ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc. reported unaudited consolidated earnings results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2015. For the quarter, the company reported net income available to common stockholders of $19,726,000 or $0.74 per diluted share compared to net income available to common stockholders of $14,917,000 or $0.58 per diluted share a year ago. Net interest income was $43,161,000 compared to $34,460,000 a year ago. Net interest income after provision for losses was $39,853,000 compared to $31,701,000 a year ago. Income before income tax was $24,326,000 compared to $21,668,000 a year ago. Net income was $19,750,000 compared to $15,032,000 a year ago. Return on average assets was 1.55% compared to 1.47% a year ago. Return on average common stockholders' equity was 17.75% compared to 16.39% a year ago. Total interest income was $48,451,000 against $38,163,000 a year ago. The increase in net interest income on a linked quarter basis is attributable to a $197.1 million increase in average loans outstanding and a $74.0 million increase in non-interest bearing deposits, both resulting in a positive mix change in balance sheet.

For the year, the company reported net income available to common stockholders of $63,260,000 or $2.39 per diluted share compared to net income available to common stockholders of $51,946,000 or $2.09 per diluted share a year ago. Total interest income was $179,975,000 compared to $144,725,000 a year ago. Net interest income was $162,271,000 compared to $130,606,000 a year ago. Net interest income after provision for losses was $149,424,000 compared to $120,347,000 a year ago. Income before income tax was $89,005,000 compared to $73,978,000 a year ago. Net income was $63,540,000 compared to $52,377,000 a year ago. Return on average assets was 1.38% compared to 1.39% a year ago. Return on average common stockholders' equity was 15.30% compared to 16.23% a year ago. Core net income available to common stockholders was $65,027,000 or $2.46 per diluted share compared to income of $53,558,000 or $2.16 per diluted share a year ago. Core return on average assets was 1.42% compared to 1.44% a year ago. Core return on average common stockholders equity was 15.73% compared to 16.74% a year ago. Core net income was $65,307,000 compared to $53,989,000 a year ago. As on date, book value per share was $17.29 against $14.81 per share a year ago. As on date, tangible book value per share was $16.70 against $14.81 per share a year ago.

For the quarter, the company reported net charge-offs of $2,463,000 against $1,572,000 a year ago.