Sound Federal Bancorp, Inc. Announces Third Fiscal Quarter Earnings

Sound Federal Bancorp, Inc. Announces Third Fiscal Quarter Earnings

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Jan. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sound Federal Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: SFFS) (the "Company"), the holding company for Sound Federal Savings (the "Bank"), announced net income of $1.05 million or diluted earnings per share of $0.09 for the quarter ended December 31, 2005 as compared to $1.43 million or diluted earnings per share of $0.12 for the quarter ended December 31, 2004. Net income decreased $380,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2005, compared to the same quarter a year ago, primarily due to a $645,000 increase in non-interest expense, partially offset by a $48,000 increase in net interest income and a $253,000 decrease in income tax expense. For the nine months ended December 31, 2005, net income amounted to $3.53 million or diluted earnings per share of $0.30, as compared to $4.35 million or diluted earnings per share of $0.36 for the same period in 2004, a decrease of $825,000 or 18.9% in net income. The decrease in net income for the nine months ended December 31, 2005 is primarily attributable to a $1.7 million increase in non-interest expense, partially offset by a $449,000 increase in non-interest income and a $530,000 decrease in income tax expense.

Bruno J. Gioffre, Chairman of the Board, commented, "The results for the quarter reflect the effect of the flat yield curve and increased operating expenses. The increase in operating expenses is due primarily to the growth of the franchise. Our growth is evidenced by increases, since March 31, 2005, of 14.1% in total assets, 26.8% in net loans and 16.6% in deposits. This growth has occurred at a time when the yield curve has remained flat for several consecutive quarters. While the growth of the Company in this interest rate environment has restrained earnings, we believe that the value of the franchise has been enhanced and will be a positive factor in the future earnings stream. While we do not know what the yield curve will look like in the future, we do know that the yield curve will not remain flat indefinitely. We will continue to pursue a prudent growth strategy and remain committed to enhancing stockholder value. As always, we value and thank you for your continued support of our Company."

The Company's total assets amounted to $1.1 billion at December 31, 2005, as compared to $1.0 billion at March 31, 2005. The $142.4 million increase in assets primarily consisted of a $150.0 million increase in net loans to $710.8 million, partially offset by a decrease in total securities of $20.2 million. Our asset growth was funded principally by a $137.9 million increase in deposits to $969.7 million.

Total stockholders' equity increased $1.5 million to $128.7 million at December 31, 2005 as compared to $127.2 million at March 31, 2005. The increase reflects net income of $3.5 million and increases of $2.3 million related to stock options, stock awards and ESOP shares, partially offset by common stock repurchases at a cost of $1.3 million, dividends paid of $2.5 million and an increase of $512,000 in the accumulated other comprehensive loss.

The accumulated other comprehensive loss of $3.2 million at December 31, 2005 represents the after-tax net unrealized loss on securities available for sale ($5.4 million pre-tax). The Company invests primarily in mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, as well as U.S. Government and Agency securities. The unrealized losses at December 31, 2005 were caused by increases in market yields subsequent to purchase. There were no debt securities past due or securities for which the Company currently believes it is not probable that it will collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the security. Because the Company has the ability to hold securities with unrealized losses until a market price recovery (which, for debt securities may be until maturity), the Company did not consider these securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2005.

Net interest income for the quarter ended December 31, 2005 increased $48,000 to $6.72 million as compared to $6.68 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2004. Our net interest rate spread was 2.20% and 2.63% for the quarters ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Our net interest margin for those respective periods was 2.50% and 2.85%. For the nine months ended December 31, 2005, net interest income amounted to $19.79 million as compared to $19.84 million for the prior year. Our interest rate spread was 2.28% and 2.71% and our net interest margin was 2.57% and 2.93% for the respective nine month periods. The decreases in interest rate spread and net interest margin are primarily the result of a decrease in the spread between short and long-term market interest rates. At December 31, 2005, the spread between the 1-month and 10-year Treasury yield rates was 38 basis points as compared to 205 basis points at December 31, 2004. As a result, the Company's average cost of interest-bearing liabilities has increased faster than the yield on interest-earning assets which are principally affected by longer-term interest rates.

The provision for loan losses was $75,000 for the quarters ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 and $225,000 for the nine months ended December 31, 2005 and 2004. Non-performing loans amounted to $2.7 million or 0.38% of total loans at December 31, 2005, as compared to $734,000 or 0.14% of total loans at December 31, 2004. At March 31, 2005, non-performing loans amounted to $580,000 or 0.10% of total loans. The allowance for loan losses amounted to $3.2 million and $3.0 million at December 31, 2005 and March 31, 2005, respectively. There were no charge-offs or recoveries during the quarters ended December 31, 2005 and 2004. The increase in the allowance for loan losses primarily reflects an increase in the origination of adjustable rate mortgage loans, commercial mortgage loans and commercial loans (not secured by real estate), as well as overall portfolio growth.

Non-interest income totaled $346,000 and $382,000 for the quarters ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. For the nine months ended December 31, 2005, non-interest income amounted to $1.5 million as compared to $1.0 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2004. The increase in non- interest income for the nine month period was primarily due to a $325,000 gain on the sale of real estate which was completed in September 2005. The property was contiguous to an existing branch site. Management determined that this property was not going to be used in connection with the operation of the branch.

Non-interest expense totaled $5.2 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2005 as compared to $4.6 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2004. This increase is due to increases of $431,000 in compensation and benefits expense, $75,000 in occupancy and equipment expense, $114,000 in advertising and promotion expense and $75,000 in other non-interest expense, partially offset by a decrease of $50,000 in data processing service fees. For the nine months ended December 31, 2005, non-interest expense increased $1.7 million to $15.2 million as compared to $13.5 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2004. This increase is due primarily to increases of $1.2 million in compensation and benefits, $269,000 in occupancy and equipment expense, and $149,000 in advertising and promotion expense. The increases include costs attributable to two new branches opened during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005.

The Bank is a federally-chartered savings bank offering traditional financial services and products through its New York branches in Mamaroneck, Harrison, Rye Brook, New Rochelle, Peekskill, Yorktown, Somers, Cortlandt and Carmel in Westchester County and New City in Rockland County, and in Connecticut in Greenwich, Stamford, Brookfield and Bethel.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements consisting of estimates with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of the Company and the Bank. These estimates are subject to various factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these estimates. Such factors include (i) the effect that an adverse movement in interest rates could have on net interest income, (ii) customer preferences, (iii) national and local economic and market conditions, (iv) higher than anticipated operating expenses and (v) a lower level of or higher cost for deposits than anticipated. The Company disclaims any obligation to publicly announce future events or developments that may affect the forward- looking statements herein.

Balance sheets, statements of income and other financial data are attached.

  Sound Federal Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary
  CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
  (Unaudited)
  (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
                                                  December 31,     March 31,
                                                     2005            2005
  Assets
  Cash and due from banks                             $12,591       $11,512
  Federal funds sold and other overnight
   deposits                                            44,116        31,095
  Securities:
   Available for sale, at fair value                  227,537       276,154
   Held to maturity, at amortized cost                107,931        79,489
        Total securities                              335,468       355,643
  Loans, net:
   Mortgage loans                                     707,288       558,662
   Other loans                                          6,698         5,100
   Allowance for loan losses                           (3,236)       (3,011)
        Total loans, net                              710,750       560,751

   Accrued interest receivable                          4,764         4,277
   Federal Home Loan Bank stock                         3,157         5,738
   Premises and equipment, net                          5,687         6,214
   Goodwill                                            13,970        13,970
   Bank-owned life insurance                           10,747        10,464
   Prepaid pension costs                                4,299         3,057
   Deferred income taxes                                1,977         2,236
   Other assets                                         1,800         1,993
        Total assets                               $1,149,326    $1,006,950

  Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
  Liabilities:
   Deposits                                          $969,702      $831,768
   Borrowings                                          35,000        38,000
   Mortgagors' escrow funds                             7,302         5,264
   Due to brokers for securities purchased              5,867         2,513
   Accrued expenses and other liabilities               2,804         2,245
        Total liabilities                           1,020,675       879,790
  Stockholders' equity:
   Preferred stock ($0.01 par value;
    1,000,000 shares authorized; none
    issued and outstanding)                                 -             -
   Common stock ($0.01 par value;
    24,000,000 shares authorized;
    13,636,170 shares issued;
    12,322,206 and 12,377,206 shares
    outstanding at December 31, 2005 and
    March 31, 2005, respectively)                         136           136
   Additional paid-in capital                         104,630       103,728
   Treasury stock, at cost (1,313,964 and
    1,258,964 shares at December 31, 2005
    and March 31, 2005, respectively)                 (19,013)      (18,131)
   Common stock held by Employee Stock
    Ownership Plan                                     (5,675)       (6,053)
   Unearned stock awards                               (3,548)       (4,435)
   Retained earnings                                   55,356        54,638
   Accumulated other comprehensive
    loss, net of taxes                                 (3,235)       (2,723)
        Total stockholders' equity                    128,651       127,160
        Total liabilities and stockholders'
         equity                                    $1,149,326    $1,006,950



  Sound Federal Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary
  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
  (Unaudited)
  (In thousands, except per share data)
                                            For the Three      For the Nine
                                            Months Ended       Months Ended
                                             December 31,       December 31,
                                           2005      2004     2005      2004
  Interest and Dividend Income
   Loans                                 $9,834    $7,482  $26,972   $21,733
   Mortgage-backed and other securities   3,166     3,101    9,392     8,917
   Federal funds sold and other
    overnight deposits                      290       113      666       245
   Other earning assets                      88        32      240        87
   Total interest and dividend income    13,378    10,728   37,270    30,982

  Interest Expense
   Deposits                               6,286     3,677   16,377    10,002
   Borrowings                               362       371    1,084     1,126
   Other interest-bearing liabilities         7         5       18        15
   Total interest expense                 6,655     4,053   17,479    11,143

   Net interest income                    6,723     6,675   19,791    19,839
   Provision for loan losses                 75        75      225       225
   Net interest income after provision
    for loan losses                       6,648     6,600   19,566    19,614

  Non-Interest Income
   Service charges and fees                 251       244      885       740
   Income on bank-owned life insurance       95       121      283       287
   Gain on sale of assets                     -        17      325        17
   Total non-interest income                346       382    1,493     1,044

  Non-Interest Expense
   Compensation and benefits              2,969     2,538    8,637     7,412
   Occupancy and equipment                  748       673    2,236     1,967
   Data processing service fees             264       314      910       878
   Advertising and promotion                303       189      828       679
   Other                                    961       886    2,638     2,557
   Total non-interest expense             5,245     4,600   15,249    13,493

   Income before income tax expense       1,749     2,382    5,810     7,165
   Income tax expense                       703       956    2,281     2,811
   Net income                            $1,046    $1,426   $3,529    $4,354

  Earnings per share:
     Basic earnings per share             $0.09     $0.12    $0.31     $0.37
     Diluted earnings per share           $0.09     $0.12    $0.30     $0.36



  Sound Federal Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary
  Other Financial Data
  (Unaudited)
  (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

                                      At or for the Quarter Ended
                    Dec. 31,   Sept. 30,    June 30,   March 31,    Dec. 31,
                       2005        2005        2005        2005        2004
  Net interest
   income        $    6,723  $    6,548  $    6,520  $    6,584  $    6,675
  Provision for
   loan losses           75          75          75          75          75
  Non-interest
   income               346         778         369         403         382
  Non-interest
   expense:
   Compensation and
    benefits          2,969       2,841       2,827       2,533       2,538
   Occupancy and
    equipment           748         751         737         750         673
   Other non-interest
    expense           1,528       1,442       1,406       1,792       1,389
  Total non-interest
   expense            5,245       5,034       4,970       5,075       4,600
  Income before
   income tax
   expense            1,749       2,217       1,844       1,837       2,382
  Income tax
   expense              703         858         720         722         956
  Net income     $    1,046  $    1,359  $    1,124  $    1,115  $    1,426
  Total assets   $1,149,326  $1,083,065  $1,060,811  $1,006,950  $  984,372
  Loans, net        710,750     668,019     613,481     560,751     541,955
  Mortgage-backed
   securities
   Available
    for sale        150,758     165,474     184,491     199,746     216,133
   Held to
    maturity         64,988      60,530      60,314      59,777      54,717
  Other
   securities
   Available
    for sale         76,779      77,183      76,988      76,408      79,364
   Held to
    maturity         42,943      34,211      23,713      19,712      14,713
  Deposits          969,702     913,722     890,191     831,768     802,990
  Borrowings         35,000      35,000      35,000      38,000      38,000
  Stockholders'
   equity           128,651     128,179     128,084     127,160     131,134

  Performance Data:
  Return on average
   assets (1)          0.37%       0.51%       0.44%       0.46%       0.58%
  Return on average
   equity (1)          3.25%       4.14%       3.57%       3.51%       4.38%
  Net interest
   rate spread (1)     2.20%       2.27%       2.41%       2.62%       2.63%
  Net interest
   margin (1)          2.50%       2.55%       2.66%       2.85%       2.85%
  Efficiency
   ratio (2)          74.20%      71.90%      72.14%      73.61%      65.18%
  Per Common Share
   Data:
  Basic earnings
   per common share   $0.09       $0.12       $0.10       $0.10       $0.12
  Diluted earnings
   per common share   $0.09       $0.12       $0.10       $0.10       $0.12
  Book value per
   share (3)         $10.44      $10.41      $10.41      $10.27      $10.40
  Tangible book
   value per
   share (3)          $9.31       $9.28       $9.28       $9.15       $9.29
  Dividends
   per share         $0.075      $0.070      $0.065       $0.06       $0.06
  Capital Ratios:
  Equity to
   total assets
   (consolidated)     11.19%      11.83%      12.07%      12.63%      13.32%
  Tier 1 leverage
   capital (Bank)      9.43%       9.80%       9.85%      10.24%      10.37%
  Asset Quality Data:
  Total non-
   performing
   loans         $    2,689  $    1,285  $    2,183  $      580  $      734
  Total non-
   performing
   assets        $    2,689  $    1,285  $    2,183  $      580  $      734


  (1) Ratios are annualized.
  (2) Computed by dividing non-interest expense by the sum of net interest
      income and non-interest income.
  (3) Computed based on total common shares issued, less treasury shares.
Website: http://www.soundfed.com/



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