Southern First Bancshares, Inc. reported unaudited earnings results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2012. For the quarter, the company reported interest income of $8.817 million compared to $8.799 million a year ago. Net interest income was $6.780 million compared to $6.111 million a year ago. Income before provision for income taxes was $1.674 million compared to $0.566 million a year ago. Net income available to common shareholders was $0.929 million or $0.21 per diluted share compared to $0.152 million or $0.04 per diluted share a year ago. Return on average assets was 0.57% compared to 0.23% a year ago. Return on average equity was 6.99% compared to 2.79% a year ago.

For the year, the company reported interest income of $34.698 million compared to $35.142 million a year ago. Net interest income was $25.996 million compared to $23.288 million a year ago. Income before provision for income taxes was $5.695 million compared to $2.921 million a year ago. Net income available to common shareholders was $2.758 million or $0.63 per diluted share compared to $0.944 million or $0.22 per diluted share a year ago. Return on average assets was 0.64% compared to 0.43% a year ago. Return on average equity was 7.66% compared to 5.12% a year ago.

Loan charge-offs for the quarter were $1.2 million and related primarily to two commercial loans and one residential property. During the fourth quarter of 2012, the company recorded $1.1 million in net charge-offs, or 0.69% of average loans on an annualized basis.