Meridian Bancorp, Inc. announced unaudited consolidated earnings results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2016. For the quarter, the company reported net interest income were $33.42 million against $27.34 million a year ago. The increases in net interest income were due primarily to loan growth, partially offset by increases in the average balances and costs of total deposits and borrowings for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the respective prior periods. Net interest income, after provision for loan losses was $32.115 million against $26.795 million a year ago. Income before income taxes was $17.95 million against $10.282 million a year ago. Net income was $11.309 million against $6.875 million a year ago. Diluted earnings per share were $0.22 against $0.13 a year ago. Return on average assets was 1.05% against 0.80% a year ago. Return on average equity was 7.51% against 4.67% a year ago. For the year, the company reported net interest income were $122.555 million against $102.891 million a year ago. Net interest income, after provision for loan losses was $115.375 million against $96.224 million a year ago. Income before income taxes was $52.071 million against $36.573 million a year ago. Net income was $34.190 million against $24.607 million a year ago. Diluted earnings per share were $0.65 against $0.46 a year ago. Return on average assets was 0.87% against 0.74% a year ago. Return on average equity was 5.77% against 4.19% a year ago. Book value per share as of December 31, 2016 was $11.33 against $10.72 as of December 31, 2015. Tangible book value per share as of December 31, 2016 was $11.08 against $10.47 as of December 31, 2015.