Carolina Financial Corporation announced unaudited consolidated earnings results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2016. For the quarter, the company’s net income increased 42.7% to $5.2 million, or $0.41 per diluted share from $3.6 million, or $0.36 per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2015. Operating earnings which excludes certain non-operating income and expenses, increased 63.9% to $5.8 million, or $0.46 per diluted share, from $3.5 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, from the fourth quarter of 2015. Total interest income was $16,903,000 compared to $13,002,000 a year ago. Net interest income was $14,662,000 compared to $11,100,000 a year ago. Net interest income after provision for loan losses was $14,662,000 compared to $11,100,000 a year ago. Income before income taxes was $7,498,000 compared to $5,367,000 a year ago. Return on average assets was 1.25% against 1.06% a year ago. Return on average stockholders' equity was 12.80% against 12.98% a year ago. Operating return on average assets was 1.40% against 1.45% a year ago. Operating return on average equity was 14.32% against 14.95% a year ago. Tangible common book value per share was $12.59 compared to $11.66 a year ago. For the full year, the company reported total interest income of $60,914,000 compared to $49,604,000 a year ago. Net interest income was $52,161,000 compared to $43,000,000 a year ago. Net interest income after provision for loan losses was $52,161,000 compared to $43,000,000 a year ago. Income before income taxes was $25,418,000 compared to $21,480,000 a year ago. Net income was $17,570,000 compared to $14,420,000 a year ago. Diluted earnings per share were $1.42 compared to $1.48 a year ago.