TD Banknorth Inc. on Monday said increased lending and higher deposits during the fourth quarter helped the northeast regional bank offset the toll of higher interest rates. Profits rose to $55.6 million, or 32 cents per share, from $20.7 million, or 12 cents per share, last year. Excluding one-time items, including a balance sheet restructuring designed to rid the bank of interest-rate sensitive investments, the bank posted profits of 62 cents per share. Results matched Wall Street projections for earnings of 62 cents per share, according to Thomson Financial. (AP)