Ameris Bancorp announced unaudited consolidated earnings results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2016. For the quarter, the company's net interest income was $57.3 million compared with $48.6 million a year ago. Income before income taxes was $25.2 million compared with $17.4 million a year ago. Net income available to common shareholders was $18.2 million or $0.52 per diluted share compared with $14.1 million or $0.43 per diluted share a year ago. Adjusted operating net income was $21.9 million or $0.62 per diluted share compared with $15.3 million or $0.47 per diluted share a year ago. Adjusted operating return on average assets was 1.33% compared with 1.12% a year ago. Adjusted operating return on average common tangible equity was 17.04% compared with 14.97% a year ago. Pre-tax operating profit was $25.2 million compared with $17.4 million a year ago.

For the year, the company's net interest income was $219.4 million compared with $175.5 million a year ago. Income before income taxes was $105.2 million compared with $56.7 million a year ago. Net income available to common shareholders was $72.1 million or $2.08 per diluted share compared with $40.8 million or $1.27 per diluted share a year ago. Adjusted operating net income was $79.98 million or $2.30 per diluted share compared with $53.3 million or $1.66 per diluted share a year ago. Adjusted operating return on average assets was 1.30% compared with 1.11% a year ago. Adjusted operating return on average common tangible equity was 16.71% compared with 13.66% a year ago. Pre-tax operating profit was $105.2 million compared with $56.7 million a year ago.

The company announced net charge-offs of $0.75 million for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2016.