Bank earnings could be hurt this year as big retailers close stores and file for bankruptcy. The situation has sparked a debate about how much CRE and C&I books will suffer just as lenders were putting other commercial woes behind them.

Three midsize banks projected increases in loans this year in the latest round of earnings discussions, but their levels of optimism varied, and their commercial lending strategies in some cases conflicted.

The Columbus, Ga., bank reported higher fourth-quarter profit on growth in business loans and mortgage banking.