Benchmark Bankshares Inc., the holding company for Benchmark Community Bank, announced earnings of $6,327,895, or $1.23 per share, for the year ending Dec. 31, 2015.

“This compares to $6,164,054, or $1.20 per share, earned during 2014,” a bank press release stated. “Return on average equity for the year was 10.75 percent and return on average assets was 1.25 percent, compared to 11.40 percent and 1.29 percent, respectively, reported last year.”

The bank earned $1,536,697, or 30 cents per share, for the fourth quarter of 2015 compared to $1,485,841, or 29 cents per share, earned last year during the same period.   

Benchmark Community Bank, founded in 1971, is headquartered in Kenbridge, and is the company’s sole subsidiary, which operates 12 banking offices throughout Southside Virginia.