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Form 8-K For Event on May 17, 2005
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align=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
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style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><BR></DIV>
<DIV
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align=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>Washington,
D.C. 20549</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
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style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV
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align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 135pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 103.5pt"
align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV
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align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>FORM
8-K</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>CURRENT
REPORT</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>PURSUANT
TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 135pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 103.5pt"
align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Date of
Report (Date of earliest event reported): May 17, 2005</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>DIME
COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC.</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its charter)</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><BR></DIV>
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<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%">
  <TR>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black double" vAlign=top align=middle
      width="24%"><DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=center><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Delaware</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=middle width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black double" vAlign=top align=middle
      width="22%"><DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=center><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">0-27782</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=middle width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black double" vAlign=top align=middle
      width="20%"><DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=center><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">11-3297463</FONT></DIV></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top align=middle width="24%">
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=center><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">(State
      or other jurisdiction of incorporation)</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=middle width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=middle width="22%">
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=center><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">(Commission
      File Number)</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=middle width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=middle width="20%">
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=center><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">(IRS
      Employer </FONT></DIV>
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=center><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Identification
      No.)</FONT></DIV></TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>209
Havemeyer Street, Brooklyn, New York 11211</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">(Address
of principal executive offices, including zip code)</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Registrant's
telephone number, including area code:</FONT><FONT id=TAB2
style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp;</FONT><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">(718)
782-6200</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>None</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">(Former
name or former address, if changed since last report)</FONT></DIV>
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style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><BR></DIV>
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<DIV id=GLFTR style="WIDTH: 100%" align=left><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #000000; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"></FONT></DIV></DIV>
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<DIV id=GLHDR style="WIDTH: 100%" align=right><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #000000; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"></FONT></DIV></DIV></DIV><BR>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>Item
8.01 Other Events.</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
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align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">This
Current Report on Form 8-K 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.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">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:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><BR></DIV>
<DIV>
<TABLE id=list cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%">
  <TR style="LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25" vAlign=top>
    <TD style="WIDTH: 45pt" align=right><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol, serif">&#183;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD>
      <DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=justify><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">the
      timing and occurrence or non-occurrence of events may be subject to
      circumstances beyond the Company&#8217;s control;
</FONT></DIV></TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
<DIV>
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  <TR style="LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25" vAlign=top>
    <TD style="WIDTH: 45pt" align=right><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol, serif">&#183;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD>
      <DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=justify><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">there
      may be increases in competitive pressure among financial institutions or
      from non-financial institutions;</FONT></DIV></TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
<DIV>
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  <TR style="LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25" vAlign=top>
    <TD style="WIDTH: 45pt" align=right><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol, serif">&#183;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD>
      <DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=justify><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">changes
      in the interest rate environment may reduce interest
    margins;</FONT></DIV></TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
<DIV>
<TABLE id=list cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%">
  <TR style="LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25" vAlign=top>
    <TD style="WIDTH: 45pt" align=right><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol, serif">&#183;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD>
      <DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=justify><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">changes
      in deposit flows, loan demand or real estate values may adversely affect
      the business of the Bank;</FONT></DIV></TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
<DIV>
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  <TR style="LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25" vAlign=top>
    <TD style="WIDTH: 45pt" align=right><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol, serif">&#183;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD>
      <DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=justify><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">changes
      in accounting principles, policies or guidelines may cause the Company&#8217;s
      financial condition to be perceived
differently;</FONT></DIV></TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
<DIV>
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  <TR style="LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25" vAlign=top>
    <TD style="WIDTH: 45pt" align=right><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol, serif">&#183;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD>
      <DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=justify><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">changes
      in corporate and/or individual income tax laws may adversely affect the
      Company's financial condition or results of
operations;</FONT></DIV></TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
<DIV>
<TABLE id=list cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%">
  <TR style="LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25" vAlign=top>
    <TD style="WIDTH: 45pt" align=right><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol, serif">&#183;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD>
      <DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=justify><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">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;</FONT></DIV></TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
<DIV>
<TABLE id=list cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%">
  <TR style="LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25" vAlign=top>
    <TD style="WIDTH: 45pt" align=right><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol, serif">&#183;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD>
      <DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=justify><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">legislation
      or regulatory changes may adversely affect the Company&#8217;s
      business;</FONT></DIV></TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
<DIV>
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  <TR style="LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25" vAlign=top>
    <TD style="WIDTH: 45pt" align=right><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol, serif">&#183;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD>
      <DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=justify><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">technological
      changes may be more difficult or expensive than the Company
      anticipates;</FONT></DIV></TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
<DIV>
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  <TR style="LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25" vAlign=top>
    <TD style="WIDTH: 45pt" align=right><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol, serif">&#183;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD>
      <DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=justify><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">success
      or consummation of new business initiatives may be more difficult or
      expensive than the Company anticipates; or</FONT></DIV></TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
<DIV>
<TABLE id=list cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%">
  <TR style="LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25" vAlign=top>
    <TD style="WIDTH: 45pt" align=right><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol, serif">&#183;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD>
      <DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=justify><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">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.</FONT></DIV></TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 27pt"></FONT><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">The
Company has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect
events or circumstances after the date of this document.</FONT></DIV><BR>
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<DIV id=FTR>
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style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #000000; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"></FONT></DIV></DIV>
<DIV id=PN style="PAGE-BREAK-AFTER: always">
<DIV style="WIDTH: 100%; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 8pt" face="Times New Roman">-2-</FONT></DIV>
<DIV style="WIDTH: 100%; TEXT-ALIGN: center">
<HR color=#000000 noShade SIZE=2>
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<DIV id=GLHDR style="WIDTH: 100%" align=right><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #000000; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"></FONT></DIV></DIV></DIV><BR>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><BR>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">On May
17, 2005, Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company')
completed the open market sale of $276 million of portfolio securities,
primarily mortgage backed securities ("MBS") and collateralized mortgage
obligations ("CMOs").</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>The
Transaction.</STRONG></FONT><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"> The
Company sold $276 million of securities, representing 48% of the total
securities portfolio as of March 31, 2005, having a yield of 3.62%, and an
estimated average duration of 2.4 years. Upon completing the transaction, the
average estimated duration of the Company's securities portfolio declined to
approximately 2.3 years, with an average yield of 3.81%. The cash proceeds
received from the sale will be reinvested initially in overnight funds and other
short-term investments with an average yield approximating 3.10%. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>The
Benefit. </STRONG></FONT><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">In
today&#8217;s climate of rising short-term interest rates, this transaction creates
overnight liquidity on the balance sheet of approximately 10% of earning assets
with a relatively small impact to current income. As initially completed, the
transaction reduces both duration risk and the potential for further reduction
to stockholders' equity associated with the mark-to-market accounting on the
securities disposed.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">The
one-year GAP, which approximated negative 26% at March 31, 2005, improved to
approximately negative 19% immediately following the transaction.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">The
transaction would become accretive to future earnings under the following
scenarios: 1) short-term interest rates continue to rise and the liquidity
generated from the sale is regularly reinvested in short-term investments and
overnight funds with an average yield in excess of 3.62%; or 2) the liquidity
generated from the sale is reinvested in multifamily residential and commercial
loans with yields that currently exceed 5.0%. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>Cost.
</STRONG></FONT><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">The
Company will incur a $5.2 million pre-tax charge, which will reduce after-tax
earnings per share by 9 cents in the quarter ending June 30, 2005.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>Timing.
</STRONG></FONT><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">The
Federal Open Market Committee (the "Fed") has been clear about its intentions to
continue to raise the federal funds rate at a measured pace this year. In the
Company's view, the Fed's resolve places a premium on short-term liquidity.
Further, the Company expects that the only way the value of the securities sold
would increase is if longer-term interest rates declined from current levels.
However, the Company believes that longer-term interest rates are more likely to
increase than decline, and, as a result, the market value of the securities, if
held, would continue to decline. Therefore, the Company entered into this
transaction in order to take advantage of the current flatness of the yield
curve, which has created this favorable environment to restructure.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>Use
of Proceeds. </STRONG></FONT><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">The
Company's intention is to hold the cash proceeds from the sale in federal funds
and other short-term investments while the Fed continues to raise short-term
rates. However, a portion of the proceeds could be deployed for other funding
needs, for example to fund multifamily and commercial real estate loans at rates
well in excess of current overnight rates.</FONT></DIV><BR>
<DIV id=PGBRK style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt">
<DIV id=FTR>
<DIV id=GLFTR style="WIDTH: 100%" align=left><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #000000; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"></FONT></DIV></DIV>
<DIV id=PN style="PAGE-BREAK-AFTER: always">
<DIV style="WIDTH: 100%; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 8pt" face="Times New Roman">-3-</FONT></DIV>
<DIV style="WIDTH: 100%; TEXT-ALIGN: center">
<HR color=#000000 noShade SIZE=2>
</DIV></DIV>
<DIV id=HDR>
<DIV id=GLHDR style="WIDTH: 100%" align=right><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #000000; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"></FONT></DIV></DIV></DIV><BR>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>Capital
and Leverage</STRONG></FONT><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">. This
transaction will have minimal impact on the Company&#8217;s tangible capital and no
impact upon total stockholders' equity since the mark-to-market adjustment on
the securities sold was previously included in the calculation of total
stockholders' equity. As of March 31, 2005, the Company&#8217;s consolidated tangible
capital ratio was 7.01% and the ratio of stockholders' equity to total assets
was 8.39%.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>Purpose.
</STRONG></FONT><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">The
Company considers the transaction to be</FONT><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>&nbsp;</STRONG></FONT><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">prudent
balance sheet management in what it continues to believe is a rising interest
rate environment. The Company views its investment portfolio primarily as a
source of liquidity rather than yield. Therefore, the Company tends to invest in
low average life and short tranche MBS and CMOs. It is for this reason that this
relatively large transaction could be effected at this time for a relatively
small after-tax charge.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>Risk.</STRONG></FONT><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"> There is
a risk that short-term interest rates could move lower in the near term, which
might temporarily mitigate some of the benefit to be derived from this
transaction. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><BR></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV></DIV>
<DIV id=PGBRK style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt">
<DIV id=FTR>
<DIV id=GLFTR style="WIDTH: 100%" align=left><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #000000; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"></FONT></DIV></DIV>
<DIV id=PN style="PAGE-BREAK-AFTER: always">
<DIV style="WIDTH: 100%; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 8pt" face="Times New Roman">-3-</FONT></DIV>
<DIV style="WIDTH: 100%; TEXT-ALIGN: center">
<HR color=#000000 noShade SIZE=2>
</DIV></DIV>
<DIV id=HDR>
<DIV id=GLHDR style="WIDTH: 100%" align=right><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #000000; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"></FONT></DIV></DIV></DIV><BR>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>Capital
and Leverage</STRONG></FONT><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">. This
transaction will have minimal impact on the Company&#8217;s tangible capital and no
impact upon total stockholders' equity since the mark-to-market adjustment on
the securities sold is included in the calculation of total stockholders'
equity. As of March 31, 2005, the Company&#8217;s consolidated tangible capital ratio
was 7.01% and the ratio of stockholders' equity to total assets was
8.39%.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>Purpose.
</STRONG></FONT><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">By
entering into this transaction, the Company is attempting to effect prudent
balance sheet management in what it continues to believe is a rising interest
rate environment. The Company views its investment portfolio primarily as a
source of liquidity rather than yield. Therefore, the Company tends to invest in
low average life and short tranche MBS and CMOs. It is for this reason that this
relatively large transaction could be effected at this time for a relatively
small after-tax penalty.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>Risk.</STRONG></FONT><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"> There is
a risk that short-term interest rates could move lower in the near term, which
might temporarily mitigate some of the benefit to be derived from this
transaction. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><BR></DIV><BR>
<DIV id=PGBRK style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt">
<DIV id=FTR>
<DIV id=GLFTR style="WIDTH: 100%" align=left><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #000000; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"></FONT></DIV></DIV>
<DIV id=PN style="PAGE-BREAK-AFTER: always">
<DIV style="WIDTH: 100%; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 8pt" face="Times New Roman">-4-</FONT></DIV>
<DIV style="WIDTH: 100%; TEXT-ALIGN: center">
<HR color=#000000 noShade SIZE=2>
</DIV></DIV>
<DIV id=HDR>
<DIV id=GLHDR style="WIDTH: 100%" align=right><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #000000; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"></FONT></DIV></DIV></DIV><BR>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>SIGNATURES</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has
duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto
duly authorized.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 216pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>DIME
COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC.</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 216pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 216pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 216pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 216pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>/s/
KENNETH J. MAHON</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 153pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>By:
___________________________________________</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 180pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Kenneth
J. Mahon</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 180pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Executive
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 180pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Dated:
May 18, 2005</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV id=PGBRK style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt">
<DIV id=FTR>
<DIV id=GLFTR style="WIDTH: 100%" align=left><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #000000; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"></FONT></DIV></DIV>
<DIV id=PN style="PAGE-BREAK-AFTER: always">
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style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 8pt" face="Times New Roman">-5-</FONT></DIV>
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<HR color=#000000 noShade SIZE=2>
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style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #000000; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"></FONT></DIV></DIV></DIV></DIV></BODY></HTML>
[{"type": "8-K", "sequence": "1", "filename": "form8k-5182005.htm", "description": "FORM 8-K FOR EVENT ON MAY 17, 2005", "secsgml_size_bytes": 39129}]
{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES INC", "cik": "0001005409", "assigned-sic": "6035", "irs-number": "113297463", "state-of-incorporation": "DE", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "8-K", "act": "34", "file-number": "000-27782", "film-number": "05841454"}, "business-address": {"street1": "209 HAVEMEYER ST", "street2": "C/O DIME SAVINGS BANK OF WILLIAMSBURGH", "city": "BROOKLYN", "state": "NY", "zip": "11211", "phone": "7187826200"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "209 HAVEMEYER STREET", "city": "BROOKLYN", "state": "NY", "zip": "11211"}, "former-company": {"former-conformed-name": "DIME COMMUNITY BANCORP INC", "date-changed": "19951227"}}
Form 8-K For Event on May 17, 2005
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
D.C. 20549
FORM
8-K
CURRENT
REPORT
PURSUANT
TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of
Report (Date of earliest event reported): May 17, 2005
DIME
COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC.
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
0-27782
11-3297463
(State
      or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
(Commission
      File Number)
(IRS
      Employer
Identification
      No.)
209
Havemeyer Street, Brooklyn, New York 11211
(Address
of principal executive offices, including zip code)
Registrant's
telephone number, including area code:
(718)
782-6200
None
(Former
name or former address, if changed since last report)
Item
8.01 Other Events.
This
Current Report on Form 8-K 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 the Bank;
·
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.
The
Company has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect
events or circumstances after the date of this document.
-2-
On May
17, 2005, Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company')
completed the open market sale of $276 million of portfolio securities,
primarily mortgage backed securities ("MBS") and collateralized mortgage
obligations ("CMOs").
The
Transaction.
The
Company sold $276 million of securities, representing 48% of the total
securities portfolio as of March 31, 2005, having a yield of 3.62%, and an
estimated average duration of 2.4 years. Upon completing the transaction, the
average estimated duration of the Company's securities portfolio declined to
approximately 2.3 years, with an average yield of 3.81%. The cash proceeds
received from the sale will be reinvested initially in overnight funds and other
short-term investments with an average yield approximating 3.10%.
The
Benefit.
In
today's climate of rising short-term interest rates, this transaction creates
overnight liquidity on the balance sheet of approximately 10% of earning assets
with a relatively small impact to current income. As initially completed, the
transaction reduces both duration risk and the potential for further reduction
to stockholders' equity associated with the mark-to-market accounting on the
securities disposed.
The
one-year GAP, which approximated negative 26% at March 31, 2005, improved to
approximately negative 19% immediately following the transaction.
The
transaction would become accretive to future earnings under the following
scenarios: 1) short-term interest rates continue to rise and the liquidity
generated from the sale is regularly reinvested in short-term investments and
overnight funds with an average yield in excess of 3.62%; or 2) the liquidity
generated from the sale is reinvested in multifamily residential and commercial
loans with yields that currently exceed 5.0%.
Cost.
The
Company will incur a $5.2 million pre-tax charge, which will reduce after-tax
earnings per share by 9 cents in the quarter ending June 30, 2005.
Timing.
The
Federal Open Market Committee (the "Fed") has been clear about its intentions to
continue to raise the federal funds rate at a measured pace this year. In the
Company's view, the Fed's resolve places a premium on short-term liquidity.
Further, the Company expects that the only way the value of the securities sold
would increase is if longer-term interest rates declined from current levels.
However, the Company believes that longer-term interest rates are more likely to
increase than decline, and, as a result, the market value of the securities, if
held, would continue to decline. Therefore, the Company entered into this
transaction in order to take advantage of the current flatness of the yield
curve, which has created this favorable environment to restructure.
Use
of Proceeds.
The
Company's intention is to hold the cash proceeds from the sale in federal funds
and other short-term investments while the Fed continues to raise short-term
rates. However, a portion of the proceeds could be deployed for other funding
needs, for example to fund multifamily and commercial real estate loans at rates
well in excess of current overnight rates.
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Capital
and Leverage
. This
transaction will have minimal impact on the Company's tangible capital and no
impact upon total stockholders' equity since the mark-to-market adjustment on
the securities sold was previously included in the calculation of total
stockholders' equity. As of March 31, 2005, the Company's consolidated tangible
capital ratio was 7.01% and the ratio of stockholders' equity to total assets
was 8.39%.
Purpose.
The
Company considers the transaction to be
prudent
balance sheet management in what it continues to believe is a rising interest
rate environment. The Company views its investment portfolio primarily as a
source of liquidity rather than yield. Therefore, the Company tends to invest in
low average life and short tranche MBS and CMOs. It is for this reason that this
relatively large transaction could be effected at this time for a relatively
small after-tax charge.
Risk.
There is
a risk that short-term interest rates could move lower in the near term, which
might temporarily mitigate some of the benefit to be derived from this
transaction.
-3-
Capital
and Leverage
. This
transaction will have minimal impact on the Company's tangible capital and no
impact upon total stockholders' equity since the mark-to-market adjustment on
the securities sold is included in the calculation of total stockholders'
equity. As of March 31, 2005, the Company's consolidated tangible capital ratio
was 7.01% and the ratio of stockholders' equity to total assets was
8.39%.
Purpose.
By
entering into this transaction, the Company is attempting to effect prudent
balance sheet management in what it continues to believe is a rising interest
rate environment. The Company views its investment portfolio primarily as a
source of liquidity rather than yield. Therefore, the Company tends to invest in
low average life and short tranche MBS and CMOs. It is for this reason that this
relatively large transaction could be effected at this time for a relatively
small after-tax penalty.
Risk.
There is
a risk that short-term interest rates could move lower in the near term, which
might temporarily mitigate some of the benefit to be derived from this
transaction.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has
duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto
duly authorized.
DIME
COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC.
/s/
KENNETH J. MAHON
By:
___________________________________________
Kenneth
J. Mahon
Executive
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Dated:
May 18, 2005
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