SVB Financial reports Q4 EPS $4.62, consensus $5.27

Report Q4 net interest margin 2% vs. 1.91% a year ago. "In the fourth quarter, client cash burn and the pace of VC investment decline both moderated. We saw solid growth in loans and core fees, better-than-expected net interest income, and healthy investment banking activity driven by Biopharma deals," said Greg Becker, President and CEO of SVB Financial Group. "While broader market conditions are limiting growth and driving somewhat higher credit costs, we continue to see strength in our underlying business, and a balance by our clients between near-term expense discipline and preparation for a return to investment and deployment. Until that shift occurs, we believe we remain well positioned with a strong balance sheet and the resources and expertise to manage successfully through the current environment."