Intelligencer Journal/Lancaster New Era

EARNINGS

Susquehanna Bancshares on Wednesday reported sharply higher net profits in the fourth quarter and full year.

For the quarter, net profits were $43.2 million (23 cents a share), up from $19.1 million (12 cents a share) in the 2011 quarter.

For the year, net profits were $141.2 million (77 cents a share), up from 2011's $54.9 million (40 cents a share).

Helping the bottom line were reductions in the provision for loan losses and far smaller losses on early extinguishment of debt.

The February purchase of Tower Bancorp and the October 2011 purchase of Abington Bancorp also lifted profits for Susquehanna.

Lititz-based Susquehanna, which has the most deposits of any bank here, posted assets of $18.0 billion at Dec. 31.