Dime Community Bancshares Reports Earnings for the Quarter Ended June 30, 2009

Diluted EPS of $0.21 for the 2nd Quarter; 3rd Quarter EPS Guidance of $0.22 to $0.24


BROOKLYN, NY--(Marketwire - July 27, 2009) - Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: DCOM) (the "Company"), the parent company of The Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh ("Dime"), today reported consolidated net income of $6.9 million, or 21 cents per diluted share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2009, compared to $2.9 million, or 9 cents per diluted share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 and $8.4 million, or 26 cents per diluted share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2008.

The Company's earnings for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 reflected an after-tax other-than temporary impairment ("OTTI") charge of approximately $486,000, or approximately 1 1/2 cents per share. During the quarter ended March 31, 2009, the Company's earnings reflected aggregate after-tax OTTI charges of $3.1 million, or $0.08 per share. During the quarter ended June 30, 2008, the Company recorded a non-recurring adjustment to income tax expense, which added $590,000 to earnings after-tax, or $0.02 per share. Core diluted earnings per share, which excluded these OTTI charges and other significant items that are deemed non-recurring in nature, were $0.23, $0.17 and $0.24 for the quarters ended June 30, 2009, March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2008, respectively.

According to Vincent F. Palagiano, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, "The steady decline in funding costs is beginning to be reflected in the quarterly earnings. We expect this trend to continue through the remainder of the year, as reflected in our 3rd quarter EPS guidance range of 22 - 24 cents per share. Loan originations were up again this quarter, as we have noticed a decreasing appetite for multifamily loans from some of our traditional competitors."

Regarding credit, the Company's loan portfolio has performed well in relative standing to the bank and thrift sector, as non-performing loans to total loans were 0.40%, unchanged from the prior quarter. "As indicated in the Company's earnings pre-release issued on July 13, 2009," continued Mr. Palagiano, "we remain cautious about the outlook for real estate credit in New York, although the Company is primarily a New York City multifamily lender, and that sector has remained strong during this period."

Non-performing loans were $12.9 million at June 30, 2009, down from $13.1 million at March 31, 2009, while up from $6.9 million at June 30, 2008. In addition, loans between 30 and 89 days delinquent totaled $17.6 million as of June 30, 2009, compared to $19.4 million at March 31, 2009. At June 30, 2009, the ratio of non-performing loans to total loans was 0.40%, unchanged from March 31, 2009 and up from 0.22% at June 30, 2008.

The Company incurred $2.3 million of credit costs (including provisions) during the quarter ended June 30, 2009, down from $4.1 million during the March 2009 quarter. At June 30, 2009, the allowance for loan losses was $20.0 million, or about 155% of non-performing loans, compared to $18.4 million, or 140% of non-performing loans, at March 31, 2009.

OTHER SECOND QUARTER 2009 HIGHLIGHTS

--  Net interest margin was 2.78%, up from 2.51% in the March 2009
    quarter, and 2.67% in the June 2008 quarter.
--  The average cost of deposits declined 44 basis points from the March
    2009 quarter.  Core deposits grew $19.1 million, or 1.6%.
--  Total ending assets fell $66.4 million, as the Company sought to
    curtail asset growth and focus on preserving and enhancing its well-
    capitalized balance sheet.
--  The Company grew its consolidated ratio of tangible capital to
    tangible assets from 5.83% to 6.00% sequentially.
--  The allowance for loan losses increased by $1.6 million, as the
    aggregate loan loss provision and other transfers into the allowance for
    loan losses exceeded net charge-offs and other transfers out of the
    allowance for loan losses.
--  Real estate loan originations were $111.4 million, above the $83.7
    million level in the March 2009 quarter, while below the $341.0 million
    level in the June 2008 quarter.
--  FDIC insurance premium expense increased $2.0 million from the
    previous quarter, and $2.6 million from the prior year, largely as a result
    of a special insurance assessment of $1.8 million in the June 2009 quarter.
--  Prepayment and other fee income increased to $354,000 compared to
    $292,000 in the March 2009 quarter, while declining from $827,000 in the
    June 2008 quarter.
    

Despite carrying an average of approximately $210 million of liquid cash balances at a negative spread to funding costs, Dime's net interest margin increased substantially during the quarter ended June 30, 2009. Dime initially generated this liquidity pool during the 4th quarter of 2008 in order to provide added flexibility in managing deposit flows in the face of highly volatile credit markets. As these markets have begun to stabilize recently, Dime can now focus on utilizing these funds to repay maturing borrowings or replace potential deposit outflows during the second half of the year.

Prepayment fees remained modest, reflecting continued moderation in the pace of refinancing in the commercial mortgage market. While refinancing activity picked up slightly in the June 2009 quarter, the Company does not expect a near-term return to the more robust levels experienced in 2008.

NET INTEREST INCOME

Net interest income was $26.3 million during the June 2009 quarter, up $2.1 million from the March 2009 quarter. A decline of 44 basis points in the average cost of deposits, coupled with an increase of 5 basis points in the average yield on real estate loans, generated the increase in the linked quarter net interest income. These same factors generated an increase of 27 basis points in the net interest margin from 2.51% during the three months ended March 31, 2009 to 2.78% during the three months ended June 30, 2009. The significant increase in net interest margin occurred despite the Company's decision to retain higher liquid cash balances at a negative spread to funding costs.

Mr. Palagiano commented, "As I mentioned in the earnings release for the first quarter of 2009, our business strategy shifted late in 2008 toward capital preservation, resulting in the decision to curb asset growth during 2009. Deposit inflows that occurred in late 2008 and early 2009 as our focus was shifting are being retained in highly liquid funds, which will provide considerable flexibility in managing deposits and borrowings during the remainder of 2009."

Federal Home Loan Bank of New York ("FHLBNY") capital stock income increased $329,000 during the quarter ended June 30, 2009 compared to the March 2009 quarter, also contributing to the growth in net interest margin during the period. The Bank held an investment in FHLBNY capital stock totaling $51.8 million at June 30, 2009, and earned an average yield on this stock of 4.3% during the first six months of 2009.

Net interest income exceeded the June 2008 quarterly level by $3.2 million, driven by growth of $325 million in average interest earning assets and an increase in the net interest margin of 11 basis points from the quarter ended June 30, 2008 to the quarter ended June 30, 2009. The growth in average interest earning assets reflected the significant loan origination volume and asset growth experienced by the Company in 2008, while the increase in the net interest margin reflected a decline of 65 basis points in the average cost of deposits during the June 2009 quarter compared to the June 2008 quarter.

PROVISION/ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES AND PROBLEM PORTFOLIO LOANS

Non-performing loans, which decreased from $13.1 million at March 31, 2009 to $12.9 million at June 30, 2009, were $6.9 million at June 30, 2008. As a percentage of total loans, non-performing loans totaled 0.40% at both June 30, 2009 and March 31, 2009, compared to 0.22% at June 30, 2008. In addition, loans delinquent between 30 and 89 days decreased to $17.6 million as of June 30, 2009 from $19.4 million at March 31, 2009, and were $2.1 million at June 30, 2008.

In response to increasing levels of both non-performing loans and loans delinquent between 30 and 89 days at both June 30, 2009 and March 31, 2009 when compared to June 30, 2008, the Company provided $2.3 million to its allowance for loan losses during the quarter ended June 30, 2009, and $2.6 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2009, compared to $310,000 during the quarter ended June 30, 2008.

Charge-offs recognized on problem loans totaled $528,000 during the June 2009 quarter, compared to $1.9 million in the March 2009 quarter and $116,000 in the June 2008 quarter.

Mr. Palagiano stated, "Our objective remains to actively manage non-performing loans, so as to avoid having them linger on the Company's balance sheet."

At June 30, 2009, the allowance for loan losses was $20.0 million, or 155% of non-performing loans.

NON-INTEREST INCOME

OTTI and Gain (Loss) on Sale of Investment Securities and Other Assets.

The Company early adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position Number FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, "Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments" as of January 1, 2009, recognizing the effects of adoption during the March 2009 quarter.

During the quarter ended June 30, 2009, the pre-tax credit component of OTTI charges totaled $886,000. At June 30, 2009, four of the Dime's eight trust preferred securities were deemed to meet the criteria for OTTI. The increase in the credit component of OTTI reflected additional payment deferrals during the quarter within the collateral pool underlying certain of Dime's eight trust preferred collateralized debt obligation securities.

During the June 2009 quarter, Dime failed to receive its contractual interest payment on a trust preferred security with a recorded balance of $1.2 million ($2.9 million excluding $1.7 million of unrealized losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income). This security is now classified as a non-performing asset, raising the percentage of non-performing assets to total assets to 0.36% at the end of June 2009 from 0.33% at the end of March 2009. In addition, during the quarter ended June 30, 2009, Dime did not receive a small portion of the interest due on a trust preferred security having a recorded balance of $148,000 ($332,000 excluding the $185,000 total non-credit component of OTTI). The remaining six trust preferred securities, with a total cost basis of $12.6 million net of credit-related OTTI, are current on all contractual obligations.

The five actively-managed equity mutual fund investments for which the Company recognized OTTI charges during the March 2009 quarter all experienced increases in their fair value during the June 2009 quarter, as these mutual funds, which are closely correlated to the broad equity indices, participated in the equity market rally during the June 2009 quarter. In accordance with the accounting standards governing OTTI, gains on such equity funds cannot be recognized into income unless the Company disposes of these funds.

During the quarter ended June 30, 2009, Dime sold a property held as other real estate owned recognizing a pre-tax loss of $92,000 on the sale. During the quarter ended March 31, 2009, Dime sold its entire $10 million portfolio of municipal agency securities, recognizing a pre-tax gain of $431,000 on the sale.

Mortgage Banking Income and Delinquent Loans Sold with Recourse to Fannie Mae

During the June 2009 quarter, Dime sold an 80% participation in approximately $124 million of multifamily loans from its portfolio to a third-party financial institution other than Fannie Mae. The purpose of the sale was to create liquidity on the balance sheet to fund future loans and other operations. The loans were sold at par and without recourse. This transaction settled on April 20, 2009 and Dime recognized a pre-tax gain of approximately $635,000 ($0.01 per share after tax) on the sale, which was reflected in core earnings for the June 2009 quarter. Dime retained servicing on all of the loans. Dime sold $15.1 million of loans to FNMA with recourse during the June 2008 quarter, recognizing a pre-tax gain of $132,000 on the sales. Loan sales were negligible during the quarter ended March 31, 2009. Gains on loan sales are included in the mortgage banking income line item in the consolidated statements of operations.

Mortgage banking income totaled $856,000 during the quarter ended June 30, 2009, reflecting the aforementioned $635,000 gain as well as approximately $200,000 in servicing fee income. Mortgage banking losses totaled $1.2 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2009, reflecting a provision to the reserve for losses on Fannie Mae serviced loans of $1.5 million, that was partially offset by servicing fee income of $255,000. Mortgage banking income was $30,000 during the June 2008 quarter reflecting approximately $200,000 of servicing fee income, a provision to the reserve for losses on Fannie Mae serviced loans of $300,000 and the aforementioned $132,000 of net gains on loans sold.

Since the inception of the Fannie Mae program, Dime has sold approximately $660 million of multifamily loans to Fannie Mae. This portfolio had an outstanding principal balance of $477.7 million at June 30, 2009. During the quarter ended June 30, 2009, Dime re-acquired five delinquent loans from Fannie Mae with an aggregate outstanding principal balance of $14.9 million. Within this group, one loan totaling $13.2 million was assumed by a new borrower shortly after being re-acquired by Dime in late April 2009 and has remained current since the assumption was consummated. The remaining four re-acquired loans were included in Dime's $12.8 million non-performing loan total at June 30, 2009. Dime may re-acquire problem loans from Fannie Mae periodically in order to expedite their resolution and control losses.

Within the Fannie Mae portfolio, loans delinquent 90 days or more declined from $17.3 million at March 31, 2009 to $1.8 million at June 30, 2009. This decline resulted primarily from the re-acquisition of the five loans totaling $14.9 million during the period. At June 30, 2009, there were additionally $17.2 million of loans delinquent between 30 and 89 days within the pool of loans serviced for Fannie Mae, compared to $3.7 million at March 31, 2009. At June 30, 2008, there were $4.2 million of loans delinquent 90 days or more, and no other loans delinquent between 30 and 89 days within the pool of loans serviced for Fannie Mae.

Dime's aggregate support obligation (first loss position) for loans sold to Fannie Mae was $21.9 million as of June 30, 2009, against which a liability of $3.5 million was established at June 30, 2009. This liability approximated 0.72% of the remaining principal balance of loans in the Fannie Mae pool as of June 30, 2009. All additions to the liability for support obligation are charged against mortgage banking (non-interest) income.

Other Components of Non-Interest Income

Other components of non-interest income totaled $2.0 million during the quarter ended June 30, 2009, relatively unchanged from the June 2008 quarter and up $248,000 from the March 2009 quarter as a result of the assessment of annual loan inspection fees.

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE

Non-interest expense was $15.3 million during the quarter ended June 30, 2009, an increase of $1.7 million from the March 2009 quarter. This increase reflected an increase of $2.0 million in FDIC insurance assessments as a result of both a $1.8 million special assessment as well as ongoing increases from a recapitalization program implemented by the FDIC effective April 1, 2009. Occupancy and equipment costs declined $204,000 primarily due to the absence of snow removal costs experienced in the June 2009 quarter.

Compared to the June 2008 quarter, non-interest expense increased $3.1 million during the quarter ended June 30, 2009, due to increases of $2.6 million in FDIC insurance assessments and $729,000 in compensation and benefits. The increase in compensation and benefits resulted primarily from a $393,000 increase in employee pension plan expense and a smaller-than-last-year offset to salaries of $435,000, reflecting lower capitalized loan origination salary costs (and lower loan origination levels). Other operating expenses declined $324,000 as a result of lower third party professional expenses.

INCOME TAX EXPENSE

The Company's customary consolidated effective tax rate approximates 37%. The impact of the OTTI charges on investment securities reduced the book income tax rate below the customary consolidated rate for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 to 35%. Similarly, the OTTI charges reduced the book income tax rate for the March 2009 quarter to 26%. A non-recurring adjustment to income tax expense of $590,000 associated with a reduction in reserves for uncertain tax positions reduced the book income tax rate in the June 2008 quarter to 32%.

BALANCE SHEET

Total assets declined $66.4 million during the quarter ended June 30, 2009, as the Company focused on capital preservation.

The decline in assets was experienced primarily in both real estate loans (including loans held for sale) and mortgage backed securities, as Dime sold an 80% participation in $124 million of portfolio loans in April 2009 and did not purchase any mortgage backed securities during the June 2009 quarter.

Total liabilities declined by $70.1 million during the most recent quarter, primarily due to the outflow of $61.5 million in certificates of deposit. In addition, escrow and other deposits declined $26.6 million as semi-annual real estate tax payments made on behalf of borrowers were funded during the quarter ended June 30, 2009.

Real Estate Lending and Loan Amortization

Real estate loan originations, which were $83.7 million during the March 2009 quarter, totaled $111.4 million during the quarter ended June 30, 2009. The average rate on real estate loan originations during the June 2009 quarter was 6.08%, compared to 6.21% during the quarter ended March 31, 2009 and 5.83% during the quarter ended June 30, 2008.

Real estate loan amortization during the June 2009 quarter approximated 10% of the real estate loan portfolio on an annualized basis, slightly above the March 2009 quarter, and below the 17% level experienced during the June 2008 quarter. This was slightly below management's forecast of prepayment speeds disclosed at the commencement of the year.

Deposits

Deposits decreased $42.4 million from March 31, 2009 to June 30, 2009. Certificates of deposit ("CDs") declined $61.5 million during the period, as maturing promotional deposits gathered in late 2008 were not renewed. Core deposits (i.e., non-CDs) rose $19.1 million, or 2%, during the three months ended June 30, 2009. Within core deposits, checking accounts increased $7.3 million, and passbook savings accounts increased $13.8 million during the most recent quarter.

During the first six months of 2009, there were far fewer bank competitors offering premium deposit pricing, therefore, the spread between deposit rates and Treasury rates narrowed across all maturities. Dime gained both money market and checking accounts through its promotional marketing efforts, notwithstanding a decline in Dime's offering rates. For example, money market offering rates declined from 2.8% at January 1, 2009 to 1.6% at June 30, 2009. Dime took the opportunity to compete for IRA plans during the first six months of 2009. IRA deposits increased from $153.7 million at March 31, 2009 to $174.3 million at June 30, 2009. As compared to non-IRA households, current Dime IRA households maintain 132% higher average total deposit balances, 18% higher average checking balances, and 78% of these customers have been depositors at Dime for more than 5 years. Promotional interest pricing at Dime has been suspended until the retail deposit market normalizes. There are approximately $435 million of CDs with a weighted average rate of 3.43% maturing during the third quarter of 2009, which will have a positive impact on net interest margin in the second half of 2009, as the current one- and two-year offering rates on new and renewing CDs are significantly lower. Dime is also maintaining a pool of liquidity to fund potential outflows of deposits.

Average deposits per branch were $99.7 million at June 30, 2009, slightly below the $101.5 million level at March 31, 2009, and up from $94.6 million at June 30, 2008. Core deposits (deposits exclusive of CDs) comprised 54% of total deposits at June 30, 2009, up from 52% at March 31, 2009 and down from 56% at June 30, 2008. The loan-to-deposit ratio was 142% at June 30, 2009, compared to 141% at March 31, 2009 and 151% at June 30, 2008.

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' equity at June 30, 2009 totaled $283.5 million, or 7.13% of total assets, compared to $279.7 million, or 6.92% of total assets, at March 31, 2009.

After dividends, the Company's tangible stockholders' equity increased to $235.3 million at June 30, 2009, compared to $232.4 million at March 31, 2009. The quarterly cash dividend declared on July 16, 2009 represented a payout ratio of 61% of second quarter 2009 core earnings. At June 30, 2009, the consolidated tangible stockholders' equity ratio was 6.00% of tangible assets and tangible book value per share was $6.84.

The Company has no TARP capital.

There were no stock repurchases during the quarter ended June 30, 2009. As of June 30, 2009, the Company had an additional 1,124,549 shares remaining eligible for repurchase under its twelfth stock repurchase program, approved in June 2007.

For the quarter ended June 30, 2009, the reported returns on average stockholders' equity and average tangible equity were 9.84% and 11.85%, respectively. The core returns on average stockholders' equity and average tangible equity were 10.60% and 12.77%, respectively. Core returns primarily exclude OTTI charges. Finally, the core cash return on average tangible stockholders' equity (the fundamental measure of new internally generated capital) was 13.91%.

OUTLOOK

The average cost of deposits decreased to 2.04% during the June 2009 quarter from 2.48% during the March 2009 quarter, as the Company suspended promotional rates in its deposit gathering campaigns in mid-January 2009, and lowered its offering rates on both new certificates of deposit and most of its core deposits. Indicative of the anticipated upward trend for net interest margin for the next several quarters, the weighted average rate of deposits at June 30, 2009 was down to 1.91%, lower than the 2.04% average rate experienced in the June 2009 quarter. It is expected that deposits raised in late 2008 using promotional rates will continue to either flow out or reprice in a manner that will favorably impact the net interest margin in the upcoming quarters.

There are approximately $114 million in portfolio mortgage loans with a weighted average coupon of 5.66% scheduled to contractually reprice or mature during the remainder of 2009. Today's rates for similar products are in the range of 5.625% to 6.25%.

Amortization rates (including prepayments and loan refinancing activity), which approximated 10% on an annualized basis during the second quarter of 2009, are expected to fall in the 7.5% to 12.5% range during the remainder of 2009, reflecting ongoing loan refinancing activity as loans approach their contractual repricing.

The recapitalization plans recently implemented by the FDIC are expected to adversely impact earnings for the remainder of 2009. Dime incurred a special assessment of $1.8 million during the June 2009 quarter and is building in another $1.7 million special assessment in the September 2009 quarter to its published 3rd quarter estimate of earnings per share. The FDIC has not yet confirmed whether or not this charge will be assessed.

At June 30, 2009, the loan commitment pipeline was approximately $136 million, skewed mainly toward multifamily residential properties, with an approximate weighted average rate of 5.80%.

Operating expenses for the September 2009 quarter are expected to approximate $15.7 million, including the special FDIC assessment mentioned previously.

The quarterly provision for loan losses and credit costs built into the current projection of earnings for the September 2009 quarter approximates $3.0 million pre-tax. Based on the strength of declining funding costs, earnings per diluted share are estimated to be in the range of $0.22 to $0.24 for the September 2009 quarter.

ABOUT DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES

The Company (NASDAQ: DCOM) had $3.97 billion in consolidated assets as of June 30, 2009, and is the parent company of Dime. Dime was founded in 1864, is headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, and currently has twenty-three branches located throughout Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Nassau County, New York. More information on the Company and Dime can be found on the Dime's Internet website at www.dime.com.

This News Release contains a number of forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). These statements may be identified by use of words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "outlook," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "will," "would" and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions.

Forward-looking statements are based upon various assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of management's experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors it believes are appropriate under the circumstances. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors (many of which are beyond the Company's control) that could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, without limitation, the following: the timing and occurrence or non-occurrence of events may be subject to circumstances beyond the Company's control; there may be increases in competitive pressure among financial institutions or from non-financial institutions; changes in the interest rate environment may reduce interest margins; changes in deposit flows, loan demand or real estate values may adversely affect the business of Dime; changes in accounting principles, policies or guidelines may cause the Company's financial condition to be perceived differently; changes in corporate and/or individual income tax laws may adversely affect the Company's financial condition or results of operations; general economic conditions, either nationally or locally in some or all areas in which the Company conducts business, or conditions in the securities markets or the banking industry may be less favorable than the Company currently anticipates; legislation or regulatory changes may adversely affect the Company's business; technological changes may be more difficult or expensive than the Company anticipates; success or consummation of new business initiatives may be more difficult or expensive than the Company anticipates; or litigation or other matters before regulatory agencies, whether currently existing or commencing in the future, may delay the occurrence or non-occurrence of events longer than the Company anticipates.

            DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                    (In thousands except share amounts)

                                    June 30,                    March 31,
                                      2009      December 31,      2009
                                  (Unaudited)       2008      (Unaudited)
                                  ------------  ------------  ------------
ASSETS:
Cash and due from banks           $    229,638  $    211,020  $    199,318
Investment securities held to
 maturity                                8,695        10,861         9,406
Investment securities available
 for sale                                6,540        16,602         5,966
Mortgage-backed securities
 available for sale                    263,515       301,351       287,335
Federal funds sold and other
 short-term investments                      -             -        20,230
Real Estate Loans:
   One-to-four family and
    cooperative apartment              139,836       142,295       143,074
   Multifamily and underlying
    cooperative                      2,218,671     2,242,542     2,170,922
   Commercial real estate              834,000       848,208       827,875
   Construction and land
    acquisition                         46,162        52,982        50,824
   Unearned discounts and net
    deferred loan fees                   3,364         3,287         3,335
                                  ------------  ------------  ------------
   Total real estate loans           3,242,033     3,289,314     3,196,030
                                  ------------  ------------  ------------
   Other loans                           3,262         2,191         1,942
   Allowance for loan losses           (19,991)      (17,454)      (18,351)
                                  ------------  ------------  ------------
Total loans, net                     3,225,304     3,274,051     3,179,621
                                  ------------  ------------  ------------
Loans held for sale                        667             -       100,377
Premises and fixed assets, net          29,986        30,426        30,144
Federal Home Loan Bank of New
 York capital stock                     51,833        53,435        50,735
Other real estate owned, net                 -           300           300
Goodwill                                55,638        55,638        55,638
Other assets                           102,583       101,914       101,688
                                  ------------  ------------  ------------
TOTAL ASSETS                      $  3,974,399  $  4,055,598  $  4,040,758
                                  ============  ============  ============
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS'
 EQUITY:
Deposits:
Non-interest bearing checking     $    102,447  $     90,710  $     91,952
Interest Bearing Checking              112,039       112,687       115,277
Savings                                293,763       270,321       279,956
Money Market                           732,023       633,167       734,001
                                  ------------  ------------  ------------
   Sub-total                         1,240,272     1,106,885  $  1,221,186
                                  ------------  ------------  ------------
Certificates of deposit              1,052,837     1,153,166     1,114,338
                                  ------------  ------------  ------------
Total Due to Depositors              2,293,109     2,260,051     2,335,524
                                  ------------  ------------  ------------
Escrow and other deposits               69,803       130,121        96,423
Securities sold under agreements
 to repurchase                         230,000       230,000       230,000
Federal Home Loan Bank of New
 York advances                         959,675     1,019,675       959,675
Subordinated Notes Sold                 25,000        25,000        25,000
Trust Preferred Notes Payable           72,165        72,165        72,165
Other liabilities                       41,152        41,622        42,249
                                  ------------  ------------  ------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES                    3,690,904     3,778,634     3,761,036
                                  ------------  ------------  ------------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock ($0.01 par,
 125,000,000 shares authorized,
 51,122,319 shares issued at both
 June 30, 2009 and December 31,
 2008, and 34,386,066 shares and
 34,179,900 shares outstanding at
 June 30, 2009 and December
 31, 2008, respectively)                   511           511           511
Additional paid-in capital             213,790       213,917       214,357
Retained earnings                      299,635       297,848       297,350
Unallocated common stock of
 Employee Stock Ownership Plan          (3,817)       (3,933)       (3,875)
Unearned common stock of
 Restricted Stock Awards                (3,016)       (1,790)       (1,559)
Common stock held by the Benefit
 Maintenance Plan                       (8,007)       (8,007)       (8,007)
Treasury stock (16,736,253 shares
 and 16,942,419 shares at June
 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008,
 respectively)                        (207,884)     (210,471)     (210,471)
Accumulated other comprehensive
 loss, net                              (7,717)      (11,111)       (8,584)
                                  ------------  ------------  ------------
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY             283,495       276,964       279,722
                                  ------------  ------------  ------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND
 STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY             $  3,974,399  $  4,055,598  $  4,040,758
                                  ============  ============  ============





             DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
              UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
              (Dollars In thousands except per share amounts)

                                            For the Three Months Ended
                                        ----------------------------------
                                         June 30,   March 31,    June 30,
                                           2009        2009        2008
                                        ----------  ----------  ----------
Interest income:
     Loans secured by real estate       $   47,662  $   48,329  $   44,147
     Other loans                                37          37          41
     Mortgage-backed securities              2,969       3,280       3,370
     Investment securities                     194         245         364
     Federal funds sold and other
      short-term investments                   858         503       1,346
                                        ----------  ----------  ----------
          Total interest income             51,720      52,394      49,268
                                        ----------  ----------  ----------
Interest expense:
     Deposits  and escrow                   11,718      14,212      14,452
     Borrowed funds                         13,713      14,042      11,706
                                        ----------  ----------  ----------
          Total interest expense            25,431      28,254      26,158
                                        ----------  ----------  ----------
              Net interest income           26,289      24,140      23,110
Provision for loan losses                    2,252       2,640         310
                                        ----------  ----------  ----------
Net interest income after provision for
 loan losses                                24,037      21,500      22,800
                                        ----------  ----------  ----------

Non-interest income:
     Service charges and other fees            879         864       1,146
     Mortgage banking income (loss),
      net                                      856      (1,169)         30
     Impairment charge on securities
      (1)                                     (886)     (5,040)          -
     (Loss) Gain on sale of other real
      estate owned and other assets            (92)        431        (129)
     Other                                   1,101         868         813
                                        ----------  ----------  ----------
          Total non-interest income
           (loss)                            1,858      (4,046)      1,860
                                        ----------  ----------  ----------
Non-interest expense:
     Compensation and benefits               7,618       7,801       6,889
     Occupancy and equipment                 1,882       2,086       1,764
     Other                                   5,825       3,721       3,605
                                        ----------  ----------  ----------
          Total non-interest expense        15,325      13,608      12,258
                                        ----------  ----------  ----------

          Income before taxes               10,570       3,846      12,402
Income tax expense                           3,654         996       3,977
                                        ----------  ----------  ----------

Net Income                              $    6,916  $    2,850  $    8,425
                                        ==========  ==========  ==========

Earnings per Share:
  Basic                                 $     0.21  $     0.09  $     0.26
                                        ==========  ==========  ==========
  Diluted                               $     0.21  $     0.09  $     0.26
                                        ==========  ==========  ==========

Average common shares outstanding for
 Diluted EPS                            33,026,554  32,888,319  32,935,285

(1) Total other-than-temporary impairment on securities was $1,161 and
    $6,102, during the three months ended June 30, 2009 and March 31, 2009,
    respectively.  The non-credit component of the impairment charge
    recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss was $275 and $1,062
    during the three months ended June 30, 2009 and March 31, 2009,
    respectively.


                                                      For the Six Months
                                                            Ended
                                                    ----------------------
                                                     June 30,    June 30,
                                                       2009        2008
                                                    ----------  ----------
Interest income:
     Loans secured by real estate                   $   95,991  $   87,213
     Other loans                                            74          85
     Mortgage-backed securities                          6,249       5,586
     Investment securities                                 439       1,072
     Federal funds sold and
      other short-term investments                       1,361       3,542
                                                    ----------  ----------
          Total interest  income                       104,114      97,498
                                                    ----------  ----------
Interest expense:
     Deposits  and escrow                               25,930      32,420
     Borrowed funds                                     27,755      22,737
                                                    ----------  ----------
         Total interest expense                         53,685      55,157
                                                    ----------  ----------
              Net interest income                       50,429      42,341
Provision for loan losses                                4,892         370
                                                    ----------  ----------
Net interest income after provision for loan losses     45,537      41,971
                                                    ----------  ----------

Non-interest income:
     Service charges and other fees                      1,742       2,201
     Mortgage banking income (loss), net                  (312)        316
     Impairment charge on securities (1)                (5,926)          -
     (Loss) Gain on sale of other real estate
      owned and other assets                               339        (129)
     Other                                               1,969       1,639
                                                    ----------  ----------
          Total non-interest income (loss)              (2,188)      4,027
                                                    ----------  ----------
Non-interest expense:
     Compensation and benefits                          15,418      14,122
     Occupancy and equipment                             3,968       3,335
     Other                                               9,547       7,081
                                                    ----------  ----------
          Total non-interest expense                    28,933      24,538
                                                    ----------  ----------

          Income before taxes                           14,416      21,460
Income tax expense                                       4,650       7,078
                                                    ----------  ----------

Net Income                                          $    9,766  $   14,382
                                                    ==========  ==========

Earnings per Share:
  Basic                                             $     0.30  $     0.44
                                                    ==========  ==========
  Diluted                                           $     0.30  $     0.44
                                                    ==========  ==========

Average common shares outstanding for Diluted EPS   32,956,106  32,773,631

(1) Total other-than-temporary impairment on securities was $1,161 and
    $6,102, during the three months ended June 30, 2009 and March 31, 2009,
    respectively. The non-credit component of the impairment charge
    recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss was $275 and $1,062
    during the three months ended June 30, 2009 and March 31, 2009,
    respectively.





             DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
      Unaudited Core Earnings and Core Cash Earnings Reconciliations
             (Dollars In thousands except per share amounts)

Core earnings and related data are "Non-GAAP Disclosures." These disclosures present information which management considers useful to the readers of this report since they present a measure of the results of the Company's ongoing operations during the period (exclusive of gains or losses on sales of securities and other real estate owned and other material non-recurring items).

Core cash earnings and related data are also "Non-GAAP Disclosures." These disclosures present information which management considers useful to the readers of this report since they present a measure of the tangible equity generated from operations during each period presented. Tangible stockholders' equity is derived from stockholders' equity, with various adjustment items that are based upon standards of the Company's primary regulator, the Office of Thrift Supervision. Tangible stockholders' equity generation is a significant financial measure since banks are subject to regulatory requirements involving the maintenance of minimum tangible capital levels. A reconciliation between GAAP stockholders' equity (GAAP capital) and tangible stockholders' equity (regulatory capital) can be found in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

The following tables present a reconciliation of GAAP net income and both core earnings and core cash earnings, as well as financial performance ratios determined based upon core earnings and core cash earnings, for each of the periods presented:

                                             For the Three Months Ended
                                           -------------------------------
                                           June 30,   March 31,  June 30,
                                             2009       2009       2008
                                           ---------  ---------  ---------

Net income as reported                     $   6,916  $   2,850  $   8,425
Loss on sale of other real estate owned           92          -        129
Impairment charge on equity mutual funds           -      3,063          -
Credit related impairment charge on trust
 preferred securities                            886      1,977          -
Gain on sale of municipal agency
 securities                                        -       (431)         -
Non-recurring adjustment to income taxes           -          -       (590)
Expense associated with prepayment of
 FHLBNY advances                                   -        185          -
Tax effect of adjustments and other
 non-recurring tax items                        (442)    (2,185)       (58)
                                           ---------  ---------  ---------
Core Earnings                              $   7,452  $   5,459  $   7,906
                                           ---------  ---------  ---------
Cash Earnings Additions:
Non-cash stock benefit plan expense              665        640        611
                                           ---------  ---------  ---------
Core Cash Earnings                         $   8,117  $   6,099  $   8,517
                                           ---------  ---------  ---------
Performance Ratios (Based upon Core Cash
 Earnings):
Core Cash EPS (Diluted)                    $    0.25  $    0.19  $    0.26
Core Cash Return on Average Assets              0.81%      0.60%      0.93%
Core Cash Return on Average Tangible
 Stockholders' Equity                          13.91%     10.46%     15.40%


                                            For the Six Months
                                                  Ended
                                           --------------------
                                           June 30,   June 30,
                                             2009       2008
                                           ---------  ---------

Net income as reported                     $   9,766  $  14,382
Loss on sale of other real estate owned           92        129
Impairment charge on equity mutual funds       3,063          -
Credit related impairment charge on trust
 preferred securities                          2,863          -
Gain on sale of municipal agency
 securities                                     (431)         -
Non-recurring adjustment to income taxes           -       (590)
Expense associated with prepayment of
 FHLBNY advances                                 185          -
Tax effect of adjustments and other
 non-recurring tax items                      (2,627)       (58)
                                           ---------  ---------
Core Earnings                              $  12,911  $  13,863
                                           ---------  ---------
Cash Earnings Additions:
Non-cash stock benefit plan expense            1,305      1,172
                                           ---------  ---------
Core Cash Earnings                         $  14,216  $  15,035
                                           ---------  ---------
Performance Ratios (Based upon Core Cash
 Earnings):
Core Cash EPS (Diluted)                    $    0.43  $    0.46
Core Cash Return on Average Assets              0.71%      0.84%
Core Cash Return on Average Tangible
 Stockholders' Equity                          12.18%     13.74%







             DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                  UNAUDITED SELECTED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
              (Dollars In thousands except per share amounts)


                                        For the Three Months Ended
                                 -----------------------------------------
                                   June 30,        March 31,     June 30,
                                     2009             2009         2008
                                 -----------      -----------  -----------
Performance Ratios (Based upon
 Reported Earnings):
Reported EPS (Diluted)           $      0.21      $      0.09  $      0.26
Return on Average Assets                0.69%            0.28%        0.92%
Return on Average Stockholders'
 Equity                                 9.84%            4.08%       12.44%
Return on Average Tangible
 Stockholders' Equity                  11.85%            4.89%       15.24%
Net Interest Spread                     2.54%            2.21%        2.39%
Net Interest Margin                     2.78%            2.51%        2.67%
Non-interest Expense to Average
 Assets                                 1.53%            1.35%        1.34%
Efficiency Ratio                       52.62%           55.09%       48.84%
Effective Tax Rate                     34.57%           25.90%       32.07%
Performance Ratios (Based upon
 Core Earnings):
Core EPS (Diluted)               $      0.23      $      0.17  $      0.24
Core Return on Average Assets           0.74%            0.54%        0.86%
Core Return on Average
 Stockholders' Equity                  10.60%            7.82%       11.67%
Core Return on Average Tangible
 Stockholders' Equity                  12.77%            9.36%       14.30%
Book Value and Tangible Book
 Value Per Share:
Stated Book Value Per Share      $      8.24      $      8.18  $      8.05
Tangible Book Value Per Share           6.84             6.80         6.63
Average Balance Data:
Average Assets                   $ 4,011,473      $ 4,039,762  $ 3,659,084
Average Interest Earning Assets    3,786,577        3,853,692    3,461,470
Average Stockholders' Equity         281,202          279,072      270,973
Average Tangible Stockholders'
 Equity                              233,376          233,200      221,171
Average Loans                      3,238,424        3,311,006    3,006,571
Average Deposits                   2,298,966        2,321,613    2,158,477
Asset Quality Summary:
Net charge-offs                  $       528      $     1,876  $       116
Nonperforming Loans                   12,878           13,123        6,852
Nonperforming Loans/Total Loans         0.40%            0.40%        0.22%
Nonperforming Assets                  14,118  (1)      13,423        6,852
Nonperforming Assets/Total
 Assets                                 0.36%            0.33%        0.18%
Allowance for Loan Loss/Total
 Loans                                  0.62%            0.56%        0.49%
Allowance for Loan
 Loss/Nonperforming Loans             155.23%          139.84%      224.55%
Regulatory Capital Ratios:
Consolidated Tangible
 Stockholders' Equity to
 Tangible Assets at period end          6.00%            5.83%        6.11%
Tangible Capital Ratio (Bank
 Only)                                  7.63%            7.86%        7.83%
Leverage Capital Ratio (Bank
 Only)                                  7.63%            7.86%        7.83%
Risk Based Capital Ratio (Bank
 Only)                                 11.46%           11.83%       11.46%


                                   For the Six Months Ended
                                 ----------------------------
                                   June 30,         June 30,
                                     2009             2008
                                 -----------      -----------

Performance Ratios (Based upon
 Reported Earnings):
Reported EPS (Diluted)           $      0.30      $      0.44
Return on Average Assets                0.49%            0.80%
Return on Average Stockholders'
 Equity                                 6.97%           10.66%
Return on Average Tangible
 Stockholders' Equity                   8.37%           13.14%
Net Interest Spread                     2.37%            2.20%
Net Interest Margin                     2.64%            2.50%
Non-interest Expense to Average
 Assets                                 1.44%            1.37%
Efficiency Ratio                       53.75%           52.77%
Effective Tax Rate                     32.26%           32.98%
Performance Ratios (Based upon
 Core Earnings):
Core EPS (Diluted)               $      0.39      $      0.42
Core Return on Average Assets           0.64%            0.77%
Core Return on Average
 Stockholders' Equity                   9.22%           10.28%
Core Return on Average Tangible
 Stockholders' Equity                  11.06%           12.67%
Book Value and Tangible Book
 Value Per Share:
Stated Book Value Per Share      $      8.24      $      8.05
Tangible Book Value Per Share           6.84             6.63
Average Balance Data:
Average Assets                   $ 4,025,617      $ 3,585,904
Average Interest Earning Assets    3,820,135        3,390,797
Average Stockholders' Equity         280,137          269,743
Average Tangible Stockholders'
 Equity                              233,416          218,909
Average Loans                      3,274,715        2,951,326
Average Deposits                   2,310,290        2,155,754
Asset Quality Summary:
Net charge-offs                  $     2,404      $       260
Nonperforming Loans                   12,878            6,852
Nonperforming Loans/Total Loans         0.40%            0.22%
Nonperforming Assets                  14,118  (1)       6,852
Nonperforming Assets/Total
 Assets                                 0.36%            0.18%
Allowance for Loan Loss/Total
 Loans                                  0.62%            0.49%
Allowance for Loan
 Loss/Nonperforming Loans             155.23%          224.55%

Regulatory Capital Ratios:
Consolidated Tangible
 Stockholders' Equity to
 Tangible Assets at period end          6.00%            6.11%
Tangible Capital Ratio (Bank
 Only)                                  7.63%            7.83%
Leverage Capital Ratio (Bank
 Only)                                  7.63%            7.83%
Risk Based Capital Ratio (Bank
 Only)                                 11.46%           11.46%

(1) Amount comprised of total nonperforming loans plus the recorded balance
    of $1.2 million on a pooled bank trust preferred security investment
    for which the Bank has not received any contractual payments of
    interest or principal since March 2009.






             DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
            UNAUDITED AVERAGE BALANCES AND NET INTEREST INCOME
                          (Dollars In thousands)

                                            For the Three Months Ended
                                        ----------------------------------
                                                  June 30, 2009
                                        ----------------------------------
                                                                  Average
                                          Average                 Yield/
                                          Balance    Interest      Cost
                                        ----------- ----------  ----------
Assets:
  Interest-earning assets:
    Real estate loans                   $ 3,236,793 $   47,662        5.89%
    Other loans                               1,631         37        9.07
    Mortgage-backed securities              270,515      2,969        4.39
    Investment securities                    15,716        194        4.94
    Other short-term investments            261,922        858        1.31
                                        ----------- ----------  ----------
      Total interest earning assets       3,786,577 $   51,720        5.46%
                                        ----------- ----------
  Non-interest earning assets               224,896
                                        -----------
Total assets                            $ 4,011,473
                                        ===========

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:
  Interest-bearing liabilities:
    Interest Bearing Checking           $   112,877 $      256        0.91%
    Money Market accounts                   723,094      2,550        1.41
    Savings accounts                        288,944        307        0.43
    Certificates of deposit               1,075,774      8,605        3.21
                                        ----------- ----------  ----------
          Total interest bearing
           deposits                       2,200,689     11,718        2.14
  Borrowed Funds                          1,286,840     13,713        4.27
                                        ----------- ----------  ----------
      Total interest-bearing
       liabilities                        3,487,529 $   25,431        2.92%
                                        ----------- ----------  ----------
  Non-interest bearing checking
   accounts                                  98,277

  Other non-interest-bearing
   liabilities                              144,465

                                        -----------
      Total liabilities                   3,730,271
  Stockholders' equity                      281,202
                                        -----------
Total liabilities and stockholders'
 equity                                 $ 4,011,473

                                        ===========
Net interest income                                 $   26,289
                                                    ==========
Net interest spread                                                   2.54%
                                                                ==========
Net interest-earning assets             $   299,048
                                        ===========
Net interest margin                                                   2.78%
                                                                ==========
Ratio of interest-earning assets
 to interest-bearing liabilities                        108.57%
                                                    ==========

Deposits (including non-interest
 bearing checking accounts)             $ 2,298,966 $   11,718        2.04%

Interest earning assets (excluding
 prepayment and other fees)                                           5.43%

                                            For the Three Months Ended
                                        ----------------------------------
                                                  March 31, 2009
                                        ----------------------------------
                                                                  Average
                                          Average                 Yield/
                                          Balance    Interest      Cost
                                        ----------- ----------  ----------
Assets:
  Interest-earning assets:
    Real estate loans                   $ 3,309,307 $   48,329        5.84%
    Other loans                         $     1,699         37        8.71
    Mortgage-backed securities          $   292,865      3,280        4.48
    Investment securities               $    22,806        245        4.30
    Other short-term investments        $   227,015        503        0.89
                                        ----------- ----------  ----------
      Total interest earning assets     $ 3,853,692 $   52,394        5.44%
                                        ----------- ----------
  Non-interest earning assets           $   186,070
                                        -----------
Total assets                            $ 4,039,762
                                        ===========

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:
  Interest-bearing liabilities:
    Interest Bearing Checking           $   109,621 $      407        1.51%
    Money Market accounts               $   712,311      3,596        2.05
    Savings accounts                    $   272,893        353        0.52
    Certificates of deposit             $ 1,130,672      9,856        3.54
                                        ----------- ----------  ----------
          Total interest bearing
           deposits                     $ 2,225,497     14,212        2.59
  Borrowed Funds                        $ 1,321,340     14,042        4.31
                                        ----------- ----------  ----------
      Total interest-bearing
       liabilities                      $ 3,546,837 $   28,254        3.23%
                                        ----------- ----------  ----------
  Non-interest bearing checking
   accounts                             $    96,116

  Other non-interest-bearing
   liabilities                          $   117,737

                                        -----------
      Total liabilities                 $ 3,760,690
  Stockholders' equity                  $   279,072
                                        -----------
Total liabilities and stockholders'
 equity                                 $ 4,039,762

                                        ===========
Net interest income                                 $   24,140
                                                    ==========
Net interest spread                                                   2.21%
                                                                ==========
Net interest-earning assets             $   306,855
                                        ===========
Net interest margin                                                   2.51%
                                                                ==========
Ratio of interest-earning assets
 to interest-bearing liabilities                        108.65%
                                                    ==========

Deposits (including non-interest
 bearing checking accounts)             $ 2,321,613 $   14,212        2.48%

Interest earning assets (excluding
 prepayment and other fees)                                           5.41%

                                            For the Three Months Ended
                                        ----------------------------------
                                                  June 30, 2008
                                        ----------------------------------
                                                                  Average
                                          Average                 Yield/
                                          Balance    Interest      Cost
                                        ----------- ----------  ----------
Assets:
  Interest-earning assets:
    Real estate loans                   $ 3,004,756 $   44,147        5.88%
    Other loans                               1,815         41        9.04
    Mortgage-backed securities              303,581      3,370        4.44
    Investment securities                    34,540        364        4.22
    Other short-term investments            116,778      1,346        4.61
                                        ----------- ----------  ----------
      Total interest earning assets       3,461,470 $   49,268        5.69%
                                        ----------- ----------
  Non-interest earning assets               197,614
                                        -----------
Total assets                            $ 3,659,084
                                        ===========

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:
  Interest-bearing liabilities:
    Interest Bearing Checking           $    96,174 $      580        2.42%
    Money Market accounts               $   712,160      4,443        2.50
    Savings accounts                    $   278,782        399        0.57
    Certificates of deposit             $   978,975      9,030        3.70
                                        ----------- ----------  ----------
          Total interest bearing
           deposits                     $ 2,066,091     14,452        2.81
  Borrowed Funds                        $ 1,108,931     11,706        4.23
                                        ----------- ----------  ----------
      Total interest-bearing
       liabilities                      $ 3,175,022 $   26,158        3.30%
                                        ----------- ----------
  Non-interest bearing checking
   accounts                             $    92,386

  Other non-interest-bearing
   liabilities                          $   120,703

                                        -----------
      Total liabilities                 $ 3,388,111
  Stockholders' equity                  $   270,973
                                        -----------
Total liabilities and stockholders'
 equity                                 $ 3,659,084

                                        ===========
Net interest income                                 $   23,110
                                                    ==========
Net interest spread                                                   2.39%
                                                                ==========
Net interest-earning assets             $   286,448
                                        ===========
Net interest margin                                                   2.67%
                                                                ==========
Ratio of interest-earning assets
 to interest-bearing liabilities                        109.02%
                                                    ==========

Deposits (including non-interest
 bearing checking accounts)             $ 2,158,477 $   14,452        2.69%

Interest earning assets (excluding
 prepayment and other fees)                                           5.60%

Contact Information: Contact: Kenneth Ceonzo Director of Investor Relations 718-782-6200 extension 8279

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