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Regions reports 2019 earnings from continuing operations of $1.5 billion, and earnings per share of $1.50, up 10 percent


Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF) today announced earnings for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2019. For the fourth quarter, the company reported net income from continuing operations available to common shareholders of $366 million, and earnings per diluted share of $0.38. For the full year of 2019, the company reported net income available to common shareholders from continuing operations of $1.5 billion, and earnings per diluted share from continuing operations of $1.50, a 10 percent increase. Full-year pre-tax pre-provision income was at its highest level since 2007, increasing 9 percent, generating positive operating leverage of approximately 4 percent on a reported basis and 2 percent on an adjusted basis(1) versus the prior year.

"Regions delivered strong financial results in 2019 by focusing on our customers, maintaining expense discipline and proactively managing our business to address evolving market dynamics," said John Turner, President and CEO. "Adjusted revenue grew 2 percent, the adjusted efficiency ratio improved 130 basis points, and we generated the highest pre-tax pre-provision income in over a decade. We are well positioned to meet our performance goals for 2020 by executing our strategic plan and delivering consistent, sustainable performance."

SUMMARY OF FULL YEAR AND FOURTH QUARTER 2019 RESULTS:

 

 

Quarter Ended

 

Year Ended

(amounts in millions, except per share data)

 

12/31/2019

 

9/30/2019

 

12/31/2018

 

2019

 

2018

Income from continuing operations (A)

 

$

389

 

 

$

409

 

 

$

406

 

 

$

1,582

 

 

$

1,568

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

?

 

 

?

 

 

?

 

 

?

 

 

191

 

Net income

 

389

 

 

409

 

 

406

 

 

1,582

 

 

1,759

 

Preferred dividends (B)

 

23

 

 

24

 

 

16

 

 

79

 

 

64

 

Net income available to common shareholders

 

$

366

 

 

$

385

 

 

$

390

 

 

$

1,503

 

 

$

1,695

 

Net income from continuing operations available to common shareholders (A) ? (B)

 

$

366

 

 

$

385

 

 

$

390

 

 

$

1,503

 

 

$

1,504

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding

 

968

 

 

991

 

 

1,043

 

 

999

 

 

1,102

 

Actual shares outstanding?end of period

 

957

 

 

964

 

 

1,025

 

 

957

 

 

1,025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations

 

$

0.38

 

 

$

0.39

 

 

$

0.37

 

 

$

1.50

 

 

$

1.36

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per common share

 

$

0.38

 

 

$

0.39

 

 

$

0.37

 

 

$

1.50

 

 

$

1.54

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-GAAP adjusted items impacting earnings from continuing operations(1):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pre-tax adjusted items:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

 

$

(16

)

 

$

?

 

 

$

?

 

 

$

(16

)

 

$

?

 

Branch consolidation, property and equipment charges

 

(12

)

 

(5

)

 

(3

)

 

(25

)

 

(11

)

Salaries and benefits related to severance charges

 

?

 

 

(1

)

 

(7

)

 

(5

)

 

(61

)

Contribution to Regions' charitable foundation

 

?

 

 

?

 

 

?

 

 

?

 

 

(60

)

Expenses associated with residential mortgage loan sale

 

?

 

 

?

 

 

?

 

 

?

 

 

(4

)

Securities gains (losses), net

 

(2

)

 

?

 

 

?

 

 

(28

)

 

1

 

Leveraged lease termination gains

 

?

 

 

1

 

 

?

 

 

1

 

 

8

 

Gain on sale of affordable housing residential mortgage loans

 

?

 

 

?

 

 

?

 

 

8

 

 

?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted EPS impact*

 

$

(0.02

)

 

$

?

 

 

$

(0.01

)

 

$

(0.05

)

 

$

(0.08

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Based on income taxes at an approximate 25% incremental rate.

During the fourth quarter of 2019, total revenue increased approximately 3 percent on a reported and adjusted basis(1) compared to the fourth quarter of 2018 as growth in non-interest income exceeded a decline in net interest income. Non-interest expense remained well controlled during the quarter on a reported and adjusted basis(1), as higher production-based compensation and marketing spend were partially offset by a reduction in occupancy expense.

Overall asset quality remained in line with the company's broader risk expectations during the quarter. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2018, annualized net charge-offs remained unchanged at 0.46 percent of average loans, and total non-performing loans increased 1 basis point to 0.61 percent of total loans outstanding. The allowance for loan and lease losses increased to 1.05 percent of total loans and 171 percent of non-performing loans. Business services criticized loans increased 17 percent driven by increases in classified loans, partially offset by a decrease in special mention loans.

Non-GAAP adjusted items(1) impacting the company's earnings are identified to assist investors in analyzing Regions' operating results on the same basis as that applied by management and provide a basis to predict future performance. Non-GAAP adjusted items(1) in the current quarter include the company's continued focus on increasing organizational efficiency and effectiveness. This included $12 million of net expenses associated with branch consolidations and property and equipment charges. In addition, the company incurred a $16 million loss related to the early extinguishment of debt and recorded $2 million in securities losses during the quarter.

Total revenue from continuing operations

 

 

Quarter Ended

($ amounts in millions)

 

12/31/2019

 

9/30/2019

 

12/31/2018

 

4Q19 vs. 3Q19

 

4Q19 vs. 4Q18

Net interest income and other financing income

 

$

918

 

 

$

937

 

 

$

958

 

 

$

(19

)

 

(2.0

)%

 

$

(40

)

 

(4.2

)%

Taxable equivalent adjustment

 

13

 

 

13

 

 

13

 

 

?

 

 

?

%

 

?

 

 

?

%

Net interest income and other financing income, taxable equivalent basis

 

$

931

 

 

$

950

 

 

$

971

 

 

$

(19

)

 

(2.0

)%

 

$

(40

)

 

(4.1

)%

Net interest margin (FTE)

 

3.39

%

 

3.44

%

 

3.52

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-interest income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service charges on deposit accounts

 

$

187

 

 

$

186

 

 

$

185

 

 

$

1

 

 

0.5

%

 

$

2

 

 

1.1

%

Card and ATM fees

 

112

 

 

114

 

 

111

 

 

(2

)

 

(1.8

)%

 

1

 

 

0.9

%

Wealth management income

 

84

 

 

83

 

 

77

 

 

1

 

 

1.2

%

 

7

 

 

9.1

%

Capital markets income

 

61

 

 

36

 

 

50

 

 

25

 

 

69.4

%

 

11

 

 

22.0

%

Mortgage Income

 

49

 

 

56

 

 

30

 

 

(7

)

 

(12.5

)%

 

19

 

 

63.3

%

Commercial credit fee income

 

18

 

 

19

 

 

19

 

 

(1

)

 

(5.3

)%

 

(1

)

 

(5.3

)%

Bank-owned life insurance

 

18

 

 

18

 

 

12

 

 

?

 

 

?

%

 

6

 

 

50.0

%

Securities gains (losses), net

 

(2

)

 

?

 

 

?

 

 

(2

)

 

NM

 

 

(2

)

 

NM

 

Market value adjustments on employee benefit assets - defined benefit

 

?

 

 

?

 

 

(7

)

 

?

 

 

NM

 

 

7

 

 

(100.0

)%

Market value adjustments on employee benefit assets - other*

 

7

 

 

7

 

 

(8

)

 

?

 

 

NM

 

 

15

 

 

(187.5

)%

Other

 

28

 

 

39

 

 

12

 

 

(11

)

 

(28.2

)%

 

16

 

 

133.3

%

Non-interest income

 

$

562

 

 

$

558

 

 

$

481

 

 

$

4

 

 

0.7

%

 

$

81

 

 

16.8

%

Total revenue

 

$

1,480

 

 

$

1,495

 

 

$

1,439

 

 

$

(15

)

 

(1.0

)%

 

$

41

 

 

2.8

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted total revenue (non-GAAP)(1)

 

$

1,482

 

 

$

1,494

 

 

$

1,439

 

 

$

(12

)

 

(0.8

)%

 

$

43

 

 

3.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NM - Not Meaningful

 

* These market value adjustments relate to assets held for employee benefits that are offset within salaries and employee benefits expense.

Comparison of fourth quarter 2019 to third quarter 2019

Total revenue of approximately $1.5 billion in the fourth quarter decreased 1 percent on a reported and adjusted basis(1) compared to the prior quarter. Net interest income and other financing income decreased 2 percent and net interest margin decreased 5 basis points to 3.39 percent. Net interest margin and net interest income and other financing income were negatively impacted primarily by lower market interest rates, partially offset by declining deposit costs and a more favorable funding mix. Lower average loan balances also reduced net interest income and other financing income but benefited net interest margin.

Non-interest income increased approximately 1 percent on a reported and adjusted basis(1) led by growth in capital markets, wealth management and service charges. Capital markets experienced a record quarter driven by higher commercial swap income, loan syndication revenue, and merger and acquisition advisory services. Customer interest rate swap income was impacted by $5 million of positive market-related credit valuation adjustments during the fourth quarter, compared to $6 million of negative valuation adjustments during the prior quarter. The increase in capital markets income was partially offset by declines in mortgage income and other non-interest income. The decrease in mortgage income was driven primarily by less favorable hedging and valuation adjustments on residential mortgage servicing rights. The decrease in other non-interest income was driven primarily by a net $11 million increase in the value of certain equity investments during the prior quarter that did not repeat at the same level.

Comparison of fourth quarter 2019 to fourth quarter 2018

Total revenue increased 3 percent on a reported and adjusted basis(1) compared to the fourth quarter of 2018. Net interest income and other financing income decreased 4 percent, while net interest margin decreased 13 basis points. Net interest margin and net interest income and other financing income were negatively impacted by lower market interest rates and higher funding costs. This was partially offset by the positive impacts from repositioning strategies executed in the investment portfolio throughout 2019, higher loan balances and favorable loan remixing.

Non-interest income increased 17 percent on a reported and adjusted basis(1). Market volatility in the fourth quarter of 2018 drove significant valuation declines in assets held for employee benefits and negatively impacted bank-owned life insurance income. Compared to the prior-year quarter, market value adjustments on total employee benefit assets increased $22 million, and favorably impacted bank-owned life insurance income $5 million. Wealth management income increased 9 percent reflecting growth in both investment services and investment management and trust income which includes the 2019 acquisition of Highland Associates, Inc. Mortgage income increased 63 percent driven primarily by increased production and sales income reflecting a 61 percent increase in total mortgage production. Hedging and valuation adjustments on residential mortgage servicing rights also contributed to the increase. Capital markets income increased 22 percent due primarily to higher customer interest rate swap income, loan syndication revenue, and an increase in fees generated from the placement of permanent financing for real estate customers. The increase in swap income was driven primarily by market-related credit valuation adjustments tied to customer derivatives.

Non-interest expense from continuing operations

 

 

Quarter Ended

($ amounts in millions)

 

12/31/2019

 

9/30/2019

 

12/31/2018

 

4Q19 vs. 3Q19

 

4Q19 vs. 4Q18

Salaries and employee benefits

 

$

488

 

 

$

481

 

 

$

468

 

 

$

7

 

 

1.5

%

 

$

20

 

 

4.3

%

Net occupancy expense

 

79

 

 

80

 

 

86

 

 

(1

)

 

(1.3

)%

 

(7

)

 

(8.1

)%

Furniture and equipment expense

 

82

 

 

83

 

 

82

 

 

(1

)

 

(1.2

)%

 

?

 

 

?

%

Outside services

 

44

 

 

48

 

 

46

 

 

(4

)

 

(8.3

)%

 

(2

)

 

(4.3

)%

Professional, legal and regulatory expenses

 

28

 

 

21

 

 

27

 

 

7

 

 

33.3

%

 

1

 

 

3.7

%

Marketing

 

28

 

 

23

 

 

21

 

 

5

 

 

21.7

%

 

7

 

 

33.3

%

FDIC insurance assessments

 

11

 

 

12

 

 

14

 

 

(1

)

 

(8.3

)%

 

(3

)

 

(21.4

)%

Credit/checkcard expenses

 

15

 

 

19

 

 

13

 

 

(4

)

 

(21.1

)%

 

2

 

 

15.4

%

Branch consolidation, property and equipment charges

 

12

 

 

5

 

 

3

 

 

7

 

 

140.0

%

 

9

 

 

300.0

%

Visa class B shares expense

 

2

 

 

5

 

 

(2

)

 

(3

)

 

(60.0

)%

 

4

 

 

(200.0

)%

Provision (credit) for unfunded credit losses

 

(3

)

 

(2

)

 

1

 

 

(1

)

 

50.0

%

 

(4

)

 

(400.0

)%

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

 

16

 

 

?

 

 

?

 

 

16

 

 

NM

 

 

16

 

 

NM

 

Other

 

95

 

 

96

 

 

94

 

 

(1

)

 

(1.0

)%

 

1

 

 

1.1

%

Total non-interest expense

 

$

897

 

 

$

871

 

 

$

853

 

 

$

26

 

 

3.0

%

 

$

44

 

 

5.2

%

Total adjusted non-interest expense(1)

 

$

869

 

 

$

865

 

 

$

843

 

 

$

4

 

 

0.5

%

 

$

26

 

 

3.1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NM - Not Meaningful

 

Comparison of fourth quarter 2019 to third quarter 2019

Non-interest expense increased 3 percent on a reported basis but remained relatively unchanged on an adjusted basis(1) compared to the third quarter. Higher production-based incentives drove a 1 percent increase in salaries and benefits. Professional fees increased 33 percent driven by the timing of legal and consulting costs, and marketing expenses increased 22 percent driven by additional campaigns targeting priority markets. Partially offsetting these increases, outside services decreased 8 percent reflecting the company's success in reducing overall third-party spend.

The company's fourth quarter efficiency ratio was 60.1 percent on a reported basis and 58.1 percent on an adjusted basis(1). The effective tax rate was approximately 20.3 percent.

Comparison of fourth quarter 2019 to fourth quarter 2018

Non-interest expense increased 5 percent on a reported basis and 3 percent on an adjusted basis(1) compared to the fourth quarter of 2018. Salaries and benefits increased 4 percent driven primarily by an increase in production-based incentives, partially offset by continued staffing reductions. Staffing levels declined 2 percent or 405 full-time equivalent positions from the fourth quarter of 2018. Marketing expenses increased 33 percent as additional targeted campaigns commenced during the current quarter.

Occupancy expense decreased 8 percent driven primarily by storm-related charges associated with Hurricane Michael recorded in the prior year period, combined with the targeted reduction of approximately 650,000 square feet of space in 2019.

Loans and Leases

 

 

 

Average Balances

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

($ amounts in millions)

 

4Q19

 

3Q19

 

4Q18

 

4Q19 vs. 3Q19

 

4Q19 vs. 4Q18

Commercial and industrial

 

$

39,743

 

 

$

40,200

 

 

$

38,111

 

 

$

(457

)

 

(1.1

)%

 

$

1,632

 

 

4.3

%

Commercial real estate?owner-occupied*

 

5,846

 

 

5,871

 

 

6,196

 

 

(25

)

 

(0.4

)%

 

(350

)

 

(5.6

)%

Investor real estate*

 

6,385

 

 

6,388

 

 

6,090

 

 

(3

)

 

?

%

 

295

 

 

4.8

%

Business Lending

 

51,974

 

 

52,459

 

 

50,397

 

 

(485

)

 

(0.9

)%

 

1,577

 

 

3.1

%

Residential first mortgage

 

14,416

 

 

14,298

 

 

14,230

 

 

118

 

 

0.8

%

 

186

 

 

1.3

%

Home equity

 

8,478

 

 

8,683

 

 

9,335

 

 

(205

)

 

(2.4

)%

 

(857

)

 

(9.2

)%

Indirect?vehicles**

 

1,948

 

 

2,247

 

 

3,109

 

 

(299

)

 

(13.3

)%

 

(1,161

)

 

(37.3

)%

Indirect?other consumer

 

3,005

 

 

2,750

 

 

2,287

 

 

255

 

 

9.3

%

 

718

 

 

31.4

%

Consumer credit card

 

1,337

 

 

1,310

 

 

1,298

 

 

27

 

 

2.1

%

 

39

 

 

3.0

%

Other consumer

 

1,234

 

 

1,239

 

 

1,217

 

 

(5

)

 

(0.4

)%

 

17

 

 

1.4

%

Consumer Lending

 

30,418

 

 

30,527

 

 

31,476

 

 

(109

)

 

(0.4

)%

 

(1,058

)

 

(3.4

)%

Total Loans

 

$

82,392

 

 

$

82,986

 

 

$

81,873

 

 

$

(594

)

 

(0.7

)%

 

$

519

 

 

0.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted Business Lending (non-GAAP)

 

$

51,974

 

 

$

52,459

 

 

$

50,649

 

 

$

(485

)

 

(0.9

)%

 

$

1,325

 

 

2.6

%

Adjusted Consumer Lending (non-GAAP)(1)

 

28,470

 

 

28,280

 

 

28,367

 

 

190

 

 

0.7

%

 

103

 

 

0.4

%

Adjusted Total Loans (non-GAAP)(1)

 

$

80,444

 

 

$

80,739

 

 

$

79,016

 

 

$

(295

)

 

(0.4

)%

 

$

1,428

 

 

1.8

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NM - Not meaningful.

 

* Approximately $345 million of senior assisted living balances were reclassified from owner-occupied commercial real estate loans into investor real estate loans at the end of 2018.

** Indirect vehicles is an exit portfolio.

Comparison of fourth quarter 2019 to third quarter 2019

Average loans and leases decreased approximately 1 percent on a reported basis and remained relatively unchanged on an adjusted basis(1) compared to the prior quarter. Average balances in the business lending portfolio decreased modestly reflecting a continued focus on client selectivity and overall relationship profitability. Business lending loans were also impacted by lower line utilization as payoffs and paydowns outpaced production. Adjusted(1) average balances in the consumer lending portfolio increased modestly as growth in residential first mortgage, indirect-other consumer and consumer credit card was partially offset by declines in home equity lending.

Comparison of fourth quarter 2019 to fourth quarter 2018

Average loans and leases increased 1 percent on a reported basis and 2 percent on an adjusted basis(1) compared to the fourth quarter of 2018. Adjusted(1) average balances in the business lending portfolio increased 3 percent led by 4 percent adjusted(1) growth in commercial and industrial loans. Owner-occupied commercial real estate loans declined 6 percent, while investor real estate loans increased 5 percent. Adjusted(1) average balances in the consumer lending portfolio increased modestly as growth in indirect-other consumer, residential first mortgage, consumer credit card, and other consumer loans was partially offset by declines in home equity lending.

Deposits

 

 

 

Average Balances

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

($ amounts in millions)

 

4Q19

 

3Q19

 

4Q18

 

4Q19 vs. 3Q19

 

4Q19 vs. 4Q18

Customer low-cost deposits

 

$

86,671

 

 

$

85,367

 

 

$

86,141

 

 

$

1,304

 

 

1.5

%

 

$

530

 

 

0.6

%

Customer time deposits

 

7,543

 

 

7,712

 

 

6,792

 

 

(169

)

 

(2.2

)%

 

751

 

 

11.1

%

Corporate treasury time deposits

 

189

 

 

436

 

 

87

 

 

(247

)

 

(56.7

)%

 

102

 

 

117.2

%

Corporate treasury other deposits

 

109

 

 

541

 

 

139

 

 

(432

)

 

(79.9

)%

 

(30

)

 

(21.6

)%

Total Deposits

 

$

94,512

 

 

$

94,056

 

 

$

93,159

 

 

$

456

 

 

0.5

%

 

$

1,353

 

 

1.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

($ amounts in millions)

 

4Q19

 

3Q19

 

4Q18

 

4Q19 vs. 3Q19

 

4Q19 vs. 4Q18

Consumer Bank Segment

 

$

59,359

 

 

$

59,217

 

 

$

57,366

 

 

$

142

 

 

0.2

%

 

$

1,993

 

 

3.5

%

Corporate Bank Segment

 

26,627

 

 

25,690

 

 

26,323

 

 

937

 

 

3.6

%

 

304

 

 

1.2

%

Wealth Management Segment

 

7,891

 

 

7,843

 

 

8,027

 

 

48

 

 

0.6

%

 

(136

)

 

(1.7

)%

Other

 

635

 

 

1,306

 

 

1,443

 

 

(671

)

 

(51.4

)%

 

(808

)

 

(56.0

)%

Total Deposits

 

$

94,512

 

 

$

94,056

 

 

$

93,159

 

 

$

456

 

 

0.5

%

 

$

1,353

 

 

1.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comparison of fourth quarter 2019 to third quarter 2019

Total average deposit balances remained relatively stable at $94.5 billion in the fourth quarter. Average deposits were relatively unchanged in the Consumer segment while the Corporate and Wealth Management segments experienced increases of 4 percent and 1 percent, respectively. The increase in Corporate segment deposits was primarily driven by seasonally higher non-interest bearing and money market balances. Average deposits in the Other segment deposits decreased 51 percent primarily within the wholesale corporate treasury deposit categories.

Comparison of fourth quarter 2019 to fourth quarter 2018

Total average deposit balances increased 1 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2018 as reductions in low-cost deposits, particularly non-interest-bearing deposits, were offset by growth in time and money market deposits. Solid growth in average Consumer segment deposits was partially offset by reductions in Other segment deposits. Corporate and Wealth segment deposits remained relatively stable. Within the Consumer segment, steady growth in primary operating accounts contributed to a 3 percent increase in average non-interest-bearing deposits, helping to reduce the impact of deposit remixing within the other segments.

Asset quality

 

 

 

As of and for the Quarter Ended

($ amounts in millions)

 

12/31/2019

 

9/30/2019

 

12/31/2018

ALL/Loans, net

 

1.05%

 

1.05%

 

1.01%

Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans, excluding loans held for sale

 

171%

 

188%

 

169%

Provision for loan losses

 

$96

 

$108

 

$95

Net loans charged-off

 

$96

 

$92

 

$95

Net loan charge-offs as a % of average loans, annualized

 

0.46%

 

0.44%

 

0.46%

Non-accrual loans, excluding loans held for sale/Loans, net

 

0.61%

 

0.56%

 

0.60%

NPAs (ex. 90+ past due)/Loans, foreclosed properties, non-marketable investments and non-performing loans held for sale

 

0.70%

 

0.65%

 

0.68%

NPAs (inc. 90+ past due)/Loans, foreclosed properties, non-marketable investments and non-performing loans held for sale*

 

0.89%

 

0.82%

 

0.85%

Total TDRs, excluding loans held for sale

 

$659

 

$657

 

$729

Total Criticized Loans?Business Services**

 

$2,251

 

$2,319

 

$1,922

* Excludes guaranteed residential first mortgages that are 90+ days past due and still accruing.

** Business services represents the combined total of commercial and investor real estate loans.

Comparison of fourth quarter 2019 to third quarter 2019

Asset quality performed in line with the company's broader risk expectations reflecting improvements in several credit metrics and some continued normalization of others. Total business services criticized and classified loans decreased 3 percent and 8 percent, respectively, while troubled debt restructured loans and delinquent loans, excluding government guaranteed mortgages, remained stable. Total non-accrual loans, excluding loans held for sale, increased 5 basis points to 0.61 percent of loans outstanding. The increase in non-accrual loans was primarily attributable to one credit within the waste management industry. Annualized net charge-offs increased modestly to 0.46 percent of average loans. The provision for loan losses equaled net charge-offs resulting in an allowance for loan losses equal to 1.05 percent of total loans outstanding and 171 percent of total non-accrual loans. While overall asset quality remains within expectations, volatility in certain credit metrics can be expected.

Comparison of fourth quarter 2019 to fourth quarter 2018

Annualized net charge-offs were in line with the fourth quarter of 2018, and the allowance for loan losses as a percent of total loans increased 4 basis points. Total non-accrual loans, excluding loans held for sale, increased 1 basis point as a percent of loans outstanding. Total business services criticized loans increased 17 percent driven primarily by an increase in classified loans, partially offset by a reduction in special mention loans. In addition, total troubled debt restructured loans, excluding loans held for sale, decreased 10 percent driven primarily by reductions in commercial loans.

Capital and liquidity

 

 

 

As of and for Quarter Ended

 

 

12/31/2019

 

9/30/2019

 

12/31/2018

Basel III Common Equity Tier 1 ratio(2)

 

9.6%

 

9.6%

 

9.9%

Tier 1 capital ratio(2)

 

10.8%

 

10.8%

 

10.7%

Tangible common stockholders' equity to tangible assets (non-GAAP)(1)

 

8.34%

 

8.44%

 

7.80%

Tangible common book value per share (non-GAAP)(1)*

 

$10.58

 

$10.79

 

$9.19

* 2019 improvement in tangible common book value per share includes the impact of quarterly earnings, as well as improvement to market value adjustments within accumulated other comprehensive income, offset by continued capital returns.

Regions' estimated capital ratios remain well above current regulatory requirements under the Basel III capital rules. The Tier 1(2) and Common Equity Tier 1(2) ratios were estimated at 10.8 percent and 9.6 percent, respectively, at quarter-end.

During the fourth quarter, the company repurchased 7.8 million shares of common stock for a total of $132 million through open market purchases and declared $149 million in dividends to common shareholders. The company's loan-to-deposit ratio at the end of the third quarter was 85 percent.

 (1)

Non-GAAP; refer to pages 8, 12, 13, 14, 22, 23, and 26 of the financial supplement to this earnings release.

 (2)

Current quarter Basel III common equity Tier 1, and Tier 1 capital ratios are estimated.

Conference Call

A replay of the earnings call will be available beginning Friday, Jan. 17, 2020, at 2 p.m. ET through Monday, Feb. 17, 2020. To listen by telephone, please dial 855-859-2056, and use access code 8473987. An archived webcast will also be available on the Investor Relations page of www.regions.com.

About Regions Financial Corporation

Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF), with $126 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates approximately 1,400 banking offices and 2,000 ATMs. Regions Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. Additional information about Regions and its full line of products and services can be found at www.regions.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release may include forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not based on historical information, but rather are related to future operations, strategies, financial results or other developments. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations as well as certain assumptions and estimates made by, and information available to, management at the time the statements are made. Those statements are based on general assumptions and are subject to various risks, and because they also relate to the future they are likewise subject to inherent uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the views, beliefs and projections expressed in such statements. Therefore, we caution you against relying on any of these forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, those described below:

The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. For discussion of these and other factors that may cause actual results to differ from expectations, look under the captions "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" of Regions' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 as filed with the SEC.

The words "future," "anticipates," "assumes," "intends," "plans," "seeks," "believes," "predicts," "potential," "objectives," "estimates," "expects," "targets," "projects," "outlook," "forecast," "would," "will," "may," "might," "could," "should," "can," and similar terms and expressions often signify forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all of them. We assume no obligation and do not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statements that are made from time to time, either as a result of future developments, new information or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Regions' Investor Relations contact is Dana Nolan at (205) 264-7040; Regions' Media contact is Evelyn Mitchell at (205) 264-4551.

Use of non-GAAP financial measures

Management uses pre-tax pre-provision income (non-GAAP) and adjusted pre-tax pre-provision income (non-GAAP), as well as the adjusted efficiency ratio (non-GAAP) and the adjusted fee income ratio (non-GAAP) to monitor performance and believes these measures provide meaningful information to investors. Non-interest expense (GAAP) is presented excluding certain adjustments to arrive at adjusted non-interest expense (non-GAAP), which is the numerator for the efficiency ratio. Non-interest income (GAAP) is presented excluding certain adjustments to arrive at adjusted non-interest income (non-GAAP), which is the numerator for the fee income ratio. Adjusted non-interest income (non-GAAP) and adjusted non-interest expense (non-GAAP) are used to determine adjusted pre-tax pre-provision income (non-GAAP). Net interest income and other financing income (GAAP) on a taxable-equivalent basis and non-interest income are added together to arrive at total revenue on a taxable-equivalent basis. Adjustments are made to arrive at adjusted total revenue on a taxable-equivalent basis (non-GAAP), which is the denominator for the fee income and efficiency ratios. Regions believes that the exclusion of these adjustments provides a meaningful base for period-to-period comparisons, which management believes will assist investors in analyzing the operating results of the Company and predicting future performance. These non-GAAP financial measures are also used by management to assess the performance of Regions' business. It is possible that the activities related to the adjustments may recur; however, management does not consider the activities related to the adjustments to be indications of ongoing operations. Regions believes that presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures will permit investors to assess the performance of the Company on the same basis as that applied by management.

Tangible common stockholders' equity ratios have become a focus of some investors and management believes they may assist investors in analyzing the capital position of the Company absent the effects of intangible assets and preferred stock. Analysts and banking regulators have assessed Regions' capital adequacy using the tangible common stockholders' equity measure. Because tangible common stockholders' equity is not formally defined by GAAP or prescribed in any amount by federal banking regulations it is currently considered to be a non-GAAP financial measure and other entities may calculate it differently than Regions' disclosed calculations. Since analysts and banking regulators may assess Regions' capital adequacy using tangible common stockholders' equity, management believes that it is useful to provide investors the ability to assess Regions' capital adequacy on this same basis.

Non-GAAP financial measures have inherent limitations, are not required to be uniformly applied and are not audited. Although these non-GAAP financial measures are frequently used by stakeholders in the evaluation of a company, they have limitations as analytical tools, and should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for analyses of results as reported under GAAP. In particular, a measure of earnings that excludes selected items does not represent the amount that effectively accrues directly to stockholders.

Management and the Board of Directors utilize non-GAAP measures as follows:


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