Americas

SunTrust Banks in Atlanta reported lower fourth-quarter profits as legal costs related to mortgages offset an increase in loans and deposits.

Home BancShares in Conway, Ark., swallowed $1.7 million of merger-integration costs in the fourth quarter, capping a year of investment in its expansion.

Profits at People's United Financial in Bridgeport, Conn., edged up in the fourth quarter thanks to fee income and loan growth.

The president's job at Northwest Indiana Bancorp of Munster, Ind., has been passed on to a fourth generation of Bochnowski. The company said Benjamin Bochnowski, who remains the company's chief operating officer, will have the same posts at its bank.

Wintrust Financial in Rosemont, Ill., reported higher quarterly earnings on increased revenue, with fourth-quarter profit rose 8% from a year earlier, to $38.13 million.

First Republic Bank in San Francisco reported flat fourth-quarter profits as strong deposit growth and gains in both interest and fee income were largely offset by higher expenses.

Westamerica Bancorp. in San Rafael, Calif., reported lower quarterly results as lower yields and a smaller loan book dragged down profit.

FS Card announced Thursday that Republic Bank & Trust in Louisville, Ky., will issue its new subprime credit card, which is scheduled to be launched this spring.

Commerce Bancshares in Kansas City, Mo., is delaying the release of its fourth-quarter results while external auditors complete a review of its procedures for establishing its loan-loss allowance.

Plaza Bancorp in Irvine, Calif., has agreed to buy Manhattan Bancorp in El Segundo, Calif.