10-K 1 e24185-10k.txt ANNUAL REPORT UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K |X| Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2006 OR |_| Transition Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the transition period from ______________to________________ Commission File Number: 000-24811 SOUND FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter) Delaware 22-3887679 (State or Other Jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) Incorporation or Organization) 1311 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, New York 10605 (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code) (914) 761-3636 (Registrant's Telephone Number including area code) Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None ---- Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock, par value $.01 per share -------------------------------------- (Title of Class) Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. YES |_| NO |X| Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. YES |_| NO |X| Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding twelve months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such requirements for the past 90 days. YES |X| NO |_| Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. |_| Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of "accelerated filer and large accelerated filer" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large Accelerated Filer |_| Accelerated Filer |X| Non-Accelerated Filer |_| Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES |_| NO |X| As of September 30, 2005, there were issued and outstanding 12,310,206 shares of the Registrant's Common Stock. The aggregate value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, computed by reference to the average bid and asked prices of the Common Stock as of September 30, 2005 ($16.69) was $165,130,192. The number of shares of the registrant's common stock outstanding as of June 13, 2006 was 12,336,040 shares. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 1. Sections of Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006 (Part II). 2. Proxy Statement for the 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (Part III). PART I ITEM 1. BUSINESS General Sound Federal Bancorp, Inc. Sound Federal Bancorp, Inc. is a Delaware corporation which was organized in 2002 and is the successor to Sound Federal Bancorp, a federal corporation. In January 2003, Sound Federal Bancorp, Inc. became the holding company parent of Sound Federal Savings following the completion of the "second step" mutual-to-stock conversion of Sound Federal Bancorp, MHC. On February 8, 2006, Sound Federal Bancorp, Inc. entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger pursuant to which it would be acquired by Hudson City Bancorp, Inc. Shareholders of Sound Federal Bancorp, Inc. will receive $20.75 in cash for each share of Sound Federal Bancorp, Inc. Common Stock they own. The acquisition is subject to the receipt of regulatory and shareholder approvals. It is expected that the acquisition will be completed during Sound Federal Bancorp, Inc.'s second fiscal quarter. References to the Company include both Sound Federal Bancorp, Inc. and Sound Federal Bancorp. The principal asset of the Company is its investment in Sound Federal Savings (the "Bank"). At March 31, 2006, the Company had total consolidated assets of $1.2 billion, total deposits of $1.0 billion, total stockholders' equity of $128.7 million and 12,336,040 shares outstanding. Sound Federal Savings. The Bank is a federally chartered savings association headquartered in White Plains, New York. The Bank's deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC"). The Bank was organized as a New York chartered savings bank in 1891 and became a federally chartered savings association in 1934. In October 1998, the Bank reorganized into the mutual holding company form of organization. At March 31, 2006, the Bank operated from 14 locations in New York and Connecticut. The Company's principal executive office is located at 1311 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, New York 10605, and its telephone number at that address is (914) 761-3636. The Company's Form 10-K and Annual Report are available on the Company's website at www.soundfed.com. Market Area The Bank is a community-oriented financial institution that offers a variety of financial products and services from its main office and branch offices. The Bank's primary lending areas are the New York counties of Westchester, Putnam and Rockland, and Fairfield County, Connecticut. Most of the Bank's deposit customers are residents of Westchester County, New York and Fairfield County, Connecticut. The Bank also obtains deposits from persons in Rockland County and Putnam County in New York. The Bank's market area consists of middle income and upper income communities. The local economy is not dependent upon any single employer, but rather is affected by the general economy of the New York City metropolitan area. Lending Activities The Bank's principal lending activity is the origination of fixed- and adjustable-rate first mortgage loans for the purchase or refinancing of one-to-four family residential real property. The Bank's adjustable-rate mortgage loans have fixed-rates for initial terms of three, five, seven and ten years. After the initial terms, the interest rates on these loans adjust annually. One-to-four family residential 1 mortgage loans represented $569.4 million, or 76.8%, of the Bank's loan portfolio at March 31, 2006. Home equity lines of credit represented $54.4 million, or 7.3%, of the Bank's loan portfolio at March 31, 2006. The Bank also offers multi-family mortgage loans, commercial mortgage loans, construction loans, consumer loans and commercial loans. At March 31, 2006, multi-family mortgage loans totaled $8.1 million, or 1.1% of the loan portfolio, commercial mortgage loans totaled $61.9 million, or 8.3% of the loan portfolio, construction loans totaled $40.4 million, or 5.4% of the loan portfolio, consumer loans totaled $2.6 million, or 0.4% of the loan portfolio and commercial loans amounted to $5.0 million, or 0.7% of the loan portfolio. 2 Loan Portfolio Composition. The following table sets forth the composition of the Bank's loan portfolio by type of loan at the dates indicated.

3 The following table sets forth the composition of the Bank's loan portfolio by fixed and adjustable rates at the dates indicated.

---------- (1) These loans have fixed rates for initial terms of three, five, seven and ten years and then subsequent one year rate adjustment periods. 4 Loan Maturity Schedule. The following table summarizes the contractual maturities of the Bank's loan portfolio at March 31, 2006. Loans with adjustable or renegotiable interest rates are shown as maturing in the period of the next regularly scheduled interest rate adjustment. The table reflects the entire unpaid principal balance of a loan in the maturity period that includes the final payment date, and accordingly, does not reflect the effects of scheduled payments, possible prepayments or enforcement of due-on-sale clauses.

(1) Includes home equity lines of credit (2) Includes demand loans having no stated maturity The following table sets forth the dollar amount of all fixed rate and adjustable rate loans at March 31, 2006 that are contractually due after March 31, 2007. Fixed Adjustable Total -------- ---------- -------- (In Thousands) One-to-four family (1) $299,924 $288,469 $588,393 Commercial mortgages 55,063 1,972 57,035 Construction 4,662 -- 4,662 Multi-family, consumer and commercial 12,333 -- 12,333 -------- -------- -------- Total $371,982 $290,441 $662,423 ======== ======== ======== (1) Includes home equity lines of credit One-to-Four Family Residential Loans. The Bank's primary lending activity is the origination of one-to-four family residential mortgage loans secured by property located in the Bank's primary lending area. Generally, one-to-four family residential mortgage loans are made in amounts up to 95% of the lesser of the appraised value or purchase price of the property, with private mortgage insurance required for loans with a loan-to-value ratio over 80%. Generally, fixed-rate loans are originated for terms of up to 30 years. One-to-four family loans are offered with a monthly or bi-weekly payment feature. At March 31, 2006, $569.4 million or 76.8% of the Bank's loan portfolio, consisted of one-to-four family residential loans. Loans totaling $2.1 million (representing 8 loans) were nonperforming at that date. See "Nonperforming and Problem Assets." The Bank originates fixed-rate loans, and also offers adjustable-rate mortgage loans with a fixed rate for initial terms of three, five, seven and ten years and then subsequent one year rate adjustment periods. The adjustable-rate loans are also offered as an interest-only loan during the initial fixed-rate period. At March 31, 2006, $302.5 million or 53.1% of the Bank's one-to-four family residential loans were adjustable-rate loans, compared to $189.5 million or 42.9% at March 31, 2005. These amounts inclue interest-only loans of $90.1 million and $7.8 million at March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Interest-only loans are subject to the same underwriting standards as our other adjustable-rate mortgage loans except that the value of the underlying collateral may not exceed 75% of the loan amount. The interest rate on adjustable-rate mortgage loans is indexed to the one year constant maturity Treasury bill. The Bank's adjustable-rate mortgage loans currently 5 provide for maximum rate adjustments of 2.00% per year and 5.00% over the term of the loan. The Bank does not offer adjustable-rate mortgage loans with initial interest rates that are below market, referred to as "teaser rates." Residential adjustable-rate mortgage loans amortize over terms of up to 30 years. Adjustable-rate mortgage loans decrease the risk associated with changes in market interest rates by periodically repricing, but involve other risks because as interest rates increase, the underlying payments by the borrower increase, thus increasing the potential for default by the borrower. At the same time, the marketability of the underlying collateral may be adversely affected by higher interest rates. Upward adjustment of the contractual interest rate is also limited by the maximum periodic and lifetime interest rate adjustment permitted by the terms of the adjustable-rate mortgage loans, and, therefore, is potentially limited in effectiveness during periods of rapidly rising interest rates. All one-to-four family residential mortgage loans originated by the Bank include "due-on-sale" clauses, which give the Bank the right to declare a loan immediately due and payable in the event that, among other things, the borrower, without the consent of the Bank, sells or otherwise disposes of the real property subject to the mortgage and the loan is not repaid. All one-to-four family residential mortgage borrowers are required to obtain title insurance. We also require homeowner's insurance, fire and casualty insurance and, where appropriate, flood insurance. Home Equity Lines of Credit. The Bank offers home equity lines of credit that are secured by the borrower's primary residence. The borrower is permitted to draw on the home equity line of credit for a limited period of time (up to nine years) after it is originated and may repay the outstanding balance over a term not to exceed 24 years from the date the line of credit is originated. Home equity lines of credit are generally underwritten under the same criteria that the Bank uses to underwrite one-to-four family fixed rate loans. Home equity lines of credit may be underwritten with a loan to value ratio of 80% when combined with the principal balance of the existing mortgage loan. The Bank appraises the property securing the loan at the time of the loan application in order to determine the value of the property securing the home equity line of credit. At the time we close a home equity line of credit, we file a mortgage to protect our security interest in the underlying collateral. At March 31, 2006, the outstanding balances of home equity lines of credit totaled $54.4 million, or 7.3% of the Bank's loan portfolio. Nonperforming home equity lines of credit totaled $809,000 at March 31, 2006. Commercial Mortgage Loans. At March 31, 2006, $61.9 million, or 8.3%, of the total loan portfolio consisted of commercial mortgage loans. Commercial mortgage loans are secured by office buildings, religious facilities and other commercial properties. The Bank generally originates fixed-rate commercial mortgage loans with maximum terms of up to 20 years. The maximum loan-to-value ratio of commercial mortgage loans is 75%. At March 31, 2006, the largest commercial mortgage loan had a principal balance of $5.9 million and was secured by a storage unit facility. As of March 31, 2006, there were no nonperforming commercial mortgage loans. In underwriting commercial mortgage loans, the Bank reviews a number of factors, such as the expected net operating income generated by the real estate to ensure that it is at least 125% of the amount of the monthly debt service; the age and condition of the collateral; the financial resources and income level of the borrower; and the borrower's business experience. Personal guarantees are obtained in most cases from commercial mortgage borrowers. 6 Loans secured by commercial real estate generally are larger than one-to-four family residential loans and involve a greater degree of risk. Commercial mortgage loans can involve large loan balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers. Payments on these loans depend to a large degree on the results of operations and management of the properties or underlying businesses, and may be affected to a greater extent by adverse conditions in the real estate market or in the economy in general. Accordingly, the nature of commercial real estate loans makes them more difficult for Bank management to monitor and evaluate. Multi-Family Mortgage Loans. Loans secured by multi-family real estate totaled $8.1 million, or 1.1% of the total loan portfolio at March 31, 2006. Multi-family mortgage loans generally are secured by multi-family rental properties (including mixed-use buildings and walk-up apartments). At March 31, 2006, the Bank had 20 multi-family mortgage loans, the largest of which had a principal balance of $1.4 million. Multi-family mortgage loans generally are offered with both fixed and adjustable interest rates, although in the current interest rate environment the Bank has not recently originated adjustable rate multi-family loans. Multi-family loans are originated for terms of up to 30 years. There were no non-performing multi-family mortgage loans at March 31, 2006. In underwriting multi-family mortgage loans, the Bank considers a number of factors, which include the net operating income projected to be generated by the real estate to ensure that it is at least 125% of the amount of the monthly debt service; the age and condition of the collateral; the financial resources and income level of the borrower; and the borrower's experience in owning or managing similar properties. Multi-family mortgage loans are originated in amounts up to 75% of the appraised value of the property securing the loan. Personal guarantees are obtained in most cases from multi-family mortgage borrowers. Loans secured by multi-family real estate generally involve a greater degree of credit risk than one-to-four family residential mortgage loans and carry larger loan balances. This increased credit risk is a result of several factors, including the concentration of principal in a limited number of loans and borrowers, the effects of general economic conditions on income producing properties, and the increased difficulty of evaluating and monitoring these types of loans. Furthermore, the repayment of loans secured by multi-family real estate typically depends upon the successful operation of the related real estate property. If the cash flow from the project is reduced, the borrower's ability to repay the loan may be impaired. Construction Lending. The Bank originates construction loans to local builders, generally with whom it has an established relationship, and to individuals who have a contract with a builder for the construction of their residence. Construction loans are disbursed as certain portions of the project are completed. The Bank's construction loans are secured by residential and commercial properties located in the Bank's market area. At March 31, 2006, the Bank had construction loans totaling $40.4 million, or 5.4% of total loans. There were no nonperforming construction loans at March 31, 2006. The Bank's construction loans to home builders generally have fixed interest rates, are typically for a term of up to 18 months and have a maximum loan to value ratio of 80%. Loans to builders are made on either a pre-sold or speculative (unsold) basis. Construction loans to individuals are generally originated pursuant to the same policy guidelines regarding loan to value ratios and interest rates that are used in connection with loans secured by one-to-four family residential real estate. Construction loans to individuals who intend to occupy the completed dwelling may be converted to permanent financing after the construction phase is completed. 7 The Bank generally limits the number of outstanding loans on unsold homes under construction to individual builders, with the amount dependent on the financial strength, including existing borrowings, of the builder and prior sales of homes in the development. Prior to making a commitment to fund a construction loan, the Bank requires an appraisal of the property from a qualified appraiser approved by the Bank, and all appraisals are reviewed by management. Loan proceeds are disbursed after an inspection of the property based on a percentage of completion. Monthly payment of accrued interest is required. Construction loans are generally considered to involve a higher degree of risk than permanent mortgage loans because of the inherent difficulty in estimating both a property's value at completion of the project and the estimated cost of the project. If the estimate of construction costs is inaccurate, the Bank may be required to advance funds beyond the amount originally committed to permit completion of the project. If the estimate of value upon completion is inaccurate, the value of the property may be insufficient to assure full repayment. Projects may also be jeopardized by disagreements between borrowers and builders and by the failure of builders to pay subcontractors. Loans to builders to construct residential properties for which no purchaser has been identified carry more risk because the repayment of the loan depends on the builder's ability to sell the property prior to the time that the construction loan is due. The Bank has attempted to minimize the foregoing risks by, among other things, generally requiring personal guarantees from the principals of its corporate borrowers. Consumer Lending. The Bank's consumer loans primarily consist of secured personal loans, passbook loans and home improvement loans. At March 31, 2006, consumer loans totaled $2.6 million, or 0.4% of the total loan portfolio. Non-performing consumer loans amounted to $9,000 at that date. Consumer loans generally have shorter terms and higher interest rates than one-to-four family mortgage loans. While consumer loans expand the products and services offered by the Bank, these loans generally involve greater credit risk than residential mortgage loans because of the difference in the underlying collateral. Repossessed collateral for a defaulted consumer loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment of the outstanding loan balance because of the greater likelihood of damage to, loss of or depreciation in the underlying collateral. The remaining deficiency often does not warrant further substantial collection efforts against the borrower beyond obtaining a deficiency judgment. In addition, consumer loan collections depend on the borrower's personal financial stability. Furthermore, the application of various federal and state laws, including federal and state bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount that can be recovered on such loans. The Bank's underwriting procedures for consumer loans include an assessment of the applicant's credit history and the ability to meet existing and proposed debt obligations. Although the applicant's creditworthiness is the primary consideration, the underwriting process also includes a comparison of the value of the security, to the proposed loan amount. Commercial Loans. The Bank began originating commercial loans in fiscal 2004. These loans are generally secured by equipment, fixed assets or collateral other than real estate. Commercial loans are originated in amounts up to $2.0 million with terms of up to 10 years. Commercial loans generally have shorter terms and higher interest rates than mortgage loans, but involve greater credit risk than mortgage loans because of the nature of the underlying collateral. Commercial loans amounted to $5.0 million or 0.7% at the total loan portfolio at March 31, 2006. There were no nonperforming commercial loans at that date. Loan Approval Procedures and Authority. The loan approval process is intended to assess the borrower's ability to repay the loan, the viability of the loan, and the adequacy of the value of the 8 property that will secure the loan. To assess the borrower's ability to repay, the Bank reviews the employment and credit history and information on the historical and projected income and expenses of borrowers. Loans of up to $3.0 million may be approved by two of three designated lending officers acting together. All loans (including aggregate loans to one borrower) in excess of $3.0 million must be approved by the Company's Loan Committee. In addition, the Board of Directors reviews and confirms all loan commitments. The Loan Committee is comprised of the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and two lending officers. The Bank will generally not originate a loan with a principal balance in excess of $6.0 million. The Bank generally requires appraisals of real property securing loans. Appraisals are performed by independent appraisers who are licensed by the state, and who are approved by the Board of Directors annually. The Bank requires fire and extended coverage insurance in amounts at least equal to the principal amount of the loan. Where appropriate, flood insurance is also required. Private mortgage insurance is required for all residential mortgage loans with loan-to-value ratios greater than 80%. Origination of Loans. Generally, the Bank originates mortgage loans pursuant to underwriting standards that generally conform with the Fannie Mae guidelines. Loan origination activities are primarily concentrated in Westchester County, New York and Fairfield County, Connecticut. New loans are generated primarily from mortgage brokers, customer referrals, local real estate agents, local attorneys and other parties with whom the Bank does business, and from the efforts of employees and advertising. 9 The following table sets forth the Bank's loan originations, principal repayments and other portfolio activity for the periods indicated.

Nonperforming and Problem Assets After a mortgage loan becomes fifteen days past due, the Bank delivers a computer generated delinquency notice to the borrower. When loans become 30 days past due, the Bank sends additional delinquency notices and attempts to make personal contact by letter or telephone with the borrower to establish acceptable repayment schedules. The Board of Directors is advised of all loans delinquent 60 days or more. The Board will consider the borrower's willingness to comply with the loan terms, the Bank's actions to date, and the value of the loan collateral in determining what actions, if any, are to be taken. Generally, when a mortgage loan is 90 days delinquent and no acceptable resolution has been 10 reached, the Bank will send the borrower a demand letter. If the delinquency is not cured within 120 days, the Bank will generally refer the matter to its attorney. Generally, management will begin foreclosure proceedings on any loan after it is delinquent over 120 days unless management is engaged in active discussions with the borrower. Mortgage loans are reviewed on a regular basis and such loans are placed on nonaccrual status when they become 90 days delinquent. When loans are placed on nonaccrual status, unpaid accrued interest is fully reserved, and further income is recognized only to the extent of interest payments actually received. Nonperforming Assets. The table below sets forth the amounts and categories of the Bank's nonperforming assets at the dates indicated. At each date presented, the Bank had no troubled debt restructurings (which involve forgiving a portion of interest or principal or making loans at rates significantly less than current market rates).

For the year ended March 31, 2006, gross interest income that would have been recorded had the nonaccrual loans been current in accordance with their original terms amounted to $189,000. Interest amounts on such loans that were included in interest income totaled $63,000 for the year ended March 31, 2006. 11 The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the Bank's loan portfolio delinquencies at the dates indicated.

Classified Assets. Federal regulations and the Bank's Asset Classification Policy provide for the classification of loans and other assets, such as debt and equity securities, considered by the Office of Thrift Supervision to be of lesser quality as "substandard," "doubtful" or "loss" assets. An asset is considered "substandard" if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. "Substandard" assets include those characterized by the "distinct possibility" that the institution will sustain "some loss" if the deficiencies are not corrected. Assets classified as "doubtful" have all of the weaknesses inherent in those classified "substandard," with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make "collection or liquidation in full," on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, "highly questionable and improbable." Assets classified as "loss" are those considered "uncollectable" and of such little value that their continuance as assets is not warranted. In addition to the adverse classifications described above, the Bank separately classifies as "special mention" loans that are delinquent for between 60 and 89 days or loans that may be current but have a history of delinquent payments. At March 31, 2006, loans classified as special mention amounted to $2.2 million. An insured institution is required to establish general allowances for loan losses in an amount deemed prudent by management for loans classified substandard or doubtful, as well as for other problem 12 loans. General allowances represent loss allowances which have been established to recognize the inherent risk associated with lending activities, but which, unlike specific allowances, have not been allocated to particular problem assets. When an insured institution classifies problem assets as "loss," it is required either to establish a specific allowance for losses equal to 100% of the amount of the asset so classified or to charge off such amount. An institution's determination as to the classification of its assets and the amount of its valuation allowances is subject to review by the Office of Thrift Supervision, which can order the establishment of additional general or specific loss allowances. The table below sets forth the amount and categories of adversely classified assets at the dates indicated. No assets were classified as loss at the dates indicated.

---------- (1) Includes home equity lines of credit. Allowance for Loan Losses Management regularly reviews the Bank's loan portfolio and makes provisions for loan losses in amounts required to maintain the allowance for loan losses in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. All loan losses are charged to the allowance and all recoveries are credited to it. Additions to the allowance for loan losses are provided by charges to income based on various factors which, in management's judgment, deserve current recognition in estimating losses in the loan portfolio and that are both probable and estimable. The allowance for loan losses consists of amounts specifically allocated to nonperforming loans and potential problem loans (if any) as well as allowances determined for each major loan category. Loan categories, such as one-to-four family residential mortgages and home equity lines of credit (which represent a combined 84.1% of our total loans at March 31, 2006) are generally evaluated on an aggregate or "pool" basis. The Bank's allowance for loan losses is predominantly determined on a pool basis by applying loss factors to the current balances of the various loan categories. The loss factors are determined by management based on an evaluation of our historical loss experience, delinquency trends, volume and type of lending conducted, and the impact of current economic conditions in our market area. The carrying values of loans are periodically evaluated and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. While management uses the best information available to make evaluations, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary if conditions differ substantially from the assumptions used in making the evaluations. 13 In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Bank's allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Bank to recognize additions to the allowance based on their judgments of information available to them at the time of their examination. The following table sets forth activity in the Bank's allowance for loan losses for the periods indicated.

14 Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses. The following table presents an analysis of the allocation of the allowance for loan losses at the dates indicated. The allocation of the allowance to each category is not necessarily indicative of future loss in any particular category and does not restrict the use of the allowance to absorb losses in other categories.

---------- (1) Includes home equity lines of credit. Investment Activities The Bank's investments include mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, U.S. Government and agency securities, federal funds sold, mutual funds, securities issued by government sponsored enterprises ("GSEs") and FHLB stock. Management invests a significant portion of the Bank's assets in short-term investments and adjustable rate mortgage-backed securities in order to increase the Bank's ability to reinvest assets in higher yielding securities in a rising interest rate environment. The Company has not engaged in derivative or hedging activities covered by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, and does not expect to do so in the foreseeable future. The Bank's mortgage-backed securities portfolio (including collateralized mortgage obligations) had a carrying value of $205.4 million, or 17.6% of total assets at March 31, 2006. Of this amount, $113.0 million of mortgage-backed securities had adjustable rates of interest and $92.4 million had fixed rates of interest. 15 Mortgage-backed securities are created by the pooling of mortgages and the issuance of a security with an interest rate that is less than the interest rate on the underlying mortgages. The Bank's mortgage-backed securities are issued by Fannie Mae, Ginnie Mae or Freddie Mac. The Bank has not invested in privately issued mortgage-backed securities. Collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") are typically issued by a special-purpose entity, which may be organized in a variety of legal forms, such as a trust, a corporation or a partnership. The entity aggregates pools of pass-through securities, which are used to collateralize the CMO. Once combined, the cash flows are divided into "tranches" or "classes" of individual bonds, thereby creating a more predictable average duration for each bond than the underlying pass-through pools. Accordingly, under the CMO structure, all principal pay-downs from the various mortgage pools are allocated to a CMO's first class until it has been paid off, then to a second class until such class has been paid off and then to the next classes. The Bank's CMOs are issued by Ginnie Mae, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. We invest in CMOs as part of our overall investment and interest-rate risk management policies. The CMOs in our portfolio at March 31, 2006 were fixed-rate securities and, as a result, their fair value may decrease as interest rates increase. In addition, they are susceptible to faster than anticipated repayment speeds if the borrowers on the underlying mortgage loans prepay those loans. However, the CMO structure provides for more stability than the underlying pass-through mortgage pools in forecasting cash flows. As a result, they are a component of our cash management strategies. At March 31, 2006, the carrying value of the Bank's investment securities other than mortgage-backed securities included $98.9 million in U.S. Government and agency securities, GSE securities and municipal securities. These securities consisted of fixed rate Federal Home Loan Bank, Federal Farm Credit and Fannie Mae issues with maturities of 20 years or less, adjustable rate Small Business Administration participation certificates with contractual terms of up to 30 years and fixed rate local municipality issues with maturities of 20 years or less. The U.S. Government and Agency securities typically have call dates of six months to three years. At March 31, 2006, the Bank had invested $22.4 million in two mutual funds that provide a rate of return that adjusts daily. The first mutual fund, in which the Bank has a $15.6 million investment, is an adjustable rate mortgage fund that invests primarily in securities backed by or representing an interest in mortgages on residential properties meeting the definition of such assets for purposes of the qualified thrift lender test under Office of Thrift Supervision regulations. This fund is called the Asset Management Fund issued by Shay Asset Management. The second mutual fund, the CRA Fund, in which the Bank has a $6.8 million investment, invests in mortgage-backed securities, which are collateralized by mortgages on properties located in our primary lending area. The securities were purchased, as part of the Bank's ongoing interest rate risk management process, to provide interest earning liquid funds and an adjustable interest rate. In addition, the CRA Fund enables management to invest in mortgage-backed securities that are collateralized by mortgage loans in low- to moderate-income census tracts within our market area. These mutual funds were selected because the underlying securities bear similar risk characteristics as investments that the Bank purchases directly. These mutual funds provide the Bank with increased liquidity and also provide the Bank with a higher yield than other short-term earning assets such as federal funds. The securities underlying these funds are affected by changes in interest rates. In addition, the underlying securities in the CRA Fund and the Asset Management Fund are mortgage-related securities. Accordingly, these mutual funds are subject to many of the same risks that exist with the Bank's mortgage loans. A portion of the Bank's assets is also invested in federal funds sold and an interest-earning checking account at the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York. At March 31, 2006, $42.1 million, or 3.6% of total assets, was invested in such instruments. 16 The following table sets forth the composition of the Company's securities classified as available for sale and other earning assets at the dates indicated.

17 The following table sets forth the composition of the Company's securities classified as held to maturity at March 31, 2006 and March 31, 2005. The Company had no securities classified as held to maturity at March 31, 2004.

18 The composition and contractual maturities of mortgage-backed securities and other debt securities at March 31, 2006 are indicated in the following table. The table does not reflect the impact of prepayments or redemptions which may occur.

19 The following table sets forth the activity in the Bank's mortgage-backed securities portfolios classified as available for sale for the periods indicated.

The following table sets forth the activity in the Bank's mortgage-backed securities portfolios classified as held to maturity for the periods indicated. The Bank did not have any mortgage-backed securities classified as held to maturity at March 31, 2004 and there was no activity for such securities during that fiscal year. Year Ended March 31, ---------------------- 2006 2005 -------- -------- (In Thousands) Amortized cost at beginning of year $ 59,777 $ -- Purchases of mortgage-backed securities 23,386 64,212 Principal repayments (17,738) (4,384) Premium amortization and discount accretion, net (122) (51) -------- -------- Amortized cost at end of year $ 65,303 $ 59,777 ======== ======== Sources of Funds General. Deposits have traditionally been the primary source of funds for the Bank's lending and investment activities. In addition to deposits, funds are derived from a variety of sources including scheduled loan payments, investment maturities, loan prepayments and income on earning assets. While scheduled loan payments and income on earning assets are relatively stable sources of funds, deposit inflows and outflows can vary widely and are influenced by prevailing interest rates, market conditions and levels of competition. In addition, borrowings from the FHLB of New York may be used in the short-term to compensate for reductions in deposits and to fund growth. Deposits. Deposits are obtained primarily from customers who live or work in the New York counties of Westchester, Putnam and Rockland and Fairfield County, Connecticut. The Bank offers a selection of deposit instruments, including savings and club accounts, money market accounts, NOW accounts, commercial checking and fixed-term certificate of deposit accounts. Deposits are not actively solicited outside of the Bank's market area. Deposit account terms vary, with the principal differences being the minimum balance required, the amount of time the funds must remain on deposit and the interest rate. The Bank does not pay broker fees for any deposits. Interest rates paid, maturity terms, service fees and withdrawal penalties are established on a periodic basis. Deposit rates and terms are based primarily on current operating strategies and market 20 rates, liquidity requirements, rates paid by competitors and growth goals. Personalized customer service and long-standing relationships with customers are relied upon to attract and retain deposits. The flow of deposits is influenced significantly by general economic conditions, changes in money markets and other prevailing interest rates and competition. The variety of deposit accounts offered allows the Bank to be competitive in obtaining funds and responding to changes in consumer demand. In recent years, the Bank has become more susceptible to short-term fluctuations in deposit flows as customers have become more interest rate conscious. Deposits are priced to reflect the Bank's interest rate risk management and profitability objectives. Based on experience, management believes that passbook accounts and money market accounts are relatively stable sources of deposits. However, the ability to attract and maintain certificates of deposit, and the rates paid on these deposits, have been and will continue to be significantly affected by market conditions. At March 31, 2006, $723.2 million, or 72.1% of the Bank's deposit accounts were certificates of deposit, of which $574.2 million have maturities of one year or less. The Bank anticipates that most of these certificates of deposit maturing within one year will remain with the Bank. However, should market interest rates continue to increase, the Bank's cost of funds may significantly increase or we may experience a significant loss of deposits. The following table sets forth the distribution of the Bank's deposit accounts by account type at the dates indicated.

21 The following table sets forth the deposit activity of the Bank for the periods indicated. Years Ended March 31, ------------------------------------------- 2006 2005 2004 ----------- ----------- ----------- (Dollars in Thousands) Balance at beginning of year $ 831,768 $ 708,330 $ 604,260 Deposits 1,409,109 1,185,147 1,033,069 Withdrawals (1,260,344) (1,075,648) (940,150) Interest credited 23,158 13,939 11,151 ----------- ----------- ----------- Balance at end of year $ 1,003,691 $ 831,768 $ 708,330 =========== =========== =========== Net increase during the year Amount $ 171,923 $ 123,438 $ 104,070 Percent 20.7% 17.4% 17.2% The following table indicates the amount of the Bank's certificates of deposits by time remaining until maturity as of March 31, 2006.

---------- (1) The weighted average interest rates for these accounts, by maturity period, are 3.37% for 3 months or less; 3.83% for 3 to 6 months; 4.01% for 6 to 12 months; and 4.15% for over 12 months. The overall weighted average rate for accounts of $100,000 or more was 3.84%. Borrowed Funds. The Bank has entered into securities repurchase agreements with the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York. Proceeds from the securities repurchase agreements are used to fund loan originations and to provide cash during periods of reduced deposits. Under the repurchase agreements, the Bank transfers U.S. Government and agency securities and mortgage-backed securities and agrees to repurchase the identical securities from the Federal Home Loan Bank at a fixed price in the future. The underlying securities are included in the securities portfolio. 22 The following table sets forth certain information regarding the Bank's borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank under securities repurchase agreements at the dates and for the periods indicated:

The following table sets forth the maturity dates of the Bank's borrowings under securities repurchase agreements at the dates indicated. At March 31, -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2006 2005 2004 ------------------------ ------------------------ ------------------------ Maturity Date Amount Maturity Date Amount Maturity Date Amount ------------- ------ ------------- ------ ------------- ------ (Dollars in Thousands) 1/08(1) $10,000 1/08(1) $10,000 1/08(1) $10,000 12/08(1) 5,000 12/08(1) 5,000 12/08(1) 5,000 3/07 7,000 6/05 3,000 3/05 6,000 3/08 6,000 3/06 7,000 3/06 7,000 3/07 7,000 3/07 7,000 3/08 6,000 (1) Callable quarterly Competition The Bank has significant competition in originating loans from savings and loan associations, savings banks, mortgage banking companies, insurance companies and commercial banks, many of which have greater financial and marketing resources than the Bank. The Bank also faces significant competition in attracting deposits from savings and loan associations, savings banks, commercial banks and credit unions. The Bank faces additional competition for deposits from common stock mutual funds, money market funds and other corporate and government securities funds, and from other financial service providers such as brokerage firms and insurance companies. The Bank attracts and retains deposits by offering personalized service, convenient office locations and competitive interest rates. Loan originations are obtained primarily through (i) direct contacts by employees with individuals, businesses and attorneys in the Bank's community, (ii) mortgage brokers, (iii) personalized service that the Bank provides borrowers and (iv) competitive pricing. Competition is affected by, among other things, the general availability of lendable funds, general and local economic conditions, current interest rate levels, and other factors that management cannot readily predict. 23 Subsidiaries Sound Federal Savings has three active subsidiaries, Sound REIT, Inc., First Federal REIT, Inc. and Mamaroneck Advisors, Inc. In April 1999, Sound REIT, Inc. was incorporated as a special purpose real estate investment trust under New York law. First Federal REIT, Inc. was also formed as a real estate investment trust by Peekskill Financial Corporation ("Peekskill") prior to the acquisition of Peekskill in July 2000. On June 8, 2006, a plan of dissolution was adopted for First Federal REIT, Inc. The dissolution would result in the transfer of substantially all of the subsidiary's assets and liabilities to the Bank and, accordingly, would have an insignificant effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Sound REIT, Inc. and First Federal REIT, Inc. hold a portion of our mortgage-related assets. In February 2001, Mamaroneck Advisors, Inc. was incorporated as a New York corporation for the purpose of providing investment and insurance products to Sound Federal Savings' customers. Beginning in December 2003, these services are provided to customers directly by the Bank. OTS regulations permit federal savings associations to invest in the capital stock, obligations or other specified types of securities of subsidiaries (referred to as "service corporations") and to make loans to such subsidiaries and joint ventures in which such subsidiaries are participants in an aggregate amount not exceeding 2% of an association's assets, plus an additional 1% of assets if the amount over 2% is used for specified community or inner-city development purposes. In addition, federal regulations permit associations to make specified types of loans to such subsidiaries (other than special purpose finance subsidiaries) in which the association owns more than 10% of the stock, in an aggregate amount not exceeding 50% of the association's regulatory capital if the association's regulatory capital is in compliance with applicable regulations. Personnel As of March 31, 2006, the Bank employed 122 persons on a full-time basis and 12 persons on a part-time basis. None of the Bank's employees is represented by a collective bargaining group and management considers employee relations to be good. SUPERVISION AND REGULATION General Sound Federal Savings is examined and supervised by the Office of Thrift Supervision and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. This regulation and supervision establishes a comprehensive framework of activities in which an institution may engage and is intended primarily for the protection of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation's deposit insurance funds and depositors. Under this system of federal regulation, financial institutions are periodically examined to ensure that they satisfy applicable standards with respect to their capital adequacy, assets, management, earnings, liquidity and sensitivity to market interest rates. Following completion of its examination, the federal agency critiques the institution's operations and assigns its rating (known as an institution's CAMELS rating). Under federal law, an institution may not disclose its CAMELS rating to the public. Sound Federal Savings also is a member of and owns stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, which is one of the twelve regional banks in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. Sound Federal Savings also is regulated to a lesser extent by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, governing reserves to be maintained against deposits and other matters. The Office of Thrift Supervision examines Sound Federal Savings and prepares reports for the consideration of its board of directors on any operating deficiencies. Sound Federal Savings' relationship with its depositors and borrowers also is regulated to a great extent by both federal and state laws, especially in matters concerning the ownership of deposit accounts and the form and content of Sound Federal Savings' mortgage documents. 24 Any change in these laws or regulations, whether by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Thrift Supervision or Congress, could have a material adverse impact on Sound Federal Bancorp, Inc. and Sound Federal Savings and their operations. Federal Banking Regulation Business Activities. A federal savings association derives its lending and investment powers from the Home Owners' Loan Act, as amended, and the regulations of the Office of Thrift Supervision. Under these laws and regulations, Sound Federal Savings may invest in mortgage loans secured by residential and commercial real estate, commercial business and consumer loans, certain types of debt securities and certain other assets. Sound Federal Savings also may establish subsidiaries that may engage in activities not otherwise permissible for Sound Federal Savings, including real estate investment and securities and insurance brokerage. Capital Requirements. Office of Thrift Supervision regulations require savings associations to meet three minimum capital standards: a 1.5% tangible capital ratio, a 4% leverage ratio (3% for associations receiving the highest rating on the CAMELS rating system) and an 8% risk-based capital ratio. The risk-based capital standard for savings associations requires the maintenance of Tier 1 (core) and total capital (which is defined as core capital and supplementary capital) to risk-weighted assets of at least 4% and 8%, respectively. In determining the amount of risk-weighted assets, all assets, including certain off-balance sheet assets, are multiplied by a risk-weight factor of 0% to 100%, assigned by the Office of Thrift Supervision based on the risks believed inherent in the type of asset. Core capital is defined as common stockholders' equity (including retained earnings), certain noncumulative perpetual preferred stock and related surplus and minority interests in equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries, less intangibles other than certain mortgage servicing rights and credit card relationships. The components of supplementary capital currently include cumulative preferred stock, long-term perpetual preferred stock, mandatory convertible securities, subordinated debt and intermediate preferred stock, the allowance for loan and lease losses limited to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets and up to 45% of net unrealized gains on available-for-sale equity securities with readily determinable fair market values. Overall, the amount of supplementary capital included as part of total capital cannot exceed 100% of core capital. At March 31, 2006, Sound Federal Savings' capital exceeded all applicable requirements, and met the criteria for being considered "well-capitalized." Loans-to-One Borrower. A federal savings association generally may not make a loan or extend credit to a single or related group of borrowers in excess of 15% of unimpaired capital and surplus. An additional amount may be loaned, equal to 10% of unimpaired capital and surplus, if the loan is secured by readily marketable collateral, which generally does not include real estate. As of March 31, 2006, Sound Federal Savings was in compliance with the loans-to-one borrower limitations. Qualified Thrift Lender Test. As a federal savings association, Sound Federal Savings is subject to a qualified thrift lender, or "QTL," test. Under the QTL test, Sound Federal Savings must maintain at least 65% of its "portfolio assets" in "qualified thrift investments" in at least nine months of the most recent 12 month period. "Portfolio assets" generally means total assets of a savings institution, less the sum of specified liquid assets up to 20% of total assets, goodwill and other intangible assets, and the value of property used in the conduct of the savings association's business. "Qualified thrift investments" includes various types of loans made for residential and housing purposes, investments related to such purposes, including certain mortgage-backed and related securities, 25 and loans for personal, family, household and certain other purposes up to a limit of 20% of portfolio assets. "Qualified thrift investments" also include 100% of an institution's credit card loans, education loans and small business loans. Sound Federal Savings also may satisfy the QTL test by qualifying as a "domestic building and loan association" as defined in the Internal Revenue Code. A savings association that fails the qualified thrift lender test must either convert to a bank charter or operate under specified restrictions. At March 31, 2006, Sound Federal Savings maintained approximately 93.0% of its portfolio assets in qualified thrift investments. Community Reinvestment Act and Fair Lending Laws. All savings associations have a responsibility under the Community Reinvestment Act and related regulations of the Office of Thrift Supervision to help meet the credit needs of their communities, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. In connection with its examination of a federal savings association, the Office of Thrift Supervision is required to assess the association's record of compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act. In addition, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act prohibit lenders from discriminating in their lending practices on the basis of characteristics specified in those statutes. An association's failure to comply with the provisions of the Community Reinvestment Act could, at a minimum, result in regulatory restrictions on its activities. The failure to comply with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act could result in enforcement actions by the Office of Thrift Supervision, as well as other federal regulatory agencies and the Department of Justice. Sound Federal Savings received a satisfactory Community Reinvestment Act rating in its most recent federal examination. Transactions with Related Parties. A federal savings association's authority to engage in transactions with its "affiliates" is limited by Office of Thrift Supervision regulations and by Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act (the "FRA"). The term "affiliates" for these purposes generally means any company that controls or is under common control with an institution. Sound Federal Bancorp, Inc. is an affiliate of Sound Federal Savings. In general, transactions with affiliates must be on terms that are as favorable to the association as comparable transactions with non-affiliates. In addition, certain types of these transactions are restricted to an aggregate percentage of the association's capital. Collateral in specified amounts must usually be provided by affiliates in order to receive loans from the association. In addition, Office of Thrift Supervision regulations prohibit a savings association from lending to any of its affiliates that are engaged in activities that are not permissible for bank holding companies and from purchasing the securities of any affiliate, other than a subsidiary. Sound Federal Savings' authority to extend credit to its directors, executive officers and 10% shareholders, as well as to entities controlled by such persons, is currently governed by the requirements of Sections 22(g) and 22(h) of the FRA and Regulation O of the Federal Reserve Board. Among other things, these provisions require that extensions of credit to insiders (i) be made on terms that are substantially the same as, and follow credit underwriting procedures that are not less stringent than, those prevailing for comparable transactions with unaffiliated persons and that do not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features, and (ii) not exceed certain limitations on the amount of credit extended to such persons, individually and in the aggregate, which limits are based, in part, on the amount of Sound Federal Savings' capital. In addition, extensions of credit in excess of certain limits must be approved by Sound Federal Savings' board of directors. Enforcement. The Office of Thrift Supervision has primary enforcement responsibility over federal savings institutions and has the authority to bring enforcement action against all "institution-affiliated parties," including stockholders, and attorneys, appraisers and accountants who knowingly or recklessly participate in wrongful action likely to have an adverse effect on an insured institution. Formal enforcement action may range from the issuance of a capital directive or cease and desist order to removal of officers and/or directors of the institution, receivership, conservatorship or the termination of deposit 26 insurance. Civil penalties cover a wide range of violations and actions, and range up to $25,000 per day, unless a finding of reckless disregard is made, in which case penalties may be as high as $1 million per day. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation also has the authority to recommend to the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision that enforcement action be taken with respect to a particular savings institution. If action is not taken by the Director, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has authority to take action under specified circumstances. Standards for Safety and Soundness. Federal law requires each federal banking agency to prescribe certain standards for all insured depository institutions. These standards relate to, among other things, internal controls, information systems and audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate risk exposure, asset growth, compensation, and other operational and managerial standards as the agency deems appropriate. The federal banking agencies adopted Interagency Guidelines Prescribing Standards for Safety and Soundness to implement the safety and soundness standards required under federal law. The guidelines set forth the safety and soundness standards that the federal banking agencies use to identify and address problems at insured depository institutions before capital becomes impaired. The guidelines address internal controls and information systems, internal audit systems, credit underwriting, loan documentation, interest rate risk exposure, asset growth, compensation, fees and benefits. If the appropriate federal banking agency determines that an institution fails to meet any standard prescribed by the guidelines, the agency may require the institution to submit to the agency an acceptable plan to achieve compliance with the standard. If an institution fails to meet these standards, the appropriate federal banking agency may require the institution to submit a compliance plan. Insurance of Deposit Accounts. Deposit accounts in Sound Federal Savings are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, generally up to a maximum of $100,000 per separately insured depositor. Sound Federal Savings' deposits therefore are subject to Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation deposit insurance assessments. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has adopted a risk-based system for determining deposit insurance assessments. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation is authorized to raise the assessment rates as necessary to maintain the required ratio of reserves to insured deposits of 1.25%. In addition, all Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation-insured institutions must pay assessments to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation at an annual rate of approximately 0.02% of insured deposits to fund interest payments on bonds maturing in 2017 issued by a federal agency to recapitalize the predecessor to the Savings Association Insurance Fund. On February 15, 2006, federal legislation to reform federal deposit insurance was signed into law. This new legislation requires, among other things, the merger of the Savings Association Insurance Fund and the Bank Insurance Fund into a unified deposit insurance fund (which occurred on March 31, 2006), an increase in the amount of federal deposit insurance coverage from $100,000 to $130,000 (with a cost of living adjustment to become effective in five years), and the reserve ratio to be modified to provide for a range between 1.15% and 1.50% of estimated insured deposits. The new legislation requires the FDIC to issue regulations implementing the law and the changes required by the law will not become effective until final regulations have been issued, which must be no later than 270 days from the date of the enactment of the legislation. Prohibitions Against Tying Arrangements. Federal savings associations are prohibited, subject to some exceptions, from extending credit to or offering any other service, or fixing or varying the consideration for such extension of credit or service, on the condition that the customer obtain some additional service from the institution or its affiliates or not obtain services of a competitor of the institution. Federal Home Loan Bank System. Sound Federal Savings is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System, which consists of 12 regional Federal Home Loan Banks. The Federal Home Loan Bank System provides a central credit facility primarily for member institutions. As a member of the 27 Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, Sound Federal Savings is required to acquire and hold shares of capital stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank in an amount at least equal to 1% of the aggregate principal amount of its unpaid residential mortgage loans and similar obligations at the beginning of each year, or 1/20 of its borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank, whichever is greater. As of March 31, 2006, Sound Federal Savings was in compliance with this requirement. Federal Reserve System The Federal Reserve Board regulations require savings associations to maintain non-interest-earning reserves against their transaction accounts, such as negotiable order of withdrawal and regular checking accounts. At March 31, 2006, Sound Federal Savings was in compliance with these reserve requirements. Holding Company Regulation Sound Federal Bancorp, Inc. is a unitary savings and loan holding company, subject to regulation and supervision by the Office of Thrift Supervision. The Office of Thrift Supervision has enforcement authority over Sound Federal Bancorp, Inc. and its non-savings institution subsidiaries. Among other things, this authority permits the Office of Thrift Supervision to restrict or prohibit activities that are determined to be a risk to Sound Federal Savings. Under prior law, a unitary savings and loan holding company generally had no regulatory restrictions on the types of business activities in which it may engage, provided that its subsidiary savings bank was a qualified thrift lender. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999, however, restricts unitary savings and loan holding companies not existing or applied for before May 4, 1999 to those activities permissible for financial holding companies or for multiple savings and loan holding companies. Sound Federal Bancorp, Inc. is not a grandfathered unitary savings and loan holding company and, therefore, is limited to the activities permissible for financial holding companies or for multiple savings and loan holding companies. A financial holding company may engage in activities that are financial in nature, including underwriting equity securities and insurance, incidental to financial activities or complementary to a financial activity. A multiple savings and loan holding company is generally limited to activities permissible for bank holding companies under Section 4(c)(8) of the Bank Holding Company Act, subject to the prior approval of the Office of Thrift Supervision, and certain additional activities authorized by Office of Thrift Supervision regulations. Federal law prohibits a savings and loan holding company, directly or indirectly, or through one or more subsidiaries, from acquiring control of another savings institution or holding company thereof, without prior written approval of the Office of Thrift Supervision. It also prohibits the acquisition or retention of, with specified exceptions, more than 5% of the equity securities of a company engaged in activities that are not closely related to banking or financial in nature or acquiring or retaining control of an institution that is not federally insured. In evaluating applications by holding companies to acquire savings institutions, the Office of Thrift Supervision must consider the financial and managerial resources, future prospects of the savings institution involved, the effect of the acquisition on the risk to the insurance fund, the convenience and needs of the community and competitive factors. The USA PATRIOT Act In response to the events of September 11, 2001, the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, or the USA PATRIOT Act, was signed into law on October 26, 2001. The USA PATRIOT Act gives the federal government new powers to address terrorist threats through enhanced domestic security measures, expanded surveillance powers, increased information sharing and broadened anti-money laundering 28 requirements. By way of amendments to the Bank Secrecy Act, Title III of the USA PATRIOT Act takes measures intended to encourage information sharing among bank regulatory agencies and law enforcement bodies. Further, certain provisions of Title III impose affirmative obligations on a broad range of financial institutions, including banks, thrifts, brokers, dealers, credit unions, money transfer agents and parties registered under the Commodity Exchange Act. Among other requirements, Title III of the USA PATRIOT Act imposes the following requirements with respect to financial institutions: o Pursuant to Section 352, all financial institutions must establish anti-money laundering programs that include, at minimum: (i) internal policies, procedures, and controls; (ii) specific designation of an anti-money laundering compliance officer; (iii) ongoing employee training programs; and (iv) an independent audit function to test the anti-money laundering program. o Section 326 authorized the Secretary of the Department of Treasury, in conjunction with other bank regulators, to issue regulations that provide for minimum standards with respect to customer identification at the time new accounts are opened. The rules require financial institutions to establish a program specifying procedures for obtaining identifying information from customers seeking to open new accounts. This identifying information would be essentially the same information currently obtained by most financial institutions for individual customers. o Section 312 requires financial institutions that establish, maintain, administer, or manage private banking accounts or correspondence accounts in the United States for non-United States persons or their representatives (including foreign individuals visiting the United States) to establish appropriate, specific, and, where necessary, enhanced due diligence policies, procedures, and controls designed to detect and report money laundering. o Financial institutions are prohibited from establishing, maintaining, administering or managing correspondent accounts for foreign shell banks (foreign banks that do not have a physical presence in any country), and will be subject to certain record keeping obligations with respect to correspondent accounts of foreign banks. o Bank regulators are directed to consider a holding company's effectiveness in combating money laundering when ruling on Federal Reserve Act and Bank Merger Act applications. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 On July 30, 2002, the President signed into law the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 ("Sarbanes-Oxley"), which implemented legislative reforms intended to address corporate and accounting fraud. In addition to the establishment of a new accounting oversight board that enforces auditing, quality control and independence standards and is funded by fees from all publicly traded companies, Sarbanes-Oxley places certain restrictions on the scope of services that may be provided by accounting firms to their public company audit clients. Any non-audit services provided to a public company audit client require preapproval by the company's audit committee. In addition, Sarbanes-Oxley makes certain changes to the requirements for audit partner rotation after a period of time. Sarbanes-Oxley requires chief executive officers and chief financial officers, or their equivalent, to certify to the accuracy of periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, subject to civil and criminal penalties if they knowingly or willingly violate this certification requirement. The Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have signed certifications to this Form 10-K as required by Sarbanes-Oxley. In 29 addition, under Sarbanes-Oxley, counsel is required to report evidence of a material violation of the securities laws or a breach of fiduciary duty by a company to its chief executive officer or its chief legal officer, and, if such officer does not appropriately respond, to report such evidence to the audit committee or other similar committee of the board of directors or the board itself. Under Sarbanes-Oxley, longer prison terms apply to corporate executives who violate federal securities laws; the period during which certain types of suits can be brought against a company or its officers is extended; and bonuses issued to top executives prior to restatement of a company's financial statements are now subject to disgorgement if such restatement was due to corporate misconduct. Executives are also prohibited from trading the company's securities during retirement plan "blackout" periods, and loans to company executives (other than loans by financial institutions permitted by federal rules and regulations) are restricted. In addition, a provision directs that civil penalties levied by the Securities and Exchange Commission as a result of any judicial or administrative action under Sarbanes-Oxley be deposited to a fund for the benefit of harmed investors. The Federal Accounts for Investor Restitution provision also requires the Securities and Exchange Commission to develop methods of improving collection rates. The legislation accelerates the time frame for disclosures by public companies, as they must immediately disclose any material changes in their financial condition or operations. Directors and executive officers must also provide information for most changes in ownership in a company's securities within two business days of the change. Sarbanes-Oxley also increases the oversight of, and codifies certain requirements relating to audit committees of public companies and how they interact with the company's "registered public accounting firm." Audit Committee members must be independent and are absolutely barred from accepting consulting, advisory or other compensatory fees from the issuer. In addition, companies must disclose whether at least one member of the committee is an "audit committee financial expert" (as such term is defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission) and if not, why not. Under Sarbanes-Oxley, a company's registered public accounting firm is prohibited from performing statutorily mandated audit services for a company if such company's chief executive officer, chief financial officer, comptroller, chief accounting officer or any person serving in equivalent positions had been employed by such firm and participated in the audit of such company during the one-year period preceding the audit initiation date. Sarbanes-Oxley also prohibits any officer or director of a company or any other person acting under their direction from taking any action to fraudulently influence, coerce, manipulate or mislead any independent accountant engaged in the audit of the company's financial statements for the purpose of rendering the financial statements materially misleading. Sarbanes-Oxley also requires the Securities and Exchange Commission to prescribe rules requiring inclusion of any internal control report and assessment by management in the annual report to shareholders. Sarbanes-Oxley requires the company's independent registered public accounting firm that issues the audit report to attest to and report on management's assessment of the company's internal controls over financial reporting. The Company has included in this Annual Report the management report on internal control over financial reporting and the report of the Company's independent registered public accounting firm. 30 Executive Officers of the Company Listed below is information, as of March 31, 2006, concerning the Company's executive officers. There are no arrangements or understandings between the Company and any of the persons named below with respect to which he was or is to be selected as an officer. Name Age Position ---- --- -------- Bruno J. Gioffre 71 Chairman of the Board. Richard P. McStravick 57 President and Chief Executive Officer. Anthony J. Fabiano 45 Chief Financial Officer and Accounting Officer. ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS If our allowance for loan losses is not sufficient to cover actual loan losses, our earnings could decrease. Our loan customers may not repay their loans according to the terms of their loans, and the collateral securing the payment of their loans may be insufficient to assure repayment. We may experience significant credit losses, which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results. We make various assumptions and judgments about the collectibility of our loan portfolio, including the creditworthiness of our borrowers and the value of the real estate and other assets serving as collateral for the repayment of many of our loans. In determining the amount of the allowance for loan losses, we review our loans and our loss and delinquency experience, and we evaluate economic conditions. If our assumptions prove to be incorrect, our allowance for loan losses may not cover inherent losses in our loan portfolio at the date of the financial statements. Material additions to our allowance would materially decrease our net income. In addition, federal and state regulators periodically review our allowance for loan losses and may require us to increase our provision for loan losses or recognize further loan charge-offs. Any increase in our allowance for loan losses or loan charge-offs as required by these regulatory agencies could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Fluctuations in interest rates could reduce our profitability. We realize income primarily from the difference between the interest we earn on loans and investments and the interest we pay on deposits and borrowings. The interest rates on our assets and liabilities respond differently to changes in market interest rates, which means our interest-bearing liabilities may be more sensitive to changes in market interest rates than our interest-earning assets, or vice versa. In either event, if market interest rates change, this "gap" between the amount of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities that reprice in response to these interest rate changes may work against us, and our earnings may be negatively affected. We are unable to predict fluctuations in market interest rates, which are affected by, among other factors, changes in the following: o inflation rates; o business activity levels; o money supply; and 31 o domestic and foreign financial markets. The value of our investment portfolio and the composition of our deposit base also are influenced by prevailing market conditions and interest rates. Our asset-liability management strategy, which is designed to mitigate the risk to us from changes in market interest rates, may not prevent changes in interest rates or securities market downturns, from reducing deposit outflow or from having a material adverse effect on our results of operations, our financial condition or the value of our investments. Our business is subject to the performance of the local economies in which we operate. Our success significantly depends upon the growth in population, income levels, deposits and housing in our market area. If the communities in which we operate do not grow or if prevailing economic conditions locally or nationally are unfavorable, our business may be negatively affected. In addition, the economies of the communities in which we operate depend substantially on the growth of the Westchester County, New York and Fairfield County, Connecticut economy. To the extent that economic conditions in Westchester County, New York and Fairfield County, Connecticut are unfavorable or do not continue to grow as projected, the economies in our market areas would be adversely affected. Moreover, we cannot give any assurance that we will benefit from any market growth or favorable economic conditions in our market areas if they do occur. In addition, the market value of the real estate securing loans as collateral could be adversely affected by unfavorable changes in market and economic conditions. Any sustained period of increased non-payment, delinquencies, foreclosures or losses caused by adverse market or economic conditions in our market areas could adversely affect the value of our assets, revenues, results of operations and financial condition. Adverse events in Westchester County, New York and Fairfield County, Connecticut, where our business is concentrated, could adversely affect our results and future growth. Our business, the location of our branches and the real estate collateralizing our commercial real estate loans are concentrated in Westchester County, New York and Fairfield County, Connecticut. As a result, we are exposed to geographic risks. The occurrence of an economic downturn in Westchester County, New York and Fairfield County, Connecticut could affect our credit quality, our financial condition or results of operations. We may not be able to successfully maintain and manage continued growth. We cannot be certain as to our ability to manage increased levels of assets and liabilities without increased expenses and higher levels of non-performing assets. We may be required to make additional investments in equipment and personnel to manage higher asset levels and loan balances, which may adversely affect our efficiency ratio, earnings and shareholder return. In particular, we rely on allocating and retaining experienced lenders to maintain our loan origination capability. Increases in operating expenses or non-performing assets may have an adverse effect on our earnings and on the value of our common stock. We operate in a very competitive banking market. The area in which we operate is considered highly attractive from an economic and demographic viewpoint, and is a highly competitive banking market. We compete for loans, deposits and investment dollars with numerous regional and national banks and other community banking institutions, as well as other kinds of financial institutions and enterprises, such as securities firms, insurance companies, savings associations, credit unions, mortgage brokers, and private lenders. Many competitors have substantially 32 greater resources than we do, and operate under less stringent regulatory environments. The differences in resources and regulations may make it harder for us to compete profitably, reduce the rates that we can earn on loans and investments, increase the rates we must offer on deposits and other funds, and adversely affect our overall financial condition and earnings. We operate in a highly regulated environment and may be adversely affected by changes in federal, state and local laws and regulations. We are subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by federal and state banking authorities. Any change in applicable regulations or federal, state or local legislation could have a substantial impact on us and our operations. Additional legislation and regulations that could significantly affect our powers, authority and operations may be enacted or adopted in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Further, regulators have significant discretion and authority to prevent or remedy unsafe or unsound practices or violations of laws by savings banks and holding companies in the performance of their supervisory and enforcement duties. The exercise of regulatory authority may have a negative impact on our results of operations and financial condition. ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS None 33 ITEM 2. PROPERTIES The following table provides certain information with respect to the Bank's offices at March 31, 2006. The net book value for leased properties represents the amortized cost of leasehold improvements.

The total net book value of the Bank's premises, land and equipment was approximately $5.5 million at March 31, 2006. 34 ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS Although the Company is involved, from time to time, in various legal proceedings in the normal course of business, there are no material legal proceedings to which the Company presently is a party or to which any of its property is subject. ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS None PART II ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES (a) The Company's common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "SFFS." At March 31, 2006, the common stock was held by approximately 1,961 stockholders of record. Market prices and dividends for the indicated fiscal quarter were as follows: Market Price ----------------------------------------------------------- Quarter Ended High Low Dividends ----------------------------------------------------------- June 30, 2004 $ 15.00 $ 12.51 $ 0.06 September 30, 2004 14.78 12.67 0.06 December 31, 2004 16.25 13.99 0.06 March 31, 2005 16.23 14.75 0.06 June 30, 2005 16.70 15.15 0.065 September 30, 2005 17.04 15.85 0.070 December 31, 2005 20.23 15.85 0.075 March 31, 2006 20.59 18.23 0.075 (b) None. (c) Issuer purchases of equity securities during the quarter ended March 31, 2006 are as follows:

(1) On June 11, 2004, the Company announced a program to repurchase up to 658,844 shares of its common stock. This program has no expiration date. ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA The "Selected Consolidated Financial Information" section of the Company's Annual Report to Stockholders is incorporated herein by reference. 35 ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" section of the Company's Annual Report to Stockholders is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK The "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" section of the Company's Annual Report to Stockholders, which is incorporated herein by reference, includes the information required by this item. ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA The financial statements identified in Item 15(a)(1) hereof are incorporated by reference hereunder. ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE None. ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES The Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have conducted an evaluation and concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined by the Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(c) and 15d-14(c)) as of March 31, 2006 are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported as and when required by the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms. There were no significant changes made in the Company's internal controls over financial reporting during the three months ended March 31, 2006 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. The Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and the related Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are incorporated herein by reference to the Company's Annual Report to Stockholders. ITEM 9B. Other Information None. 36 PART III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT Information concerning Directors of the Company is incorporated herein by reference from the Company's definitive Proxy Statement to be filed within 120 days from the Company's fiscal year end (the "Proxy Statement"), specifically the section captioned "Proposal I--Election of Directors." In addition, see "Executive Officers of the Company" in Item 1 for information concerning the Company's executive officers. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Information concerning executive compensation is incorporated herein by reference from the Company's Proxy Statement, specifically the section captioned "Executive Compensation." ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS Information concerning security ownership of certain owners and management is incorporated herein by reference from the Company's Proxy Statement, specifically the section captioned "Voting Securities and Principal Holders Thereof." ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS Information concerning relationships and transactions is incorporated herein by reference from the Company's Proxy Statement, specifically the section captioned "Transactions with Certain Related Persons." 37 ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES Information concerning fees paid to the Company's principal accountant is incorporated by reference from the Company's Proxy Statement, specifically the section captioned "Proposal II-Ratification of Appointment of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm." PART IV ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES The financial statements, financial statement schedules and exhibits filed as a part of this Form 10-K are as follows: (a)(1) Financial Statements o Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm o Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2006 and 2005 o Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended March 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 o Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended March 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 o Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended March 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 o Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. (a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules No financial statement schedules are filed because the required information is not applicable or is included in the consolidated financial statements or related notes. (a)(3) Exhibits 3.1 Federal Charter of Sound Federal Bancorp, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-57377) Exhibit 3.1 (filed on June 22, 1998)) 3.2 Bylaws of Sound Federal Bancorp, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-57377) Exhibit 3.2 (filed on June 22, 1998)) 4. Stock certificate of Sound Federal Bancorp (Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (File No. 333-99767) Exhibit 4 (filed on November 5, 2002)) 10.1 Sound Federal Bancorp 1999 Stock Option Plan (Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-93215 filed on December 21, 1999)) 38 10.2 Sound Federal Bancorp 1999 Recognition and Retention Plan (Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-93215)) 10.3a Employment Agreement with Richard McStravick (Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2004) 10.3b Employment Agreement with Anthony J. Fabiano (Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2004) 10.4 Sound Federal Bancorp 2004 Incentive Stock Benefit Plan (Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-112816 filed on February 13, 2004)) 10.5 Supplemental Executive Agreement for Richard P. McStravick (Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2003) 10.6 Supplemental Executive Agreement for Anthony J. Fabiano (Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2003) 10.7 Non-qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement for Richard P. McStravick (Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2004) 10.8 Non-qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement for Anthony J. Fabiano (Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2004) 10.9 Amended and Restated Non-qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement (Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 8-K dated December 8, 2005) 10.10 Employment Agreement with Richard McStravick (Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 8-K dated December 8, 2005) 10.11 Employment Agreement with Anthony J. Fabiano (Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 8-K dated December 8, 2005) 13 2006 Annual Report to Stockholders 14 Code of Ethics (Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2004) 21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant 23 Consent of KPMG LLP 31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 39 31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 32 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 40 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. SOUND FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. Date: June 13, 2006 /s/ Richard P. McStravick ------------------------------------- Richard P. McStravick President and Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. By: /s/ Richard P. McStravick By: /s/ Bruno J. Gioffre --------------------------------- ------------------------------- Richard P. McStravick, President, Bruno J. Gioffre, Chairman of Chief Executive Officer and the Board Director (Principal Executive Officer) Date: June 13, 2006 Date: June 13, 2006 By: /s/ Anthony J. Fabiano By: /s/ Roberta I. Bernhardt --------------------------------- ------------------------------- Anthony J. Fabiano, Chief Financial Roberta I. Bernhardt, Director Officer and Accounting Officer Date: June 13, 2006 Date: June 13, 2006 By: /s/ Joseph Dinolfo By: /s/ Donald H. Heithaus --------------------------------- ------------------------------- Joseph Dinolfo, Director Donald H. Heithaus, Director Date: June 13, 2006 Date: June 13, 2006 By: /s/ Joseph A. Lanza By: /s/ Eldorus Maynard --------------------------------- ------------------------------- Joseph A. Lanza, Director Eldorus Maynard, Director Date: June 13, 2006 Date: June 13, 2006 By: /s/ James Staudt By: /s/ Samuel T. Telerico --------------------------------- ------------------------------- James Staudt, Director Samuel T. Telerico, Director Date: June 13, 2006 Date: June 13, 2006 41

SOUND FEDERAL BANCORP INC 10-K