Fremont General Corp. said its fourth-quarter earnings...

Fremont General Corp. said its fourth-quarter earnings rose 18%, to $14.15 million, or 91 cents a share, from $11.95 million, or 81 cents a share, a year earlier. “We are very pleased with the 18% increase in net income. Our main operating units continue to demonstrate financial strength in their respective niche markets,” said James A. McIntyre, chairman, president and CEO.

For the year ended Dec. 31, net income was $55.81 million, or $3.57 per share, compared to $42.71, or $3.06 a share, for the same period a year earlier.

The Santa Monica-based company posted revenue of $165.81 in the fourth quarter, up 1% from a year earlier.

Fremont General is a holding company, engaged through subsidiaries in select insurance and financial service businesses.