First Citizens Bancshares Inc., Annual General Meeting, Apr 26, 2010, at 13:00 Eastern Daylight. Location: First Citizens Center, 4300 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC 27609,United States. Agenda: To elect 18 directors for 1-year terms; to ratify the appointment of Dixon Hughes PLLC as independent accountants for 2010; and to transact any other business properly presented for action at the Annual Meeting.

First Citizens Bancshares Inc. Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of 30 cents per share on the Class A and Class B common stock. The dividend is payable April 5, 2010, to shareholders of record March 15, 2010.

First Citizens BancShares Inc. reported unaudited consolidated earnings results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2009. For the quarter, the company reported net income of $18.2 million, compared to $12.9 million for the corresponding period of 2008. Improved earnings during the fourth quarter 2009 resulted from significantly higher net interest income, improved noninterest income, and lower provision for loan and lease losses. Noninterest expense increased due to operating costs related to the acquisitions, FDIC insurance expense and foreclosure-related expenses. Per share income for the fourth quarter 2009 totaled $1.75, compared to $1.24 for the same period a year ago. Income before income taxes was $27.5 million, net interest income was $142.4 million and interest income was $191.98 million against income before income taxes of $18.4 million, net interest income was $124.2 million and interest income was $195.37 million for the same period of last year. Return on average assets was 0.39% against 0.31% for the same period of last year. Return on average equity was 4.73% against 3.43% for the same period of last year. For the year, the company reported earnings of $115.6 million, or $11.08 per share, compared to $91.1 million, or $8.73 per share, earned during 2008. The return on average equity was 7.88% for 2009, compared to 6.13% for 2008. Results for 2009 include after-tax gains of $63.0 million related to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) assisted acquisitions of assets and liabilities of Temecula Valley Bank in Temecula, California and Venture Bank in Lacey, Washington. Net income during 2009 also reflected improved net interest income, higher noninterest expense and additional provision for loan and lease losses. Net interest income during 2009 increased $12.1 million, or 2.4%, versus 2008. Income before income taxes was $181.9 million, net interest income was $510.5 million and interest income was $738.2 million against income before income taxes of $139.6 million, net interest income was $498.4 million and interest income was $813.3 million for the same period of last year. Return on average assets was 0.66% against 0.56% for the same period of last year.

First Citizens 3Q profit jumps on 2 bank takeovers

Earnings roundup: CareFusion, Cardinal Health