Business

Aquesta fourth-quarter, full-year earnings rise

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Jan. 23. Aquesta is reporting fourth-quarter unaudited net income rose 3.6 percent to $374,000 (15 cents per share) vs, net income of $361,000 (14 cents per share) for the fourth quarter of 2013. Unaudited net income for 2014 was $1.71 million (67 cents per share) vs. $1.47 million in 2013. The Cornelius-based financial company increased it annual cash dividend by 10 percent to 11 cents per share in 2014. Aquesta invested in two new branches last year, as well as a “significant upgrade” in internet capacity. “Incurring these onetime expansion expenses is in keeping with our strategic goal of striking a balance of achieving both superior growth and superior earnings without excessive emphasis on either of these two criteria.” Click here for Aquesta’s press release.