First Financial Bancorp. reported unaudited consolidated earnings results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2016. For the quarter, total interest income was $78,647,000 against $73,232,000 a year ago. Net interest income was $70,166,000 against $66,083,000 a year ago. Income before income taxes was $34,188,000 against $28,754,000 a year ago. Net income was $23,294,000 against $19,820,000 a year ago. Net earnings per basic and diluted share were $0.38 against $0.32 per diluted share a year ago. Return on average assets was 1.11% against 0.99% a year ago. Return on average equity was 10.73% against 9.62% a year ago. Book value per as at December 31, 2016 was $13.96 against $13.90 as at September 30, 2016. Tangible book value per as at December 31, 2016 was $10.56 against $10.50 as at September 30, 2016.

For the year, total interest income was $305,950,000 against $269,759,000 a year ago. Net interest income was $272,671,000 against $246,502,000 a year ago. Income before income taxes was $130,731,000 against $110,933,000 a year ago. Net income was $88,526,000 against $75,063,000 a year ago. Net earnings per diluted share were $1.43 against $1.21 per diluted share a year ago. Return on average assets was 1.07% against 1.00% a year ago. Return on average equity was 10.48% against 9.33% a year ago.

For the quarter, the company reported total net charge-offs of $2,418,000 against $1,798,000 a year ago.