Ameris Bancorp announced unaudited consolidated earnings results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2014. For the quarter, net interest income was $41,006,000 against $29,051,000 a year ago. Income before income taxes was $14,747,000 against $1,466,000 a year ago. Net income was $10,580,000 against $1,378,000 a year ago. Net income available to common shareholders was $10,580,000 against $966,000 a year ago. Diluted earnings available to common shareholders was $0.39 against $0.04 a year ago. Return on average assets was 1.05% against 0.19% a year ago. Return on average common equity was 11.57% against 2.20% a year ago.

For the full year, net interest income was $149,886,000 against $116,185,000 a year ago. Income before income taxes was $56,205,000 against $29,303,000 a year ago. Net income available to common shareholders was $38,437,000 against $18,280,000 a year ago. Diluted earnings available to common shareholders was $1.46 against $0.75 a year ago. Return on average assets was 1.08% against 0.70% a year ago. Return on average common equity was 12.40% against 8.06% a year ago. Book value per share was $13.67 against $11.50 a year ago. Tangible book value per share was $10.99 against $9.87 a year ago.

Net charge-offs were $1,705,000 for the fourth quarter of 2014 against $2,677,000 a year ago.