Westfield Financial Inc. reported unaudited consolidated earnings results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2011. For the quarter, the company reported net income of $1.5 million, or $0.06 per basic and diluted share compared to $1.3 million or $0.05 per basic and diluted share, for the same period in 2010. Net interest and dividend income was increased $626,000 to $7.5 million compared to $6.9 million for the same period in 2010. Income before income taxes was $1.6 million compared to $1.2 million a year ago. Return on average assets was 0.48% compared to 0.42% a year ago. Return on average equity was 2.71% compared to 2.31% a year ago. Total interest and dividend income was $10.9 million compared to $11.0 million for the last year. For the year ended December 31, 2011, net income was $5.9 million, or $0.22 per basic and diluted share, compared to $3.0 million, or $0.11 per basic and diluted share, for the same period in 2010. Net interest and dividend income increased $1.1 million to $30.5 million, compared to $29.4 million for the same period in 2010. Income before income taxes was $7.2 million compared to $3.0 million a year ago. Return on average assets was 0.47% compared to 0.25% a year ago. Return on average equity was 2.65% compared to 1.25% a year ago. Book value per share as at December 31, 2011 was $8.14 compared to $7.85 a year ago. Total interest and dividend income was $45.0 million compared to $46.1 million for the last year. Net interest income was favorably impacted by an increase in loans, which generally have higher yields than investments, along with a decrease in the cost of funds due to the lower interest rate environment. The board of directors of the company has declared a regular cash dividend of $0.06 per share payable on February 22, 2012 to all shareholders of record on February 8, 2012.