Business Briefs
United Community Financial sees record second quarter earnings
YOUNGSTOWN — United Community Financial Corp., parent company of Home Savings Bank (Home Savings), last week announced net income of $8.2 million, or $0.163 per diluted common share, a 45.5 percent improvement over the $0.112 per diluted common share reported for the quarter ended June 30, 2016.
Second quarter 2017 highlights include:
* Organic loan growth, including loans held for sale, strong at 9.4 percent annualized
* Revenue growth of 31 percent, compared to the second quarter of 2016
* Net interest margin increased to 3.46 percent
* Return on average assets of 1.27 percent
* Return on average equity of 11.60 percent, return on average tangible equity of 12.66 percent
* Efficiency ratio improved to 54.71 percent
* Dividend of $0.04 declared per common share, up 33 percent
“The results for the quarter reflect the successful efforts of the entire Home Savings team. Outstanding earnings were driven by strong revenue growth combined with a disciplined approach to managing the business,” said Gary M. Small, president and chief executive officer of United Community Financial Corp. “We continue to see very good opportunities across all our markets and business lines and believe the quarterly performance to be reflective of the organization’s capabilities going forward.”
Home Buyers Education Class announced by CHANGE
CHESTER — CHANGE Inc. is offering a Home Buyers Education Class on Aug. 18 at the Lynn Murray Memorial Public Library in Chester.
Pre-registration is required. The class is free with a credit report to submit with an application. Those without a current credit report, the cost for a report with score is $20 for a single person and $35 for a joint report. Applications can be downloaded from the CHANGE Inc. website or picked up at the nearest CHANGE Inc. office. Incomplete applications for the workshop will not be accepted.
The workshops will provide information concerning the following topics:
* My Credit Report and Score
* How to create a spending plan and savings
* Why do I need a home inspection?
* Which real estate agent is right for me?
* How to live green
* What money do I need?
* How to select a mortgage product that is right for me
* What is a closing?
* How to stay a home owner
For those unable to attend the workshop, CHANGE Inc. also offers an online Home Buyer Education course for a fee. Information and details to take the online course is available at www.changeinc.org, under the “Community Services” tab.
Those with questions or wanting more information, should contact Joy Reese, Housing Counseling Program Manager, at 304-797-7733 ext. 1405.

