Performance reports

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Ent Federal Credit Union said it will return $12.5 million to its members through a dividend, with each member in good standing as of the end of 2014 receiving a minimum payout of $25.

M&T Bank in Buffalo, N.Y., reported a higher quarterly profit as lower expenses offset tighter margins.

Regions Financial in Birmingham, Ala., reported a lower fourth-quarter profit because interest rates squeezed lending margins and mortgage-related revenue fell.

The past year was a bit of slog for most regional banks and, if fourth-quarter results are any indication of what's ahead, then 2015 isn't looking much better.

Ten financial institutions, including four banks, will accept the new IDNYC card as a primary form of identification for new accounts. Community advocates hope the move will help more immigrants and unbanked individuals use banking products.

Republic Bancorp in Louisville, Ky., reported a quadrupling in profit due to higher interest income and lower expenses during the fourth quarter of 2014.

The big oil lender faces a classic dilemma: extend more credit to energy companies in need of more capital, or lock down to guard against a prolonged downturn.

PrivateBancorp in Chicago reported higher quarterly profit as strong loan growth offset lower yields.

Bank of the Ozarks in Little Rock, Ark., reported a higher profit in the fourth quarter behind record net interest income.

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

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.

Bank of America's expenses still far exceed those of JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo, so analysts were clearly disappointed Thursday when CEO Brian Moynihan failed to outline any specific plans for further lowering overhead.

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon had to defend the company against calls to break it up, doubts about its ability to command higher prices and greater efficiency, and investor disappointment with fourth-quarter results.

The investment firm made the decision after veteran analyst Anthony Polini and an associate left to form a new research arm for American Capital Partners.

Some members of $194 million NuMark Credit Union received cash back on Dec. 31.

It took more than year for ViewPoint Financial and LegacyTexas to complete a transformational merger near Dallas. The company, which took the seller's name, is now trying to meet its targets in the face of plummeting oil prices.

Numerous banks are expected to say they trimmed expenses yet again when they report fourth-quarter results in the coming weeks. But that trend may ebb soon as many executives are forced to spend on technology and to expand their businesses.

Ted Peters likes to build things and he does not like retirement. The veteran banker will soon solicit outside investors for a fund that he hopes will amass $100 million to pump into promising community banks.

City Holding in Charleston, W. Va., has sold its insurance division to The Hilb Group, a broker based in Richmond, Va.

HANSCOM AFB, Mass. — Hanscom Federal Credit Union on Friday announced its "Loyalty Dividend" payout to members for 2014 — which returned 2% of most consumer loan finance charges and 2% on dividends earned on savings.