Ameris Bancorp announced unaudited consolidated earnings results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2015. For the quarter, the company reported net interest income of $48.62 million against $41.006 million a year ago. Income before income taxes was $17.44 million against $14.75 million a year ago. Net income available to common shareholders was $14.15 million against $10.58 million a year ago. Diluted earnings available to common shareholder was $0.43 against $0.39 a year ago. Book value per share was $15.98 against $13.67 a year ago. Tangible book value per share was $12.65 against $10.99 a year ago. Return on average assets was 1.03% against 1.05% a year ago. Return on average common equity was 10.94% against 11.57% a year ago. Operating net income was $15.32 million against $10.56 million a year ago. Operating net income per diluted share was $0.47 against $0.39 a year ago.

For the year, the company reported net interest income of $175.54 million against $149.89 million a year ago. Income before income taxes was $56.74 million against $56.205 million a year ago. Net income available to common shareholders was $40.85 million against $38.44 million a year ago. Diluted earnings available to common shareholder was $1.27 against $1.46 a year ago. Return on average assets was 0.85% against 1.08% a year ago. Return on average common equity was 8.37% against 12.40% a year ago. Operating net income was $53.34 million against $41.24 million a year ago. Operating net income per diluted share was $1.66 against $1.57 a year ago.