East West Bancorp, Inc. reported unaudited consolidated earnings results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2015. For the quarter, the company reported interest and dividend income of $270,477,000 compared to $287,135,000 a year ago. Net interest income before provision for loan losses was $246,941,000 compared to $259,488,000 a year ago. Net interest income after provision for loan losses was $248,941,000 compared to $240,488,000 a year ago. Income before taxes was $148,485,000 compared to $122,595,000 a year ago. Net income was $91,805,000 compared to $95,502,000 a year ago. Diluted earnings per share were $0.63 compared to $0.66 a year ago. Return on average assets was 1.14% compared to 1.31% a year ago. Return on average common equity was 11.67% compared to 13.28% a year ago. Tangible equity per common share was $18.15 compared to $16.30 a year ago.

For the year, the company reported interest and dividend income of $1,053,815,000 compared to $1,153,698,000 a year ago. Net interest income before provision for loan losses was $950,439,000 compared to $1,040,878,000 a year ago. Net interest income after provision for loan losses was $936,222,000 compared to $991,720,000 a year ago. Income before taxes was $578,721,000 compared to $447,023,000 a year ago. Net income was $384,677,000 compared to $345,878,000 a year ago. Diluted earnings per share were $2.66 compared to $2.41 a year ago. Return on average assets was 1.27% compared to 1.25% a year ago. Return on average common equity was 12.74% compared to 12.72% a year ago.

For the full year 2016, the company expects fully diluted earnings per share will range from $2.80 to $2.84, an increase of $0.14 to $0.18 or 5% to 7% from $2.66 for the full year of 2015. The company expects effective tax rate of 25%.

For the first quarter of 2016, the company expects fully diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of 2016 will range from $0.66 to $0.68.