Capitol Federal Financial, Inc. announced unaudited consolidated earnings results for the first quarter ended December 31, 2015. For the quarter, the company reported total interest and dividend income of $74,359,000 against $74,900,000 a year ago. Net interest income was $47,982,000 against $48,036,000 a year ago. Income before income tax expense was $29,958,000 against $29,978,000 a year ago. Net income was $20,718,000 against $20,472,000 a year ago. Diluted net earnings per share were $0.16 against $0.15 a year ago. Net income available to common stockholders was $20,691,000 against $20,430,000 a year ago. Return on average assets was 0.74% against 0.73% a year ago and return on average equity was 5.86% against 5.50% a year ago. Net income increased primarily due to a decrease in non-interest expense, along with the benefit of a lower effective income tax rate in the current quarter.

For the quarter, the company reported net charge-offs of $242,000 against $103,000 a year ago.

The company anticipates the effective tax rate for fiscal year 2016 will be approximately 32%, based on fiscal year 2016 estimates as of December 31, 2015.