NYCB shares rally as profit forecasts for next two years ahead of estimates

** New York Community Bancorp NYCB shares soar 31.7% to $3.49

** Bank forecasts 2025 earnings per share between 35 cents and 40 cents, higher than estimates of 28 cents - LSEG data

** It also expects 2026 EPS between 65 cents and 70 cents, higher than Wall Street's expectations of 36 cents

** NYCB targeting significantly higher profitability and higher capital levels by the end of 2026 - CEO Joseph Otting

** Otting says the bank will be working over the next few days to finalize a deal to sell $5 billion of its assets

** NYCB reports Q1 loss as the commercial real estate-focused lender increased its loan-loss provisions to cover possible defaults

** NYCB has been struggling to stem a persistent rout in its stock since January when it reported a surprise loss and slashed its dividend

** The bank came under renewed pressure in late February after flagging "material weakness" in internal controls and revising its loss to more than 10 times what was previously disclosed

** Including session's move, stock down ~66% YTD