Marlin Business Services Corp. reported unaudited consolidated earnings results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2016. For the quarter, the company reported interest income of $20,188,000 compared to $16,997,000 a year ago. Net interest and fee income was $21,810,000 compared to $18,917,000 a year ago. Income before income taxes was $7,729,000 compared to $4,054,000 a year ago. Net income was $4,815,000 or $0.38 per basic and diluted share compared to $2,965,000 or $0.24 per basic and diluted share a year ago. Return on average assets was 1.56% compared to 2.20% a year ago. Return on average stockholders' equity was 7.96% compared to 12.06% a year ago.

For the year, the company reported interest income of $74,709,000 compared to $66,662,000 a year ago. Net interest and fee income was $82,474,000 compared to $76,257,000 a year ago. Income before income taxes was $28,298,000 compared to $25,228,000 a year ago. Net income was $17,279,000 or $1.38 per basic and diluted share compared to $15,966,000 or $1.25 per basic and diluted share a year ago. Return on average assets was 2.08% compared to 2.11% a year ago. Return on average stockholders' equity was 11.15% compared to 9.49% a year ago.

For the fourth quarter of 2016, the company reported net charge offs - total finance receivables of $2,628,000 compared to $2,670,000 a year ago.

The company provided ROE guidance for the full year ending December 31, 2017. For the full year, the company expects net interest margin, as a percentage, to move slightly lower in 2017 with the roll-off of higher yielding legacy leases and continued growth in lower yielding Equipment Finance channels and Franchise. ROE is expected to grow as strategic initiatives gain traction and the company continues to scale.