Sterling Bancorp (STL)

its pretty much at its 52 week low right now, for no real reason. Its just so low, i dont really know much about the company but other people seem to say their balance sheet is at least average so... why not?

Banks are not generally on my shopping list right now, but I was researching the lows that Sterling Financial Corporation(NasdaqGS: STSA) had reached and noted a press release that Sterling Bancorp (STL) was not associated with STSA. I knew that, but I wondered how many other investors had doubts. Sterling Bancorp stock is pushing new lows despite having a fairly decent balance sheet. As a lending center based in New York City Sterling Bancorp could have some hidden negatives in their loan portfolio that may still surface, but overall, they appear to be fairly conservative and holding their own. Margins, (on paper, again who know with a bank during this recession), appear healthy at +11% profit and +19% operating margins. Cash flow and income are weak, but holding and Sterling Bancorp is currently holding it's 5% dividends. Risky? Yes, but at the current $7 share price it appears to me to have some potential.