Southern First Bancshares, Inc. reported unaudited earnings results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2014. For the quarter, the company reported interest income of $10,560,000 against $9,363,000 a year ago. Net interest income was $8,834,000 against $7,649,000 a year ago. Income before provision for income taxes was $2,911,000 against $2,040,000 a year ago. Net income was $1,983,000 against $1,439,000 a year ago. Net income available to common shareholders was $1,766,000 against $1,248,000 a year ago. Diluted earnings per share were $0.30 against diluted earnings per share of $0.27 a year ago. Book value per common share was $11.66 against $11.66 a year ago. Return on average assets was 0.78% against 0.65% a year ago. Return on average equity was 9.46% against 8.65% a year ago.

For the year, the company reported interest income of $39,948,000 against $36,118,000 a year ago. Net interest income was $33,040,000 against $29,021,000 a year ago. Income before provision for income taxes was $9,738,000 against $5,695,000 a year ago. Net income was $6,625,000 against $5,120,000 a year ago. Net income available to common shareholders was $5,710,000 against $4,369,000 a year ago. Diluted earnings per share were $1.10 against diluted earnings per share of $0.98 a year ago. Return on average assets was 0.74% against 0.65% a year ago. Return on average equity was 9.86% against 8.80% a year ago. The increase in noninterest income during the three and twelve month periods ended
December 31, 2014 relates primarily to increases in loan fee income and other income, as well as a $230,000 gain on sale of investment securities which occurred during the second quarter of 2014.