SunTrust Banks (NYSE: STI) reported Q4 EPS of $0.88, $0.07 better than the analyst estimate of $0.81. Revenue for the quarter came in at $2.06 billion versus the consensus estimate of $2.05 billion.

"Core earnings growth of 18 percent over the past year reflects our focus on expanding client relationships and executing our core strategies. Our strong performance in the fourth quarter and 2014 was driven by good loan and deposit growth, continued expense discipline, and improved credit quality," said William H. Rogers, Jr. chairman and chief executive officer of SunTrust Banks, Inc. "Looking into 2015, we will build on the momentum generated in 2014 to meet more client needs and expand key businesses, creating a more valuable company for all of our stakeholders."

Capital

• Estimated capital ratios continued to be well above regulatory requirements. The Basel I Tier 1 common and Basel III Common Equity Tier 1 ratios were estimated to be 9.6% and 9.7%, respectively, as of December 31, 2014.
• During the quarter, the Company repurchased $110 million of common shares and issued $500 million of preferred stock.
• Book value per share was $41.52, and tangible book value per share was $29.82, both up 2% sequentially. The increase was primarily due to growth in retained earnings.

Asset Quality

• Asset quality continued to improve as nonperforming loans declined 17% from the prior quarter and totaled 0.48% of total loans at December 31, 2014.
• Net charge-offs for the current quarter were $94 million, representing 0.28% of average loans on an annualized basis, down 11 basis points sequentially.
• The provision for credit losses decreased $19 million compared to the prior quarter due to lower net charge-offs, partially offset by a smaller reduction in the allowance for credit losses.
• At December 31, 2014, the allowance for loan losses to period-end loans ratio was 1.46%.

For earnings history and earnings-related data on SunTrust Banks (STI) click here.