Meta Financial Group, Inc. reported unaudited consolidated earnings results for the first quarter ended December 31, 2016. For the quarter, interest and dividend income was $22,575,000 against $18,275,000 a year ago. Net interest income was $19,833,000 against $17,555,000 a year ago. Income before income tax expense was $1,586,000 against $3,595,000 a year ago. Net income was $1,244,000 against $4,058,000 a year ago. Earnings per basic and diluted common share were $0.14 against $0.49 a year ago. Return on average assets was 0.14% against 0.60% a year ago. Return on average equity was 1.41% against 5.91% a year ago. Book value per common share as at December 31, 2016 was $39.96 against $34.10 a year ago. Tangible book value per common share as at December 31, 2016 was $21.97 against $25.45 a year ago.