United Community Financial Corp. announced unaudited consolidated earnings results for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2018. For the quarter, the company reported total interest income of $26,661,000 compared to $23,553,000 a year ago. Net interest income was $21,295,000 against $20,494,000 a year ago. Income before income taxes was $11,845,000 compared to $11,795,000 a year ago. Net income was $9,541,000 compared to $8,189,000 a year ago. Diluted earnings per share were $0.190 compared to $0.163 a year ago. For the second quarter of 2018, mortgage banking income declined by 11.3% compared to the first quarter of 2018 and for the first half of 2018, declined 25.5% when compared to the first half of 2017.

For the six months, the company reported total interest income of $52,711,000 compared to $44,613,000 a year ago. Net interest income was $42,828,000 against $38,970,000 a year ago. Income before income taxes was $22,287,000 compared to $14,127,000 a year ago. Net income was $18,097,000 compared to $9,727,000 a year ago. Diluted earnings per share were $0.361 compared to $0.196 a year ago. Book value per common share as on June 30, 2018 was $6.04 against $5.74 as at June 30, 2017. Tangible book value per common share as on June 30, 2018 was $5.56 against $5.27 as at June 30, 2017. Return on average assets was 1.40% against 1.27% a year ago. Return on average equity was 12.56% against 11.60% a year ago. Return on tangible equity was 13.65% compared to 12.66% a year ago.

For the balance of the year of 2018, the company remain comfortable with previously disclosed guidance of 12% to 15% portfolio growth for the full year 2018, as The company expects heightened levels of planned payoff activity during the third and fourth quarters. Regarding effective tax rate, on an FTE basis, for the second quarter, the effective tax rate was 19.5%. For the remaining of the year, the company see the effective tax rate holding at this level.