Sound Federal Bancorp, Inc. Announces Fourth Fiscal Quarter and Year-End Earnings

Sound Federal Bancorp, Inc. Announces Fourth Fiscal Quarter and Year-End Earnings

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., April 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sound Federal Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: SFFS) (the "Company"), the holding company for Sound Federal Savings (the "Bank"), announced net income of $635,000 or diluted earnings per share of $0.05 for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 as compared to $1.12 million or diluted earnings per share of $0.10 for the quarter ended March 31, 2005. Net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 included $480,000 of merger costs related to the Company's announced merger with Hudson City Bancorp, Inc. A substantial majority of these costs are not tax deductible. Excluding merger costs, net income amounted to $1.09 million for the fourth fiscal quarter. The $480,000 decrease in net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 as compared to the same quarter in 2005 was primarily due to an $885,000 increase in non-interest expense, including the merger-related costs, partially offset by a $446,000 increase in net interest income. For the year ended March 31, 2006, net income amounted to $4.16 million or diluted earnings per share of $0.35, as compared to $5.47 million or diluted earnings per share of $0.46 for fiscal 2005, a decrease of $1.31 million or 23.9% in net income. Excluding merger costs totaling $541,000 incurred during fiscal year 2006, net income amounted to $4.66 million. The decrease in net income for the year ended March 31, 2006 is primarily attributable to a $2.6 million increase in non-interest expense, including the merger-related costs, partially offset by increases of $408,000 in non- interest income and $398,000 in net interest income, and a $530,000 decrease in income tax expense.

Bruno J. Gioffre, Chairman of the Board, commented, "Net income for the quarter, excluding merger costs of $480,000, was $1.09 million. The flat yield curve continues to affect our earnings. Our net interest margin decreased 34 basis points to 2.57% for fiscal year 2006. However, our ability to originate loans and increase deposits enabled us to increase net interest income by 1.5% despite the reduction in net interest margin. During fiscal 2006, we increased the size of our loan portfolio by 32.2% and our deposit balances by 20.7%."

Mr. Gioffre continued, "As we previously announced, the Company entered into a merger agreement with Hudson City Bancorp, Inc. This transaction provides our stockholders $20.75 in cash for each share of Sound Federal Bancorp, Inc. common stock they own. For those stockholders who bought their shares in our initial public offering in 1998, this represents a 474% return on their investment excluding dividends paid on these shares. In addition, we believe that our customers will be very pleased with Hudson City's product offerings and their commitment to providing the same level of personal service that our customers have come to expect of Sound Federal. The Board of Directors and I are very proud of the dedication and loyalty of the Sound Federal staff. Their hard work helped to build and enhance the Sound Federal franchise by constantly focusing on providing superior customer service. This merger with Hudson City will enable us to continue this tradition of service to customers and the community."

The Company's total assets amounted to $1.2 billion at March 31, 2006, as compared to $1.0 billion at March 31, 2005. The $162.6 million increase in assets primarily consisted of a $180.8 million increase in net loans to $741.6 million, partially offset by a decrease in total securities of $28.9 million. Our asset growth was funded principally by a $171.9 million increase in deposits to $1.0 billion.

Total stockholders' equity increased $1.5 million to $128.7 million at March 31, 2006 as compared to $127.2 million at March 31, 2005. The increase reflects net income of $4.2 million and total increases of $3.2 million related to stock options, stock awards and ESOP shares, partially offset by common stock repurchases at a cost of $1.4 million, dividends paid of $3.3 million and an increase of $1.2 million in the accumulated other comprehensive loss.

The accumulated other comprehensive loss of $3.9 million at March 31, 2006 represents the after-tax net unrealized loss on securities available for sale ($6.5 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 March 31, 2006 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 and intent 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 March 31, 2006.

Net interest income for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 increased $446,000 to $7.0 million as compared to $6.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2005. Our net interest rate spread was 2.30% and 2.62% for the quarters ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Our net interest margin for those respective periods was 2.60% and 2.85%. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, net interest income amounted to $26.8 million as compared to $26.4 million for the prior year. Our interest rate spread was 2.29% and 2.69% and our net interest margin was 2.57% and 2.91% for fiscal years 2006 and 2005, respectively. 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 March 31, 2006, the spread between the 1-month and 10-year Treasury yield rates was 21 basis points as compared to 187 basis points at March 31, 2005. 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 March 31, 2006 and 2005 and $300,000 for fiscal years 2006 and 2005. Non-performing loans amounted to $2.9 million or 0.39% of total loans at March 31, 2006, as compared to $580,000 or 0.10% of total loans at March 31, 2005. The allowance for loan losses amounted to $3.3 million and $3.0 million at March 31, 2006 and March 31, 2005, respectively. Charge-offs amounted to $2,000 during fiscal 2006 and $1,000 during fiscal 2005. 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 $362,000 and $403,000 for the quarters ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, non-interest income amounted to $1.9 million as compared to $1.4 million for the prior year. The increase in non-interest income for the year 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 $6.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 as compared to $5.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2005. This increase is due to increases of $527,000 in compensation and benefits expense and $480,000 in merger costs as previously discussed. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, non-interest expense increased $2.6 million to $21.2 million as compared to $18.6 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005. This increase is due primarily to increases of $1.8 million in compensation and benefits, $301,000 in occupancy and equipment expense, $96,000 in advertising and promotion expense and $541,000 in merger costs.

Income tax expense amounted to $722,000 for the quarters ended March 31, 2006 and 2005. The effective tax rates for those same periods were 53.2% and 39.3%, respectively. Income tax expense amounted to $3.0 million and $3.5 million for fiscal years 2006 and 2005, respectively. The effective tax rates for those respective fiscal years were 41.9% and 39.2%. The increases in the effective tax rates are due primarily to merger costs that are not deductible for tax purposes.

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)  March 31,         March 31,
                                                    2006              2005

  Assets
  Cash and due from banks                        $12,194           $11,512
  Federal funds sold and other overnight
   deposits                                       42,092            31,095
  Securities:
     Available for sale, at fair value           215,455           276,154
     Held to maturity, at amortized cost         111,246            79,489
              Total securities                   326,701           355,643
  Loans, net:
    Mortgage loans                               737,274           558,662
    Other loans                                    7,624             5,100
    Allowance for loan losses                     (3,309)           (3,011)
              Total loans, net                   741,589           560,751

   Accrued interest receivable                     5,319             4,277
   Federal Home Loan Bank stock                    2,842             5,738
   Premises and equipment, net                     5,546             6,214
   Goodwill                                       13,970            13,970
   Bank-owned life insurance                      10,845            10,464
   Prepaid pension costs                           4,177             3,057
   Deferred income taxes                           2,645             2,236
   Other assets                                    1,671             1,993
              Total assets                    $1,169,591        $1,006,950

  Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
  Liabilities:
    Deposits                                  $1,003,691          $831,768
    Borrowings                                    28,000            38,000
    Mortgagors' escrow funds                       6,160             5,264
    Due to brokers for securities purchased           -              2,513
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities         3,054             2,245
              Total liabilities                1,040,905           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;
      12,336,040 and 12,377,206
      shares outstanding at March
      31, 2006 and March 31, 2005,
      respectively)                                  136               136
     Additional paid-in capital                  105,092           103,728
     Treasury stock, at cost (1,300,130
      and 1,258,964 shares at March 31,
      2006 and March 31, 2005, respectively)     (18,813)          (18,131)
     Common stock held by Employee
      Stock Ownership Plan                        (5,549)           (6,053)
     Unearned stock awards                        (3,252)           (4,435)
     Retained earnings                            54,960            54,638
     Accumulated other comprehensive loss,
      net of taxes                                (3,888)           (2,723)
              Total stockholders' equity         128,686           127,160
              Total liabilities and
               stockholders' equity           $1,169,591        $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
                                            Months Ended      Year Ended
                                             March 31,         March 31,
                                            2006     2005    2006     2005

  Interest and Dividend Income
   Loans                                  $10,423  $7,697  $37,395  $29,430
   Mortgage-backed and other securities     3,369   3,081   12,761   11,998
   Federal funds sold and other overnight
    deposits                                  306      95      972      340
   Other earning assets                        73      45      313      132
   Total interest and dividend income      14,171  10,918   51,441   41,900

  Interest Expense
   Deposits                                 6,830   3,966   23,207   13,968
   Borrowings                                 306     363    1,390    1,489
   Other interest-bearing liabilities           5       5       23       20
   Total interest expense                   7,141   4,334   24,620   15,477

   Net interest income                      7,030   6,584   26,821   26,423
   Provision for loan losses                   75      75      300      300
   Net interest income after provision
    for loan losses                         6,955   6,509   26,521   26,123

  Non-Interest Income
   Service charges and fees                   264     213    1,149      953
   Income on bank-owned life insurance         98      92      381      379
   Gain on sale of assets                     -        93      325       93
   Gain on sale of mortgage loans             -         5      -         22
   Total non-interest income                  362     403    1,855    1,447

  Non-Interest Expense
   Compensation and benefits                3,060   2,533   11,697    9,945
   Occupancy and equipment                    782     750    3,018    2,717
   Data processing service fees               320     340    1,230    1,218
   Advertising and promotion                  387     440    1,215    1,119
   Merger-related costs                       480     -        541      -
   Other                                      931   1,012    3,508    3,569
   Total non-interest expense               5,960   5,075   21,209   18,568

   Income before income tax expense         1,357   1,837    7,167    9,002
   Income tax expense                         722     722    3,003    3,533
   Net income                                $635  $1,115   $4,164   $5,469

  Earnings per share:
     Basic earnings per share               $0.06   $0.10    $0.36    $0.47
     Diluted earnings per share             $0.05   $0.10    $0.35    $0.46



  Sound Federal Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary

  Other Financial Data
  (Unaudited)
  (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

                                              At or for the Quarter Ended
                                           March 31,    Dec. 31,   Sept. 30,
                                               2006        2005        2005

  Net interest income                        $7,030      $6,723      $6,548
  Provision for loan losses                      75          75          75
  Non-interest income                           362         346         778
  Non-interest expense:
     Compensation and benefits                3,059       2,969       2,841
     Occupancy and equipment                    782         748         751
     Other non-interest expense               2,119       1,528       1,442
   Total non-interest expense                 5,960       5,245       5,034
  Income before income tax expense            1,357       1,749       2,217
  Income tax expense                            722         703         858
  Net income                                   $635      $1,046      $1,359
  Total assets                           $1,169,591  $1,149,326  $1,083,065
  Loans, net                                741,589     710,750     668,019
  Mortgage-backed securities
     Available for sale                     140,053     150,758     165,474
     Held to maturity                        65,303      64,988      60,530
  Other securities
     Available for sale                      75,402      76,779      77,183
     Held to maturity                        45,943      42,943      34,211
  Deposits                                1,003,691     969,702     913,722
  Borrowings                                 28,000      35,000      35,000
  Stockholders' equity                      128,686     128,651     128,179

  Performance Data:
  Return on average assets(1)                 0.23%       0.37%       0.51%
  Return on average equity(1)                 2.02%       3.25%       4.14%
  Net interest rate spread(1)                 2.30%       2.20%       2.27%
  Net interest margin(1)                      2.60%       2.50%       2.55%
  Efficiency ratio(2)                        74.13%      74.20%      71.90%

  Per Common Share Data:
  Basic earnings per common share             $0.06       $0.09       $0.12
  Diluted earnings per common share           $0.05       $0.09       $0.12
  Book value per share(3)                    $10.43      $10.44      $10.41
  Tangible book value per share(3)            $9.30       $9.31       $9.28
  Dividends per share                        $0.075      $0.075      $0.070

  Capital Ratios:
  Equity to total assets (consolidated)      11.00%      11.19%      11.83%
  Tier 1 leverage capital (Bank)              9.34%       9.43%       9.80%

  Asset Quality Data:
  Total non-performing loans                 $2,893      $2,689      $1,285
  Total non-performing assets                $2,893      $2,689      $1,285


                                                At or for the Quarter Ended
                                                 June 30,         March 31,
                                                    2005              2005

  Net interest income                             $6,520            $6,584
  Provision for loan losses                           75                75
  Non-interest income                                369               403
  Non-interest expense:
     Compensation and benefits                     2,827             2,533
     Occupancy and equipment                         737               750
     Other non-interest expense                    1,406             1,792
   Total non-interest expense                      4,970             5,075
  Income before income tax expense                 1,844             1,837
  Income tax expense                                 720               722
  Net income                                      $1,124            $1,115
  Total assets                                $1,060,811        $1,006,950
  Loans, net                                     613,481           560,751
  Mortgage-backed securities
     Available for sale                          184,491           199,746
     Held to maturity                             60,314            59,777
  Other securities
     Available for sale                           76,988            76,408
     Held to maturity                             23,713            19,712
  Deposits                                       890,191           831,768
  Borrowings                                      35,000            38,000
  Stockholders' equity                           128,084           127,160

  Performance Data:
  Return on average assets(1)                      0.44%             0.46%
  Return on average equity(1)                      3.57%             3.51%
  Net interest rate spread(1)                      2.41%             2.62%
  Net interest margin(1)                           2.66%             2.85%
  Efficiency ratio(2)                             72.14%            73.61%

  Per Common Share Data:
  Basic earnings per common share                  $0.10             $0.10
  Diluted earnings per common share                $0.10             $0.10
  Book value per share(3)                         $10.41            $10.27
  Tangible book value per share(3)                 $9.28             $9.15
  Dividends per share                             $0.065             $0.06

  Capital Ratios:
  Equity to total assets (consolidated)           12.07%            12.63%
  Tier 1 leverage capital (Bank)                   9.85%            10.24%

  Asset Quality Data:
  Total non-performing loans                      $2,183              $580
  Total non-performing assets                     $2,183              $580


  (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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