sovereignbank Q4_2007

Sovereign Bancorp reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2007. For Q4, the company reported a net loss of $1.6 billion compared to a net loss of $129 million in Q4 2006, primarily due to goodwill impairments. For the full year, Sovereign reported a net loss of $1.3 billion compared to net income of $137 million in 2006. The company is taking steps to strengthen its capital position such as discontinuing its dividend and reducing expenses. Sovereign's non-performing loans increased and net interest margin expanded in Q4.