Renasant Corp. announced unaudited earnings results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2012. Net income for the fourth quarter of 2012 was $7.3 million as compared to $5.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2011. Basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) were $0.29 for the fourth quarter of 2012, as compared to basic and diluted EPS of $0.23 for the fourth quarter of 2011. For the fourth quarter of 2012, net income and earnings per share were both up 26% as compared to the same period in 2011. Net interest income was $34.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2012 as compared to $32.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2011. For the quarter, the company reported interest income of $39,676,000 compared with $41,044,000 for the same period a year ago. Income before income taxes was $9,528,000 compared with $7,138,000 for the same period a year ago. Return on average shareholders equity was 5.80% compared with 4.71% for the same period a year ago. Return on average shareholders equity, excluding amortization expense was 5.97% compared with 4.89% for the same period a year ago. Return on average assets was 0.70% compared with 0.55% for the same period a year ago. Return on average assets, excluding amortization expense was 0.72% compared with 0.57% for the same period a year ago.

Net income for 2012 was $26.6 million as compared to $25.6 million for 2011. Both basic and diluted EPS were $1.06 for 2012 as compared to basic and diluted EPS of $1.02 for 2011. Net income and EPS for 2011 included pre-tax acquisition gains of $8.8 million in connection with the Company's FDIC-assisted acquisition of American Bank and Trust of Roswell, Georgia, and $570,000 associated with the Company's acquisition of RBC's Birmingham Trust operations. The Company did not record any acquisition-related gains in 2012. Net interest income increased to $133.3 million for 2012 from $129.3 million for 2011. For the full year, the company reported interest income of $159,313,000 compared with $170,687,000 for the same period a year ago. Income before income taxes was $33,465,000 compared with $34,675,000 for the same period a year ago. Return on average shareholders equity was 5.38% compared with 5.34% for the same period a year ago. Return on average shareholders equity, excluding amortization expense was 5.56% compared with 5.57% for the same period a year ago. Return on average assets was 0.64% compared with 0.60% for the same period a year ago. Return on average assets, excluding amortization expense was 0.66% compared with 0.63% for the same period a year ago.

For the quarter, the company recorded net loan charge-offs of $3,722,000 compared with $10,192,000 for the same period a year ago.

The company is well positioned to continue its positive trends which enhance its earnings potential through its strong team of community bankers and favorable banking markets. Additionally, the company will continues to take advantage of external opportunities to expand its market share and cultivate new relationships.