Guaranty per-share earnings climb to 63 cents

The Springfield-based holding company for Guaranty Bank had basic earnings of 63 cents per share for the quarter ended March 31, up 13 percent from 56 cents per share a year ago.

Net income increased 12 percent over the previous year to $1.75 million from $1.56 million, and net interest income increased 6 percent from a year before to $4.37 million.

Return on average assets for the quarter was 1.37 percent, compared to 1.31 percent in first-quarter 2006.

As of March 31, Guaranty had repurchased 120,132 of the 250,000 common shares it announced it would buy back last July. Shares were bought at an average cost of $28.81.

Guaranty Bank has eight branches and 20 automated teller machines in Greene and Christian counties and loan production offices in Howell, Wright and Webster counties.

Company shares (Nasdaq: GFED) closed Monday at $29.25, compared to a 52-week range of $27.45 to $29.85.