East West Bancorp, Inc. reported unaudited consolidated earnings results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2016. For the quarter, the company reported interest and dividend income of $302,127,000 compared to $270,477,000 a year ago. Net interest income before provision for credit losses was $272,702,000 compared to $246,941,000 a year ago. Net interest income after provision for credit losses was $262,241,000 compared to $248,941,000 a year ago. Income before taxes was $161,137,000 compared to $148,485,000 a year ago. Net income was $110,734,000 compared to $91,805,000 a year ago. Diluted earnings per share were $0.76 compared to $0.63 a year ago. Return on average assets was 1.27% compared to 1.14% a year ago. Return on average common equity was 12.87% compared to 11.67% a year ago. Return on average tangible equity was $15.29 compared to $14.13 a year ago. Adjusted net interest income was $261,101,000 compared to $232,075,000 a year ago.

For the year, the company reported interest and dividend income of $1,137,481,000 compared to $1,053,815,000 a year ago. Net interest income before provision for credit losses was $1,032,638,000 compared to $950,439,000 a year ago. Net interest income after provision for credit losses was $1,005,159,000 compared to $936,222,000 a year ago. Income before taxes was $572,188,000 compared to $578,721,000 a year ago. Net income was $431,677,000 compared to $384,677,000 a year ago. Diluted earnings per share were $2.97 compared to $2.66 a year ago. Return on average assets was 1.30% compared to 1.27% a year ago. Return on average common equity was 13.06% compared to 12.74% a year ago. Return on average tangible equity was 15.68% compared to 15.58% a year ago. Adjusted net interest income was $987,214,000 compared to $889,185,000 a year ago. Tangible book value per share was $20.27 as of the December 31, 2016, grew by $0.35 or 2% linked-quarter

For the quarter, the company's' total net charge-offs was $7,961,000.

For 2017, the company's net interest margin (excluding the impact of ASC 310-30 discount accretion) is expected to be between 3.20% - 3.40%. The company currently estimates accretion income in 2017 to be in range between $20 million and $25 million. The company expects a slight increase in noninterest expense excluding tax credit amortization and deposit premium amortization relative to its full year 2016 adjusted noninterest expenses of $538 million. The company projects that the provision for credit losses will range between $40 million and $50 million in 2017. The effective tax rate will be in the mid-20s for 2017.