NewStar Reports Second Quarter Results

Boosts Allowance for Credit Losses and Extends Maturities of Credit Facilities




  * Reported a $14.7 million adjusted net loss in the second quarter,
    or $0.30 adjusted loss per diluted share, driven by a $36.2 
    million provision for credit losses

  * On a GAAP basis, the net loss was $15.6 million, or $0.32 net loss 
    per diluted share 

  * Boosted allowance for credit losses to 3.86% from 2.81% in prior 
    quarter as charge-offs increased slightly to 2.66% and 
    non-performing loans increased to 6.68%  

  * Converted credit facility with Wachovia/Wells Fargo to long-term 
    debt, extending maturity to 2012 and renewed a short-term 
    seasoning facility with Natixis Financial Products

  * Continued to work on regulatory approvals for acquisition of 
    Southern Commerce Bank amid difficult policy environment

BOSTON, Aug. 5, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NewStar Financial, Inc. (Nasdaq:NEWS), a Boston-based commercial finance company, today reported adjusted net loss for the second quarter of 2009 of $14.7 million, or $0.30 per diluted share. On a GAAP basis, the Company reported net loss of $15.6 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, which reflected $1.0 million after-tax non-cash equity compensation expense related to the 2006 IPO.

"Adjusted net income (loss)" and other non-GAAP financial measures used in this release are defined under "Non-GAAP Financial Measures." Reconciliations between GAAP and adjusted (non-GAAP) measures can be found in the attached financial tables.

"The second quarter remained challenging for lenders as continued weak economic conditions weighed on credit performance across most markets and asset classes," said Tim Conway, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Our credit metrics for the second quarter reflected the compounding impact of declining asset values and sustained weakness in the economy on the financial performance of our borrowers, particularly in the commercial real estate markets. Despite the severity of this recession, however, we continue to believe that we will benefit from a defensive balance sheet, which provides us important flexibility to protect book value.

"During the quarter, we also continued to work with federal banking regulators on our proposed acquisition on Southern Commerce Bank to satisfy requirements for regulatory approval on terms acceptable to the Company in a difficult policy environment."

"We continued to make progress on our funding strategy in the second quarter by converting the Wachovia line to a three year term debt facility and completing the renewal of our warehouse line with Natixis. We now have 87% of our assets funded with long-term capital," added John Bray, NewStar's Chief Financial Officer.

Loan Credit Quality



 * The provision for credit losses was $36.2 million in the second
   quarter of 2009, up from $25.3 million in the first quarter of 2009.
 * Approximately $32.4 million of the provision for credit losses was
   used to establish new specific reserves in the second quarter of
   2009 compared to $26.7 million in the first quarter of 2009.
 * The allowance for credit losses increased to $86.3 million, or
   3.86%, of loans at June 30, 2009, compared to $65.0 million, or
   2.81%, at March 31, 2009 and $38.2 million or 1.60% at June 30,
   2008.
 * Nine loans totaling $78.2 million as of June 30, 2009 were placed
   on non-accrual status in the second quarter of 2009.
 * Four of the nine loans placed on non-accrual status in the second
   quarter of 2009 were commercial real estate loans totaling $38.9
   million as of June 30, 2009.  The other five loans were to
   companies operating in the building materials, publishing,
   restaurant and financial services industry sectors.
 * At June 30, 2009, loans to 19 borrowers were on non-accrual with an
   aggregate outstanding balance of $149.5 million compared to ten
   loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $88.9 million at
   March 31, 2009.
 * Eleven of the non-accrual loans with an outstanding balance of
   $94.9 million and three additional accruing loans with an aggregate
   outstanding balance of $33.0 million as of June 30, 2009 were also
   delinquent loans.
 * Net charge-offs were up slightly to $14.9 million, or 2.66% of
   loans on an annualized basis, in the second quarter of 2009
   compared to $14.3 million or 2.50% of loans on an annualized basis
   in the first quarter of 2009.
 * $7.4 million of net charge-offs were on commercial real estate
   loans in the second quarter of 2009.
 * NewStar sold a property classified as other real estate owned
   ("OREO") for $4.6 million during the quarter and recognized a loss
   of $1.9 million.

Funding and Capital



 * Total cash and equivalents as of June 30, 2009 were $160 million,
   of which $46 million was unrestricted. Unrestricted cash decreased
   from approximately $58 million at March 31, 2009 and restricted
   cash increased from approximately $109 million to $113 million.
 * Amended an existing credit facility with Wachovia Bank NA, a Wells
   Fargo Company, to extend the maturity date to July 2012 and reduce
   the size of the facility from $200 million to $146 million.
 * Amended an existing short-term seasoning credit facility with
   Natixis Financial Products to extend the maturity date to May 2010
   and reduce the size of the facility from $75 million to $50 million.
 * Approximately 87% of assets are now funded by long term capital.
 * Approximately 62% of loan assets continued to be term-funded by
   existing securitized term debt at attractive, locked-in spreads as
   of June 30, 2009. The ability to re-invest collections from
   repayments and amortization of certain of these loans represents a
   continuing source of funding.
 * NewStar reduced debt by $81.6 million in the second quarter of 2009
   and by more than $250 million since June 30, 2008.
 * Balance sheet leverage was 3.2x as of June 30, 2009, down slightly
   from 3.3x at March 31, 2009 due principally to repayment of
   advances under credit facilities.

Managed and Owned Loan Portfolios



 * The composition of the owned loan portfolio continued to reflect a
   focus on senior debt with 96% invested in 1st lien senior secured
   loans and debt investments at June 30, 2009.
 * Total origination volume for the second quarter of 2009 was nominal,
   which reflected the Company's preference to preserve liquidity
   given the severity of recent economic conditions and the heightened
   level of uncertainty around the future course of the U.S. economy.
 * The managed loan portfolio was $2.8 billion as of June 30, 2009
   (down from $2.9 billion at March 31, 2009), reflecting the net
   impact of $12 million of new origination, which was offset by
   prepayments and scheduled amortization of existing loans, as well
   as charge-offs. Managed loan portfolio was down from $3.0 billion
   at June 30, 2008.
 * Assets managed for the NCOF were $544 million at June 30, 2009,
   compared to $557 million at March 31, 2009 and $593 million at June
   30, 2008.
 * The owned loan portfolio was $2.3 billion as of June 30, 2009 down
   slightly from March 31, 2009.
 * The owned loan portfolio continued to be balanced across industry
   sectors and highly diversified by issuer. As of June 30, 2009, no
   single issuer represented more than 1% of total loans outstanding,
   and the ten largest issuers comprised approximately 10% of the loan
   portfolio.

Net Interest Income / Margin



 * Net interest income before provision for credit losses was $23.6
   million for the second quarter of 2009 compared to $22.2 million 
   for the first quarter of 2009. 
 * Net interest margin increased 32 bps to 3.90% for the second  
   quarter of 2009 compared to 3.58% for the first quarter of 2009 and
   4.17% for the second quarter of 2008 due principally to an increase
   in credit spreads through the re-pricing of existing loans, which
   was partially offset by the impact of higher non-performing loans. 

Non-Interest Income



 * Non-interest income was $(0.2) million for the second quarter of
   2009 compared to $6.3 million for the first quarter of 2009, and
   $1.6 million for the second quarter of 2008.
 * Non-interest income in the second quarter of 2009 consisted
   primarily of a $1.9 million loss on the sale of OREO partially
   offset by $0.7 million of asset management income, $0.6 million of
   unused fees and $0.4 million of agency fees.

Expenses



 * Operating expenses were $12.0 million in the second quarter of 2009
   compared to $9.9 million in the first quarter of 2009, and $13.5
   million in the second quarter of 2008. The increase in the second
   quarter of 2009 compared to the first quarter of 2009 was due 
   principally to higher loan workout and compensation expenses. 

Other Developments



 * The Company remains in discussion with Dickinson Financial
   Corporation regarding potential amendments to the stock purchase
   and sale agreement related to the proposed acquisition of Southern
   Commerce Bank, N.A.  As of July 31, 2009, the existing agreement
   lapsed, giving each party the right to terminate.  Neither party
   has elected to terminate.

Conference Call and Webcast

NewStar will host a webcast/conference call to discuss the results today at 10:00 am Eastern Time. All interested parties are invited to participate via telephone or webcast, which will be hosted through the Investor Relations section at www.newstarfin.com. Please visit the website to register for the webcast and test your connection prior to the call. You can also access the conference call by dialing 888-461-2011 approximately 5-10 minutes prior to the call. International callers should dial 719-325-2209. All callers should reference "NewStar Financial."

For convenience, an archived replay of the call will be available through August 12, 2009 by dialing 888-203-1112. International callers should call 719-457-0820. For all replays, please use the passcode 3245559. The audio replay will also be available through the Investor Relations section at www.newstarfin.com.

About NewStar Financial

NewStar Financial (Nasdaq:NEWS) is a specialized commercial finance company focused on meeting the complex financing needs of companies and private investors in the middle markets. The Company specializes in providing senior secured debt financing for the acquisition or recapitalization of mid-sized companies and commercial real estate. NewStar originates loans directly through a team of experienced, senior bankers organized around key industry and market segments. The Company targets 'hold' positions of up to $20 million and selectively underwrites or arranges larger transactions for syndication to other lenders.

NewStar is headquartered in Boston MA and has regional offices in Darien CT, Chicago IL and Charleston SC. For more detailed transaction and contact information please visit www.newstarfin.com.

The NewStar Financial, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4044

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements give our current expectations and projections relating to our financial condition, results of operations, strategic plans, objectives, future performance and business, including our proposed acquisition of Southern Commerce Bank and application to become a bank holding company. As such, they are subject to material risks and uncertainties, including receipt of required regulatory approvals to become a bank holding company and acquire Southern Commerce Bank; our limited operating history; the current dislocation in the credit markets and the general state of the economy; our ability to compete effectively in a highly competitive industry; and the impact of federal, state and local laws and regulations that govern non-depository commercial lenders and businesses generally, including increased regulation by the FDIC and OCC if we become a bank holding company.

More detailed information about these factors is described in NewStar's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including Item 1A ("Risk Factors") of our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as supplemented by the Risk Factors contained in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. NewStar is under no obligation to (and expressly disclaims any such obligation to) update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. NewStar plans to file its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 with the SEC on or before August 10, 2009 and urges its shareholders to refer to that document for more complete information concerning NewStar's financial results.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

References to "adjusted net income" and "adjusted earnings per share" mean net income or earnings per diluted share, respectively, as determined under GAAP, excluding the following items: i) compensation expense related to restricted stock grants made since our inception as a private company, including equity awards made in connection with the initial public offering; and ii) the losses incurred in connection with the change in fair value of the residual interest, including the impact on our effective tax rate. GAAP requires that these items be included in net income. NewStar management uses "adjusted net income" and "adjusted earnings per share" to make operational and investment decisions, and NewStar believes that they provide useful information to investors in their evaluation of our financial performance and condition. Excluding the financial results and expenses incurred in connection with the compensation expense related to restricted stock grants made since our inception as a private company, eliminates unique amounts that make it difficult to assess our core performance and compare our period-over-period results. A reconciliation of adjusted net income to net income is included on page 8 of this release.

References to "adjusted net interest margin" mean annualized interest income as determined under GAAP (excluding interest income generated from the retained residual interest) less annualized interest expense as determined under GAAP, divided by average interest earning assets (excluding the retained residual interest for the period.)

Adjusted return on average assets means adjusted net income divided by average assets for the period excluding the retained residual interest. Adjusted return on average equity means adjusted net income divided by average equity for the period. Adjusted efficiency ratio means operating expenses determined in accordance with GAAP less i) compensation expense related to restricted stock grants made since our inception as a private company and ii) the change in fair value of the residual interest. The adjusted ratios exclude unique expenses that make it difficult to assess our core performance and compare our period-over-period results.

A reconciliation of our adjusted financial measures to their GAAP equivalents is included on page 12 of this release. NewStar's adjusted financial measures should not be considered as alternatives to financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP and may be different from, or inconsistent with, non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies.



 NewStar Financial, Inc.
 Consolidated Balance Sheets
 (unaudited)
 --------------------------------------------------------------------
                         June 30,    March 31,   Dec. 31,    June 30,
 ($ in thousands)          2009        2009        2008        2008
 --------------------------------------------------------------------
 Assets:

 Cash and cash
  equivalents          $   46,280  $   57,581  $   50,279  $  134,017
 Restricted cash          113,243     108,889      84,163      81,676
 Investments in debt
  securities,
  available-for-sale        2,972       2,676       3,025       4,619
 Loans held-for-sale        7,132          --          --      15,508
 Loans, net             2,135,647   2,234,467   2,328,812   2,340,410
 Deferred financing
  costs, net               19,057      19,611      21,003      19,398
 Interest receivable        8,685       8,640      10,608      11,549
 Property and
  equipment, net            1,080       1,112       1,252       1,412
 Deferred income
  taxes, net               48,587      29,794      31,238      10,987
 Income tax
  receivable                  --        6,268         --        3,229
 Other assets              22,150      37,730      41,142      34,174
                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  Total assets         $2,404,833  $2,506,768  $2,571,522  $2,656,979
 ====================================================================

 Liabilities:

 Credit facilities     $  322,248  $  378,870  $  411,267     511,800
 Term debt              1,478,620   1,503,616   1,524,171   1,540,225
 Accrued interest
  payable                   4,283       3,544       9,773      10,092
 Income tax payable         1,647          --         353          --
 Accounts payable             481         417       1,049         388
 Other liabilities         32,780      42,227      43,354      26,157
                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  Total liabilities     1,840,059   1,928,674   1,989,967   2,088,662
  Total stockholders'
   equity                 564,774     578,094     581,555     568,317
                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  Total liabilities
   and stockholders'
   equity              $2,404,833  $2,506,768  $2,571,522  $2,656,979
 ====================================================================

 NewStar Financial, Inc.
 Consolidated Statements of Operations
 (unaudited)
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

    
                                   Three Months Ended
                    --------------------------------------------------
 ($ in thousands, 
  except per share   June 30,     March 31,   December 31,   June 30,
  amounts)             2009         2009         2008         2008
 ------------------ -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 Net interest 
  income:
  Interest income   $    35,026  $    35,925  $    45,845  $    46,034
  Interest expense       11,412       13,765       21,445       19,583
                    -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
   Net interest
    income               23,614       22,160       24,400       26,451
  Provision for
   credit losses         36,177       25,307       17,930        3,723
                    -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
   Net interest
    income after
    provision for
    credit losses       (12,563)      (3,147)       6,470       22,728

 Non-interest
  income:
  Fee income                361          493          866        1,395
  Asset management
   income                   673          787        1,457        1,476
  Gain (loss) on
   derivatives              222          144        1,366          (11)
  Gain (loss) on sale
   of loans and debt
   securities                --           --           (1)          47
  Loss on investments
   in debt securities        --           --           (1)        (667)
  Loss on residual
   interest in
   securitization            --           --           --         (308)
  Other income
   (expense)             (1,504)       4,898        4,958         (339)
                    -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
   Total non-interest
    income                 (248)       6,322        8,645        1,593
 Operating expenses:
  Compensation and
   benefits               6,686        5,627        4,172        9,580
  Occupancy and
   equipment                781          780          718          938
  General and
   administrative
   expenses               4,573        3,501        3,054        2,972
                    -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
   Total operating
    expenses             12,040        9,908        7,944       13,490
                    -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 Income (loss) 
  before income 
  taxes                 (24,851)      (6,733)       7,171       10,831
  Income tax 
   expense (benefit)     (9,208)      (1,783)       4,417        4,908
                    -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 Net income (loss)  $   (15,643) $    (4,950) $     2,754  $     5,923
                    ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========
  After tax
   adjustments to 
   net income 
   (loss):
   IPO related
    compensation and
    benefits expense           
    (1)                     962        2,051        2,102        1,512
   Loss on assets
    sold and 
    retained 
    residual 
    interest (2)             --           --          258          169
                    -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 Adjusted net 
  income (loss)     $   (14,681) $    (2,899) $     5,114  $     7,604
                    ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========
 Net income (loss)
  per share:
  Basic             $     (0.32) $     (0.10) $      0.06  $      0.12
  Diluted           $     (0.32) $     (0.10) $      0.06  $      0.12

 Weighted average
  shares outstanding:
  Basic              49,173,192   48,778,526   48,510,697   48,532,542
  Diluted            49,173,192   48,778,526   48,510,697   48,532,542

 Adjusted net income
  (loss) per share:
  Basic             $     (0.30) $     (0.06) $      0.11  $      0.16
  Diluted           $     (0.30) $     (0.06) $      0.11  $      0.16

 Adjusted weighted
  average shares
  outstanding:
  Basic              49,173,192   48,778,526   48,510,697   48,532,542
  Diluted            49,173,192   48,778,526   48,510,697   48,532,542

 (1) Non-cash compensation charge related to restricted stock grants 
     made since our inception as a private company, including equity 
     awards made in connection with the initial public offering.
 (2) Loss and expenses incurred in connection with the sale of assets 
     comprised of 50 debt securities and two loans during Q2 2007, 
     permanent impairments on these assets, the change in fair value
     of the residual interest in these assets, and the impact on the 
     effective tax rate. The change in effective tax rate was
     applied retrospectively.

 NewStar Financial, Inc.
 Consolidated Statements of Operations
 (unaudited)

 --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               
                                            Six Months Ended June 30,
                                           --------------------------
 ($ in thousands, except per share amounts)    2009          2008
 ----------------------------------------- ------------  ------------
 Net interest income:
  Interest income                          $     70,951  $     98,022
  Interest expense                               25,177        44,907
                                           ------------  ------------
   Net interest income                           45,774        53,115
  Provision for credit losses                    61,484         8,334
                                           ------------  ------------
   Net interest income after provision for
    credit losses                               (15,710)       44,781

 Non-interest income:
  Fee income                                        854         2,927
  Asset management income                         1,460         3,127
  Gain on derivatives                               366            45
  Gain (loss) on sale of loans and debt
   securities                                        --          (739)
  Loss on investments in debt securities             --          (925)
  Loss on residual interest in
   securitization                                    --          (631)
  Other income                                    3,394           945
                                           ------------  ------------
   Total non-interest income                      6,074         4,749
 Operating expenses:
  Compensation and benefits                      12,313        21,080
  Occupancy and equipment                         1,561         1,773
  General and administrative expenses             8,074         5,536
                                           ------------  ------------
   Total operating expenses                      21,948        28,389
                                           ------------  ------------
 Income (loss) before income taxes              (31,584)       21,141
  Income tax expense (benefit)                  (10,991)        9,076
                                           ------------  ------------
 Net income (loss)                         $    (20,593) $     12,065
                                           ============  ============
  After tax adjustments to net income
   (loss):
   IPO related compensation and benefits
    expense (1)                                   3,013         2,705
   Loss on assets sold and retained
    residual interest (2)                            --           361
                                           ------------  ------------
 Adjusted net income (loss)                $    (17,580) $     15,131
                                           ============  ============
 Net income (loss) per share:
  Basic                                    $      (0.42) $       0.25
  Diluted                                  $      (0.42) $       0.25

 Weighted average shares outstanding:
  Basic                                      48,974,838    48,160,254
  Diluted                                    48,974,838    48,160,254

 Adjusted net income (loss) per share:
  Basic                                    $      (0.36) $       0.31
  Diluted                                  $      (0.36) $       0.31

 Adjusted weighted average shares
  outstanding:
  Basic                                      48,974,838    48,160,254
  Diluted                                    48,974,838    48,160,254

 (1) Non-cash compensation charge related to restricted stock grants 
     made since our inception as a private company, including equity 
     awards made in connection with the initial public offering.
 (2) Loss and expenses incurred in connection with the sale of assets 
     comprised of 50 debt securities and two loans during Q2 2007, 
     permanent impairments on these assets, the change in fair value
     of the residual interest in these assets, and the impact on the 
     effective tax rate. The change in effective tax rate was applied 
     retrospectively.

 NewStar Financial, Inc.
 Selected Financial Data
 (unaudited)
 -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Three Months Ended
                    ----------------------------------------------
 ($ in thousands, 
  except per share   June 30,    March 31,   Dec. 31,    June 30,
  amounts)             2009        2009        2008        2008
 ------------------ ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
 Performance
  Ratios:
  Return on average
   assets                (2.56)%     (0.79)%      0.42%       0.91%
  Return on average
   equity               (10.87)      (3.44)       1.88        4.22
  Net interest
   margin, before
   provision              3.90        3.58        3.79        4.17
  Efficiency ratio       51.53       34.79       24.04       48.10
  Loan portfolio
   yield                  6.08        6.05        7.40        7.52

 Credit Quality
  Ratios:
  Delinquent loan
   rate (at period
   end)                   5.71%       2.65%       0.69%       0.97%
  Delinquent loan
   rate for
   accruing loans
   60 days or more
   past due (at
   period end)            1.47        0.09          --        0.55
  Non-accrual loan
   rate (at period
   end)                   6.68        3.84        2.52        0.42
  Annualized net
   charge off rate        2.66        2.50        1.47        0.38
  Allowance for
   credit losses
   ratio (at period
   end)                   3.86        2.81        2.25        1.60

 Capital and
  Leverage Ratios:
  Tier 1 risk based
   capital (1)           21.82%      21.94%      21.86%        N/A
  Total risk-based
   capital (2)           23.10       23.21       23.12         N/A
  Equity to assets       23.48       23.06       22.62       21.39
  Debt to equity          3.19x       3.26x       3.33x       3.61
  Book value per
   share            $    11.49  $    11.76  $    12.00  $    11.71

 Average Balances:
  Loans and other
   debt products,
   gross            $2,300,582  $2,391,487  $2,431,109  $2,403,327
  Interest earning
   assets            2,429,968   2,513,341   2,560,126   2,553,025
  Total assets       2,451,731   2,544,764   2,613,730   2,624,658
  Interest bearing
   liabilities       1,828,485   1,916,508   1,966,631   1,973,580
  Equity               577,455     583,346     582,630     564,811

 Allowance for
  credit loss
  activity:
  Balance as of
   beginning of
   period           $   65,013  $   53,977  $   44,933  $   36,763
  General provision
   for credit
   losses                3,733      (1,409)      4,726       1,061
  Specific
   provision for
   credit losses        32,444      26,716      13,204       2,662
  Net charge offs      (14,850)    (14,271)     (8,886)     (2,263)
                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  Balance as of end
   of period        $   86,340  $   65,013  $   53,977  $   38,223
                    ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========
 Supplemental Data
  (at period end):
  Investments in
   debt securities,
   gross            $    6,737  $    6,772  $    6,839  $    6,918
  Loans held-for-
   sale, gross           7,136          --          --      16,168
  Loans held-for-
   investment,
   gross             2,238,630   2,316,930   2,402,309   2,396,107
                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  Loans and
   investments in
   debt securities,
   gross             2,252,503   2,323,702   2,409,148   2,419,193
  Unused lines of
   credit              279,141     316,917     339,230     364,855
  Standby letters
   of credit            29,826      32,011      32,358      26,680
                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  Total funding
   commitments      $2,561,470  $2,672,630  $2,780,736  $2,810,728
                    ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========

  Loan portfolio    $2,252,503  $2,323,702  $2,409,148  $2,419,193
  Loans owned by
   NewStar Credit
   Opportunities
   Fund                543,862     557,491     561,241     593,396
                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  Managed loan
   portfolio        $2,796,365  $2,881,193  $2,970,389  $3,012,589
                    ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========

  Loans held-for-
   sale, gross      $    7,136  $       --  $       --  $   16,168
  Loans held-for-
   investment,
   gross             2,238,630   2,316,930   2,402,309   2,396,107
                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  Total loans,
   gross             2,245,766   2,316,930   2,402,309   2,412,275
  Deferred fees,
   net                 (17,875)    (19,225)    (20,998)    (19,187)
  Allowance for
   loan losses -
   general             (39,360)    (35,080)    (36,786)    (31,986)
  Allowance for
   loan losses -
   specific            (45,752)    (28,158)    (15,713)     (5,184)
                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  Total loans, net  $2,142,779  $2,234,467  $2,328,812  $2,355,918
                    ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========

  (1) Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio is defined as Tier 1 capital
      divided by risk weighted assets.
  (2) Total risk-based capital ratio is defined as the sum of Tier 1 
      capital and Tier 2 capital divided by risk-weighted assets.

 NewStar Financial, Inc.
 Selected Financial Data
 (unaudited)

 ------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               
                                          Six Months Ended June 30,
                                         --------------------------
 ($ in thousands, except per share 
  amounts)                                  2009           2008
 --------------------------------------- -----------    -----------
 Performance Ratios:
  Return on average assets                     (1.66)%         0.93%
  Return on average equity                     (7.15)          4.38
  Net interest margin, before provision         3.73           4.18
  Efficiency ratio                             42.33          49.06
  Loan portfolio yield                          6.07           7.99

 Credit Quality Ratios:
  Annualized net charge off rate                2.62           0.47

 Average Balances:
  Loans and other debt products, gross   $ 2,345,780    $ 2,415,998
  Interest earning assets                  2,473,871      2,557,601
  Total assets                             2,497,030      2,620,510
  Interest bearing liabilities             1,872,231      1,982,107
  Equity                                     580,730        554,461

 Allowance for credit loss activity:
  Balance as of beginning of period      $    53,977    $    35,487
  General provision for credit losses          2,324          2,144
  Specific provision for credit losses        59,160          6,190
  Net charge offs                            (29,121)        (5,598)
                                         -----------    -----------
  Balance as of end of period            $    86,340    $    38,223
                                         ===========    ===========

 NewStar Financial, Inc.
 Non-GAAP Data
 (unaudited)

 -------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 
                                       Adjusted
                   -------------------------------------------------
                                  Three Months Ended
                   -------------------------------------------------
                    June 30,    March 31,     Dec. 31,    June 30,
 ($ in thousands)     2009        2009          2008        2008
 ----------------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 Performance
  Ratios:
  Return on
   average assets       (2.40)%      (0.46)%       0.78 %       1.17 %
  Return on
   average equity      (10.20)       (2.02)        3.49         5.41
  Efficiency ratio      44.99        31.37        19.32        42.02
  Net interest
   margin, before
   provision             3.90         3.58         3.79         4.17
  Yield on
   interest
   earning assets        5.78         5.80         7.12         7.25

 Consolidated
  Statement of
  Operations
  Adjustments(1):
  Non-interest
   income          $     (248) $     6,322  $     8,645  $     1,593
  Plus: loss on
  assets sold and
  retained
  residual
  interest (2)             --           --           --          308
                   ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
  Adjusted non-
   interest income $     (248) $     6,322  $     8,645  $     1,901
                   ==========  ===========  ===========  ===========
  Operating
   expenses        $   12,040  $     9,908  $     7,944  $    13,490
  Less: IPO
   related
   compensation
   and benefits
   expense (3)          1,528          973        1,561        1,576
                   ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
  Adjusted
   operating
   expenses        $   10,512  $     8,935  $     6,383  $    11,914
                   ==========  ===========  ===========  ===========
 Average Balances:
  Assets           $2,451,731  $ 2,544,764  $ 2,613,730  $ 2,624,658
  Less: assets
   sold and
   residual
   interest (2)            --           --           --          308
                   ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
  Adjusted assets  $2,451,731  $ 2,544,764  $ 2,613,730  $ 2,624,350
                   ==========  ===========  ===========  ===========

  Interest earning
   assets          $2,429,968  $ 2,513,341  $ 2,560,126  $ 2,553,025
  Less: assets
   sold and
   residual
   interest (2)            --           --           --          308
                   ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
  Adjusted
   interest
   earning assets  $2,429,968  $ 2,513,341  $ 2,560,126  $ 2,552,717
                   ==========  ===========  ===========  ===========

 (1) Adjustments are pre-tax.
 (2) On June 29, 2007, the Company completed the sale of assets 
     comprised of 50 debt securities and two loans and retained a
     residual interest in these assets. The adjustment represents the 
     financial impact of the sold assets and residual interest.
 (3) Non-cash compensation charge related to restricted stock grants 
     made since our inception as a private company, including equity 
     awards made in connection with the initial public offering.

 NewStar Financial, Inc.
 Non-GAAP Data
 (unaudited)

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

                                                     Adjusted
                                              ----------------------
                                                 Six Months Ended 
                                                     June 30,
                                              ----------------------
 ($ in thousands)                                2009        2008
 -------------------------------------------- ----------  ----------
 Performance Ratios:
  Return on average assets                         (1.42)%      1.16 %
  Return on average equity                         (6.10)       5.49
  Efficiency ratio                                 37.51       42.76
  Net interest margin, before provision             3.74        4.18
  Yield on interest earning assets                  5.78        7.71

 Consolidated Statement of Operations
  Adjustments(1):
  Non-interest income                         $    6,074  $    4,749
  Plus: loss on assets sold and retained
   residual interest (2)                              --         631
                                              ----------  ----------
  Adjusted non-interest income                $    6,074  $    5,380
                                              ==========  ==========

  Operating expenses                          $   21,948  $   28,389
  Less: IPO related compensation and benefits
   expense (3)                                     2,501       3,374
                                              ----------  ----------
  Adjusted operating expenses                 $   19,447  $   25,015
                                              ==========  ==========
 Average Balances:
  Assets                                      $2,497,030  $2,620,510
  Less: assets sold and residual interest (2)         --         466
                                              ----------  ----------
  Adjusted assets                             $2,497,030  $2,620,044
                                              ==========  ==========

  Interest earning assets                     $2,473,871  $2,557,601
  Less: assets sold and residual interest (2)         --         466
                                              ----------  ----------
  Adjusted interest earning assets            $2,473,871  $2,557,135
                                              ==========  ==========

  (1) Adjustments are pre-tax.
  (2) On June 29, 2007, the Company completed the sale of assets 
      comprised of 50 debt securities and two loans and retained a 
      residual interest in these assets. The adjustment represents 
      the financial impact of the sold assets and residual interest.
  (3) Non-cash compensation charge related to restricted stock grants
      made since our inception as a private company, including equity
      awards made in connection with the initial public offering.

 NewStar Financial, Inc.
 Portfolio Data
 (unaudited)

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

 ($ in thousands)                June 30, 2009        March 31, 2009
 ----------------------------  -----------------    -----------------

 Portfolio Data:
  First mortgage               $  354,750   15.8%   $  378,162   16.3%
  Senior secured asset-based       33,509    1.5        35,207    1.5
  Senior secured cash flow      1,777,360   78.9     1,804,417   77.7

  Senior subordinated asset-
   based                           46,056    2.0        57,336    2.5
  Senior subordinated cash
   flow                                --     --         8,182    0.3
  Second lien                      33,419    1.5        33,311    1.4
  Mezzanine/subordinated            7,409    0.3         7,087    0.3
                               ----------  -----    ----------  -----
   Total                       $2,252,503  100.0%   $2,323,702  100.0%
                               ==========  =====    ==========  =====

  Middle Market Corporate      $1,878,298   83.4%    1,926,055   82.9%
  Commercial Real Estate          374,205   16.6       397,647   17.1
                               ----------  -----    ----------  -----
   Total                       $2,252,503  100.0%   $2,323,702  100.0%
                               ==========  =====    ==========  =====

 ($ in thousands)              December 31, 2008      June 30, 2008
 ----------------------------  -----------------    -----------------

 Portfolio Data:
  First mortgage                $  370,810   15.4%   $  385,535   15.9%
  Senior secured asset-based        40,969    1.7        45,861    1.9
  Senior secured cash flow       1,884,862   78.2     1,857,847   76.8
  Senior subordinated asset-
   based                            64,156    2.7        80,889    3.3
  Senior subordinated cash 
   flow                              8,182    0.3         9,789    0.4
  Second lien                       33,086    1.4        32,546    1.4
  Mezzanine/subordinated             7,083    0.3         6,726    0.3
                                ----------  -----    ----------  -----
   Total                        $2,409,148  100.0%   $2,419,193  100.0%
                                ==========  =====    ==========  =====

 Middle Market Corporate       $2,016,447   83.7%   $2,006,708   82.9%
 Commercial Real Estate           392,701   16.3       412,485   17.1
                               ----------  -----    ----------  -----
  Total                        $2,409,148  100.0%   $2,419,193  100.0%
                               ==========  =====    ==========  =====


            

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