Lakeland Financial Corp. announced unaudited consolidated earnings results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2015. For the quarter, net interest income was $27,452,000 against $26,104,000 a year ago. Income before income tax expense was $18,164,000 against $16,635,000 a year ago. Net income was $12,286,000 against $11,070,000 a year ago. Diluted earnings per common share were $0.73 against $0.66 a year ago. Return on average assets was 1.30% against 1.29% a year ago. Return on average total equity was 12.49% against 12.27% a year ago.

For the year, net interest income was $105,927,000 against $102,303,000 a year ago. Income before income tax expense was $69,200,000 against $66,190,000 a year ago. Net income was $46,367,000 against $43,805,000 a year ago. Diluted earnings per common share were $2.75 against $2.61 a year ago. Book value per common share (equity per share issued) was $23.60 against $21.83 a year ago. Tangible book value per common share was $23.42 against $21.64 a year ago. Return on average assets was 1.29% against 1.32% a year ago. Return on average total equity was 12.26% against 12.77% a year ago.

Net charge-offs totaled $1.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2015 versus net charge-offs of $125,000 during the fourth quarter of 2014 and net charge-offs of $122,000 during the linked third quarter of 2015.