UPDATE: Bank of the Ozarks Q4 Profit Up 18%

Bank of the Ozarks OZRK reported an 18% rise in its fourth-quarter profit. Bank of the Ozarks' quarterly profit surged to $20.7 million, or $0.59 per share, versus $17.6 million, or $0.51 per share, in the year-ago period. However, analysts were expecting a profit of $0.55 per share. Its net interest income dropped 4.5% to $43.8 million, while noninterest income rose 45% to $18.8 million. Bank of the Ozarks shares gained 0.15% to close at $34.52 yesterday.