Earnings released for Northern Trust

CHICAGO -- Northern Trust Corp. reported fourth quarter net income was down nearly 27 percent to $125 million, compared with $170 million in the fourth quarter last year. Earnings were significantly impacted by the previously disclosed $150 million pre-tax charge for accruals related to Visa Inc. Excluding the effect of these charges, fourth quarter net operating earnings per common share was 97 cents, an increase of 26 percent from 77 cents in 2006.