Regions Bank details fourth quarter results

Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF) has announced earnings for the fourth quarter and full year ended Dec. 31, 2014.

For the fourth quarter, the company reported net income available to common shareholders of $195 million and earnings per diluted share of 14 cents.

For the full year 2014, Regions reported net income available to common shareholders of $1.1 billion and earnings per diluted share of 80 cents, an increase of 4 percent over 2013.

"The fourth quarter rounded out a solid year in which we grew loans, increased deposit balances, and improved asset quality and capital ratios," said Grayson Hall, chairman, president and CEO, in prepared comments. "As we execute our strategy to deepen relationships with customers and improve efficiencies across our business, we are well-positioned for continued progress in 2015."

Total ending loan balances increased $3 billion or 4 percent for the full year. Notably, Regions said, both the business and consumer lending portfolios increased. Business lending increased 5 percent led by commercial and industrial loans, which grew by 11 percent. This was primarily driven by growth in specialized lending, asset based lending and geographically broad-based corporate lending. Consumer loans increased 2 percent from the previous year, led by indirect auto lending, which increased 18 percent.