TEXT-Fitch affirms Dime Community Bancshares ratings
August 21, 2012 at 10:32 AM EDT
Aug 21 - Fitch Ratings has affirmed Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.'s (DCOM) and Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh's long- and short-term Issuer Default Ratings (IDR) at 'BBB' and 'F2', respectively. The affirmation of DCOM's ratings reflects the institution's solid asset quality and consistent profitability as well its concentrated loan portfolio and undiversified earnings profile. The Rating Outlook is Stable which embodies management's continued strategic focus on multifamily lending