Higher costs weighed on UMB Financial (UMBF) in Kansas City, Mo., in the fourth quarter.
Earnings at the $14.9 billion-asset company fell 9.4% from a year earlier, to $21.1 million.
Earnings per share of 52 cents were below the average analysts' estimate by 15 cents, according to Bloomberg.
Noninterest income rose 4.6% from the fourth quarter of 2011, to $109.2 million, because of higher fees from bank cards, deposits and trust accounts.
But noninterest expense increased by 11.1% from a year earlier, to $158 million, because of higher personnel and marketing costs, as well as charges for contingent liabilities.
Net interest income rose roughly 1% from a year earlier, to $80.2 million. The net interest margin compressed 27 basis points from a year earlier, to 2.64%.
UMB recorded loans of $5.6 billion, up 14.3% from the fourth quarter of 2011. The loan-loss provision fell 20% from a year earlier, to $4 million.
