Independent Bank Corp. announced unaudited consolidated earnings results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2012. For the quarter, the company reported total interest income of $51,414,000, net interest income of $45,479,000, net interest income after provision for loan losses of $41,129,000, income before income taxes of $13,095,000 and net income of $9,968,000 or $0.45 per diluted share compared to total interest income of $48,382,000, net interest income of $41,854,000, net interest income after provision for loan losses of $38,054,000, income before income taxes of $15,288,000 and net income of $11,169,000 or $0.52 per diluted share a year ago period. Return on average assets was 0.73% compared to 0.91% a year ago period. Return on average equity was 7.68% compared to 9.45% a year ago period. Net operating earnings were $13,679,000 or $0.61 per diluted share compared to $11,617,000 or $0.54 per diluted share a year ago period.

For the full year, the company reported total interest income of $196,192,000, net interest income of $172,799,000, net interest income after provision for loan losses of $154,743,000, income before income taxes of $57,300,000 and net income of $42,627,000 or $1.95 per diluted share compared to total interest income of $195,751,000, net interest income of $167,079,000, net interest income after provision for loan losses of $155,597,000, income before income taxes of $62,584,000 and net income of $45,436,000 or $2.12 per diluted share a year ago period. Return on average assets was 0.83% compared to 0.96% a year ago period. Return on average equity was 8.66% compared to 9.93% a year ago period. Net operating earnings were $47,097,000 or $2.16 per diluted share compared to $45,456,000 or $2.12 per diluted share a year ago period. Book value per common share at December 31, 2012 was $23.24.

For 2013, the company anticipates operating diluted earnings per share performance of between $2.28 and $2.38. This represents a meaningful increase in earnings per share over 2012's performance. Tax rate is expected to be approximately 25%.