions during
1999 or 1998. Dividends on the Series B shares are paid at the rate of $.10 per
annum, payable semi-annually and are cumulative. Holders of these shares are
entitled to one vote for each share held and vote together as one class with the
holders of the common shares.

Series D

Series D shares may only be issued to the trustee acting on behalf of an
employee stock ownership plan ("ESOP") or other employee benefit plan of the
Company. The Series D shares are convertible into common shares of the parent
company on a share for share basis. During 1993, the parent company issued
250,000 shares to the trustee of the Company's ESOP. These shares are entitled
to receive cash dividends in the amount of $.6125 per annum (subject to
adjustment), payable quarterly. Participants in the Company's ESOP are entitled
to vote in accordance with the terms of the ESOP and vote together as one class
with the holders of the common shares. The holders of these shares are entitled
to receive $10 per share and certain other preferences on liquidation,
dissolution or winding up. During 1999 and 1998, 2,046 shares and 2,284 shares,
respectively, were converted into common shares. See Footnote 14 for a
discussion of the Company's ESOP.


                                                                              28
<PAGE>   17

NOTE 11. COMMON STOCK

Number of shares reserved for issuance:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          1999            1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                     <C>            <C>
Conversion of Series B preferred shares                     2,460          2,460
Conversion of Series D preferred shares                   291,883        293,929
                                                        ------------------------
                                                          294,343        296,389
                                                        ========================
Number of shares outstanding at December 31,            8,365,058      8,208,591
                                                        ========================
Number of shareholders at December 31,                      1,966          2,068
                                                        ========================
</TABLE>

NOTE 12. RESTRICTIONS ON THE BANK

Various legal restrictions limit the extent to which the bank can supply funds
to the parent company and its nonbank subsidiaries. All national banks are
limited in the payment of dividends without the approval of the Comptroller of
the Currency to an amount not to exceed the net profits (as defined) for that
year to date combined with its retained net profits for the preceding two
calendar years. In addition, from time to time dividends are paid to the parent
company by the finance subsidiaries from their retained earnings without
regulatory restrictions.

NOTE 13. STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

In April 1992, shareholders approved a Stock Incentive Plan ("the plan")
covering up to 100,000 common shares of the parent company. Under the plan, key
employees of the parent company and its subsidiaries could be granted awards in
the form of incentive stock options ("ISOs"), non-qualified stock options
("NQSOs"), stock appreciation rights ("SARs"), restricted stock or a combination
of these. The plan is administered by committees of the Board of Directors. In
April 1995, shareholders approved amendments to the plan which increased the
number of shares covered under the plan by 300,000 and which provided for the
annual automatic grant of NQSOs to each director who is not an employee or
officer ("outside director") of the Company. Under this provision annual NQSO
awards covering 2,000 common shares of the parent company are granted to each
outside director beginning April 1995 and continuing through April 1999. In
April 1997, 1998 and 1999 shareholders approved amendments to the plan which
increased the number of shares covered under the plan by 350,000, 400,000 and
400,000, respectively. After giving effect to stock option and restricted stock
awards granted and the effect of the 5% stock dividend paid in December 1999,
shares available for grant were 618,201, 628,950 and 504,450 at December 31,
1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

Stock Options

The following tables present information on the qualified and non-qualified
stock options outstanding, after the effect of the 5% stock dividend paid in
December 1999, as of December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 and changes during the
years then ended:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 1999                        1998                           1997
                                         ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Weighted-                  Weighted-                        Weighted-
                                                         Average                    Average                          Average
Qualified Stock Options                   Shares      Exercise Price   Shares    Exercise Price      Shares       Exercise Price
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                       <C>         <C>              <C>        <C>                <C>            <C>
Outstanding at beginning of year          474,661     $     14.97      400,111    $     12.21        208,950        $      9.60
Granted                                   151,200           19.83      129,150          23.58        222,661              14.77
Exercised                                  (8,400)          11.91      (38,850)         11.68        (13,650)             11.91
Forfeited                                  (3,150)          19.83      (15,750)         23.58        (17,850)             13.93
                                         ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding at end of year                614,311           16.18      474,661          14.97        400,111              12.21
                                         =======================================================================================
Options exercisable at end of year        273,737                      218,462                       190,050
                                         =======================================================================================
Weighted-average fair value of
  options granted during the year        $   4.54                     $   4.71                      $   4.34
                                         =======================================================================================
</TABLE>


29
<PAGE>   18

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 1999                         1998                       1997
                                          ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Weighted-                    Weighted-                   Weighted-
                                                       Average                       Average                     Average
Non-Qualified Stock Options               Shares    Exercise Price      Shares    Exercise Price   Shares     Exercise Price
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                       <C>            <C>          <C>             <C>          <C>             <C>
Outstanding at beginning of year          246,163        $21.44         63,988        $12.25         32,025        $ 8.97
Granted                                   195,300         19.66        191,100         23.96         34,588         15.00
Exercised                                  (4,725)        10.07         (8,925)         9.30         (2,625)         8.48
                                          ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding at end of year                436,738         20.77        246,163         21.44         63,988         12.25
                                          ==================================================================================

Options exercisable at end of year        189,805                       14,054                        8,400
                                          ==================================================================================
Weighted-average fair value of
  options granted during the year         $  5.64                     $   6.45                     $   4.03
                                          ==================================================================================
</TABLE>

      The following table presents information regarding qualified and
non-qualified stock options outstanding at December 31, 1999:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          Options Outstanding                               Options Exercisable
                     --------------------------------------------------------------      ---------------------------
                                                        Weighted-         Weighted-                       Weighted-
                      Range of         Number            Average           Average         Number          Average
                      Exercise       Outstanding        Remaining         Exercise       Exercisable      Exercise
                       Prices        at 12/31/99    Contractual Life        Price         12/31/99          Price
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                  <C>               <C>              <C>                <C>             <C>             <C>
Qualified            $6.91-23.58       614,311          7.2 years          $16.18          273,737         $11.73
Non-Qualified         6.91-26.67       436,738          4.6 years           20.77          189,805          22.15
</TABLE>

      Other than director NQSOs which expire five years from the date of grant
and become exercisable in four annual installments, starting one year from the
date of grant, or upon the death or disability of the grantee, stock options
generally expire ten years from the date of grant or, to the extent appropriate
to qualify to the maximum extent possible as ISOs vest in installments, subject
to earlier exercisability upon the death or disability of the grantee or other
specified events. Amounts received upon exercise of options are recorded as
common stock and capital surplus.

      The Company follows the provisions of SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation." The statement encourages, but does not require
companies to use a fair value-based method of accounting for stock-based
employee compensation plans, including stock options and stock appreciation
rights. Under this method, compensation expense is measured as of the date the
awards are granted based on the estimated fair value of the awards, and the
expense is generally recognized over the vesting period. If a company elects to
continue using the intrinsic value-based method under APB Opinion No. 25, pro
forma disclosures of net income and net income per share are required as if the
fair value-based method had been applied. Under the intrinsic method,
compensation expense is the excess, if any, of the market price of the stock as
of the grant date over the amount employees must pay to acquire the stock or
over the price established for determining appreciation. Under the Company's
current compensation policies, there is no such excess on the date of grant and
therefore, no compensation expense is recorded.

      The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant
using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              1999          1998        1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>           <C>           <C>
Dividend yield                                 3.25%          2.0%          2.5%
Volatility                                       25%           20%           20%
Expected term
  Qualified                                  4 years       4 years       3 years
  Non-qualified (Directors)                  4 years       4 years       4 years
  Non-qualified (Officers)                   8 years       8 years    8-10 years
Risk-free interest rate                        7.12%         5.32%         6.45%
</TABLE>


                                                                              30
<PAGE>   19

      The Company has elected to continue to apply APB Opinion No. 25 and
related interpretations in accounting for its stock incentive plan. Accordingly,
no compensation expense has been recognized in the consolidated statements of
income related to the plan. Had compensation expense been determined based on
the estimated fair value of the awards at the grant dates, the Company's net
income and earnings per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts
indicated in the table that follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,            1999               1998               1997
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>                <C>                <C>
Net income
  As reported                  $   14,564,000     $   12,797,000     $   10,888,000
  Pro forma                        13,628,000         12,381,000         10,700,000
Basic earnings per share
  As reported                            1.71               1.48               1.31
  Pro forma                              1.61               1.43               1.29
Diluted earnings per share
  As reported                            1.64               1.40               1.22
  Pro forma                              1.54               1.36               1.19
</TABLE>

      Pro forma net income reflects only options granted in 1999, 1998 and 1997.
Additionally, the full impact of calculating compensation expense for stock
options under SFAS No. 123 is not reflected in the pro forma net income above,
since such expense is apportioned over the vesting period of those options which
are expected to vest. Compensation expense for options granted prior to 1996 is
also not considered.

Restricted Stock

On January 3, 1996, 110,500 shares of restricted stock were awarded from
Treasury shares. The fair value was $12.50 per share. These awards vest to
recipients over a four-year period at the rate of 25% per year. The plan calls
for the forfeiture of non-vested shares which are restored to the Treasury and
become available for future awards. During 1999 and 1998, there were no shares
forfeited. Unearned compensation resulting from these awards is amortized as a
charge to noninterest expenses over a four-year period; such charges were
$320,833, $320,833 and $449,999 in 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The
balance of unearned compensation is shown as a reduction of shareholders'
equity. For income tax purposes, the Company is entitled to a deduction in an
amount equal to the average market value of the shares on vesting date and
dividends paid on shares for which restrictions have not lapsed.

NOTE 14. EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN

On March 5, 1993, the Company established an Employee Stock Ownership Plan
("ESOP"). This plan covers substantially all employees with one or more years of
service of at least 1,000 hours who are at least 21 years of age. During 1993,
the parent company issued 250,000 shares of Series D preferred stock at a price
of $10.00 per share to the Company's ESOP trust. The trust borrowed $2,500,000
from the bank to pay for the shares. The ESOP loan is at a fixed interest rate
for a term of ten years with quarterly payments of interest only through
December 31, 1995. Quarterly principal payments at an annual rate of $250,000
and $350,000 commence on March 31, 1996 and March 31, 1999, respectively, plus
interest. The bank match-funded the ESOP loan with collateralized advances from
the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York. The ESOP shares, pledged as collateral
for the ESOP loan, are held in a suspense account and released for allocation
among the participants as principal and interest on the ESOP loan is repaid.
Under the terms of the ESOP, participants may vote both allocated and
unallocated shares.

      The Company makes quarterly contributions to the ESOP equal to the debt
service on the ESOP loan less dividends paid on the ESOP shares. All dividends
paid are used for debt service. ESOP shares released from the suspense account
are allocated among the participants on the basis of salary in the year of
allocation. The Company accounts for its ESOP in accordance with Statement of
Position 93-6, "Employers' Accounting for Employee Stock Ownership Plans."
Accordingly, the Company initially recorded a deduction from shareholders'
equity equal to the purchase price of the shares reflecting such amount as
unearned compensation. The consolidated balance sheets report as unearned
compensation the remaining shares pledged as collateral. The unearned
compensation is reduced as payments are made on the loan and, as shares are
released from the suspense account, the Company recognizes compensation expense
equal to the current market price of the common shares into which the preferred
shares are convertible, and the shares become outstanding for earnings per share
computations. Dividends on unallocated ESOP shares are recorded as a reduction
of accrued interest payable; dividends on allocated ESOP shares are recorded as
a reduction of retained earnings. In addition, because the parent company
guaranteed a liquidation and redemption price of $10.00 per share, the amount,
if any, by which $10.00 exceeds the year-end market price of the parent company
common stock into which the outstanding Series D shares are convertible is
reflected outside shareholders' equity less its related shares of unearned
compensation for the unallocated shares.


31
<PAGE>   20

      Compensation expense was $304,900, $254,550 and $266,800 for 1999, 1998
and 1997, respectively, with a corresponding reduction in unearned compensation.
As of December 31, 1999, 114,687 shares had been allocated and 30,490 shares had
been released for allocation; 104,823 shares were not released ("unallocated").
The following table presents interest paid on the ESOP loan, dividends paid on
the Series D preferred shares and contributions made by the Company:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,                  1999           1998             1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                     <C>             <C>             <C>
Interest paid                           $122,862        $144,844        $163,919
Dividends paid                           148,467         149,839         151,139
Company contributions                         --              --          12,780
</TABLE>

NOTE 15. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN

The Company has a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan that covers
substantially all employees with one or more years of service of at least 1,000
hours who are at least 21 years of age. The quarterly payments to the plan are
determined annually based upon the amount needed to satisfy the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act funding standards.

      In February 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No.
132, "Employers' Disclosures About Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits."
SFAS No. 132 standardizes the disclosures for pension and other postretirement
benefits by requiring additional information that will facilitate financial
analysis, and by eliminating certain disclosures that are considered no longer
useful. The following tables set forth the disclosures required under SFAS No.
132:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Pension Benefits                                     1999              1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                              <C>               <C>
Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year          $ 14,122,359      $ 13,469,764
Service cost                                          862,903           698,446
Interest cost                                         955,902           872,194
Actuarial gain                                     (1,375,995)         (258,119)
Benefits paid                                        (629,018)         (659,926)
                                                 ------------------------------
Benefit obligation at end of year                $ 13,936,151      $ 14,122,359
                                                 ==============================

Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year        $ 17,441,784      $ 14,762,254
Actual return on plan assets                           60,591         2,839,603
Employer contributions                                     --           499,853
Benefits paid                                        (629,018)         (659,926)
                                                 ------------------------------
Fair value of assets at end of year              $ 16,873,357      $ 17,441,784
                                                 ==============================

Funded Status
Funded status                                    $  2,937,206      $  3,319,425
Unrecognized prior service cost                      (999,846)            2,534
Unrecognized net actuarial loss/(gain)                  5,154        (1,152,636)
                                                 ------------------------------
Prepaid benefits cost                            $  1,942,514      $  2,169,323
                                                 ==============================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,                                     1999             1998            1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>               <C>               <C>
Weighted-Average Assumptions
Discount rate                                       8.00%             6.75%             7.00%
Expected rate of return on plan assets              9.25              9.25              8.00
Rate of compensation increase                       5.00              4.00              4.50

<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,                          1999            1998            1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>               <C>               <C>
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Service cost                                 $   862,903       $   698,446       $   688,786
Interest cost                                    955,902           872,194           846,056
Expected return on plan assets                (1,589,376)       (1,356,833)         (957,893)
Amortization of prior service cost                (2,620)           (2,620)           (2,620)
Recognized net actuarial gain                         --                --            13,665
                                             -----------------------------------------------
Net periodic benefits cost                   $   226,809       $   211,187       $   587,994
                                             ===============================================
</TABLE>


                                                                              32
<PAGE>   21

NOTE 16. INCOME TAXES

The current and deferred tax provisions (benefits) for each of the last three
fiscal years are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,                        1999              1998              1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>               <C>               <C>
Federal
  Current                                    $ 8,257,539       $ 7,579,074       $ 6,628,015
  Deferred                                        15,080          (454,165)         (709,948)
                                             -----------------------------------------------
    Total                                    $ 8,272,619       $ 7,124,909       $ 5,918,067
                                             ===============================================

State and Local
  Current                                    $ 1,403,399       $ 2,278,184       $ 3,100,684
  Deferred                                            --                58          (144,664)
                                             -----------------------------------------------
    Total                                    $ 1,403,399       $ 2,278,242       $ 2,956,020
                                             ===============================================

Total
  Current                                    $ 9,660,938       $ 9,857,258       $ 9,728,699
  Deferred                                        15,080          (454,107)         (854,612)
                                             -----------------------------------------------
    Total                                    $ 9,676,018       $ 9,403,151       $ 8,874,087
                                             ===============================================
</TABLE>

      Reconciliations of income tax provisions with taxes or tax benefits
computed at Federal statutory rates are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,                        1999              1998              1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>               <C>               <C>
Federal statutory rate                                35%               35%               35%
                                             -----------------------------------------------
Computed tax                                 $ 8,483,990       $ 7,769,893       $ 6,916,872
Increase in tax resulting from:
  Principally state and local taxes,
    net of Federal income tax benefit          1,192,028         1,633,258         1,957,215
                                             -----------------------------------------------
      Total                                  $ 9,676,018       $ 9,403,151       $ 8,874,087
                                             ===============================================
</TABLE>


33
<PAGE>   22

  The components of the net deferred tax asset, included in other assets, are as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,                                                               1999             1998
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>              <C>
Deferred tax assets
  Difference between financial statement provision for loan losses
    and tax bad debt deduction                                          $ 3,908,257      $ 3,568,637
  Nonaccrual and other interest                                           1,867,836        1,859,115
  Deferred compensation                                                   1,039,060          750,859
  Other                                                                     229,552          163,275
                                                                        ----------------------------
      Total deferred tax assets                                           7,044,705        6,341,886
                                                                        ----------------------------
Deferred tax liabilities
  Pension and benefit plans                                                 824,664          611,929
  Other                                                                     602,610           97,446
                                                                        ----------------------------
      Total deferred tax liabilities                                      1,427,274          709,375
                                                                        ----------------------------
Net deferred tax asset                                                    5,617,431        5,632,511
SFAS No. 115 deferred tax asset/(liability)                               2,232,778         (459,575)
                                                                        ----------------------------
      Total net deferred tax asset                                      $ 7,850,209      $ 5,172,936
                                                                        ============================
</TABLE>

      Management believes, based upon current facts, that more likely than not
there will be sufficient taxable income in future years to realize the deferred
tax assets. However, there can be no assurance about the level of future
earnings.

NOTE 17. EARNINGS PER SHARE

SFAS No. 128, "Earnings per Share," simplified the standards for computing
earnings per share ("EPS") previously found in APB Opinion No. 15 and replaced
the presentation of primary and fully diluted EPS with the presentation of basic
and diluted EPS.

      Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income less preferred dividends on
Series B shares and allocated Series D shares, held on behalf of the Employee
Stock Ownership Plan, ("basic net income") by the weighted-average common shares
outstanding during the year.

      Diluted EPS is computed by dividing basic net income plus the after-tax
interest expense on outstanding convertible subordinated debentures by the
weighted-average common shares and common equivalent shares outstanding during
the year. The common equivalent shares outstanding include the weighted-average
number of Series B and Series D (held on behalf of the Employee Stock Ownership
Plan) preferred shares, the weighted-average shares associated with outstanding
subordinated debentures and the dilutive effect of unexercised stock options
using the treasury stock method. When applying the treasury stock method, the
average price of the Company's common stock is utilized.

      The following table provides a reconciliation of basic and diluted EPS as
required by SFAS 128:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Year Ended December 31,                                  1999                                  1998
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                              Per                                     Per
                                                 Income          Shares      Share       Income        Shares        Share
                                               (Numerator)   (Denominator)   Amount   (Numerator)   (Denominator)    Amount
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>             <C>          <C>       <C>              <C>          <C>
Basic EPS
Net income                                     $14,563,952                            $12,796,543
Less: preferred dividends                           65,587                                 51,053
                                               ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income available for common shareholders    14,498,365     8,485,017    $  1.71    12,745,490      8,639,857    $  1.48
                                               ============================================================================

Diluted EPS
Options[1]                                                       121,552                                 240,644
Convertible preferred stock                                      242,670                                 244,587
Convertible subordinated debt                           --            --                       --             --
                                               ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income available for common shareholders
  plus assumed conversions                     $14,498,365     8,849,239    $  1.64   $12,745,490      9,125,088    $  1.40
                                               ============================================================================


<CAPTION>
For the Year Ended December 31,                                   1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                               Per
                                                   Income        Shares       Share
                                                 (Numerator)  (Denominator)   Amount
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                               <C>            <C>         <C>
Basic EPS
Net income                                       $10,888,403
Less: preferred dividends                             36,264
                                                  ----------------------------------
Net income available for common shareholders      10,852,139     8,272,874   $  1.31
                                                 ===================================

Diluted EPS
Options[1]                                                         120,020
Convertible preferred stock                                        246,922
Convertible subordinated debt                        136,709       361,584
                                                  ----------------------------------

Net income available for common shareholders
  plus assumed conversions                       $10,988,848     9,001,400   $  1.22
                                                 ===================================
</TABLE>

[1]   Options issued with exercise prices greater than the average market price
      of the common shares for each of the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998
      and 1997 have not been included in computation of diluted EPS for those
      respective years. As of December 31, 1999, 628,950 options to purchase
      shares at prices between $19.77 and $26.67 were not included; as of
      December 31, 1998, options to purchase 16,800 shares at a price of $26.67
      were not included; as of December 31, 1997, no options were excluded.


                                                                              34
<PAGE>   23

NOTE 18. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

SFAS No. 107 "Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments," requires
the Company to disclose the "fair value" of certain financial instruments for
which it is practical to estimate "fair value."

      Much of the information used to arrive at fair value is highly subjective
and judgmental in nature and therefore the results may not be precise. The
subjective factors include, among other things, estimated cash flows, risk
characteristics, credit quality and interest rates, all of which are subject to
change. With the exception of investment securities and long-term debt, the
Company's financial instruments are not readily marketable and market prices do
not exist. Since negotiated prices for the instruments which are not readily
marketable depend greatly on the motivation of the buyer and seller, the amounts
which will actually be realized or paid per settlement or maturity of these
instruments could be significantly different.

      The following disclosures represent the Company's best estimate of the
"fair value" of both on- and off-balance sheet financial instruments.

Financial Instruments with Carrying Amount Equal to Fair Value

The carrying amount of cash and due from banks, interest-bearing deposits with
other banks, Federal funds sold, customers' liabilities under acceptances,
accrued interest receivable, Federal funds purchased and securities sold under
agreements to repurchase, commercial paper, other short-term borrowings,
acceptances outstanding, due to factoring clients, and accrued interest payable,
as a result of their short-term nature, is considered to be equal to fair value.

Investment Securities

For investment securities, fair value has been based upon current market
quotations, where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair
value has been estimated based upon the quoted price of similar instruments.

Loans

The fair value of loans which reprice within 90 days reflecting changes in the
base rate is equal to their carrying amount. For other loans, the estimated fair
value is calculated based on discounted cash flow analyses, using interest rates
currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar
credit quality and for similar maturities. These calculations have been adjusted
for credit risk based on the Company's historical credit loss experience. The
estimated fair value for secured nonaccrual loans is the value of the underlying
collateral which is sufficient to repay each loan. For other nonaccrual loans,
the estimated fair value represents book value less a credit risk adjustment
based on the Company's historical credit loss experience.

Deposits

SFAS No. 107 requires that the fair value of demand, savings, NOW and certain
money market deposits be equal to their carrying amount. The Company believes
that the fair value of these deposits is clearly greater than that prescribed by
SFAS No. 107.

      For other types of deposits with fixed maturities, fair value has been
estimated based upon interest rates currently being offered on deposits with
similar characteristics and maturities.

Long-Term Debt

For other long-term borrowings, the estimated fair value is calculated based on
discounted cash flow analyses, using interest rates currently being quoted for
similar characteristics and maturities.

Commitments to Extend Credit, Standby Letters of Credit and Financial Guarantees

The notional amount of off-balance sheet commitments to extend credit, standby
letters of credit, and financial guarantees, is considered equal to fair value.
Due to the uncertainty involved in attempting to assess the likelihood and
timing of a commitment being drawn upon, coupled with lack of an established
market and the wide diversity of fee structures, the Company does not believe it
is meaningful to provide an estimate of fair value that differs from the
notional value of the commitment.


35
<PAGE>   24

Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments

The Company enters into interest rate floor contracts to manage interest rate
exposure. These instruments are entered into as hedges against interest rate
risk associated with certain identified assets. At December 31, 1999, the
notional amount of these instruments was $175,000,000. The Company paid up-front
premiums of $1,021,000 which are amortized over the term of the related assets.
At December 31, 1999, the unamortized premiums on these contracts totaled
$330,000 and there were no amounts receivable. The estimated fair value of these
contracts generally reflects the amount the Company would receive to terminate
the contracts, thereby taking into account the current unrealized gain on these
contracts. Dealer quotes are available on all of these contracts. At December
31, 1999, the estimated fair value of these contracts was $112,000.

      The following is a summary of the carrying amounts and estimated fair
values of the Company's financial assets and liabilities:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,                                                     1999                             1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Carrying       Estimated         Carrying        Estimated
                                                         Amount        Fair Value         Amount         Fair Value
                                                     ---------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
Financial Assets
  Cash and due from banks                            $ 35,505,342     $ 35,505,342     $ 43,311,268     $ 43,311,268
  Interest-bearing deposits with other banks              515,000          515,000          515,000          515,000
  Investment securities                               457,402,432      448,683,964      329,806,227      330,486,025
  Loans, net                                          677,979,232      699,606,770      630,050,231      648,836,020
  Customers' liability under acceptances                3,888,140        3,888,140          609,431          609,431
  Accrued interest receivable                           4,541,954        4,541,954        3,991,914        3,991,914

Financial Liabilities
  Demand, NOW, savings and money market deposits      539,482,134      539,482,134      536,724,599      536,724,599
  Time deposits                                       323,037,818      321,907,186      166,077,869      171,973,767
  Federal funds purchased and securities sold
    under agreements to repurchase                    118,238,418      118,238,418       99,429,027       99,429,027
  Commercial paper                                     40,319,200       40,319,200       41,529,300       41,529,300
  Other short-term borrowings                          10,993,363       10,993,363       12,771,325       12,771,325
  Acceptances outstanding                               3,888,140        3,888,140          609,431          609,431
  Due to factoring clients                             37,933,948       37,933,948       32,074,004       32,074,004
  Accrued interest payable                              3,833,666        3,833,666        2,806,937        2,806,937
  Other long-term borrowings--FHLB                     21,050,000       20,842,164       41,400,000       42,132,700
</TABLE>

NOTE 19. CAPITAL MATTERS

The Company and the bank are subject to risk-based capital regulations. The
purpose of these regulations is to quantitatively measure capital against
risk-weighted assets, including off-balance sheet items. These regulations
define the elements of total capital into Tier 1 and Tier 2 components and
establish minimum ratios of 4% for Tier 1 capital and 8% for Total Capital for
capital adequacy purposes. Supplementing these regulations, is a leverage
requirement. This requirement establishes a minimum leverage ratio, (at least 3%
to 5%) which is calculated by dividing Tier 1 capital by adjusted quarterly
average assets (after deducting goodwill). In addition, the Company and the bank
are subject to the provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Improvement Act of 1981 ("FDICIA") which imposes a number of mandatory
supervisory measures. Among other matters, FDICIA established five capital
categories ranging from "well capitalized" to "critically under capitalized."
Such classifications are used by regulatory agencies to determine a bank's
deposit insurance premium, approval of applications authorizing institutions to
increase their asset size or otherwise expand business activities or acquire
other institutions. Under the provisions of FDICIA a "well capitalized"
institution must maintain minimum leverage, Tier 1 and Total Capital ratios of
5%, 6% and 10%, respectively. At December 31, 1999, the Company and the bank
exceeded the requirements for "well capitalized" institutions.


                                                                              36
<PAGE>   25

      The following table presents information regarding the Company's and the
bank's regulatory capital ratios:

Ratios and Minimums
(dollars in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            For Capital         To Be Well
                                                       Actual            Adequacy Minimum       Capitalized
                                                 --------------------------------------------------------------
As of December 31, 1999                          Amount      Ratio       Amount     Ratio     Amount      Ratio
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                              <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>      <C>         <C>
Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets):
  The Company                                    $95,880     13.11%     $58,488      8.00%    $73,109     10.00%
  The bank                                        74,694     10.79       55,402      8.00      69,252     10.00
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets):
  The Company                                     86,717     11.06       29,244      4.00      43,868      6.00
  The bank                                        66,034      9.54       27,701      4.00      41,551      6.00
Tier 1 Leverage Capital (to Average Assets):
  The Company                                     86,717      7.75       44,729      4.00      55,911      5.00
  The bank                                        66,034      6.13       43,102      4.00      53,877      5.00

<CAPTION>
As of December 31, 1998
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                              <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>      <C>         <C>
Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets):
  The Company                                    $89,307     12.63%     $56,552      8.00%    $70,690     10.00%
  The bank                                        71,998     10.93       52,675      8.00      65,844     10.00
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets):
  The Company                                     80,454     11.38       28,276      4.00      42,414      6.00
  The bank                                        64,117      9.74       26,337      4.00      39,506      6.00
Tier 1 Leverage Capital (to Average Assets):
  The Company                                     80,454      8.67       37,109      4.00      46,387      5.00
  The bank                                        64,117      7.20       35,624      4.00      44,530      5.00
</TABLE>

NOTE 20. SEGMENT REPORTING

In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 131,
"Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information." SFAS No.
131 establishes standards for the way that public business enterprises report
information about operating segments in annual financial statements, requires
that selected information about operating segments be reported in interim
financial statements issued to stockholders and establishes standards for
related disclosures about an enterprise's products and services, geographic
areas, and major customers.

      The Company provides a full range of financial products and services,
including business and consumer loans, commercial and residential mortgage
lending and brokerage, asset-based financing, accounts receivable management
services, trade financing, equipment leasing, corporate and consumer deposit
services, trust and estate administration and investment management services.
The Company's primary source of earnings is net interest income, which
represents the difference between interest earned on interest-earning assets and
the interest incurred on interest-bearing liabilities. The Company's 1999
year-to-date average interest-earning assets were 58.7% loans (corporate lending
was 78.6% and real estate lending was 18.1% of total loans, respectively) and
41.3% investment securities and money market investments. There are no industry
concentrations (exceeding 10% of loans, gross, in the corporate loan portfolio).
Approximately 76% of loans are to borrowers located in the metropolitan New York
area. In order to comply with the provisions of SFAS No. 131, the Company has
determined that it has three reportable operating segments: corporate lending,
real estate lending and company-wide treasury. There are no significant
differences between the accounting policies used for these operating segments
and those described in Footnote 1.


37
<PAGE>   26

      The following table provides certain information regarding the Company's
operating segments:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                Corporate         Real Estate      Company-wide
                                                 Lending            Lending          Treasury             Totals
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended December 31, 1999
<S>                                          <C>                <C>                <C>                <C>
Net interest income                          $   26,423,903     $    8,998,476     $   14,670,691     $   50,093,070
Noninterest income                                8,765,876          5,400,138            133,866         14,299,880
Depreciation and amortization                       168,823            199,044                683            368,550
Segment profit                                   13,068,157          8,189,400         20,621,800         41,879,357
Segments assets                                 546,629,572        101,898,728        530,682,020      1,179,210,320

Year Ended December 31, 1998

Net interest income                              24,241,672          8,415,676         13,379,959         46,037,307
Noninterest income                                8,583,240          4,395,814            182,135         13,161,189
Depreciation and amortization                       100,588            176,751                342            277,681
Segment profit                                   10,025,072          7,860,500         18,664,500         36,550,072
Segments assets                                 522,141,693        106,189,496        377,622,851      1,005,954,040

Year Ended December 31, 1997

Net interest income                              22,478,567          7,888,284         13,531,404         43,898,255
Noninterest income                                7,300,131          3,263,528             63,940         10,627,599
Depreciation and amortization                        40,143            124,642                 --            164,785
Segment profit                                    7,389,675          6,021,500         18,421,900         31,833,075
Segments assets                                 461,246,372         85,883,745        432,189,638        979,319,755
</TABLE>

      The following table sets forth reconciliations of reportable operating
segments net interest income, noninterest income, profits and assets to the
Company's consolidated totals:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,                           1999                 1998                 1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                           <C>                  <C>                  <C>
Net interest income:
  Total for reportable operating segments     $    50,093,070      $    46,037,307      $    43,898,255
                                              ---------------------------------------------------------
  Other[1]                                          3,368,947            3,400,609            1,673,625
                                              =========================================================

Consolidated net interest income              $    53,462,017      $    49,437,916      $    45,571,880
                                              =========================================================

Noninterest income:
  Total for reportable operating segments     $    14,299,880      $    13,161,189      $    10,627,599
  Other[1]                                          3,644,520            3,287,152            2,344,330
                                              ---------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated noninterest income               $    17,944,400      $    16,448,341      $    12,971,929
                                              =========================================================

Profit:
  Total for reportable operating segments     $    41,879,357      $    36,550,072      $    31,833,075
  Other[1]                                        (17,639,387)         (14,350,378)         (12,070,585)
                                              ---------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated income before income taxes       $    24,239,970      $    22,199,694      $    19,762,490
                                              =========================================================

Assets:
  Total for reportable operating segments     $ 1,179,210,320      $ 1,005,954,040      $   979,319,755
  Other[1]                                         39,676,932           38,491,175           40,659,903
                                              ---------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated assets                           $ 1,218,887,252      $ 1,044,445,215      $ 1,019,979,658
                                              =========================================================
</TABLE>

[1]   Represents operations not considered to be a reportable segment and/or
      general operating expenses of the Company.


                                                                              38
<PAGE>   27

NOTE 21. PARENT COMPANY

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,                                            1999            1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                <C>              <C>
Assets
Cash and due from banks                            $  8,104,664     $  1,491,968
Interest-bearing deposits--banking subsidiary        18,836,902        8,375,000
Loans, net of unearned discounts                     40,941,921       50,879,913
  Less allowance for loan losses                      2,172,146        2,294,693
                                                   -----------------------------
  Loans, net                                         38,769,775       48,585,220
                                                   -----------------------------

Investment in subsidiaries
  Banking subsidiary                                 84,552,869       85,805,562
  Other subsidiaries                                  1,105,104        1,190,454
Due from subsidiaries
  Banking subsidiary                                  1,029,468          906,439
Other assets                                          1,359,247        1,369,868
                                                   -----------------------------
                                                   $153,758,029     $147,724,511
                                                   =============================

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Commercial paper                                   $ 40,319,200     $ 41,529,300
Other short-term borrowings                             350,000          350,000
Due to subsidiaries
  Banking subsidiary                                    660,570          669,395
  Other subsidiaries                                    995,444          994,806
Accrued expenses and other liabilities                5,142,688          629,686
Other long-term debt                                  1,050,000        1,400,000
Shareholders' equity                                105,240,127      102,151,324
                                                   -----------------------------
                                                   $153,758,029     $147,724,511
                                                   =============================
</TABLE>


39
<PAGE>   28

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,                                                  1999             1998              1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                   <C>               <C>              <C>
Income
Dividends and interest from
  Banking subsidiary                                                  $  7,948,111      $  2,440,305     $  2,987,442
  Other subsidiaries                                                       127,500                --           39,515
Management and service fees from
  Banking subsidiary                                                     1,159,063           564,605          714,789
  Other subsidiaries                                                            --                --          126,498
Interest and fees on loans                                               8,238,703         7,524,416        6,356,532
Other income                                                                97,495            72,339           74,950
                                                                      -----------------------------------------------
    Total income                                                        17,570,872        10,601,665       10,299,726
                                                                      -----------------------------------------------
Expenses
Interest expense                                                         2,404,708         1,986,694        1,863,594
Provision for loan losses                                                       --           110,000          495,000
Salaries and employee benefits                                           2,783,410         2,136,747        2,270,132
Other expenses                                                           1,810,452         1,172,072        1,147,966
                                                                      -----------------------------------------------
    Total expenses                                                       6,998,570         5,405,513        5,776,692
                                                                      -----------------------------------------------
Income before income taxes and equity in undistributed net income
  of subsidiaries                                                       10,572,302         5,196,152        4,523,034
Provision for income taxes                                               1,425,533         1,534,046        1,208,878
                                                                      -----------------------------------------------
                                                                         9,146,769         3,662,106        3,314,156
Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries                       5,417,183         9,134,437        7,574,247
                                                                      -----------------------------------------------
Net income                                                              14,563,952        12,796,543       10,888,403
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
  Unrealized holding (losses)/gains arising during the period               (3,383)            1,180            6,127
                                                                      -----------------------------------------------
Comprehensive income, net of tax                                      $ 14,560,569      $ 12,797,723     $ 10,894,530
                                                                      ===============================================
</TABLE>


                                                                              40
<PAGE>   29

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,                                                           1999              1998              1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                            <C>               <C>               <C>
Operating Activities
  Net income                                                                   $ 14,563,952      $ 12,796,543      $ 10,888,403
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
   operating activities:
    Provision for loan losses                                                            --           110,000           495,000
    Amortization of unearned compensation                                           625,733           575,383           716,509
    Decrease (Increase) in accrued interest receivable                               74,360           (30,751)           21,086
    Increase (Decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities                 4,513,002          (532,551)       (3,013,058)
    Decrease in due to subsidiaries, net                                             (8,187)          (10,753)          (21,368)
    (Increase) Decrease in due from subsidiaries, net                              (123,029)           18,984          (150,697)
    Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries                           (5,417,183)       (9,134,437)       (7,574,247)
    Other, net                                                                    3,395,591          (361,241)          573,862
                                                                               ------------------------------------------------
      Net cash provided by operating activities                                  17,624,239         3,431,177         1,935,490
                                                                               ------------------------------------------------

Investing Activities
  Net (increase) decrease in interest-bearing deposits--banking subsidiary      (10,461,902)       (2,525,000)        6,262,500
  Net decrease (increase) in loans                                                9,937,992       (12,730,497)        2,313,533
                                                                               ------------------------------------------------
      Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities                          (523,910)      (15,255,497)        8,576,033
                                                                               ------------------------------------------------

Financing Activities
  Net (decrease) increase in commercial paper                                    (1,210,100)       17,458,700        (8,499,300)
  Net (decrease) increase in other short-term borrowings                                 --          (490,000)          590,000
  Cash dividends paid on preferred and common shares                             (4,152,264)       (3,569,701)       (2,946,192)
  Proceeds from exercise of stock options                                           147,563           536,500           184,750
  Purchase of treasury shares                                                    (4,922,832)       (1,151,433)               --
  Decrease in other long-term borrowings                                           (350,000)         (350,000)         (250,000)
                                                                               ------------------------------------------------
      Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities                       (10,487,633)       12,434,066       (10,920,742)
                                                                               ------------------------------------------------

Net increase (decrease) in cash and due from banks                                6,612,696           609,746          (409,219)
Cash and due from banks--beginning of year                                        1,491,968           882,222         1,291,441
                                                                               ------------------------------------------------
Cash and due from banks--end of year                                           $  8,104,664      $  1,491,968      $    882,222
                                                                               ================================================

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activities:
  Debenture and preferred stock conversions                                    $     29,460      $     22,840      $  6,408,870
  Forfeiture of treasury shares                                                          --                --           (22,298)
  Issuance of common shares                                                         398,221                --                --
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
  Interest paid                                                                   2,438,723         1,976,730         2,020,305
  Income taxes paid                                                               8,433,725         7,487,552         9,793,000
</TABLE>

      The parent company is required to maintain a deposit with the bank in an
amount equal to the unpaid principal balance on the bank's loan to the trustee
of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan. The required deposit which is reported in
interest-bearing deposits on the parent company's condensed balance sheet was
$1,400,000 at December 31, 1999.


41
<PAGE>   30

NOTE 22. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Total rental expenses under cancelable and noncancelable leases for premises and
equipment were $2,647,009, $2,398,083 and $2,282,112, respectively, for the
years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

      The future minimum rental commitments as of December 31, 1999 under
noncancelable leases follow:

                                                                       Rental
Year(s)                                                              Commitments
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2000                                                                 $ 2,180,962
2001                                                                   1,847,195
2002                                                                   1,550,592
2003                                                                   1,348,859
2004                                                                   1,279,685
2005 and thereafter                                                    6,558,048
                                                                     -----------
Total                                                                $14,765,341
                                                                     ===========

      Certain of the leases included above have escalation clauses and/or
provide that the Company pay maintenance, electric, taxes and other operating
expenses applicable to the leased property.

      In the normal course of business, there are various commitments and
contingent liabilities outstanding which are properly not recorded on the
balance sheet. Management does not anticipate that losses, if any, as a result
of these transactions would materially affect the financial position of the
Company.

      Loan commitments, substantially all of which have an original maturity of
one year or less, were approximately $4,065,000 as of December 31, 1999. These
commitments are agreements to lend to a customer as long as the conditions
established in the contract are met. Commitments generally have fixed expiration
dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. The total
commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements because
some of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon. The
bank evaluates each customer's creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The
amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary, by the bank upon extension
of credit is based on management's credit evaluation of the borrower. Collateral
held varies but may include cash, U.S. Treasury and other marketable securities,
accounts receivable, inventory and property, plant and equipment.

      Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees written are conditional
commitments issued by the bank to guarantee the performance of a customer to a
third party. At December 31, 1999, these commitments totalled $36,576,000 of
which $20,057,000 expired within one year and $6,992,000 within two years and
$9,527,000 within three years. Approximately 75% of the commitments were
automatically renewable for periods of one year. The credit risk involved in
issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending
loan facilities to customers. The bank holds cash or cash equivalents and
marketable securities as collateral supporting those commitments for which
collateral is deemed necessary. The extent of collateral held for those
commitments at December 31, 1999 ranged from 0% to 100%; the average amount
collateralized is approximately 31%.

      The Company uses interest rate floor contracts to manage fluctuating
interest rates. In exchange for the payment of a premium, an interest rate floor
gives the Company the right to receive at specified future dates the amount, if
any, by which the market interest rate specified in the floor falls below the
fixed floor rate, multiplied by the notional amount of the floor. The credit
exposure on a floor is limited to this interest-derived amount. Potential credit
losses are minimized through careful evaluation of counterparty credit standing.
The floors currently held by the Company have an average remaining term of
approximately 1 1/2 years and total notional amount of $175 million.

      In the normal course of business there are various legal proceedings
pending against the Company. Management, after consulting with counsel, is of
the opinion that there should be no material liability with respect to such
proceedings, and accordingly no provision has been made in the accompanying
consolidated financial statements.


                                                                              42
<PAGE>   31
NOTE 23. QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

1999 Quarter                  Mar 31      Jun 30       Sept 30      Dec 31
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                        <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Total interest income      $17,937,057  $18,973,918  $20,499,656  $22,376,280
Total interest expense       5,397,277    5,940,371    6,879,218    8,108,028
Net interest income         12,539,780   13,033,547   13,620,438   14,268,252
Provision for loan
 losses                      1,383,000    1,370,000    1,365,000    1,465,800
Noninterest income           4,227,888    4,595,995    4,658,262    4,462,255
Noninterest expenses         9,642,282   10,458,412   10,681,781   10,800,172
Income before income
 taxes                       5,742,386    5,801,130    6,231,919    6,464,535
Net income                   3,464,622    3,551,431    3,684,808    3,863,091

Earnings per average
 common share
  Basic                            .40          .42          .43          .46
  Diluted                          .38          .40          .42          .44

Common stock closing
 price
  High                              21 43/64     20 11/64     19 17/32     18 11/16
  Low                               19  1/32     16 15/32     15 23/32     15 17/32
  Quarter - end                     18  5/8      18  3/32     16 27/64     16

</TABLE>



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

1998 Quarter                  Mar 31      Jun 30       Sept 30      Dec 31
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                        <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Total interest income      $18,188,490  $18,072,663  $18,756,455  $18,943,848
Total interest expense       6,431,903    6,201,877    6,071,873    5,817,887
Net interest income         11,756,587   11,870,786   12,684,582   13,125,961
Provision for loan
 losses                        844,000    1,267,333    1,069,000    2,208,667
Noninterest income           3,475,325    4,176,301    4,023,489    4,773,226
Noninterest expenses         9,119,667    9,434,253    9,617,124   10,126,519
Income before income
 taxes                       5,268,245    5,345,501    6,021,947    5,564,001
Net income                   3,002,965    3,113,472    3,254,405    3,425,701

Earnings per average
 common share
  Basic                            .35           36           37           40
  Diluted                          .33          .35          .36          .36

Common stock closing
 price
  High                              26  1/8      27 51/64     25 23/32     23 13/16
  Low                               21 31/64     24 17/32     17 43/64     16  3/16
  Quarter - end                     25 53/64     24 49/64     19 11/64     21 23/32

</TABLE>

                                                                              43
<PAGE>   32

                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

[KPMG LOGO]

The Shareholders and Board of Directors
Sterling Bancorp:

      We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Sterling
Bancorp and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, the related
consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in
shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 1999 and the consolidated statements of condition of
Sterling National Bank as of December 31, 1999 and 1998. These consolidated
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial
statements based on our audits.

      We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.

      In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Sterling
Bancorp and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period
ended December 31, 1999 and the financial position of Sterling National Bank as
of December 31, 1999 and 1998 in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.


/s/ KPMG LLP

New York, New York
January 20, 2000


44
<PAGE>   33

                        Sterling Bancorp and Subsidiaries
                           MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND
                         ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                            AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following commentary presents management's discussion and analysis of the
financial condition and results of operations of Sterling Bancorp ("the parent
company"), a bank holding company as defined by the Bank Holding Company Act of
1956, as amended, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries Sterling Banking
Corporation, Sterling Industrial Loan Association, and Sterling National Bank
("the bank"). The bank, which is the principal subsidiary, owns all of the
outstanding shares of Sterling Factors Corporation, Sterling National Mortgage
Company Inc., Sterling National Mortgage Corporation and Sterling Holding
Company of Virginia, Inc. Sterling Holding Company of Virginia, Inc. owns all of
the outstanding common shares of Sterling Real Estate Holding Company Inc.
Throughout this discussion and analysis, the term "the Company" refers to
Sterling Bancorp and its subsidiaries. This discussion and analysis should be
read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and supplemental
data contained elsewhere in the report.

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(dollars in thousands except per share data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1999         1998         1997         1996         1995        1994
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>
Summary of Operations
Total interest income                               $   79,787   $   73,962   $   67,826   $   60,997   $   53,484  $   43,493
Total interest expense                                  26,325       24,524       22,254       21,334       19,319      14,882
Net interest income                                     53,462       49,438       45,572       39,663       34,165      28,611
Provision for loan losses                                5,584        5,389        3,075        2,047        1,866       1,053
Net securities gains/(losses)                               --           86           --          (71)           5          42
Noninterest income                                      17,945       16,362       12,972        9,979        5,973       4,429
Noninterest expenses                                    41,583       38,297       35,707       31,697       26,660      21,998
Income before taxes                                     24,240       22,200       19,762       15,827       11,617      10,031
Provision for income taxes                               9,676        9,403        8,874        7,575        5,979       6,025
Net income                                              14,564       12,797       10,888        8,252        5,638       4,006
  Per common share--basic                                 1.71         1.48         1.31         1.11          .83         .59
                  --diluted                               1.64         1.40         1.22          .97          .74         .55
Dividends per common share                                 .50          .43          .37          .31          .25         .21

Year End Balance Sheets
Investment securities                                  457,402      329,806      384,951      304,331      299,238     311,782
Loans, net of unearned discounts                       689,096      640,206      558,482      465,517      397,229     312,769
Total assets                                         1,218,887    1,044,445    1,019,980      861,605      775,608     706,636
Noninterest-bearing deposits                           291,808      329,020      312,462      229,977      224,081     174,897
Interest-bearing deposits                              570,712      373,782      418,946      344,446      326,947     342,405
Long-term convertible subordinated debentures               --           --           --        6,389       21,346      26,446
Shareholders' equity                                   105,240      102,151       92,623       77,177       59,657      53,719

Average Balance Sheets
Investment securities                                  379,872      336,690      304,753      321,957      304,741     321,005
Loans, net of unearned discounts                       556,630      512,711      446,268      376,879      311,119     255,223
Total assets                                         1,022,698      935,964      838,354      777,695      695,522     658,884
Noninterest-bearing deposits                           237,324      224,780      199,431      175,232      153,244     144,974
Interest-bearing deposits                              452,734      409,027      377,301      330,520      327,102     307,747
Long-term convertible subordinated debentures               --           --        4,618       16,779       23,975      26,640
Shareholders' equity                                   102,361       96,644       82,515       65,768       56,401      53,249

Ratios
Return on average total assets                            1.42%        1.37%        1.30%        1.06%        0.81%       0.61%
Return on average tangible shareholders' equity          17.94        16.95        17.75        18.50        16.00       12.48
Return on average shareholders' equity                   14.23        13.24        13.20        12.55        10.00        7.52
Dividend payout ratio                                    27.98        27.47        26.64        26.95        28.14       33.27
Average shareholders' equity to average
  total assets                                           10.01        10.33         9.84         8.46         8.11        8.08
Net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis)                6.04         6.15         6.37         5.93         5.52        4.91
Loans/assets, period end                                 56.53        61.30        54.75        54.03        51.22       44.26
Net charge-off/loans, period end                          0.67         0.61         0.43         0.00         0.20        0.11
Nonperforming loans/loans, period end                     0.21         0.19         0.25         0.09         0.09        0.18
Allowance/loans, period end                               1.61         1.59         1.55         1.72         1.31        1.32
</TABLE>


                                                                              45
<PAGE>   34

COMPANY BUSINESS

The Company provides a full range of financial products and services, including
business and consumer loans, commercial and residential mortgage lending and
brokerage, asset-based financing, accounts receivable management services, trade
financing, equipment leasing, corporate and consumer deposits services, trust
and estate administration, and investment management services. The Company has
operations in metropolitan New York and Washington, DC areas, as well as
Virginia and other mid-Atlantic states and conducts business throughout the
United States.

      There is intense competition in all areas in which the Company conducts
its business. In addition to competing with other banks, the Company competes in
certain areas of its business with other financial institutions. At December 31,
1999, the bank's year-to-date average earning assets (of which loans were 57%
and investment securities were 42%) represented approximately 95% of the
Company's year-to-date average earning assets.

      The Company regularly evaluates acquisition opportunities and conducts due
diligence activities in connection with possible acquisitions. As a result,
acquisition discussions and, in some cases negotiations, regularly take place
and future acquisitions could occur.

OVERVIEW

The Company reported net income for 1999 of $14.6 million, representing $1.64
per share, calculated on a diluted basis, compared to $12.8 million, or $1.40
per share, calculated on a diluted basis, for 1998. This increase reflects
continued growth in both net interest income and noninterest income.

      Net interest income increased to $53.5 million for 1999, up from $49.4
million in 1998, principally due to higher average earning asset outstandings.
The net interest margin, on a tax equivalent basis, was 6.04% for 1999 compared
to 6.15% for 1998. This decrease was principally due to a 25 basis point
decrease in average yield on earning assets partially offset by a 22 basis point
decrease in the average cost of funds.

      Noninterest income rose to $17.9 million for 1999 compared to $16.4
million for 1998 principally due to continued growth in fees from mortgage
banking, factoring, trade finance and various other services.

      Noninterest expenses totaled $41.6 million for 1999 compared to $38.3
million in 1998. The increase in personal expenses were incurred to support
growing levels of business activity.

INCOME STATEMENT ANALYSIS

Net Interest Income

Net interest income, which represents the difference between interest earned on
interest-earning assets and interest incurred on interest-bearing liabilities,
is a primary source of earnings. Net interest income can be affected by changes
in market interest rates as well as the level and composition of assets,
liabilities and shareholders' equity. The increases (decreases) for the
components of interest income and interest expense, expressed in terms of
fluctuation in average volume and rate are shown on page 58. Information as to
the components of interest income and interest expense and average rates is
provided in the Average Balance Sheets shown on page 57.

      Net interest income for 1999 increased $4,024,000 from 1998 to
$53,462,000.

      Total interest income aggregated $79,787,000, up $5,826,000 for 1999 when
compared to 1998. The tax- equivalent yield on interest-earning assets was 8.88%
for 1999 compared with 9.13% for 1998. The increase in interest income was
principally due to an increase in income earned on the loan and investment
securities portfolios as a result of management's strategy of increasing
outstandings for those asset categories. The decrease in yield on earning assets
was due to lower yields on loans and investment securities.

      Interest earned on the loan portfolio amounted to $55,554,000, up
$3,337,000 when compared to a year ago. Average loan balances amounted to
$556,630,000, up $43,919,000 from the average of the prior year period. The
increase in the average loans accounted for the increase in interest earned on
loans. The decrease in the yield on the domestic loan portfolio to 10.88% for
1999 from 11.26% for 1998 was primarily attributable to a lower prime rate in
the 1999 period.

      Tax-equivalent interest earned on investment securities increased
$2,721,000 to $24,137,000 in 1999 due to higher average outstandings partially
offset by lower yields.

      Total interest expense increased $1,801,000 from 1998 to $26,325,000 for
1999. The increase in interest expense was due to higher deposit balances and
amounts of borrowed funds partially offset by lower average rates paid for
interest-bearing deposits and borrowed funds.


46
<PAGE>   35

      Interest expense on deposits increased to $16,706,000 for 1999 from
$16,106,000 for 1998 primarily due to higher average balances partially offset
by decreases in rates paid on deposits. Average balances increased to
$452,734,000 in 1999 from $409,027,000 in 1998 primarily due to higher money
market and time deposits. The average rate paid on interest-bearing deposits
decreased to 3.69% in 1999 compared to 3.94% for the comparable year ago period.

      Interest expense on borrowed funds increased $1,202,000 from 1998 to
$9,619,000 primarily due to increases in average outstandings. Average borrowed
funds amounted to $180,805,000, up $20,772,000 from the prior year period. This
increase in borrowings reflects the implementation of plans designed to support
asset growth.

Provision for Credit Losses

Based on management's continuing evaluation of the loan portfolio (discussed
under "Asset Quality" below), and principally as the result of the growth in the
loan portfolio, the provision for credit losses increased to $5,584,000, up
$195,000 when compared to the same period last year.

Noninterest Income

Noninterest income increased $1,496,000 for 1999 when compared with 1998
primarily as a result of increased fees from mortgage banking, factoring, trade
finance and various other services.

Noninterest Expenses

Noninterest expenses increased $3,285,000 for 1999 when compared with 1998
primarily due to increased personnel expenses incurred to support growing levels
of business activity and continuing investments in the business franchise.

BALANCE SHEET ANALYSIS

Securities

The Company's securities portfolios are comprised of principally U.S. Government
and U.S. Government corporation and agency guaranteed mortgage-backed securities
along with other debt and equity securities. At December 31, 1999, the Company's
portfolio of securities totalled $457,402,000 of which U.S. Government and U.S.
Government corporation and agency guaranteed mortgage-backed securities having
an average life of approximately 5.8 years amounted to $391,340,000. The Company
has the intent and ability to hold to maturity securities classified as "held to
maturity." These securities are carried at cost, adjusted for amortization of
premiums and accretion of discounts. The gross unrealized gains and losses on
"held to maturity" securities were $111,000 and $8,830,000, respectively.
Securities classified as "available for sale" may be sold in the future, prior
to maturity. These securities are carried at market value. Net aggregate
unrealized gains or losses on these securities are included in a valuation
allowance account and are shown net of taxes, as a component of shareholders'
equity. "Available for sale" securities included gross unrealized gains of
$45,000 and gross unrealized losses of $4,915,000. Given the generally high
credit quality of the portfolio, management expects to realize all of its
investment upon the maturity of such instruments, and thus believes that any
market value impairment is temporary in nature.

      Information regarding book values and range of maturities by type of
security and weighted-average yields for totals of each category is presented in
Footnote 4 beginning on page 23.

      The following table sets forth the composition of the Company's investment
securities by type, with related carrying values at the end of the most recent
three fiscal years:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,                                                                               1999         1998         1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   (in thousands)
<S>                                                                                      <C>          <C>          <C>
U.S. Treasury securities                                                                 $ 24,847     $ 19,731     $ 34,866
Obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies--mortgage-backed securities      391,339      268,067      286,393
Obligations of states and political subdivisions                                           27,234       19,217        3,589
Debt securities issued by foreign governments                                               2,000        2,000        2,000
Other debt securities                                                                       5,000       13,993       52,000
Federal Reserve Bank and other equity securities                                            6,982        6,798        6,103
                                                                                         ----------------------------------
  Total                                                                                  $457,402     $329,806     $384,951
                                                                                         ==================================
</TABLE>


                                                                              47
<PAGE>   36

Loan Portfolio

A management objective is to maintain the quality of the loan portfolio. The
Company seeks to achieve this objective by maintaining rigorous underwriting
standards coupled with regular evaluating of the creditworthiness of the
designation of lending limits for each borrower. The portfolio strategies seek
industry or loan size diversification in order to minimize credit exposure and
to originate loans in markets with which the Company is familiar.

      The Company's commercial and industrial loan portfolio represents
approximately 67% of gross loans. Loans in this category are typically made to
small and medium-sized businesses and range between $250,000 and $10 million,
and are often collateralized by accounts receivable, inventory and marketable
securities and other liquid collateral. Sources of repayment are from the
borrower's operating profits, cash flows and liquidation of pledged collateral.
Based on underwriting standards, loans may be secured in whole or in part by
collateral such as liquid assets, accounts receivable, equipment, inventory, and
real property. The Company's real estate loan portfolio, which represents
approximately 14% of gross loans, is secured by mortgages on real property
located in the State of New York and in the State of Virginia. The collateral
securing any loan may vary in value based on market conditions.

      The following table sets forth the composition of the Company's loan
portfolio, net of unearned discounts, at the end of each of the most recent five
fiscal years:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,                      1999                 1998                 1997                 1996                 1995
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       % of                % of                 % of                  % of                 % of
                          Balances    Total     Balances   Total    Balances    Total    Balances     Total    Balances    Total
                         ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    (dollars in thousands)
<S>                       <C>         <C>      <C>         <C>      <C>          <C>      <C>          <C>      <C>         <C>
Domestic
  Commercial and
    industrial            $462,400    67.10%   $465,048    72.64%   $413,887     74.11%   $350,641     75.32%   $309,173    77.83%
  Lease financing           81,398    11.81      56,146     8.77      43,705      7.82      34,750      7.46      24,311     6.12
  Real estate--
    mortgage                96,376    13.99     104,621    16.34      73,878     13.23      63,633     13.67      48,588    12.23
  Real estate--
    construction             4,958     0.72          --       --       8,352      1.50       1,136      0.25       1,040     0.26
  Installment--
    individuals             13,181     1.91      13,604     2.13      17,871      3.20      14,568      3.13      13,328     3.36
  Loans to depository
    Institutions            30,000     4.35          --       --          --        --          --        --          --       --
Foreign government
    and official
    institutions               783     0.12         787     0.12         789      0.14         789      0.17         789     0.20
                          -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loans, net of
    unearned discounts    $689,096   100.00%   $640,206   100.00%   $558,482    100.00%   $465,517    100.00%   $397,229   100.00%
                          =======================================================================================================
</TABLE>

      The following table sets forth the maturities and sensitivity to changes
in interest rates of the Company's commercial and industrial and foreign loans,
as of December 31, 1999:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              Due One Year   Due One to    Due After       Total
                                                Or Less      Five Years    Five Years   Gross Loans
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  (in thousands)
<S>                                             <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
Commercial and industrial                       $457,888      $  4,847      $     92      $462,827
Foreign                                              783            --            --           783
                                                ---------------------------------------------------
                                                $458,671      $  4,847      $     92      $463,610
                                                ===================================================

Loans due after one year, which have:
  Predetermined interest rates                                $  4,847      $     92      $  4,939
  Floating or adjustable interest rates                             --            --            --
                                                              -------------------------------------
                                                              $  4,847      $     92      $  4,939
                                                              =====================================
</TABLE>


                                                                              48
<PAGE>   37

Asset Quality

Intrinsic to the lending process is the possibility of loss. In times of
economic slowdown, the risk inherent in the Company's portfolio of loans may be
increased. While management endeavors to minimize this risk, it recognizes that
loan losses will occur and that the amount of these losses will fluctuate
depending on the risk characteristics of the loan portfolio which in turn
depends on current and expected economic conditions, the financial condition of
borrowers, the realization of collateral, and the credit management process.

      The following table sets forth the aggregate amount of domestic nonaccrual
and past due loans of the Company at the end of each of the most recent five
fiscal years; there were no foreign loans accounted for on a nonaccrual basis
and there were no troubled debt restructurings for any types of loans. Loans
contractually past due 90 days or more as to principal or interest and still
accruing are loans which are both well-secured or guaranteed by financially
responsible third parties and are in the process of collection.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,                                                            1999        1998        1997        1996       1995
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                       (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                                                    <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Nonaccrual basis loans*                                                $1,417      $1,214      $1,388      $  442      $  357
Past due 90 days or more (other than the above)                            59         675         245         390       1,961
                                                                       ------------------------------------------------------
    Total                                                              $1,476      $1,889      $1,633      $  832      $2,318
                                                                       ======================================================

*Interest income that would have been earned on nonaccrual
  and reduced rate loans outstanding                                   $   39      $   88      $   55      $   13      $   22
                                                                       ======================================================
Applicable interest income actually realized                           $   --      $   --      $   --      $   --      $   --
                                                                       ======================================================
Nonaccrual and past due loans as a percentage of total gross loans        .21%        .29%        .29%        .18%        .58%
                                                                       ======================================================
</TABLE>

      The allowance for possible loan losses is maintained through the provision
for loan losses, which is a charge to operating earnings. The adequacy of the
provision and the resulting allowance for possible loan losses is determined by
management's continuing review of the loan portfolio, including identification
and review of individual problem situations that may affect the borrower's
ability to repay, review of overall portfolio quality through an analysis of
current charge-offs, delinquency and nonperforming loan data, estimates of the
value of any underlying collateral, review of regulatory examinations, an
assessment of current and expected economic conditions and changes in the size
and character of the loan portfolio. The allowance reflects management's
evaluation of both loans presenting identified loss potential and of the risk
inherent in various components of the portfolio, including loans identified as
impaired as required by SFAS No. 114.

      Thus, an increase in the size of the portfolio or in any of its components
could necessitate an increase in the allowance even though there may not be a
decline in credit quality or an increase in potential problem loans. A
significant change in any of the evaluation factors described above could result
in future additions to the allowance. At December 31, 1999, the ratio of the
allowance to loans, net of unearned discounts, was 1.6% and the allowance was
$11,117,000. At such date, the Company's nonaccrual loans amounted to
$1,417,000; $315,000 of such loans were judged to be impaired within the scope
of SFAS No. 114 and required valuation allowances of $150,000. Based on the
foregoing, as well as management's judgement as to the current risks inherent in
the loan portfolio, the Company's allowance for possible loan losses was deemed
adequate to absorb all reasonably anticipated losses on specifically known and
other possible credit risks associated with the portfolio as of December 31,
1999. Net losses within the loan portfolio are not statistically predictable and
changes in conditions in the next twelve months could result in future
provisions for loan losses varying from the level taken in 1999. Potential
problem loans, which are loans that are currently performing under present loan
repayment terms but where known information about possible credit problems of
borrowers cause management to have serious doubts as to the ability of the
borrowers to continue to comply with the present repayment terms, aggregated
$1,005,000 at December 31, 1999.


                                                                              49
<PAGE>   38

      The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the
Company's loan loss experience for each of the most recent five fiscal years:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,                                      1999          1998           1997           1996             1995
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>             <C>
Average loans outstanding, net of unearned
  discounts, during year                       $ 556,630      $ 512,711      $ 446,268      $ 376,879       $ 311,119
                                               ======================================================================

Allowance for loan losses:
  Balance at beginning of year                 $  10,156      $   8,678      $   8,003      $   5,192       $   4,136
                                               ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Charge-offs:
  Commercial and industrial                        4,149          3,328          2,064            561             622
  Lease financing                                    612            616            228             49             344
  Real estate                                        177            146            239             71              16
  Installment                                         84            261            193             57              19
                                               ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total charge-offs                              5,022          4,351          2,724            738           1,001
                                               ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Recoveries:
  Commercial and industrial                          169            232            240          1,456             144
  Lease financing                                    178            142             56             37              --
  Real estate                                          1              2              2             --              47
  Installment                                         51             64             26              9              --
                                               ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total recoveries                                 399            440            324          1,502             191
                                               ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtract/(Add):
  Net charge-offs/(recoveries)                     4,623          3,911          2,400           (764)            810
                                               ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Provision for loan losses                          5,584          5,389          3,075          2,047           1,866
                                               ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at end of year                         $  11,117      $  10,156      $   8,678      $   8,003       $   5,192
                                               ======================================================================

Ratio of net charge-offs to average loans
  outstanding, net of unearned discounts
  during year                                        .83%           .76%           .54%             0%            .26%
                                               ======================================================================
</TABLE>


50
<PAGE>   39

      To comply with a regulatory requirement to provide such an allocation of
the allowance for possible loan losses, the following table presents the
Company's allocation of the allowance. This allocation is based on subjective
estimates by management and may vary from year to year based on management's
evaluation of the risk characteristics of the loan portfolio. The amount
allocated to a particular loan category may not necessarily be indicative of
actual future charge-offs in a loan category.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,                                1999               1998                1997               1996              1995
                                      ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                % of                % of               % of                % of               % of
                                       Amount   Loans      Amount   Loans     Amount   Loans     Amount    Loans     Amount    Loans
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                   <C>        <C>      <C>        <C>     <C>        <C>      <C>        <C>     <C>        <C>
Domestic
  Commercial and industrial           $ 8,262    1.79%    $ 7,429    1.60%   $ 6,013    1.45%    $ 5,588    1.59%   $ 3,320    1.07%
  Loans to depository institutions        240     .80          --      --         --      --          --      --         --      --
  Lease financing                       1,036    1.27         837    1.49        648    1.48         508    1.46        355    1.46
  Real estate--mortgage                 1,223    1.27       1,583    1.51      1,059    1.43         820    1.29        619    1.27
  Real estate--construction                30     .61          --      --         70    0.84           8    0.70          8    0.77
  Installment--individuals                 75     .56          25    0.18         35    0.20          25    0.17         20    0.15
  Unallocated                             251      --         282      --        853      --       1,054      --        870      --
                                      ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total                             $11,117    1.61%    $10,156    1.59%   $ 8,678    1.55%    $ 8,003    1.72%   $ 5,192    1.31%
                                      =============================================================================================
</TABLE>

Deposits

A significant source of funds continues to be deposits, consisting of demand
(noninterest-bearing), NOW, savings, money market and time deposits (principally
certificates of deposit).

      The following table provides certain information with respect to the
Company's deposits for each of the most recent three fiscal years:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,                                      1999        1998       1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        (in thousands)
Domestic
<S>                                             <C>         <C>         <C>
  Demand                                        $291,808    $329,020    $312,462
  NOW                                             70,205      54,980      54,056
  Savings                                         23,625      25,254      24,856
  Money market                                   153,845     127,470     136,069
  Time deposits by remaining maturity
    Within 3 months                              177,964     110,079      88,658
    After 3 months but within 1 year             119,613      42,012      87,580
    After 1 year but within 5 years               22,630      11,257      25,017
                                                --------------------------------
      Total domestic deposits                    859,690     700,072     728,698
                                                ================================

Foreign
  Time deposits by remaining maturity
    Within 3 months                                1,730       1,730       1,580
    After 3 months but within 1 year               1,100       1,000       1,130
                                                --------------------------------
      Total foreign deposits                       2,830       2,730       2,710
                                                --------------------------------
      Total deposits                            $862,520    $702,802    $731,408
                                                ================================
</TABLE>

      Fluctuations of balances in total or among categories at any date can
occur based on the Company's mix of assets and liabilities as well as on
customer's balance sheet strategies. Historically, however, average balances for
deposits have been relatively stable. Information regarding these average
balances for the most recent three fiscal years is presented on page 57.


                                                                              51
<PAGE>   40

ASSET/LIABILITY MANAGEMENT

The Company's primary earnings source is its net interest income; therefore the
Company devotes significant time and has invested in resources to assist in the
management of interest rate risk and asset quality. The Company's net interest
income is affected by changes in market interest rates, and by the level and
composition of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. The
Company's objectives in its asset/liability management are to utilize its
capital effectively, to provide adequate liquidity and to enhance net interest
income, without taking undue risks or subjecting the Company unduly to interest
rate fluctuations.

      The Company takes a coordinated approach to the management of its
liquidity, capital and interest rate risk. This risk management process is
governed by policies and limits established by senior management which are
reviewed and approved by the Asset/Liability Committee ("ALCO"). ALCO, which is
comprised of members of senior management, meets to review among other things,
economic conditions, interest rates, yield curve, cash flow projections,
expected customer actions, liquidity levels, capital ratios and repricing
characteristics of assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet financial
instruments.

Market Risk

Market risk is the risk of loss in a financial instrument arising from adverse
changes in market indices such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates and
equity prices. The Company's principal market risk exposure is interest rate
risk, with no material impact on earnings from changes in foreign exchange rates
or equity prices.

      Interest rate risk is the exposure to changes in market interest rates.
Interest rate sensitivity is the relationship between market interest rates and
net interest income due to the repricing characteristics of assets and
liabilities. The Company monitors the interest rate sensitivity of its on- and
off-balance sheet positions by examining its near-term sensitivity and its
longer-term gap position. In its management of interest rate risk, the Company
utilizes several financial and statistical tools including traditional gap
analysis and sophisticated income simulation models.

      A traditional gap analysis is prepared based on the maturity and repricing
characteristics of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for
selected time bands. The mismatch between repricings or maturities within a time
band is commonly referred to as the "gap" for that period. A positive gap (asset
sensitive) where interest rate sensitive assets exceed interest rate sensitive
liabilities generally will result in net interest margin increasing in a rising
rate environment and decreasing in a falling rate environment. A negative gap
(liability sensitive) will generally have the opposite result on net interest
margin. However, the traditional gap analysis does not assess the relative
sensitivity of assets and liabilities to changes in interest rates. The Company
utilizes the gap analysis to complement its income simulations modeling,
primarily focusing on the longer-term structure of the balance sheet.

      The Company's balance sheet structure is primarily short-term in nature
with a substantial portion of assets and liabilities repricing or maturing
within one year. The Company's gap analysis at December 31, 1999, presented on
page 59, indicates that net interest income would decrease during periods of
rising interest rates and increase during periods of falling interest rates.

      As part of its interest rate risk strategy, the Company uses off-balance
sheet financial instruments (derivatives) to hedge the interest rate sensitivity
of assets with the corresponding amortization reflected in the yield of the
related on-balance sheet assets being hedged. The Company has written policy
guidelines, approved by the Board of Directors, governing the use of off-balance
sheet financial instruments, including approved counterparties, risk limits and
appropriate internal control procedures. The credit risk of derivatives arises
principally from the potential for a counterparty to fail to meet its obligation
to settle a contract on a timely basis.

      The Company purchased interest rate floor contracts to reduce the impact
of falling rates on its floating rate commercial loans. Interest rate floor
contracts require the counterparty to pay the Company at specified future dates
the amount, if any, by which the specified interest rate (3 month LIBOR) falls
below the fixed floor rates, applied to the notional amounts. The Company
utilizes these financial instruments to adjust its interest rate risk position
without exposing itself to principal risk and funding requirements.

      At December 31, 1999, the Company's off-balance sheet financial
instruments consisted of four interest rate floor contracts having a notional
amount totaling $175 million, consisting of a contract with a notional amount of
$50 million and a final maturity of February 27, 2000, another contract with a
notional amount of $25 million and a final maturity of February 9, 2001, another
contract with a notional amount of $25 million and a final maturity of May 1,
2001, another contract with a notional amount of $25 million and a final
maturity of November 1, 2001 and two contracts with a notional amount of $25
million each and a final maturity of November 11, 2002. These financial
instruments are being used as part of the Company's interest rate risk
management and not for trading purposes. At December 31, 1999, all
counterparties have investment grade credit ratings from the major rating
agencies. Each counterparty is specifically approved for applicable credit
exposure.


52
<PAGE>   41

      The interest rate floor contracts require the Company to pay a fee for the
right to receive a fixed interest payment. The Company paid up-front premiums of
$1,021,000 which are amortized monthly against interest income from the
designated assets. At December 31, 1999, the unamortized premiums on these
contracts totaled $330,000 and are included in other assets. At December 31,
1999, there were no amounts receivable under these contracts.

      The Company utilizes income simulation models to complement its
traditional gap analysis. While ALCO routinely monitors simulated net interest
income sensitivity over a rolling two-year horizon, it also utilizes additional
tools to monitor potential longer-term interest rate risk. The income simulation
models measure the Company's net interest income volatility or sensitivity to
interest rate changes utilizing statistical techniques that allow the Company to
consider various factors which impact net interest income. These factors include
actual maturities, estimated cash flows, repricing characteristics, deposits
growth/retention and, most importantly, the relative sensitivity of the
Company's assets and liabilities to changes in market interest rates. This
relative sensitivity is important to consider as the Company's core deposit base
has not been subject to the same degree of interest rate sensitivity as its
assets. The core deposit costs are internally managed and tend to exhibit less
sensitivity to changes in interest rates than the Company's adjustable rate
assets whose yields are based on external indices and change in concert with
market interest rates.

      The Company's interest rate sensitivity is determined by identifying the
probable impact of changes in market interest rates on the yields on the
Company's assets and the rates which would be paid on its liabilities. This
modeling technique involves a degree of estimation based on certain assumptions
that management believes to be reasonable. Utilizing this process, management
can project the impact of changes in interest rates on net interest margin. The
estimated effects of the Company's interest rate floors are included in the
results of the sensitivity analysis. The Company has established certain policy
limits for the potential volatility of its net interest margin assuming certain
levels of changes in market interest rates with the objective of maintaining a
stable net interest margin under various probable rate scenarios. Management
generally has maintained a risk position well within the policy limits. As of
December 31, 1999, the model indicated the impact of a 200 basis point parallel
and pro rata rise in rates over 12 months would approximate a 2.72% ($1,813,000)
increase in net interest income, while the impact of a 200 basis point decline
in rates over the same period would approximate a 3.48% ($2,320,000) decline
from an unchanged rate environment.

      The preceding sensitivity analysis does not represent a Company forecast
and should not be relied upon as being indicative of expected operating results.
These hypothetical estimates are based upon numerous assumptions including: the
nature and timing of interest rate levels including yield curve shape,
prepayments on loans and securities, deposit decay rates, pricing decisions on
loans and deposits, reinvestment/ replacement of asset and liability cash flows,
and others. While assumptions are developed based upon current economic and
local market conditions, the Company cannot make any assurances as to the
predictive nature of these assumptions, including how customer preferences or
competitor influences might change.

      Also, as market conditions vary from those assumed in the sensitivity
analysis, actual results will also differ due to: prepayment/refinancing levels
likely deviating from those assumed, the varying impact of interest rate change
caps or floors on adjustable rate assets, the potential effect of changing debt
service levels on customers with adjustable rate loans, depositor early
withdrawals and product preference changes, and other internal/external
variables. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis does not reflect actions that
the Asset/Liability Committee might take in responding to or anticipating
changes in interest rates.

Liquidity Risk

Liquidity is the ability to meet cash needs arising from changes in various
categories of assets and liabilities. Liquidity is constantly monitored and
managed at both the parent company and the bank levels. Liquid assets consist of
cash and due from banks, interest-bearing deposits in banks and Federal funds
sold and securities available for sale. Primary funding sources include core
deposits, capital markets funds and other money market sources. Core deposits
include domestic noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing retail deposits, which
historically have been relatively stable. The parent company and the bank have
significant unused borrowing capacity. Contingency plans exist and could be
implemented on a timely basis to minimize the impact of any dramatic change in
market conditions.

      While the parent company generates income from its own operations, it also
depends for its cash requirements on funds maintained or generated by its
subsidiaries, principally the bank. Such sources have been adequate to meet the
parent company's cash requirements throughout its history.

      Various legal restrictions limit the extent to which the bank can supply
funds to the parent company and its nonbank subsidiaries. All national banks are
limited in the payment of dividends without the approval of the Comptroller of
the Currency to an amount not to exceed the net profits as defined, for the year
to date combined with its retained net profits for the preceding two calendar
years.


                                                                              53
<PAGE>   42

      At December 31, 1999, the parent company's short-term debt, consisting
principally of commercial paper used to finance ongoing current business
activities, was approximately $40,669,000. The parent company had cash,
interest-bearing deposits with banks and other current assets aggregating
$67,938,000 and back-up credit lines with banks of $24,000,000. Since 1979, the
parent company has had no need to use available back-up lines of credit.

      While the past performance is no guarantee of the future, management
believes that the Company's funding sources (including dividends from all its
subsidiaries) and the bank's funding sources will be adequate to meet their
liquidity requirements in the future.

CAPITAL

The Company and the bank are subject to risk-based capital regulations. The
purpose of these regulations is to quantitatively measure capital against
risk-weighted assets, including off-balance sheet items. These regulations
define the elements of total capital into Tier 1 and Tier 2 components and
establish minimum ratios of 4% for Tier 1 capital and 8% for Total Capital for
capital adequacy purposes. Supplementing these regulations is a leverage
requirement. This requirement establishes a minimum leverage ratio, (at least 3%
to 5%) which is calculated by dividing Tier 1 capital by adjusted quarterly
average assets (after deducting goodwill). Information regarding the Company's
and the bank's risk-based capital at December 31, 1999 and December 31, 1998, is
presented in Footnote 19 on page 36. In addition, the Company and the bank are
subject to the provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Improvement Act of 1981 ("FDICIA") which imposes a number of mandatory
supervisory measures. Among other matters, FDICIA, established five capital
categories ranging from "well capitalized" to "critically under capitalized."
Such classifications are used by regulatory agencies to determine a bank's
deposit insurance premium, approval of applications authorizing institutions to
increase their asset size or otherwise expand business activities or acquire
other institutions. Under the provisions of FDICIA, a "well capitalized"
institution must maintain minimum leverage, Tier 1 and Total Capital ratios of
5%, 6% and 8%, respectively. At December 31, 1999, the Company and the bank
exceeded the requirements for "well capitalized" institutions.

Year 2000 Project

The Company successfully handled the date change from December 31, 1999 to
January 1, 2000. The cost to date for the Y2K project is $392,000 all of which
has been expensed as incurred. Many of the expenditures relate to microcomputer
hardware and software that would have been upgraded in the normal course of the
Company's operations though December 31, 1999.

      To date, the Company has not experienced any significant problems as a
result of Y2K nor are they anticipating any material issues going forward.
Despite the best efforts of the Committee, there can be no complete assurance
that the Company will not be adversely affected by unforeseen problems in its
own computer systems or in systems provided by third parties or of other
entities not associated with the Company that are unsuccessful in properly
addressing this issue.

Market for the Company's Common Stock and Related Security Holder Matters

The parent company's common stock is traded on The New York Stock Exchange under
the symbol STL. Information regarding the quarterly prices of the common stock
is presented in Footnote 23 on page 43. Information regarding the average common
shares outstanding and dividends per common share is presented in the
Consolidated Statements of Income on page 15. Information regarding legal
restrictions on the ability of the bank to pay dividends is presented in
Footnote 12 on page 29. There are no such restrictions on the ability of the
parent company to pay dividends to its shareholders. Information related to the
parent company's preferred stock is presented in Footnote 10 on page 28.



54
<PAGE>   43
Recent Accounting Developments

In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities." SFAS No. 133 required that all derivative
instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other
contracts, be recorded on the balance sheet as either an asset or liability
measured at its fair value. Changes in the derivative's fair value should be
recognized currently in earnings unless the derivative is designated as a hedge.
When designated as a hedge, the fair value should be recognized currently in
earnings or in accumulated other comprehensive income in equity, depending on
whether such designation is as a fair value or as a cash flow hedge. With
respect to fair value hedges, the fair value of the derivative, as well as
changes in the fair value of the hedged item, are reported in the income
statement. With cash flow hedges, changes in the derivative's fair value are
reported in accumulated other comprehensive income in equity and reclassified to
the income statement in periods in which earnings are affected by the hedged
variable cash flows or forecasted transaction. SFAS No. 133 also requires a
company to formally document, designate and assess the effectiveness of
transactions that receive hedge accounting treatment.

      In June 1999 FASB issued SFAS No. 137 which deferred the effective date of
SFAS No. 133 to all fiscal quarters of all fiscal years beginning after June 15,
2000; retroactive application is not permitted. The Company intends to adopt the
Statement as of January 1, 2001; however, it has not yet quantified the
financial statement impact of adoption, nor determined the method of adoption.
The Company anticipates that adoption could increase volatility in earnings and
accumulated other comprehensive income in equity, and could result in certain
modifications to systems and hedging methodologies.

      In October 1999, the FASB issued SFAS No. 134, "Accounting for
Mortgage-Backed Securities Retained after the Securitization of Mortgage Loans
Held for Sale by a Mortgage Banking Enterprise." This standard requires that
after the securitization of a mortgage loan held for sale, an entity engaged in
mortgage banking is no longer required to classify all retained mortgage-backed
securities as trading securities. However, a mortgage banking enterprise must
classify as trading any retained mortgage-backed securities that it commits to
sell before or during the securitization process. This standard is effective for
the first quarter of 1999. The effect of adopting this standard is not expected
to have a material impact on the Company's financial condition or results of
operations.

Forward-Looking Information

This report contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements and
are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual facts to
differ materially from those presented in this report. Readers are cautioned not
to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which speak only as
of the date of this report.

COMPARISON OF YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND DECEMBER 31, 1997

OVERVIEW

The Company reported net income for 1998 of $12.8 million, representing $1.47
per share, calculated on a diluted basis, compared to $10.9 million, or $1.27
per share, calculated on a diluted basis, in 1997. This increase reflects higher
net interest income and continued growth in noninterest income.

      Net interest income was $49.4 million for 1998, up from $45.6 million in
1997. This increase was due principally to management's strategy of increasing
the loan portfolio. The net interest margin was 6.12% for 1998 compared to 6.38%
for 1997, reflecting lower prime and other market interest rates in 1998.

      The provision for loan losses was $5.4 million in 1998 compared to $3.1
million in 1997, reflecting management's continuing evaluation of the loan
portfolio in light of the growth in the portfolio and to maintain the level of
allowance relative to outstanding loan balances.

      Noninterest income rose $3.5 million to $16.4 million in 1998, due
principally to increases from mortgage banking and deposit servicing activities.

      Noninterest expenses totaled $38.3 million for 1998 compared to $35.7
million in 1997. The increases in expense categories were incurred to support
growing levels of business activity and continued investments in the business
franchise.



55
<PAGE>   44
INCOME STATEMENT ANALYSIS

Net Interest Income

Net interest income, which represents the difference between interest earned on
interest-earning assets and interest incurred on interest-bearing liabilities,
is the Company's primary source of earnings. Net interest income can be affected
by changes in market interest rates as well as the level and composition of
assets, liabilities and shareholders' equity. The increases (decreases) for the
components of interest income and interest expense, expressed in terms of
fluctuation in average volume and rate, are shown on page 58. Information as to
the components of interest income and interest expense and average rates is
provided in the Average Balance Sheets shown on page 57.

      Net interest income for 1998 increased $3,866,000 to $49,438,000 from
$45,572,000 for the comparable period in 1997.

      Total interest income aggregated $73,962,000, up $6,136,000 for 1998 as
compared to $67,826,000 for 1997, due principally to increased loan outstandings
in keeping with management's strategy of building the Company's loan portfolio.
The yield on interest-earning assets was 9.11% for 1998 compared with 9.44% for
the comparable period in 1997. The increase in interest income was due
principally to an increase in income earned on the Company's loan portfolio as a
result of management's strategy of increasing loan outstandings.

      Interest earned on the loan portfolio amounted to $52,217,000, up
$5,434,000 from the prior year. Average loan balances amounted to $512,711,000,
up $66,443,000 from an average balance of $446,268,000 the prior year period.
The increase in average loans, primarily in the Company's commercial and
industrial loan portfolio, accounted for $3,867,000 or 71% of the increase in
interest earned on loans.

      Interest expense increased $2,270,000 to $24,524,000 for 1998 from
$22,254,000 for the comparable period in 1997. The increase in interest expense
was due to the higher average balances.

      Interest expense on NOW account deposits amounted to $1,809,000, up
$1,221,000 when compared to a year ago due to increases in average outstandings
and the cost of those funds. Average outstandings increased $26,953,000 to
$62,265,000 in 1998. The average rate paid on NOW account deposits was 2.91% in
1998 compared to 1.67% in the comparable year ago period.

      Interest expense associated with borrowed funds increased $1,107,000 in
1998 principally as a result of higher average outstandings.

Provision for Loan Losses

Based on management's continuing evaluation of the loan portfolio (discussed
under "Asset Quality"), the provision for loan losses increased to $5,389,000,
up $2,314,000 when compared to the prior year. The provision was increased as
the result of growth in the portfolio and to maintain the level of allowance
relative to the outstanding loan balances.

Noninterest Income

Noninterest income for 1998 increased $3,476,000 over the prior year as a result
of increased fees from deposit services and mortgage banking services and higher
income from other fee-based services.

Noninterest Expenses

Noninterest expenses for 1998 increased $2,591,000 over the prior year
reflecting higher personnel and other operating expenses incurred to support
growing levels of business activity and continued investment in the business
franchise.

Provision for Income Taxes

The increase in the provision for income taxes was principally due to higher
pretax earnings partially offset by tax strategies implemented in 1998.


56
<PAGE>   45

                               STERLING BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
                AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND ANALYSIS OF NET INTEREST EARNINGS[1]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,                              1999                           1998                           1997
- -----------------------                  -----------------------------   ----------------------------  ----------------------------
                                         Average               Average   Average              Average  Average              Average
                                         Balance    Interest    Rate     Balance   Interest    Rate    Balance    Interest   Rate
                                         -------    --------    ----     -------   --------    ----    -------    --------   ----
                                                                      (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                      <C>         <C>        <C>     <C>         <C>        <C>     <C>         <C>         <C>
Assets
Interest-bearing deposits with
  other banks                            $      528  $   228    5.48%   $  1,070    $   132    5.03%   $  3,285    $   225     5.68%
Investment securities
  Available for sale                        118,549    7,387    6.22     111,562      7,063    6.33      67,143      4,496     6.70
  Held to maturity                          237,696   15,073    6.34     213,532     13,486    6.32     236,581     15,903     6.72
  Tax-exempt[2]                              23,627    1,677    7.10      11,596        867    7.55       1,029         82     7.96
Federal Funds sold                           11,049      556    4.96      10,356        565    5.45       6,718        371     5.52
Loans, net of unearned discounts
  Domestic[3]                               555,844   55,505   10.88     511,923     52,165   11.26     445,479     46,727    11.74
  Foreign                                       786       49    6.21         788         52    6.65         789         56     7.12
                                         ----------   ------             -------     ------             -------     ------
    Total Interest-Earning Assets           948,079   80,475    8.88%    860,827     74,330    9.13%    761,024     67,860     9.44%
                                                      ------   =====                 ------   =====                 ------    =====
Cash and due from banks                      44,509                        41,913                        44,711
Allowance for loan losses                   (10,549)                       (9,270)                       (8,579)
Excess cost over equity in
  net assets of the bank                     21,158                        21,158                        21,158
Other                                        19,501                        21,336                        20,040
                                         ----------                     ---------                      --------
    Total Assets                         $1,022,698                     $ 935,964                      $838,354
                                         ==========                     =========                      ========
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Interest-bearing deposits
  Domestic
    Savings                              $   24,405      572    2.35%   $  23,619       538    2.28%   $ 24,288         531    2.18%
    NOW                                      68,326    1,685    2.47       62,265     1,809    2.91      35,312         588    1.67
    Money market                            150,094    4,486    2.99      136,577     4,222    3.09     130,742       4,048    3.10
    Time                                    207,142    9,840    4.75      183,837     9,393    5.11     183,997       9,619    5.23
  Foreign
    Time                                      2,767      123    4.44        2,729       145    5.33       2,962         158    5.33
Borrowings
  Federal Funds purchased and securities
    sold under agreements to repurchase     101,791    5,021    4.93       77,367     4,002    5.15      83,207        4,480   5.38
  Commercial paper                           37,466    1,780    4.75       33,843     1,720    5.08      24,804        1,299   5.24
  Other short-term debt                       4,273      766    5.19       13,583       921    5.15       8,221          656   5.19
  Long-term debt                             37,275    2,052    5.16       35,240     1,774    5.03      16,385          875   5.89
                                         ----------   ------              -------    ------             -------       ------
    Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities      633,539   26,325    4.05%     569,060    24,524    4.27%    509,918       22,254   4.33%
                                                                ====                           ====                            ====
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits         237,324       --              224,780        --             199,431           --
                                            -------   ------            ---------    ------            --------       -------
Total including noninterest-bearing
  demand deposits                           870,863   26,325    2.95%     793,840    24,524    3.06%    709,349       22,254   3.11%
                                                                ====                           ====                            ====
Other liabilities                            49,474                        45,480                        46,490
                                         ----------                     ---------                      --------
    Total Liabilities                       920,337                       839,320                       755,839
Shareholders' equity                        102,361                        96,644                        82,515
                                         ----------                     ---------                      --------
    Total Liabilities and
      Shareholders' Equity               $1,022,698                     $ 935,964                      $838,354
                                         ==========                     =========                      ========
                                                      ======                         ======                           ======
Net interest income/spread                            54,150    4.83%                49,806    4.86%                  45,606   5.11%
                                                      ------    ====                 ------    ====                   ------   ====
Net yield on interest-earning assets                            6.04%                          6.15%                           6.37%
                                                                ====                           ====                            ====
                                                         ===                            ===                               ==
Less: Tax equivalent adjustment                          688                            368                               34

                                                     =======                        =======                          =======
Net interest income                                  $53,462                        $49,438                          $45,572
                                                     =======                        =======                          =======

</TABLE>

[1]   The average balances of assets, liabilities and shareholders' equity are
      computed on the basis of daily averages. Average rates are presented on a
      tax-equivalent basis.

[2]   Interest on tax-exempt securities included herein is presented on a
      tax-equivalent basis.

[3]   Nonaccrual loans are included in amounts outstanding and income has been
      included to the extent earned.


                                                                              57
<PAGE>   46

                        Sterling Bancorp and Subsidiaries
                             RATE/VOLUME ANALYSIS[1]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       December 31, 1998 to               December 31, 1997 to
Increase (Decrease) from Years Ended,                    December 31, 1999                 December 31, 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                 Volume       Rate       Total[2]    Volume        Rate     Total[2]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                              <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Interest Income
Interest-bearing deposits with other banks       $    73     $    23     $    96     $   (80)    $   (13)    $   (93)
                                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment securities
  Available for sale                                 446        (122)        324       2,827        (260)      2,567
  Held to maturity                                 1,544          43       1,587      (1,501)       (916)     (2,417)
  Tax-exempt                                         791          19         810         789          (4)        785
                                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total                                        2,781         (60)      2,721       2,115      (1,180)        935
                                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal funds sold                                    40         (49)         (9)        199          (5)        194
                                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Loans, net of unearned discounts[3]
  Domestic                                         5,189      (1,849)      3,340       7,624      (2,186)      5,438
  Foreign                                             --          (3)         (3)         --          (4)         (4)
                                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total                                        5,189      (1,852)      3,337       7,624      (2,190)      5,434
                                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Interest Income                            $ 8,083     $(1,938)    $ 6,145     $ 9,858     $(3,388)    $ 6,470
                                                 ===================================================================
Interest Expense
Savings and time deposits
  Domestic
    Savings                                      $    17     $    17     $    34     $   (16)    $    23     $     7
    NOW                                              166        (290)       (124)        619         602       1,221
    Money market                                     405        (141)        264         187         (13)        174
    Time                                           1,138        (691)        447          (8)       (218)       (226)
  Foreign
    Time                                               2         (24)        (22)        (13)         --         (13)
                                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total                                        1,728      (1,129)        599         769         394       1,163
                                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------

Borrowings
  Federal funds purchased and securities sold
    under agreements to repurchase                 1,197        (178)      1,019        (297)       (181)       (478)
  Commercial paper                                   177        (117)         60         462         (41)        421
  Other short-term debt                             (163)          8        (155)        268          (3)        265
  Long-term debt                                     192          86         278       1,048        (149)        899
                                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total                                        1,403        (201)      1,202       1,481        (374)      1,107
                                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Interest Expense                           $ 3,131     $(1,330)    $ 1,801     $ 2,250     $    20     $ 2,270
                                                 ===================================================================
Net Interest Income                              $ 4,952     $  (608)    $ 4,344     $ 7,608     $(3,408)    $ 4,200
                                                 ===================================================================
</TABLE>

[1]   Amounts are presented on a tax-equivalent basis.
[2]   The change in interest income and interest expense due to both rate and
      volume has been allocated to change due to rate and the change due to
      volume in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amounts of
      the changes in each.
[3]   Nonaccrual loans have been included in the amounts outstanding and income
      has been included to the extent earned.


58
<PAGE>   47

                        Sterling Bancorp and Subsidiaries
                            INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY

To mitigate the vulnerability of earnings to changes in interest rates, the
Company manages the repricing characteristics of assets and liabilities in an
attempt to control net interest rate sensitivity. Management attempts to confine
significant rate sensitivity gaps predominantly to repricing intervals of a year
or less so that adjustments can be made quickly. Assets and liabilities with
predetermined repricing dates are classified based on the earliest repricing
period. Based on the interest rate sensitivity analysis shown below, the
Company's net interest income would decrease during periods of rising interest
rates and increase during periods of falling interest rates. Amounts are
presented in thousands.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       Repricing Date
                                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          More than
                                              3 Months     3 Months     1 Year to       Over        Nonrate
                                              or Less      to 1 Year     5 Years       5 Years     Sensitive       Total
                                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                               <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>           <C>
Assets
  Interest-bearing deposits with
   other banks                                 $    515      $    --      $     --      $     --     $     --     $     515
  Investment securities                          17,328        8,583        28,619       395,916        6,956       457,402
  Loans, net of unearned discounts
    Commercial and industrial                   457,710          178         4,847            92         (427)      462,400
    Loans to depository institutions             30,000           --            --            --           --        30,000
    Lease financing                                 374        1,173        89,043         1,256      (10,447)       81,399
    Real estate                                   1,545        3,569        39,022        57,330         (133)      101,333
    Installment                                   8,830          136         2,881         1,475         (141)       13,181
    Foreign government and official
     institutions                                   783           --            --            --           --           783
  Noninterest-earning assets and
allowance or loan losses                             --           --            --            --       71,874        71,874
                                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total Assets                              517,085       13,639       164,412       456,069       67,682     1,218,887
                                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
  Interest-bearing deposits
    Savings[1]                                       --           --        23,625            --           --        23,625
    NOW[1]                                           --           --        70,205            --           --        70,205
    Money market[1]                             123,028           --        30,817            --           --       153,845
    Time--domestic                              177,964      119,613        22,180           450           --       320,207
        --foreign                                 1,730        1,100            --            --           --         2,830
  Securities sold under agreements
    to repurchase                               110,888        7,350            --            --           --       118,238
  Commercial paper                               40,319           --            --            --           --        40,319
  Other short-term borrowings                    10,643          350            --            --           --        10,993
  Other long-term borrowings--FHLB               20,000           --         1,050            --           --        21,050
  Noninterest-bearing liabilities
   and shareholders' equity                          --           --            --            --      457,575       457,575
                                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total Liabilities and Shareholders'
     Equity                                     484,572      128,413       147,877           450      457,575     1,218,887
                                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Interest Rate Sensitivity Gap            $   32,513   $ (114,774)   $   16,535    $  455,619   $ (389,893)   $       --
                                             ==============================================================================

Cumulative Gap at December 31, 1999          $   32,513   $  (82,261)   $  (65,726)   $  389,893   $       --    $       --
                                             ==============================================================================
Cumulative Gap at December 31, 1998          $  149,850   $  113,187    $   65,434    $  404,571   $       --    $       --
                                             ==============================================================================
Cumulative Gap at December 31, 1997          $  158,116   $   20,475    $  (11,245)   $  261,380   $       --    $       --
                                             ==============================================================================
</TABLE>
[1]   Historically, balances on non-maturity deposit accounts have remained
      relatively stable despite changes in levels of interest rates. Balances
      are shown in repricing periods based on management's historical repricing
      practices and runoff experience.


                                                                              59

<PAGE>   1



                                                                      EXHIBIT 21




                                STERLING BANCORP

                         Subsidiaries of the Registrant





      Sterling Banking Corporation

      Sterling Industrial Loan Association

      Sterling National Bank

            Sterling Factors Corporation

            Sterling National Mortgage Company, Inc. (New York)

            Sterling National Mortgage Corporation (Virginia)

            Sterling Holding Company of Virginia, Inc.

                   Sterling Real Estate Holding Company Inc.




















<PAGE>   1
              CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



The Shareholders and Board of Directors
Sterling Bancorp:

     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements
(Nos. 033-64710, 333-27473 and 333-63665) on Form S-8 of Sterling Bancorp of our
report dated January 20, 2000, relating to the consolidated balance sheets of
Sterling Bancorp and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the
related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in
stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 1999 and the consolidated statements of condition of
Sterling National Bank as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, which report is
incorporated by reference in the December 31, 1999 annual report on Form 10-K of
Sterling Bancorp.


/s/ KPMG LLP

New York, New York
March 27, 2000

<TABLE> <S> <C>



<ARTICLE> 9
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000

<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1999
<CASH>                                          35,505
<INT-BEARING-DEPOSITS>                             515
<FED-FUNDS-SOLD>                                     0
<TRADING-ASSETS>                                     0
<INVESTMENTS-HELD-FOR-SALE>                    162,464
<INVESTMENTS-CARRYING>                         249,938
<INVESTMENTS-MARKET>                           286,220
<LOANS>                                        689,096
<ALLOWANCE>                                     11,117
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               1,218,887
<DEPOSITS>                                     862,520
<SHORT-TERM>                                   169,551
<LIABILITIES-OTHER>                             60,526
<LONG-TERM>                                     21,050
                                0
                                      2,443
<COMMON>                                         8,773
<OTHER-SE>                                      94,074
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES-AND-EQUITY>               1,218,887
<INTEREST-LOAN>                                 55,554
<INTEREST-INVEST>                               23,449
<INTEREST-OTHER>                                   794
<INTEREST-TOTAL>                                79,787
<INTEREST-DEPOSIT>                              16,706
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              26,325
<INTEREST-INCOME-NET>                           53,462
<LOAN-LOSSES>                                    5,584
<SECURITIES-GAINS>                                   0
<EXPENSE-OTHER>                                 41,583
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 24,240
<INCOME-PRE-EXTRAORDINARY>                      14,564
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    14,564
<EPS-BASIC>                                       1.71
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.64
<YIELD-ACTUAL>                                    6.04
<LOANS-NON>                                      1,417
<LOANS-PAST>                                        59
<LOANS-TROUBLED>                                     0
<LOANS-PROBLEM>                                  1,005
<ALLOWANCE-OPEN>                                10,156
<CHARGE-OFFS>                                    5,022
<RECOVERIES>                                       399
<ALLOWANCE-CLOSE>                               11,117
<ALLOWANCE-DOMESTIC>                            10,866
<ALLOWANCE-FOREIGN>                                  0
<ALLOWANCE-UNALLOCATED>                            251


</TABLE>


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