West Springfield-based United Financial Bancorp, holding company for United Bank, reported net income of $2.1 million for the first quarter of 2009 compared to net income of $2 million for the corresponding period in 2008, a 5 percent increase.

The improvement in net income and earnings per share was primarily due to an increase in net interest income, driven by growth in average earning assets, and expansion in non-interest income, the bank said.

The company also announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.07 per share, payable on June 1, to shareholders of record as of May 8.