Americas

Provident Financial Services (PFS) of Iselin, N.J., said Friday that it earned $17.4 million in the fourth quarter, up 4.2% from the same quarter a year prior, due largely to improved asset quality.

Kearny Financial Corp. (KRNY) in Fairfield, N.J., has agreed to buy Atlas Bank in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Lakeland Bancorp (LBAI) in Oak Ridge, N.J., reported higher net income after buying Somerset Hills Bancorp.

First Citizens BancShares (FCNCA) in Raleigh, N.C., received an earnings boost from improved credit quality and a favorable adjustment to loss-share agreements with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.

Bank of the Ozarks (OZRK) of Little Rock, Ark., has agreed to buy Summit Bancorp in Arkadelphia, Ark.

Beneficial Mutual Bancorp (BNCL) reported lower net income that still managed to meet Wall Street expectations.

Central Pacific Financial (CPF) in Honolulu reported a big decline in fourth-quarter earnings as income from sales of residential mortgage loans and sales of foreclosed assets plunged.

First Interstate BancSystem (FIBK) in Billings, Mont., turned credit-quality improvements into a big increase in earnings last quarter.

Prosperity Bancshares (PB) in Houston is rearranging a number of its management posts.

CenterState Banks (CSFL) in Davenport, Fla., has agreed to buy First Southern Bancorp (FSOF) in Boca Raton, Fla.