Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

 

x Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
   For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2007

or

 

¨ Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
   For the transition period from                                  to                                 

 

Commission File Number:       000-50831

 

Regions Financial Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware     63-0589368
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
    (IRS Employer Identification Number)

1900 Fifth Avenue North

Birmingham, Alabama

    35203
(Address of principal executive offices)     (Zip code)

 

(205) 944-1300
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

NOT APPLICABLE
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  (Check one): x Yes ¨ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Large accelerated filer  x Accelerated filer  ¨ Non-accelerated filer  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ¨ Yes x No

The number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock was 704,706,000 shares of common stock, par value $.01, outstanding as of April 30, 2007.


Table of Contents

REGIONS FINANCIAL CORPORATION

FORM 10-Q

INDEX

 

               Page

Part I.

  

Financial Information

  
  

Item 1.

  

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

  
     

Consolidated Balance Sheets – March 31, 2007, December 31, 2006
and March 31, 2006

   5
     

Consolidated Statements of Earnings – Three months ended March 31,
2007 and 2006

   6
     

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity – Three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006

   7
     

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Three months ended March 31,
2007 and 2006

   8
     

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   9
  

Item 2.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    18
  

Item 3.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   39
  

Item 4.

  

Controls and Procedures

   39

Part II.

  

Other Information

  
  

Item 1.

  

Legal Proceedings

   40
  

Item 2.

  

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

   40
  

Item 6.

  

Exhibits

   41

Signatures

   42

 

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Forward Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, other periodic reports filed by Regions Financial Corporation (“Regions”) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any other written or oral statements made by or on behalf of Regions may include forward looking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“the Act”) provides a “safe-harbor” for forward-looking statements which are identified as such and are accompanied by the identification of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. For these statements, we, together with our subsidiaries, unless the context implies otherwise, claim the protection afforded by the safe harbor in the Act. 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 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, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the views, beliefs and projections expressed in such statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, those described below:

 

   

Regions’ ability to achieve the earnings expectations related to businesses that have been acquired, including its merger with AmSouth Bancorporation (“AmSouth”) in November 2006, or that may be acquired in the future, which in turn depends on a variety of factors, including:

 

  ¡  

Regions’ ability to achieve the anticipated cost savings and revenue enhancements with respect to the acquired operations, or lower than expected revenues from continuing operations;

 

  ¡  

The assimilation of the combined companies’ corporate cultures;

 

  ¡  

The continued growth of the markets that the acquired entities serve, consistent with recent historical experience;

 

  ¡  

Difficulties related to the integration of the businesses, including integration of information systems and retention of key personnel;

 

  ¡  

The effect of required divestitures of branches operated by AmSouth prior to the merger.

 

   

Regions’ ability to expand into new markets and to maintain profit margins in the face of competitive pressures.

 

   

Regions’ ability to keep pace with technological changes.

 

   

Regions’ ability to develop competitive new products and services in a timely manner and the acceptance of such products and services by Regions’ customers and potential customers.

 

   

Regions’ ability to effectively manage interest rate risk, market risk, credit risk, operational risk, legal risk, and regulatory and compliance risk.

 

   

Regions’ ability to manage fluctuations in the value of assets and liabilities and off-balance sheet exposure so as to maintain sufficient capital and liquidity to support Regions’ business.

 

   

The cost and other effects of material contingencies, including litigation contingencies.

 

   

The effects of increased competition from both banks and non-banks.

 

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Further easing of restrictions on participants in the financial services industry, such as banks, securities brokers and dealers, investment companies and finance companies, may increase competitive pressures.

 

   

Possible changes in interest rates may increase funding costs and reduce earning asset yields, thus reducing margins.

 

   

Possible changes in general economic and business conditions in the United States in general and in the communities Regions serves in particular.

 

   

Possible changes in the creditworthiness of customers and the possible impairment of collectibility of loans.

 

   

The effects of geopolitical instability and risks such as terrorist attacks.

 

   

Possible changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies, laws, and regulations, and other activities of governments, agencies, and similar organizations, including changes in accounting standards, may have an adverse effect on business.

 

   

Possible changes in consumer and business spending and saving habits could affect Regions’ ability to increase assets and to attract deposits.

 

   

The effects of weather and natural disasters such as hurricanes.

The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” and similar 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. We assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements that are made from time to time.

 

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PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.    Financial Statements (Unaudited)

REGIONS FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

(In thousands, except share data)    March 31
2007
    December 31
2006
    March 31
2006
 
Assets       

Cash and due from banks

   $ 2,991,232     $ 3,550,742     $ 2,059,251  

Interest-bearing deposits in other banks

     37,365       270,601       37,049  

Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell

     1,154,994       896,075       869,117  

Trading account assets

     1,490,374       1,442,994       1,119,854  

Securities available for sale

     18,361,050       18,514,332       11,823,198  

Securities held to maturity

     46,008       47,728       30,591  

Loans held for sale

     1,175,650       3,308,064       1,547,840  

Loans held for sale-divestitures

     -       1,612,237       -  

Margin receivables

     555,580       570,063       563,202  

Loans, net of unearned income

     94,168,260       94,550,602       58,460,211  

Allowance for loan losses

     (1,056,260 )     (1,055,953 )     (782,368 )
                        

Net loans

     93,112,000       93,494,649       57,677,843  

Premises and equipment, net

     2,372,800       2,398,494       1,109,587  

Interest receivable

     627,918       666,410       402,072  

Excess purchase price

     11,191,675       11,175,647       4,987,770  

Mortgage servicing rights (MSRs)

     367,222       374,871       413,672  

Other identifiable intangible assets

     914,410       957,834       304,008  

Other assets

     3,669,790       4,088,280       1,649,464  
                        

Total assets

   $ 138,068,068     $ 143,369,021     $ 84,594,518  
                        
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity       

Deposits:

      

Non-interest-bearing

   $ 19,942,928     $ 20,175,482     $ 13,328,143  

Non-interest-bearing-divestitures

     -       533,295       -  

Interest-bearing

     75,393,720       78,281,120       47,191,336  

Interest-bearing-divestitures

     -       2,238,072       -  
                        

Total deposits

     95,336,648       101,227,969       60,519,479  

Borrowed funds:

      

Short-term borrowings:

      

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase

     8,159,929       7,676,254       3,900,737  

Other short-term borrowings

     2,356,205       1,990,817       995,312  
                        

Total short-term borrowings

     10,516,134       9,667,071       4,896,049  

Long-term borrowings

     8,593,117       8,642,649       6,621,710  
                        

Total borrowed funds

     19,109,251       18,309,720       11,517,759  

Other liabilities

     3,308,003       3,129,878       1,900,495  
                        

Total liabilities

     117,753,902       122,667,567       73,937,733  

Stockholders’ equity:

      

Common stock, par value $.01 a share:

      

Authorized 1,500,000,000 shares

      

Issued including treasury stock - 732,036,345; 730,275,510 and 477,796,812 shares, respectively

     7,320       7,303       4,778  

Additional paid-in capital

     16,447,358       16,339,726       7,360,704  

Undivided profits

     4,289,354       4,493,245       4,169,678  

Treasury stock, at cost - 10,211,100; 200,000 and 21,096,200 shares, respectively

     (368,837 )     (7,548 )     (708,593 )

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (61,029 )     (131,272 )     (169,782 )
                        

Total stockholders’ equity

     20,314,166       20,701,454       10,656,785  
                        

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $     138,068,068     $     143,369,021     $     84,594,518  
                        

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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REGIONS FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31
 
(In thousands, except per share data)    2007     2006  

Interest income on:

    

Loans, including fees

   $     1,773,404     $     1,005,790  

Securities:

    

Taxable

     224,319       131,651  

Tax-exempt

     11,048       8,116  
                

Total securities

     235,367       139,767  

Loans held for sale

     48,342       10,816  

Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell

     16,373       10,490  

Trading account assets

     15,620       9,853  

Margin receivables

     9,610       8,673  

Time deposits in other banks

     1,179       544  
                

Total interest income

     2,099,895       1,185,933  

Interest expense on:

    

Deposits

     687,459       314,708  

Short-term borrowings

     120,661       50,133  

Long-term borrowings

     122,737       88,164  
                

Total interest expense

     930,857       453,005  
                

Net interest income

     1,169,038       732,928  

Provision for loan losses

     47,000       27,620  
                

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

     1,122,038       705,308  

Non-interest income:

    

Service charges on deposit accounts

     284,097       143,640  

Brokerage and investment banking

     199,748       166,793  

Trust department income

     49,929       34,555  

Mortgage income

     37,021       43,286  

Securities gains, net

     304       11  

Other

     125,813       72,106  
                

Total non-interest income

     696,912       460,391  

Non-interest expense:

    

Salaries and employee benefits

     608,939       429,949  

Net occupancy expense

     93,531       58,630  

Furniture and equipment expense

     72,809       32,908  

Other

     333,687       207,525  
                

Total non-interest expense

     1,108,966       729,012  
                

Income before income taxes from continuing operations

     709,984       436,687  

Income taxes

     235,908       137,545  
                

Income from continuing operations

     474,076       299,142  
                

Discontinued operations (Note 9):

    

Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes

     (215,818 )     (7,437 )

Income tax benefit

     (74,723 )     (2,975 )
                

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

     (141,095 )     (4,462 )
                

Net income

   $ 332,981     $ 294,680  
                

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:

    

Basic

     726,921       456,442  

Diluted

     734,534       461,043  

Earnings per share from continuing operations (1):

    

Basic

   $ 0.65     $ 0.66  

Diluted

     0.65       0.65  

Earnings per share from discontinued operations (1):

    

Basic

     (0.19 )     (0.01 )

Diluted

     (0.19 )     (0.01 )

Earnings per share (1):

    

Basic

     0.46       0.65  

Diluted

     0.45       0.64  

Cash dividends declared per share

     0.36       0.35  

 

(1) Certain per share amounts may not appear to reconcile due to rounding.

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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REGIONS FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

     Common Stock   

Additional

Paid-In

Capital

   

Undivided

Profits

   

Treasury

Stock,

At Cost

   

Accumulated
Other

Comprehensive

Income (Loss)

    Total  
(In thousands, except per share amounts)    Shares     Amount           

BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 2006

   456,347     $ 4,738    $ 7,248,855     $ 4,034,905     $ (581,890 )   $ (92,325 )   $ 10,614,283  

Comprehensive income:

               

Net income

   -       -      -       294,680       -       -       294,680  

Net change in unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale, net of tax and reclassification adjustment*

   -       -      -       -       -       (77,950 )     (77,950 )

Net change in unrealized gains and losses on derivative instruments, net of tax and reclassification adjustment*

   -       -      -       -       -       493       493  
                     

Comprehensive income

                  217,223  

Cash dividends declared - $0.35 per share

   -       -      -       (159,907 )     -       -       (159,907 )

Purchase of treasury stock

   (3,687 )     -      -       -       (126,703 )     -       (126,703 )

Common stock transactions:

               

Stock issued to employees under incentive plans, net

   918       9      (1,175 )     -       -       -       (1,166 )

Stock options exercised

   3,123       31      102,512       -       -       -       102,543  

Amortization of unearned restricted stock

   -       -      10,512       -       -       -       10,512  
                                                     

BALANCE AT MARCH 31, 2006

   456,701     $ 4,778    $ 7,360,704     $ 4,169,678     $ (708,593 )   $ (169,782 )   $ 10,656,785  
                                                     

BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 2007

   730,076     $ 7,303    $ 16,339,726     $ 4,493,245     $ (7,548 )   $ (131,272 )   $ 20,701,454  

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principles (Notes 7 and 11)

   -       -      -       (269,403 )     -       -       (269,403 )

Comprehensive income:

               

Net income

   -       -      -       332,981       -       -       332,981  

Net change in unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale, net of tax and reclassification adjustment*

   -       -      -       -       -       41,867       41,867  

Net change in unrealized gains and losses on derivative instruments, net of tax and reclassification adjustment*

   -       -      -       -       -       24,779       24,779  

Net change from defined benefit pension plans, net of tax*

   -       -      -       -       -       3,597       3,597  
                     

Comprehensive income

                  403,224  

Cash dividends declared - $0.36 per share

   -       -      -       (267,469 )     -       -       (267,469 )

Purchase of treasury stock

   (10,011 )     -      -       -       (361,289 )     -       (361,289 )

Common stock transactions:

               

Stock issued to employees under incentive plans, net

   161       1      (6,387 )     -       -       -       (6,386 )

Stock options exercised

   1,599       16      90,341       -       -       -       90,357  

Amortization of unearned restricted stock

   -       -      23,678       -                       -                       -       23,678  
                                                     

BALANCE AT MARCH 31, 2007

   721,825     $     7,320    $     16,447,358     $     4,289,354     $ (368,837 )   $ (61,029 )   $     20,314,166  
                                                     

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

* See disclosure of reclassification adjustment amount and tax effect, as applicable, in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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REGIONS FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31
 
(In thousands)    2007     2006  

Operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 332,981     $ 294,680  

Adjustments to reconcile net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Provision for loan losses

     47,000       27,500  

Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment

     67,519       30,053  

Provision for (recapture of) impairment of mortgage servicing rights

     1,000       (9,000 )

Provision for losses on other real estate

     1,981       1,184  

Net (accretion) amortization of securities

     (6,367 )     1,759  

Net amortization of loans and other assets

     82,041       41,755  

Net (amortization) accretion of deposits and borrowings

     (17,675 )     110  

Net securities gains

     (304 )     (11 )

Net loss (gain) on sale of premises and equipment

     88       (2,920 )

Gain on exchange of NYSE seats for NYSE publicly traded stock

     -       (13,111 )

Deferred income tax (benefit) expense

     (172,182 )     5,860  

Excess tax benefits from share-based payments

     (417 )     (8,512 )

Originations and purchases of loans held for sale

     (2,842,013 )     (3,004,588 )

Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale

     6,346,283       2,988,412  

Increase in trading account assets

     (47,380 )     (105,737 )

Decrease (increase) in margin receivables

     14,483       (35,885 )

Decrease in interest receivable

     32,692       18,746  

Decrease (increase) in other assets

     186,915       (21,391 )

Increase in other liabilities

     494,065       95,105  

Other

     14,522       (1,166 )
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     4,535,232       302,843  

Investing activities:

    

Proceeds from sale of securities available for sale

     14,069       10,324  

Proceeds from maturity of:

    

Securities available for sale

     561,938       617,505  

Securities held to maturity

     1,267       954  

Purchases of:

    

Securities available for sale

     (223,721 )     (629,028 )

Securities held to maturity

     (29 )     (981 )

Net decrease (increase) in loans

     310,840       (83,956 )

Net purchase of premises and equipment

     (52,725 )     (14,431 )

Net increase in customers’ acceptance liability

     (2,327 )     (2,557 )

Disposition of business

     (68,599 )     -  
                

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     540,713       (102,170 )

Financing activities:

    

Net (decrease) increase in deposits

     (5,873,646 )     141,002  

Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings

     849,063       (70,230 )

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

     62,716       49,925  

Payments on long-term borrowings

     (112,248 )     (399,895 )

Net decrease in bank acceptance liability

     2,327       2,557  

Cash dividends

     (267,469 )     (159,907 )

Purchase of treasury stock

     (361,289 )     (126,703 )

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

     90,357       102,543  

Excess tax benefits from share-based payments

     417       8,512  
                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (5,609,772 )     (452,196 )
                

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (533,827 )     (251,523 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     4,717,418       3,216,940  
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $     4,183,591     $      2,965,417  
                

See notes to consolidated financial statements

 

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REGIONS FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006

NOTE 1 – Basis of Presentation

Regions Financial Corporation (“Regions” or the “Company”) provides a full range of banking and bank-related services to individual and corporate customers through its subsidiaries and branch offices located in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. The Company is subject to intense competition from other financial institutions, is subject to the regulations of certain government agencies and undergoes periodic examinations by those regulatory authorities.

The accounting policies of Regions and the methods of applying those policies that materially affect the consolidated financial statements conform with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and with general financial services industry practices. The accompanying interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q and, therefore, do not include all information and notes to the consolidated financial statements necessary for a complete presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows in conformity with GAAP. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of only normal and recurring items, necessary for the fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements have been included. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, incorporated by reference, of the Regions’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

Certain amounts in the prior periods’ financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on net income, total assets or stockholders’ equity.

NOTE 2 – Business Combinations

AmSouth Merger

On November 4, 2006, Regions completed its merger with AmSouth Bancorporation (“AmSouth”), headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. In the transaction, AmSouth was merged with and into Regions Financial Corporation. Each share of AmSouth common stock was converted into 0.7974 of a share of Regions common stock. The merger was accounted for as a purchase of 100% of the voting interests of AmSouth by Regions for accounting and financial reporting purposes. As a result, the historical financial statements of Regions are the historical financial statements of the combined company.

 

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Regions’ consolidated financial statements include the results of operations of acquired companies only from their respective dates of acquisition. The following unaudited summary information presents the consolidated results of operations of Regions on a pro forma basis for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, as if AmSouth had been acquired on January 1, 2006. The pro forma summary information does not necessarily reflect the results of operations that would have occurred if the acquisition had occurred at the beginning of the period presented, or of results which may occur in the future.

 

(In thousands, except per share data)    Unaudited  

Net interest income

   $     1,209,983  

Provision for loan losses

     54,920  
        

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

     1,155,063  

Non-interest income

     680,621  

Non-interest expense

     1,098,578  
        

Income before income taxes from continuing operations

     737,106  

Income taxes

     238,036  
        

Income from continuing operations

     499,070  
        

Discontinued operations (Note 9):

  

Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes

     (7,437 )

Income tax benefit

     (2,975 )
        

Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes

     (4,462 )
        

Net income

   $ 494,608  
        

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:

  

Basic

     733,537  

Diluted

     738,138  

Earnings per share from continuing operations (1):

  

Basic

   $ 0.68  

Diluted

     0.68  

Earnings per share from discontinued operations (1):

  

Basic

     (0.01 )

Diluted

     (0.01 )

Earnings per share (1):

  

Basic

     0.67  

Diluted

     0.67  

 

  (1) Certain per share amounts may not appear to reconcile due to rounding.

Restructuring Liabilities – Relating to the AmSouth merger, approximately $64.9 million of restructuring liabilities were recorded in the fourth quarter of 2006, resulting in an increase to excess purchase price. The balance is comprised of approximately $42.1 million for severance and change-in-control provisions and $22.8 million for contract terminations related to the acquisition. As of March 31, 2007, cash payments totaling $13.7 million were made for severance and change-in-control provisions, while $7.7 million were paid for contract terminations resulting in a liability of $43.5 million at March 31, 2007. As more information becomes available regarding the Company’s finalization of its plans to exit certain activities related to AmSouth and/or involuntarily terminate former AmSouth employees, additional restructuring liabilities may be accrued and reflected in excess purchase price.

Branch Divestitures – During the first quarter of 2007, Regions completed the divestiture of 52 former AmSouth branches. These divestitures were required by the Department of Justice and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve in markets where the merger may have affected competition. The premium received from the divestitures is reflected in excess purchase price.

 

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Assets Held for Sale – In February 2007, Regions listed more than 100 branch and land properties for sale related to the AmSouth merger. These properties exist in areas where the merger created an overlapping presence. Regions has classified these properties as held for sale in “Other Assets” on the balance sheet in the amount of approximately $54 million. An expected loss on the sale of these properties in the amount of approximately $5.9 million was booked in “Other non-interest expense” from continuing operations on the consolidated statement of earnings as of March 31, 2007.

Miles & Finch, Inc. Acquisition

On January 2, 2007, Regions Insurance Group, a subsidiary of Regions Financial Corporation, acquired certain assets of Miles & Finch, Inc., a multi-line insurance agency headquartered in Kokomo, Indiana with annual revenues of approximately $10 million, for a purchase price of $20.6 million.

NOTE 3 – Earnings per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31
 
(In thousands, except per share data)    2007     2006  

Numerator:

    

For earnings per share - basic and diluted

    

Income from continuing operations

   $     474,076     $     299,142  

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

     (141,095 )     (4,462 )
                

Net income

     332,981       294,680  

Denominator:

    

For earnings per share - basic

    

Weighted-average shares outstanding

     726,921       456,442  

Effect of dilutive securities:

    

Stock options

     7,304       4,525  

Performance restricted stock

     309       76  
                
     7,613       4,601  
                

For earnings per share - diluted

     734,534       461,043  
                

Earnings per share from continuing operations (1):

    

Basic

   $ 0.65     $ 0.66  

Diluted

     0.65       0.65  

Earnings per share from discontinued operations (1):

    

Basic

     (0.19 )     (0.01 )

Diluted

     (0.19 )     (0.01 )

Earnings per share (1):

    

Basic

     0.46       0.65  

Diluted

     0.45       0.64  

 

  (1) Certain per share amounts may not appear to reconcile due to rounding

The effect from the assumed exercise of 1,041,000 and 1,508,000 stock options was not included in the above computation of diluted earnings per share for March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, because such amounts would have had an antidilutive effect on earnings per share.

 

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NOTE 4 – Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income is the total of net income and all other non-owner changes in equity. Items that are to be recognized under accounting standards as components of comprehensive income are displayed in the consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity.

In the calculation of comprehensive income, certain reclassification adjustments are made to avoid double-counting items that are displayed as part of net income for a period that also had been displayed as part of other comprehensive income in that period or earlier periods.

The disclosure of the reclassification amount is as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31, 2007  
(In thousands)    Before Tax     Tax Effect     Net of Tax  

Net income

   $ 494,166     $ (161,185 )   $ 332,981  

Net unrealized holding gains and losses on securities available for sale arising during the period

     66,436       (24,371 )     42,065  

Less: reclassification adjustments for net securities gains realized in net income

     304       (106 )     198  
                        

Net change in unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale

     66,132       (24,265 )     41,867  

Net unrealized holding gains and losses on derivatives arising during the period

     35,172       (10,197 )     24,975  

Less: reclassification adjustments for net gains realized in net income

     301       (105 )     196  
                        

Net change in unrealized gains and losses on derivative instruments

     34,871       (10,092 )     24,779  

Net actuarial gains and losses and prior service costs and credits arising during the period

     5,801       (1,037 )     4,764  

Less: amortization of actuarial loss and prior service credit realized in net income

     1,796       (629 )     1,167  
                        

Net change from defined benefit pension plans

     4,005       (408 )     3,597  
                        

Comprehensive income

   $     599,174     $ (195,950 )   $     403,224  
                        
     Three Months Ended March 31, 2006  
(In thousands)    Before Tax     Tax Effect     Net of Tax  

Net income

   $ 429,250     $ (134,570 )   $ 294,680  

Net unrealized holding gains and losses on securities available for sale arising during the period

     (124,617 )     46,674       (77,943 )

Less: reclassification adjustments for net securities gains realized in net income

     11       (4 )     7  
                        

Net change in unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale

     (124,628 )     46,678       (77,950 )

Net unrealized holding gains and losses on derivatives arising during the period

     893       (333 )     560  

Less: reclassification adjustments for net gains realized in net income

     103       (36 )     67  
                        

Net change in unrealized gains and losses on derivative instruments

     790       (297 )     493  
                        

Comprehensive income

   $ 305,412     $ (88,189 )   $ 217,223  
                        

 

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NOTE 5 – Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Net periodic pension expense and other postretirement benefits expense included the following components for the three months ended March 31:

 

     Pension     Other Postretirement Benefits  
(In thousands)    2007     2006             2007                     2006          

Service cost

   $ 10,642     $ 4,762     $ 234     $ 100  

Interest cost

     20,260       7,454       765       536  

Expected return on plan assets

     (26,725 )     (9,816 )     (67 )     (62 )

Amortization of prior service credit

     (67 )     (108 )     (104 )     (104 )

Recognized actuarial loss

     1,863       3,851       12       58  

Settlement charge

     2,300       -       -       -  

Curtailment gains

     (7,052 )     -       -       -  
                                
   $       1,221     $       6,143     $       840     $       528  
                                

The settlement charge during the first quarter of 2007 relates to the settlement of a liability under the Regions supplemental executive retirement plan for a certain executive officer. The curtailment gains during the first quarter of 2007 resulted from merger-related employment terminations.

NOTE 6 – Business Segment Information

Regions’ segment information is presented based on Regions’ primary segments of business. Each segment is a strategic business unit that serves specific needs of Regions’ customers. The Company’s primary segment is General Banking/Treasury, which represents the Company’s branch banking functions and has separate management that is responsible for the operation of that business unit. This segment also includes the Company’s Treasury function, including the Company’s bond portfolio, indirect mortgage lending division and other wholesale activities. In addition, Regions has designated as distinct reportable segments the activity of its mortgage banking, investment banking/brokerage/trust and insurance divisions. Mortgage banking consists of origination and servicing functions of Regions’ conforming mortgage operation. Investment banking includes trust activities and all brokerage and investment activities associated with Morgan Keegan. Insurance includes all business associated with commercial insurance, in addition to credit life products sold to consumer customers. The reportable segment designated “Other” primarily includes merger charges and the parent company including eliminations. Regions’ non-prime mortgage subsidiary, EquiFirst, is presented separately as a discontinued operation in the consolidated statements of earnings. See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion.

The accounting policies used by each reportable segment are the same as those discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in the 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following table presents financial information for each reportable segment.

 

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(In thousands)   General
Banking/Treasury
    Mortgage
Banking
(excl EquiFirst)
  Investment
Banking/
Brokerage/Trust
    Insurance

Three months ended March 31, 2007

       

Net interest income

  $ 1,123,120     $ 27,232   $ 20,108     $ 1,294

Provision for loan losses

    46,125       800     75       -

Non-interest income

    361,309       50,846     271,644       28,071

Non-interest expense

    659,037       76,615     220,547       20,033

Income taxes (benefit)

    350,984       252     26,851       3,061
                           

Net income (loss)

  $ 428,283     $ 411   $ 44,279     $ 6,271
                           

Revenues from external customers

  $ 1,280,566     $ 170,410   $ 268,948     $ 29,574

Average assets

  $     133,896,206     $ 8,319,868   $ 3,728,935     $ 257,645
(In thousands)   Other     Total
Continuing
Operations
  Discontinued
Operations
(EquiFirst)
    Total Company

Net interest income

  $ (2,716 )   $ 1,169,038   $ 11,967     $ 1,181,005

Provision for loan losses

    -       47,000     182       47,182

Non-interest income

    (14,958 )     696,912     (176,681 )     520,231

Non-interest expense

    132,734       1,108,966     50,922       1,159,888

Income taxes (benefit)

    (145,240 )     235,908     (74,723 )     161,185
                           

Net income (loss)

  $ (5,168 )   $ 474,076   $ (141,095 )   $ 332,981
                           

Revenues from external customers

  $ 116,452     $ 1,865,950   $ (164,714 )   $ 1,701,236

Average assets

  $ (6,185,225 )   $     140,017,429   $     1,946,262     $     141,963,691
(In thousands)   General Banking/
Treasury
    Mortgage
Banking
(excl EquiFirst)
  Investment
Banking/
Brokerage/Trust
    Insurance

Three months ended March 31, 2006

       

Net interest income

  $ 744,285     $ 6,753   $ 12,241     $ 1,297

Provision for loan losses

    27,164       169     -       -

Non-interest income

    160,902       59,845     221,621       21,232

Non-interest expense

    461,584       50,717     169,351       15,384

Income taxes (benefit)

    156,478       5,906     23,703       2,805
                           

Net income (loss)

  $ 259,961     $ 9,806   $ 40,808     $ 4,340
                           

Revenues from external customers

  $ 905,187     $ 66,598   $ 233,862     $ 22,529

Average assets

  $ 77,917,242     $ 1,680,075   $ 3,132,914     $ 186,061
(In thousands)   Other     Total
Continuing
Operations
  Discontinued
Operations
(EquiFirst)
    Total Company

Net interest income

  $ (31,648 )   $ 732,928   $ 9,799     $ 742,727

Provision for loan losses

    287       27,620     (120 )     27,500

Non-interest income

    (3,209 )     460,391     9,726       470,117

Non-interest expense

    31,976       729,012     27,082       756,094

Income taxes (benefit)

    (51,347 )     137,545     (2,975 )     134,570
                           

Net income (loss)

  $ (15,773 )   $ 299,142   $ (4,462 )   $ 294,680
                           

Revenues from external customers

  $ (34,857 )   $ 1,193,319   $ 19,525     $ 1,212,844

Average assets

  $ 1,323,121     $ 84,239,413   $ 1,198,311     $ 85,437,724

 

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NOTE 7 – Uncertain Tax Positions

Regions adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“Interpretation 48”), as of January 1, 2007. Interpretation 48 requires that only benefits from tax positions that are more-likely-than-not of being sustained upon examination should be recognized in the financial statements. At the time these positions no longer meet the more-likely-than-not threshold, the tax benefits previously recognized would be reversed. Interpretation 48 permits entities to elect the classification of interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits as either interest expense or tax expense. As a result of the implementation of Interpretation 48, the Company recognized an approximate $259 million increase in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits, which was accounted for as a reduction to the January 1, 2007, balance of undivided profits. Consistent with accounting policies prior to the adoption of Interpretation 48, the Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as tax expense.

Regions and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the United States (“U.S.”), as well as various state jurisdictions. As the successor of acquired taxpayers, Regions is responsible for the resolution of audits from both federal and state taxing authorities. With few exceptions in certain state jurisdictions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal or state and local income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 1998, which would include audits of acquired entities. The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) has commenced an examination of the Company’s U.S. federal income tax returns for 2000 through 2005, the fieldwork for which is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2008 for the latest taxable year currently under audit. As of January 1, 2007, the IRS and certain states have proposed various adjustments to the Company’s previously filed tax returns. Management is currently evaluating those proposed adjustments; however, the Company does not anticipate the adjustments would result in a material change to its financial position or results of operations. However, the Company anticipates that it is reasonably possible that an additional statutory payment will be made by the end of 2007, the amount of which is not currently estimable. As of January 1, 2007, the liability for gross unrecognized tax benefits was $636 million. As of January 1, 2007, the Company recognized a liability of approximately $207 million for interest, on a pretax basis. During the period ended March 31, 2007, Regions recognized interest expense, on a pretax basis, on uncertain tax positions of approximately $24 million.

NOTE 8 – Commitments and Contingencies

To accommodate the financial needs of its customers, Regions makes commitments under various terms to lend funds to consumers, businesses and other entities. These commitments include (among others) revolving credit agreements, term loan commitments and short-term borrowing agreements. Many of these loan commitments have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of these commitments are expected to expire without being funded, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future liquidity requirements. Standby letters of credit are also issued, which commit Regions to make payments on behalf of customers if certain specified future events occur. Historically, a large percentage of standby letters of credit also expire without being funded.

Both loan commitments and standby letters of credit have credit risk essentially the same as that involved in extending loans to customers and are subject to normal credit approval procedures and policies. Collateral is obtained based on management’s assessment of the customer’s credit. Loan commitments totaled $41.5 billion at March 31, 2007, and $20.9 billion at March 31, 2006. Standby letters of credit were $6.9 billion at March 31, 2007, and $3.6 billion at March 31, 2006. Commitments under commercial letters of credit used to facilitate customers’ trade transactions were $82.0 million at March 31, 2007, and $51.6 million at March 31, 2006.

The Company and its affiliates are subject to litigation and claims arising out of the normal course of business. Regions evaluates these contingencies based on information currently available, including advice of counsel and assessment of available insurance coverage. Although it is not possible to predict the ultimate resolution or financial liability with respect to these litigation contingencies, management is of the opinion that the outcome of pending and threatened litigation would not have a material effect on Regions’ consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

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NOTE 9 – Discontinued Operations

On March 30, 2007, Regions sold EquiFirst Holdings Corporation (“EquiFirst”), a non-prime mortgage origination affiliate, for approximately $76 million and recorded an after-tax gain of approximately $1 million. Consequently, the business related to EquiFirst has been accounted for as discontinued operations and the results are presented separately on the consolidated statements of earnings following the results from continuing operations. EquiFirst had loans held for sale totaling $1.7 billion at December 31, 2006 and $1.1 billion at March 31, 2006.

The results from discontinued operations for the three-month periods ending March 31, 2007 and 2006 are presented in the following table:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31  
(In thousands)            2007                     2006          

Net interest income

   $ 11,967     $ 9,799  

Provision for loan losses

     182       (120 )
                

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

             11,785             9,919  
                

Total non-interest income, excluding gain on sale of discontinued operations

     (188,658 )     9,726  

Total non-interest expense

     50,922       27,082  
                

Loss from discontinued operations, excluding gain on sale, before income taxes

     (227,795 )     (7,437 )

Gain on sale of discontinued operations before income taxes

     11,977       -  
                

Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes

     (215,818 )     (7,437 )

Income tax benefit

     (74,723 )     (2,975 )
                

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

   $ (141,095 )   $ (4,462 )
                

NOTE 10 – Subsequent Events

On April 24, 2007, Regions Financial Corporation issued $700 million of junior subordinated notes (“JSNs”) bearing an initial fixed interest rate of 6.625%. The JSNs have a scheduled maturity of May 15, 2047 and a final maturity of May 1, 2077. The JSNs were issued to Regions Capital Financing Trust II (“the Trust”) and are the underlying collateral of trust preferred securities (“TPS”) issued by the Trust. The terms of the TPS are identical to those of the JSNs, and the TPS are fully guaranteed by Regions. While Regions is not required to consolidate the Trust, the TPS qualify as Tier 1 capital for purposes of calculating regulatory capital for Regions Financial Corporation. Regions has the option to defer interest payments on the JSNs, but in doing so, may not pay dividends to equity interest holders while deferred interest is outstanding. The redemption of the JSNs and payment of deferred interest is subject to a replacement capital covenant, whereby Regions must issue interests ranking equal or junior to the JSNs in subordination in order to repay such amounts.

On April 27, 2007, Regions entered into an agreement to repurchase approximately 14.2 million shares of its outstanding common stock for a total purchase price of $500 million. These shares will be accounted for as treasury stock on the date of purchase.

NOTE 11 – Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In July, 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation 48, which requires that only benefits from tax positions that are more-likely-than-not of being sustained upon examination should be recognized in the financial statements. See Note 7, “Uncertain Tax Positions” for additional information about the impact of this interpretation.

 

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In July, 2006, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 13-2, “Accounting for a Change or Projected Change in the Timing of Cash Flows Relating to Income Taxes Generated by a Leveraged Lease Transaction” (“FSP 13-2”), which addresses how a change or projected change in the timing of cash flows relating to income taxes generated by a leveraged lease transaction affects the accounting by a lessor for that lease. This FSP requires the projected timing of income tax cash flows generated by a leveraged lease transaction to be reviewed annually or more frequently if changes in circumstances indicate that a change in timing has occurred or is projected to occur. If the projected timing of the income tax cash flows is revised during the lease term, the rate of return and the recognition of income shall be recalculated from the inception of the lease as provided in FASB Statement No. 13, “Accounting for Leases.” FSP 13-2 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and the cumulative effect of applying the provisions of this FSP shall be reported as an adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings. Regions adopted FSP 13-2 on January 1, 2007 and the effect of adoption on the consolidated financial statements was a reduction in undivided profits of approximately $10.4 million.

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“Statement 157”), which provides guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities. This statement also requires expanded disclosures about the extent to which a company measures assets and liabilities at fair value, the information used to measure fair value, and the effect of fair value measurements on earnings. This statement applies whenever other standards require or permit assets and liabilities to be measured at fair value. This statement does not expand the use of fair value in any circumstance. Statement 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Regions is in the process of reviewing the potential impact of this statement.

In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“Statement 159”). Statement 159 allows entities to voluntarily choose, at specified election dates, to measure financial assets and financial liabilities (as well as certain nonfinancial instruments that are similar to financial instruments) at fair value (the “fair value option”). The election is made on an instrument-by-instrument basis and is irrevocable. If the fair value option is elected for an instrument, Statement 159 specifies that all subsequent changes in fair value for that instrument be reported in earnings. Statement 159 is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007 and earlier adoption is permitted. Regions is in the process of reviewing the potential impact of this statement.

 

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Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

INTRODUCTION

The following discussion and analysis is part of Regions Financial Corporation’s (“Regions” or the “Company”) Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and updates Regions’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, which was previously filed with the SEC. This financial information is presented to aid in understanding Regions’ financial position and results of operations and should be read together with the financial information contained in the Form 10-K. Certain prior period amounts presented in this discussion and analysis have been reclassified to conform to current period classifications. The emphasis of this discussion will be on the three months ended March 31, 2007 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2006 for the income statement. For the balance sheet, the emphasis of this discussion will be the balances as March 31, 2007 as compared to December 31, 2006.

This discussion and analysis contains statements that are considered “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. See page 3 for additional information regarding forward-looking statements.

CORPORATE PROFILE

Regions is a financial holding company headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, which operates in the South, Midwest and Texas. Regions’ primary business is providing traditional commercial and retail banking services. Regions’ principal banking subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates as an Alabama state-chartered bank with over 1,900 full-service banking offices in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.

In addition to providing traditional commercial and retail banking services, Regions provides additional financial services including securities brokerage, asset management, financial planning, mutual funds, investment banking, mortgage banking, insurance, equipment financing and other specialty financing. Regions provides brokerage services and investment banking from over 450 offices of Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc. (“Morgan Keegan”), one of the largest investment firms based in the South. Regions Mortgage (a division of Regions Bank) provides residential mortgage loan origination and servicing activities for customers. Regions Mortgage services approximately $42.6 billion in mortgage loans. On March 30, 2007, Regions sold its non-conforming mortgage operation, EquiFirst, for $76 million, which is discussed further in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements. Regions provides full-line insurance brokerage services primarily through Rebsamen Insurance, Inc., one of the 30 largest insurance brokers in the country.

Regions’ profitability, like that of many other financial institutions, is dependent on its ability to generate revenue from net interest income and non-interest income sources. Net interest income is the difference between the interest income Regions receives on earning assets, such as loans and securities, and the interest expense Regions pays on interest-bearing liabilities, principally deposits and borrowings. Regions’ net interest income is impacted by the size and mix of its balance sheet components and the interest rate spread between interest earned on its assets and interest paid on its liabilities. Non-interest income includes fees from securities brokerage, investment banking and trust activities, service charges on deposit accounts, mortgage servicing and secondary marketing, insurance activities, and other customer services that Regions provides. Results of operations are also affected by the provision for loan losses and non-interest expenses such as salaries and employee benefits, occupancy and other operating expenses, including income taxes.

Economic conditions, competition, and the monetary and fiscal policies of the Federal government in general significantly affect financial institutions, including Regions. Lending and deposit activities and fee

 

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income generation are influenced by the level of business spending and investment, consumer income, consumer spending and savings, capital market activities, and competition among financial institutions, as well as customer preferences, interest rate conditions, and prevailing market rates on competing products in Regions’ market areas.

Regions’ business strategy has been and continues to be focused on providing a competitive mix of products and services, delivering quality customer service and maintaining a branch distribution network with offices in convenient locations. Regions delivers this business strategy with the personal attention and feel of a community bank and with the service and product offerings of a large regional bank.

FIRST QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS

Regions’ first quarter earnings demonstrate strong core results. First quarter 2007, which reflects the addition of AmSouth for the first full quarter, was also marked by progress in merger integration, including systems conversions and branch divestitures. Regions also completed the sale of EquiFirst, its non-conforming wholesale mortgage originator, during the first quarter of 2007. EquiFirst is presented in the consolidated statements of earnings as a discontinued operation (see Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements for further details).

Regions reported income from continuing operations of $474.1 million, or $.65 per diluted share in the first quarter of 2007, which included $30.4 million in after-tax merger-related expenses (or 4 cents per diluted share). Excluding the impact of merger-related expenses, earnings per diluted share from continuing operations were $.69, or 6 percent above first quarter 2006 per diluted share earnings of $.65. See Table 11 for a reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP financial measures. Primary drivers of the first quarter 2007 net income were solid net interest income growth, increased fee-based revenues, continued low credit costs and sound non-interest expense control.

Net interest income from continuing operations, on a fully taxable equivalent basis, for the first quarter of 2007 was $1.2 billion, compared to $756.9 million in the first quarter of 2006. The increase was driven by a larger balance sheet resulting from the AmSouth merger. The taxable equivalent net interest margin (annualized) for the first quarter of 2007 was 3.99%, compared to 4.18% in the first quarter of 2006. The decrease in the net interest margin reflects the addition of the AmSouth balance sheet, as well as an approximate 9 basis point decline due to a lower tax equivalent adjustment to net interest income from the first quarter adoption of FASB Interpretation No. 48 “Uncertain Tax Positions” (“FIN 48”). See Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion.

Net charge-offs totaled $46.0 million, or 0.20% of average loans, annualized, in the first quarter of 2007, compared to 0.20% for the first quarter of 2006. On a linked-quarter basis, non-performing assets increased $43.4 million to $422.5 million at March 31, 2007, which primarily related to real estate loans that were moved to non-accrual status during the quarter. The provision for loan losses from continuing operations totaled $47.0 million in the first quarter of 2007 compared to $27.6 million during the same period of 2006. The allowance for credit losses at March 31, 2007, was 1.18% of total loans, net of unearned income, compared to 1.17% at December 31, 2006.

Non-interest income from continuing operations, excluding securities gains and losses, increased compared to the first quarter of 2006. This increase, which reflects a full quarter impact of AmSouth operations, was led by increases in service charges on deposit accounts, brokerage and investment banking revenues, and trust fees, offset by a decrease in mortgage income.

Total non-interest expense from continuing operations increased compared to the first quarter of 2006, due primarily to expenses added in connection with the AmSouth merger. Merger charges, which totaled $49.0 million during the first quarter of 2007, were the main driver of the increase versus the comparable period.

 

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TOTAL ASSETS

Regions’ total assets at March 31, 2007, were $138.1 billion, compared to $143.4 billion at December 31, 2006. The decrease in total assets from fourth quarter 2006 resulted primarily from required branch divestitures related to Regions’ merger with AmSouth and the sale of EquiFirst, both of which took place in the first quarter of 2007.

LOANS

Regions’ primary investment is loans. At March 31, 2007, loans represented 78% of Regions’ interest-earning assets. The following table presents the distribution of Regions’ loan portfolio, net of unearned income:

Table 1 - Loan Portfolio

 

(In thousands)    March 31
2007
   December 31
2006
   March 31
2006

Commercial

   $ 24,188,205    $ 24,145,411    $ 14,883,254

Real estate — mortgage

     34,505,573      35,230,343      24,688,763

Real estate — construction

     14,357,801      14,121,030      7,700,465

Home equity lending

     14,845,348      14,888,599      7,655,214

Indirect lending

     4,050,317      4,037,539      1,319,819

Other consumer

     2,221,016      2,127,680      2,212,696
                    
   $     94,168,260    $     94,550,602    $     58,460,211
                    

Loan growth remained challenging during the first quarter of 2007. While real estate construction lending and other consumer loans increased, net decreases in other categories, particularly real estate mortgage loans, more than offset portfolio growth.

ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES

The allowance for credit losses (“allowance”) represents management’s estimate of probable credit losses inherent in the portfolio as of March 31, 2007. The allowance consists of two components: the allowance for loan losses, which is recorded as a contra-asset to loans, and the reserve for unfunded credit commitments, which is recorded in other liabilities. The assessment of the adequacy of the allowance is based on the combination of both of these components. Regions determines its allowance in accordance with regulatory guidance, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 114, “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan” (“Statement 114”) and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies” (“Statement 5”).

At March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, the allowance totaled $1.1 billion. The allowance was 1.18% at March 31, 2007 compared to 1.17% at year-end 2006. Net loan losses as a percentage of average loans (annualized) were 0.20% in the first quarter of 2007 compared to 0.27% in the fourth quarter of 2006. The reserve for unfunded credit commitments was $54.1 million in the first quarter of 2007 compared to $51.8 million at December 31, 2006. Details regarding the allowance and net charge-offs, including an analysis of activity from the previous year’s total, is included in Table 2.

Management’s determination of the adequacy of the allowance is an ongoing, quarterly process and is based on an evaluation of the loan portfolio, including but not limited to: (1) detailed reviews of individual loans; (2) historical and current trends in gross and net loan charge-offs for the various portfolio segments evaluated; (3) the level of the allowance in relation to total loans and to historical loss levels; (4) levels and trends in non-performing and past due loans; (5) collateral values of properties securing loans; (6) the composition of the loan portfolio, including unfunded credit commitments; and (7) management’s judgment of current economic conditions and their expected impact on credit performance.

 

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Various departments, including Credit Review, Commercial and Consumer Credit Risk Management and Special Assets are involved in the credit risk management process to assess the accuracy of risk ratings, the quality of the credit portfolio and the estimation of inherent credit losses in the loan portfolio. This comprehensive process also assists in the prompt identification of problem credits.

For the majority of the loan portfolio, management uses information from its ongoing review processes to stratify the loan portfolio into pools sharing common risk characteristics. Loans which share common risk characteristics are assigned a portion of the allowance based on the assessment process described above. Credit exposures are categorized by type and assigned estimated amounts of inherent loss based on the processes described above.

Impaired loans are defined as commercial and commercial real estate loans (excluding leases) on non-accrual status. All loans which management has identified as impaired, and which are greater than $2.5 million, are evaluated individually for purposes of determining appropriate allowances. If current valuations are lower than the current book balance of the credit, the negative differences are reviewed for possible charge-off. In instances where management determines that a charge-off is appropriate, it is taken immediately.

Except for specific allowances on loans subject to Statement 114, no portion of the resulting allowance is restricted to any individual credits or group of credits. The remaining allowance is available to absorb losses from any and all loans.

Management expects the allowance to vary over time due to changes in economic conditions, loan mix, management’s estimates or variations in other factors that may affect inherent losses.

 

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Activity in the allowance for credit losses is summarized as follows:

Table 2 - Allowance for Credit Losses

 

     Three months ended
March 31
 
(Dollars in thousands)    2007     2006  

Balance at beginning of year

   $ 1,107,788     $ 783,536  

Loans charged-off:

    

Commercial

     16,460       13,482  

Real estate - mortgage

     8,562       12,282  

Real estate - construction

     7,648       3,721  

Equity lending

     12,223       7,645  

Indirect lending

     8,710       5,409  

Consumer

     19,583       5,570  
                
     73,186       48,109  

Recoveries of loans previously charged-off:

    

Commercial

     10,800       10,153  

Real estate - mortgage

     123       1,074  

Real estate - construction

     23       820  

Equity lending

     3,537       1,566  

Indirect lending

     4,294       1,965  

Consumer

     8,387       3,863  
                
     27,164       19,441  

Net charge-offs

    

Commercial

     5,660       3,329  

Real estate - mortgage

     8,439       11,208  

Real estate - construction

     7,625       2,901  

Equity lending

     8,686       6,079  

Indirect lending

     4,416       3,444  

Consumer

     11,196       1,707  
                
     46,022       28,668  

Allowance allocated to sold loans

     (853 )     -  

Provision for loan losses - continuing operations

     47,000       27,620  

Provision for loan losses - discontinued operations

     182       (120 )

Provision for unfunded credit commitments

     2,229       -  
                

Balance at end of period

   $ 1,110,324     $ 782,368  
                

Components:

    

Allowance for loan losses

   $ 1,056,260     $ 782,368  

Reserve for unfunded credit commitments (1)

     54,064       -  
                

Allowance for credit losses

   $ 1,110,324     $ 782,368  
                

(1)  During the fourth quarter of 2006, Regions transferred a portion of the allowance for loan losses related to unfunded credit commitments to other liabilities.

     

Loans, net of unearned income, outstanding at end of period

   $     94,168,260     $     58,460,211  

Average loans, net of unearned income, outstanding for the period

     94,338,760       58,191,512  

Ratios:

    

Allowance for credit losses at end of period to loans, net of unearned income

     1.18 %     1.34 %

Allowance for loan losses at end of period to loans, net of unearned income

     1.12       1.34  

Net charge-offs as percentage of average loans, net of unearned income*

     0.20       0.20  

 

  * Annualized

 

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NON-PERFORMING ASSETS

Non-performing assets are summarized as follows:

Table 3 - Non-Performing Assets

 

(Dollars in thousands)    March 31
2007
    December 31
2006
    March 31
2006
 

Non-performing loans:

      

Non-accrual loans

   $ 349,833     $ 306,471     $ 343,880  

Renegotiated loans

     -       -       190  
                        

Total non-performing loans

     349,833       306,471       344,070  

Foreclosed properties

     72,658       72,663       64,999  
                        

Total non-performing assets*

   $     422,491     $     379,134     $     409,069  
                        

Accruing loans 90 days past due

   $ 204,296     $ 143,868     $ 92,766  

Non-performing assets* to loans, net of unearned income and foreclosed properties

     0.45 %     0.40 %     0.70 %

 

  * Exclusive of accruing loans 90 days past due

Non-accruing loans at March 31, 2007 increased $43.4 million from year-end 2006 levels, due primarily to real estate loans that were moved to non-accrual status during the quarter. Loans past due 90 days or more increased from year-end 2006 levels, due primarily to conforming Regions’ and AmSouth’s credit policies with respect to residential first mortgage and home equity loans.

SECURITIES

The following table shows the carrying values of securities:

Table 4 - Securities

 

(In thousands)    March 31
2007
   December 31
2006
   March 31
2006

U.S. Treasury securities

   $ 404,771    $ 400,065    $ 248,942

Federal agency securities

     3,736,314      3,752,216      2,957,412

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

     767,570      788,736      415,237

Mortgage-backed securities

     12,483,770      12,777,358      7,554,157

Other debt securities

     221,558      80,980      94,644

Equity securities

     793,075      762,705      583,397
                    
   $     18,407,058    $     18,562,060    $     11,853,789
                    

Total securities at March 31, 2007 decreased approximately 1% from year-end 2006 levels. Securities available for sale, which comprise nearly all of the securities portfolio, are an important tool used to manage interest rate sensitivity and provide a primary source of liquidity for the Company (see INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY, Exposure to Interest Rate Movements and LIQUIDITY).

OTHER INTEREST-EARNING ASSETS

All other interest-earning assets decreased approximately $3.7 billion from year-end 2006 to March 31, 2007, primarily resulting from the reduction of loans held for sale due to the required branch divestitures related to Regions’ merger with AmSouth and the sale of EquiFirst.

 

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MORTGAGE SERVICING RIGHTS

A summary of mortgage servicing rights is presented as follows. The balances shown represent the original amounts capitalized, less accumulated amortization and valuation allowance, for the right to service mortgage loans that are owned by other investors. The carrying values of mortgage servicing rights are affected by various factors, including prepayments of the underlying mortgages. A significant change in prepayments of mortgages in the servicing portfolio could result in significant changes in the valuation allowance, thus creating volatility in the carrying amount of mortgage servicing rights.

The following table presents an analysis of mortgage servicing rights:

Table 5 - Mortgage Servicing Rights

 

     Three months ended
March 31
 
(In thousands)            2007                     2006          

Balance at beginning of year

   $ 416,217     $ 441,508  

Amounts capitalized

     12,643       13,350  

Sale of servicing assets

     -       (2,383 )

Amortization

     (20,042 )     (18,303 )
                
     408,818       434,172  

Valuation allowance

     (41,596 )     (20,500 )
                

Balance at end of period

   $     367,222     $     413,672  
                

DEPOSITS

Regions competes with other banking and financial services companies for a share of the deposit market. Regions’ ability to compete in the deposit market depends heavily on how effectively the Company meets customers’ needs. Regions employs both traditional and non-traditional means to meet customers’ needs. Regions employs various means to meet those needs and enhance competitiveness, such as providing well-designed products, providing a high level of customer service, providing competitive pricing and expanding the traditional branch network to provide convenient branch locations for customers. Regions also employs such means to serve customers as providing centralized, high-quality telephone banking services and alternative product delivery channels such as Internet banking.

The following table summarizes deposits by category:

Table 6 - Deposits

 

(In thousands)    March 31
2007
   December 31
2006
   March 31
2006

Non-interest-bearing demand

   $ 19,942,928    $ 20,175,482    $ 13,328,143

Non-interest-bearing demand - divestitures

     -      533,295      -
                    

Total non-interest bearing deposits

     19,942,928      20,708,777      13,328,143
                    

Savings accounts

     3,937,346      3,882,533      3,182,650

Interest-bearing transaction accounts

     16,426,436      15,899,813      9,538,595

Money market accounts

     22,109,072      21,521,258      12,848,984

Certificates of deposits greater than $100,000

     12,979,072      12,776,086      7,480,764

Other interest-bearing deposits

     19,941,794      24,201,430      14,140,343

Interest-bearing deposits - divestitures

     -      2,238,072      -
                    

Total interest-bearing deposits

     75,393,720      80,519,192      47,191,336
                    
   $     95,336,648    $     101,227,969    $     60,519,479
                    

Total deposits at March 31, 2007, decreased approximately 6% compared to year-end 2006 levels. The decrease in deposits from December 31, 2006 resulted partially from required branch divestitures related to

 

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Regions’ merger with AmSouth. These divestitures decreased March 31, 2007 deposit balances by $2.8 billion compared to year-end 2006. Low-cost deposits excluding divestitures, which include non-interest-bearing demand, savings, interest-bearing transaction, and money market accounts, increased by 6 percent linked-quarter annualized, driven by a successful interest-bearing checking campaign and an 11 percent linked-quarter annualized increase in money market accounts, resulting from various money market specials and shifting consumer preferences. This increase was offset by a decline in other interest-bearing deposits, which resulted from a decline in foreign deposits used for wholesale funding purposes.

SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS

The following is a summary of short-term borrowings:

Table 7 - Short-Term Borrowings

 

(In thousands)    March 31
2007
   December 31
2006
   March 31
2006

Federal funds purchased

   $ 4,150,664    $ 3,709,080    $ 812,675

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

     4,009,265      3,967,174      3,088,062

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

     850,000      500,000      -

Senior bank notes

     250,000      250,000      -

Brokerage customers liabilities

     471,485      492,631      459,469

Short-sale liability

     639,872      587,747      445,247

Other short-term borrowings

     144,848      160,439      90,596
                    
   $     10,516,134    $     9,667,071    $     4,896,049
                    

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase totaled $8.2 billion at March 31, 2007, compared to $7.7 billion at year-end 2006. The level of federal funds and securities sold under agreements to repurchase can fluctuate significantly on a day-to-day basis, depending on funding needs and which sources of funds are used to satisfy those needs. In addition, short-term borrowings increased due to the issuance of $350 million of short-term Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances during the first quarter of 2007.

LONG-TERM BORROWINGS

Long-term borrowings are summarized as follows:

Table 8 - Long-Term Borrowings

 

(In thousands)    March 31
2007
   December 31
2006
   March 31
2006
 

Federal Home Loan Bank structured advances

   $ 2,054,994    $ 2,102,356    $ 1,035,000  

Other Federal Home Loan Bank advances

     284,028      285,195      835,944  

6.375% subordinated notes due 2012

     596,905      599,060      600,000  

7.75% subordinated notes due 2011

     543,302      546,066      554,391  

7.00% subordinated notes due 2011

     497,751      499,017      500,000  

4.85% subordinated notes due 2013 (Regions Bank)

     486,203      485,718      -  

5.20% subordinated notes due 2015 (Regions Bank)

     343,966      344,032      -  

6.45% subordinated notes due 2018 (Regions Bank)

     322,843      323,227      -  

6.50% subordinated notes due 2018 (Regions Bank)

     312,324      312,617      313,496  

6.125% subordinated notes due 2009

     177,776      178,118      -  

6.75% subordinated debentures due 2025

     164,164      164,269      -  

7.75% subordinated notes due 2024

     100,000      100,000      100,000  

Senior bank notes

     701,446      703,204      1,008,469  

4.375% senior notes due 2010

     490,064      489,386      487,345  

LIBOR floating rate senior debt notes due 2008

     399,481      399,390      400,000  

4.50% senior debt notes due 2008

     349,331      349,212      350,000  

Junior subordinated notes

     225,561      225,768      226,390  

Other long-term debt

     521,035      530,280      245,831  

Valuation adjustments on hedged long-term debt

     21,943      5,734      (35,156 )
                      
   $     8,593,117    $     8,642,649    $     6,621,710  
                      

 

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Long-term borrowings have decreased $49.5 million since year-end 2006 due primarily to decreases in long-term FHLB advances.

On April 24, 2007, Regions Financial Corporation issued $700 million of junior subordinated notes (“JSNs”) bearing an initial fixed interest rate of 6.625%. The JSNs have a scheduled maturity of May 15, 2047 and a final maturity of May 1, 2077. See Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements for further details.

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Stockholders’ equity was $20.3 billion at March 31, 2007, compared to $20.7 billion at December 31, 2006. During the first quarter, net income added $333.0 million to stockholders’ equity, while cash dividends declared and purchases of treasury stock reduced equity by $267.5 million and $361.3 million, respectively. In addition, Regions recorded the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles that reduced stockholders’ equity by $269.4 million from the adoption of FIN 48 and FSP 13-2. See Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for further details.

Regions’ ratio of equity to total assets was 14.71% at March 31, 2007, compared to 14.44% at December 31, 2006. Regions’ ratio of tangible equity to tangible assets was 6.52% at March 31, 2007, compared to 6.53% at December 31, 2006.

At March 31, 2007, Regions had 53.9 million common shares available for repurchase through open market transactions under existing share repurchase authorizations. During the first quarter of 2007, the Company repurchased 10.0 million common shares at a cost of $361.3 million.

On April 27, 2007, Regions entered into an agreement to repurchase approximately 14.2 million shares of its outstanding common stock for a total purchase price of $500 million. These shares will be accounted for as treasury stock on the date of purchase.

The Board of Directors declared a $.36 cash dividend for the first quarter of 2007, compared to a $.35 cash dividend declared for the first quarter of 2006 and $.36 for fourth quarter 2006.

REGULATORY CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS

Regions and Regions Bank are required to comply with capital adequacy standards established by banking regulatory agencies. Currently, there are two basic measures of capital adequacy: a risk-based measure and a leverage measure.

The risk-based capital standards are designed to make regulatory capital requirements more sensitive to differences in credit risk profiles among banks and bank holding companies, to account for off-balance sheet exposure and interest rate risk, and to minimize disincentives for holding liquid assets. Assets and off-balance sheet items are assigned to broad risk categories, each with specified risk-weighting factors. The resulting capital ratios represent capital as a percentage of total risk-weighted assets and off-balance sheet items. Banking organizations that are considered to have excessive interest rate risk exposure are required to maintain higher levels of capital.

The minimum standard for the ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets is 8%. At least 50% of that capital level must consist of common equity, undivided profits and non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock, less goodwill and certain other intangibles (“Tier 1 capital”). The remainder (“Tier 2 capital”) may consist of a limited amount of other preferred stock, mandatory convertible securities, subordinated debt, and a limited amount of the allowance for loan losses. The sum of Tier 1 capital and Tier 2 capital is “total risk-based capital.”

 

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The banking regulatory agencies also have adopted regulations that supplement the risk-based guidelines to include a minimum ratio of 3% of Tier 1 capital to average assets less goodwill (the “leverage ratio”). Depending upon the risk profile of the institution and other factors, the regulatory agencies may require a leverage ratio of 1% to 2% above the minimum 3% level.

The following chart summarizes the applicable bank regulatory capital requirements. Regions’ capital ratios at March 31, 2007, December 31, 2006 and March 31, 2006 substantially exceeded all regulatory requirements.

Table 9 - Regulatory Capital Requirements

 

     To Be Well
Capitalized
    March 31, 2007
Ratio
    December 31, 2006
Ratio
    March 31, 2006
Ratio
 

Tier 1 Capital:

        

Regions Financial Corporation

   6.00 %   7.96 %   8.07 %   8.52 %

Regions Bank

   6.00     9.87     9.77     10.45  

Total Capital:

        

Regions Financial Corporation

   10.00 %   11.22 %   11.54 %   12.31 %

Regions Bank

   10.00     11.81     11.76     12.02  

Leverage:

        

Regions Financial Corporation

   5.00 %   6.86 %   8.30 %   7.25 %

Regions Bank

   5.00     8.57     10.55     9.03  

LIQUIDITY

GENERAL

Liquidity is an important factor in the financial condition of Regions and affects Regions’ ability to meet the borrowing needs and deposit withdrawal requirements of its customers. Assets, consisting principally of loans and securities, are funded by customer deposits, purchased funds, borrowed funds and stockholders’ equity.

The securities portfolio is one of Regions’ primary sources of liquidity. Maturities of securities provide a constant flow of funds available for cash needs. Maturities in the loan portfolio also provide a steady flow of funds. Additional funds are provided from payments on consumer loans and one-to-four family residential mortgage loans. Historically, Regions’ high levels of earnings have also contributed to cash flow. In addition, liquidity needs can be met by the borrowing of funds in state and national money markets. Regions’ liquidity also continues to be enhanced by a relatively stable deposit base.

Refer to Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of the Company’s obligations related to uncertain tax positions.

Regions also has the ability to obtain additional FHLB advances subject to collateral requirements and other limitations. The FHLB has been and is expected to continue to be a reliable and economical source of funding and can be used to fund debt maturities as well as other obligations.

In April 2005, Regions filed a universal shelf registration statement that allows the company to issue up to $2 billion of various debt and equity securities at market rates for future funding and liquidity needs. During the third quarter of 2005, Regions issued $750 million of senior debt notes ($400 million of 3-year floating rate notes and $350 million of 3-year fixed rate notes) under the above universal shelf registration statement. At March 31, 2007, Regions has $1.25 billion available for issuance.

In addition, Regions Bank has the requisite agreements in place to issue and sell up to $5 billion of its bank notes to institutional investors through placement agents. The issuance of additional bank notes could provide a significant source of liquidity and funding to meet future needs.

 

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Morgan Keegan maintains certain lines of credit with unaffiliated banks to manage liquidity in the ordinary course of business.

RATINGS

The table below reflects the most recent debt ratings of Regions Financial Corporation and Regions Bank by Standard & Poor’s Corporation, Moody’s Investors Service, Fitch IBCA and Dominion Bond Rating Service:

Table 10 - Credit Ratings

 

     Standard &
Poor’s
   Moody’s    Fitch    Dominion

Regions Financial Corporation

           

Senior notes

   A    A1    A+    AH

Subordinated notes

   A-    A2    A    A

Trust preferred securities

   BBB+    A2    A    A

Regions Bank

           

Short-term certificates of deposit

   A-1    P-1    F1+    R-1M

Short-term debt

   A-1    P-1    F1+    R-1M

Long-term certificates of deposit

   A+    Aa3    AA-    AAL

Long-term debt

   A+    Aa3    A+    AAL

Table reflects ratings as of March 31, 2007.

           

A security rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities, and the ratings above are subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating agency. Each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.

OPERATING RESULTS

For the first quarter of 2007, income from continuing operations totaled $474.1 million ($.65 per diluted share), compared to $299.1 million ($.65 per diluted share) for the same period in 2006. Excluding the impact of merger-related charges, earnings from continuing operations were $.69 per diluted share, or 6 percent higher than first quarter 2006.

Annualized return on average stockholders’ equity for the three months ended March 31, 2007 was 6.60%, compared to 11.18% for the same period in 2006. Annualized return on average assets for the three months ended March 31, 2007 was 0.95%, compared to 1.40% for the same period in 2006. Excluding merger-related charges and the impact of discontinued operations, annualized return on average stockholders’ equity for the three months ended March 31, 2007 was 10.05%, compared to 11.52% for the same period in 2006. On the same basis, annualized return on average assets for the three months ended March 31, 2007 was 1.46%, compared to 1.44% for the same period in 2006.

Annualized return on average tangible stockholders’ equity was 16.29% for the three months ended March 31, 2007, compared to 22.32% for the same period in 2006. Excluding merger-related charges and the impact of discontinued operations, annualized return on average tangible stockholders’ equity was 24.96% for the three months ended March 31, 2007, compared to 23.34% for the same period in 2006.

Table 11 below presents computations of earnings and certain other financial measures excluding discontinued operations and merger charges (“non-GAAP”). Merger charges and discontinued operations are included in financial results presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Non-GAAP financial measures have inherent limitations, are not required to be uniformly applied, and are not audited. Regions believes the exclusion of merger charges in expressing earnings and certain other financial measures provides a meaningful base for period-to-period comparisons. See Table 11 for computations of

 

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earnings and certain other financial measures excluding merger charges and discontinued operations and the corresponding reconciliation to GAAP financial measures for the periods presented.

Table 11 - GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation

 

          Quarter Ended
March 31
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)          2007     2006  

INCOME

       

Income from continuing operations (GAAP)

      $ 474,076     $ 299,142  

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

        (141,095 )     (4,462 )
                   

Net income (GAAP)

   A    $ 332,981     $ 294,680  
                   

Income from continuing operations (GAAP)

      $ 474,076     $ 299,142  

Merger-related charges, pre-tax

       

Salaries and employee benefits

        23,531       -  

Net occupancy expense

        3,830       -  

Furniture and equipment expense

        245       -  

Other

        21,387       -  
                   

Total merger-related charges, pre-tax

        48,993       -  

Merger-related charges, net of tax

        30,376       -  
                   

Income excluding discontinued operations and merger charges (non-GAAP)

   B    $ 504,452     $ 299,142  
                   

Weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted

   C      734,534       461,043  

Earnings per share, excluding discontinued operations and merger charges - diluted

   B/C    $ 0.69     $ 0.65  
                   

RETURN ON AVERAGE ASSETS

       

Average assets (GAAP)

   D    $     141,963,691     $     85,437,724  

Average assets, excluding discontinued operations

   E    $ 140,017,429     $ 84,239,413  

Return on average assets (GAAP)*

   A/D      0.95 %     1.40 %
                   

Return on average assets, ex. discontinued operations and merger charges (non-GAAP)*

   B/E      1.46 %     1.44 %
                   

RETURN ON AVERAGE EQUITY

       

Average equity (GAAP)

   F    $ 20,452,731     $ 10,686,248  

Average intangible assets (GAAP)

        12,165,061       5,332,016  
                   

Average tangible equity

   G    $ 8,287,670     $ 5,354,232  

Average equity, excluding discontinued operations

   H    $ 20,360,732     $ 10,529,177  

Average intangible assets, excluding discontinued operations

        12,165,061       5,332,016  
                   

Average tangible equity, excluding discontinued operations

   I    $ 8,195,671     $ 5,197,161  

Return on average equity (GAAP)*

   A/F      6.60 %     11.18 %

Return on average tangible equity*

   A/G      16.29 %     22.32 %
                   

Return on average equity, ex. discontinued operations and merger charges* (non-GAAP)

   B/H      10.05 %     11.52 %
                   

Return on average tangible equity, ex. discontinued operations and merger charges (non-GAAP)*

   B/I      24.96 %     23.34 %
                   

*  Income statement amounts have been annualized in calculation

       

 

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NET INTEREST INCOME

The following table presents an analysis of net interest income/margin for the quarters ended March 31 and includes discontinued operations:

Table 12 - Consolidated Average Daily Balances and Yield/Rate Analysis Including Discontinued Operations

 

    Quarter Ended March 31  
    2007     2006  
(Dollars in thousands; yields on
taxable-equivalent basis)
  Average
Balance
    Income/
Expense
  Yield/
Rate
    Average
Balance
    Income/
Expense
  Yield/
Rate
 

Assets

           

Interest-earning assets:

           

Interest-bearing deposits in other banks

  $ 80,520     $ 1,179   5.94 %   $ 52,400     $ 544   4.21 %

Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell

    1,061,976       16,373   6.25       936,243       10,490   4.54  

Trading account assets

    1,475,097       15,911   4.37       924,044       10,324   4.53  

Securities:

           

Taxable

    17,748,027       224,319   5.13       11,462,264       131,969   4.67  

Tax-exempt

    763,297       16,786   8.92       426,119       12,344   11.75  

Loans held for sale

    3,427,285       67,196   7.95       1,828,232       33,882   7.52  

Loans held for sale - divestitures

    1,150,548       21,520   7.59       -       -   -  

Margin receivables

    554,896       9,610   7.02       534,978       8,673   6.57  

Loans, net of unearned income (1) (2)

    94,338,760       1,745,475   7.50       58,191,512       1,011,461   7.05  
                               

Total interest-earning assets

    120,600,406       2,118,369   7.12       74,355,792           1,219,687   6.65  

Allowance for loan losses

    (1,061,769 )         (785,847 )    

Cash and due from banks

    3,010,446           2,029,747      

Other assets

    19,414,608           9,838,032      
                       
  $ 141,963,691         $ 85,437,724      
                       

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

           

Interest-bearing liabilities:

           

Savings accounts

  $ 3,905,299       2,964   0.31     $ 3,100,922       2,849   0.37  

Interest-bearing transaction accounts

    16,113,504       83,343   2.10       10,236,247       34,076   1.35  

Money market accounts

    21,570,731       183,517   3.45       11,909,267       76,986   2.62  

Certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more

    13,271,108       155,935   4.77       7,383,192       72,240   3.97  

Other interest-bearing deposit accounts

    23,343,676       249,609   4.34       14,442,354       128,557   3.61  

Interest-bearing deposits- divestitures

    1,517,504       12,091   3.23       -       -   -  
                               

Total interest-bearing deposits

    79,721,822       687,459   3.50       47,071,982       314,708   2.71  

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase

    8,174,934       96,303   4.78       4,176,546       41,281   4.01  

Other short-term borrowings

    2,213,107       24,358   4.46       999,141       8,852   3.59  

Long-term borrowings

    8,606,381       122,737   5.78       6,859,167       88,164   5.21  
                               

Total interest-bearing liabilities

    98,716,244       930,857   3.82       59,106,836       453,005   3.11  

Non-interest-bearing deposits

    19,694,403           12,926,748      

Other liabilities

    3,100,313           2,717,892      

Stockholders’ equity

    20,452,731           10,686,248      
                       
  $     141,963,691         $     85,437,724      
                       

Net interest income/margin on a taxable equivalent basis (3)

    $     1,187,512   3.99 %     $ 766,682   4.18 %
                           

Notes:

(1) Loans, net of unearned income, includes non-accrual loans for all periods presented.
(2) Interest income includes loan fees of $22,042,000 and $19,229,000 for the quarters ended March 31, 2007 and March 31, 2006, respectively.
(3) The computation of taxable equivalent net interest income is based on the stautory federal income tax rate of 35%, adjusted for applicable state income taxes net of the related federal tax benefit.

 

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For the first quarter of 2007, net interest income (taxable equivalent basis) totaled $1.2 billion compared to $0.8 billion in the first quarter of 2006, due to the AmSouth acquisition. The net yield on interest-earning assets (taxable equivalent basis) was 3.99% in the first quarter of 2007, compared to 4.18% during the first quarter of 2006. The decrease in the net interest margin reflects the addition of the AmSouth balance sheet, as well as an approximate 9 basis point decline due to a lower tax equivalent adjustment from the adoption of FIN 48 relating to accounting for uncertain tax positions.

MARKET RISK

Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in the fair value of financial instruments due to changes in interest rates, exchange rates, commodity prices, equity prices, or the credit quality of debt securities.

INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY

Regions’ primary market risk is interest rate risk, including uncertainty with respect to absolute interest rate levels as well as uncertainty with respect to relative interest rate levels, which is impacted by both the shape and the slope of the various yield curves that affect the financial products and services that the Company offers. To quantify this risk, Regions measures the change in its net interest income in various interest rate scenarios as compared to a base case scenario. Net interest income sensitivity is a useful short-term indicator of Regions’ interest rate risk.

Sensitivity Measurement - Financial simulation models are Regions’ primary tools used to measure interest rate exposure. Using a wide range of sophisticated simulation techniques provide management with extensive information on the potential impact to net interest income caused by changes in interest rates. Models are structured to simulate cash flows and accrual characteristics of Regions’ balance sheet. Assumptions are made about the direction and volatility of interest rates, the slope of the yield curve, and the changing composition of the balance sheet that result from both strategic plans and from customer behavior. Among the assumptions are expectations of balance sheet growth and composition, the pricing and maturity characteristics of existing business and the characteristics of future business. Interest rate-related risks are expressly considered, such as pricing spreads, the lag time in pricing administered rate accounts, prepayments and other option risks. Regions considers these factors, as well as the degree of certainty or uncertainty surrounding their future behavior. Financial derivative instruments are used in hedging the values of selected assets and liabilities against changes in interest rates. The effect of these hedges is included in the simulations of net interest income.

The primary objective of asset/liability management at Regions is to coordinate balance sheet composition with interest rate risk management to sustain a reasonable and stable net interest income throughout various interest rate cycles. A standard set of alternate interest rate scenarios is compared to the results of the base case scenario to determine the extent of potential fluctuations and to establish exposure limits. The standard set of interest rate scenarios includes the traditional instantaneous parallel rate shifts of plus and minus 100 and 200 basis points. In addition, Regions includes simulations of gradual interest rate movements that may more realistically mimic potential interest rate movements. The gradual scenarios include curve steepening, flattening, and parallel movements of various magnitudes phased in over a six-month period.

 

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Exposure to Interest Rate Movements - As of March 31, 2007, Regions maintained a generally neutral position to both gradual and instantaneous rate shifts of plus or minus 100 and 200 basis points. The following table demonstrates the estimated potential effect that gradual (over six months beginning at March 31, 2007) and instantaneous parallel interest rate shifts would have on Regions’ annual net interest income. Results of the same analysis for the comparable period for 2006 are presented for comparison purposes.

Table 13 - Interest Rate Sensitivity

 

(Dollars in thousands)    March 31, 2007      March 31, 2006  
Gradual Change in Interest Rates    Increase (Decrease) in
Net Interest Income
     Increase (Decrease) in
Net Interest Income
 

+ 200 basis points

   $       49,000      1.1 %    $       134,000      4.6 %

+ 100 basis points

     26,000      0.6        76,000      2.6  

- 100 basis points

     (24,000 )    (0.5 )      (72,000 )    (2.5 )

- 200 basis points

     (30,000 )    (0.7 )      (168,000 )    (5.8 )
(Dollars in thousands)    March 31, 2007      March 31, 2006  
Instantaneous Change in Interest Rates    Increase (Decrease) in
Net Interest Income
     Increase (Decrease) in
Net Interest Income
 

+ 200 basis points

   $ 4,000      0.1 %    $ 157,000      5.4 %

+ 100 basis points

     8,000      0.2        92,000      3.1  

- 100 basis points

     (20,000 )    (0.5 )      (85,000 )    (2.9 )

- 200 basis points

     (35,000 )    (0.8 )      (221,000 )    (7.6 )

DERIVATIVES

Regions uses financial derivative instruments for management of interest rate sensitivity. The Asset and Liability Committee in its oversight role for the management of interest rate sensitivity approves the use of derivatives in balance sheet hedging strategies. The most common derivatives Regions employs are interest rate swaps, interest rate options, forward sale commitments, and interest rate and foreign exchange forward contracts. Derivatives are also used to hedge the risks associated with customer derivatives.

Interest rate swaps are contractual agreements typically entered into to exchange fixed for variable streams of interest payments. The notional principal is not exchanged but is used as a reference for the size of the interest payments. Interest rate options are contracts that allow the buyer to purchase or sell a financial instrument at a predetermined price and time. Forward sale commitments are contractual obligations to sell money market instruments at a future date for an already agreed-upon price. Foreign exchange forwards are contractual agreements to receive or deliver a foreign currency at an agreed-upon future date and price.

Regions has made use of interest rate swaps and interest rate options to convert a portion of its fixed-rate funding position to a variable-rate position, and in some cases to convert a portion of its variable-rate loan portfolio to fixed-rate. Regions also uses derivatives to manage interest rate and pricing risk associated with its mortgage origination business. Futures contracts and forward sales commitments are used to protect the value of the loan pipeline and loans held for sale from changes in interest rates and pricing. In the period of time that elapses between the origination and sale of mortgage loans, changes in interest rates have the potential to cause a decline in the value of the loans in this held for sale portfolio.

Regions manages the credit risk of these instruments in much the same way as it manages credit risk of the loan portfolios by establishing credit limits for each counterparty and through collateral agreements for dealer transactions. For non-dealer transactions, the need for collateral is evaluated on an individual transaction basis and is primarily dependent on the financial strength of the counterparty. Credit risk is also reduced significantly by entering into legally enforceable master netting agreements. When there is more than one transaction with a counterparty and there is a legally enforceable master netting agreement in place, the exposure represents the net of the gain and loss positions with that counterparty.

 

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Regions also uses derivatives to meet the needs of its customers. Interest rate swaps, interest rate options and foreign exchange forwards are the most common derivatives sold to customers. Positions with similar characteristics are used to hedge the market risk and minimize income statement volatility associated with this portfolio. Instruments used to service customers are entered into the trading account with changes in value recorded in the statement of earnings.

The objective of Regions’ hedging strategies is to mitigate the impact of interest rate changes, from an economic perspective, on net interest income and the net present value of its balance sheet. The overall effectiveness of these hedging strategies is subject to market conditions, the quality of Regions’ execution, the accuracy of its asset valuation assumptions, counterparty credit risk and changes in interest rates. As a result, Regions’ hedging strategies may be ineffective in mitigating the impact of interest rate changes on its earnings.

BROKERAGE AND MARKET MAKING ACTIVITY

Morgan Keegan’s business activities, including its securities inventory positions and securities held for investment, expose it to market risk.

Morgan Keegan trades for its own account in corporate and tax-exempt securities and U.S. government, agency and guaranteed securities. Most of these transactions are entered into to facilitate the execution of customers’ orders to buy or sell these securities. In addition, it trades certain equity securities in order to “make a market” in these securities. Morgan Keegan’s trading activities require the commitment of capital. All principal transactions place the subsidiary’s capital at risk. Profits and losses are dependent upon the skills of employees and market fluctuations. In some cases, in order to mitigate the risks of carrying inventory, Morgan Keegan limits its trading activity in U.S. Treasury note futures.

Morgan Keegan, as part of its normal brokerage activities, assumes short positions on securities. The establishment of short positions exposes Morgan Keegan to off-balance sheet risk in the event that prices increase, as it may be obligated to cover such positions at a loss. Morgan Keegan manages its exposure to these instruments by entering into offsetting or other positions in a variety of financial instruments.

Morgan Keegan will occasionally economically hedge a portion of its long proprietary inventory position through the use of short positions in interest rate swaps, which are included in securities sold, not yet purchased at market value. At March 31, 2007, Morgan Keegan had $30 million in interest rate swaps. The contract amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.

In the normal course of business, Morgan Keegan enters into underwriting and forward and future commitments. At March 31, 2007, the contract amounts were $15 million to purchase and $76 million to sell U.S. Government and municipal securities. Morgan Keegan typically settles its position by entering into equal but opposite contracts and, as such, the contract amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Settlement of the transactions relating to such commitments is not expected to have a material effect on Regions’ consolidated financial position. Transactions involving future settlement give rise to market risk, which represents the potential loss that can be caused by a change in the market value of a particular financial instrument. Regions’ exposure to market risk is determined by a number of factors, including the size, composition and diversification of positions held, the absolute and relative levels of interest rates, and market volatility.

Additionally, in the normal course of business, Morgan Keegan enters into transactions for delayed delivery, to-be-announced securities which are recorded on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. Risks arise from the possible inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts and from unfavorable changes in interest rates or the market values of the securities underlying the instruments. The credit risk associated with these contracts is typically limited to the cost of replacing all contracts on which the Company has recorded an unrealized gain. For exchange-traded contracts, the clearing organization acts as the counterparty to specific transactions and, therefore, bears the risk of delivery to and from counterparties.

 

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Interest rate risk at Morgan Keegan arises from the exposure of holding interest-sensitive financial instruments such as government, corporate and municipal bonds and certain preferred equities. Morgan Keegan manages its exposure to interest rate risk by setting and monitoring limits and, where feasible, hedging with offsetting positions in securities with similar interest rate risk characteristics. Securities inventories are marked to market, and accordingly there are no unrecorded gains or losses in value. While a significant portion of the securities inventories have contractual maturities in excess of five years, these inventories, on average, turn over in excess of twelve times per year. Accordingly, the exposure to interest rate risk inherent in Morgan Keegan’s securities inventories is less than that of similar financial instruments held by firms in other industries. Morgan Keegan’s equity securities inventories are exposed to risk of loss in the event of unfavorable price movements. The equity securities inventories are marked to market and there are no unrecorded gains or losses.

Morgan Keegan is also subject to credit risk arising from non-performance by trading counterparties, customers, and issuers of debt securities owned. This risk is managed by imposing and monitoring position limits, monitoring trading counterparties, reviewing security concentrations, holding and marking to market collateral and conducting business through clearing organizations that guarantee performance. Morgan Keegan regularly participates as an agent in the trading of some derivative securities for its customers; however, this activity does not involve Morgan Keegan acquiring a position or commitment in these products and this trading is not a significant portion of Morgan Keegan’s business.

To manage trading risks arising from interest rate and equity price risks, Regions uses a Value at Risk (“VAR”) model to measure the potential fair value the Company could lose on its trading positions given a specified statistical confidence level and time-to-liquidate time horizon. Regions assesses market risk at a 99% confidence level over a one-day holding period. Regions’ primary VAR model is based upon a variance-covariance approach with delta-gamma approximations for non-linear securities.

The end-of-period VAR was approximately $1.1 million as of March 31, 2007. Maximum daily VAR utilization during the first quarter of 2007 was $1.2 million and average daily VAR was $975,000 during the first quarter of 2007.

PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES

The provision for loan losses is used to maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level that in management’s judgment is adequate. In the first quarter of 2007, the provision for loan losses from continuing operations was $47.0 million, compared to net charge-offs of $46.0 million. In the same quarter of 2006, provision from continuing operations was $27.6 million. The increase in loan loss provision in 2007 was primarily due to the increase in loans related to the merger with AmSouth. Net charge-offs as a percent of average loans was 0.20% in both the first quarter of 2007 and 2006. For further information on the allowance for loan losses and net charge-offs see Table 2 – Allowance for Credit Losses.

CREDIT RISK

Regions’ objective regarding credit risk is to maintain a high quality credit portfolio that provides for stable credit costs with acceptable volatility through an economic cycle. Regions has a well-diversified credit portfolio, diversified by product type, collateral and geography. The commercial loan portfolio primarily consists of loans to middle market commercial customers doing business in Regions’ geographic footprint. Loans in this portfolio are generally underwritten individually and usually secured with the assets of the company and/or the personal guarantee of the business owners.

The real estate mortgage portfolio includes various loan types, one of which is owner-occupied loans to businesses for long-term financing of land and buildings. These loans are generally underwritten and managed in the commercial business line. Regions attempts to minimize risk on owner-occupied properties by requiring

 

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collateral values that exceed the loan amount, adequate cash flow to service the debt and in many cases the personal guarantees of the principals of the borrowers. Another large component of real estate mortgage loans is loans to real estate developers and investors for the financing of land or buildings, where the repayment is generated by the real estate property. Also included in this category are loans on one-to-four family residential properties, which are secured principally by single-family residences. Loans of this type are generally smaller in size and are geographically dispersed throughout Regions’ market areas. Equity loans and lines, while not included in this category, are similar in nature, size and risk profile to one-to-four family loans. Losses on the residential loan portfolio depend, to a large degree, on the level of interest rates, the unemployment rate, economic conditions and collateral values, and thus are difficult to predict.

Real estate construction loans are primarily extensions of credit to real estate developers or investors where repayment is dependent on the sale of real estate or income generated from the real estate collateral. A construction loan may also be to a commercial business for the development of land or construction of a building where the repayment is usually derived from revenues generated from the business of the borrower. These loans are generally underwritten and managed by a specialized real estate group that also manages loan disbursements during the construction process. Real estate construction loans are individually underwritten and closely monitored by management, since these loans are generally vulnerable to economic downturns. Regions generally requires other underwriting requirements for this type of lending as compared to other real estate lending. Credit quality of the construction portfolio is sensitive to risks associated with construction loans such as cost overruns, project completion risk, general contractor credit risk, environmental and other hazard risks and market risks associated with the sale or rental of completed properties.

Regions’ consumer loans consist primarily of borrowings for student loans, automobiles and other personal and household purposes. Losses within this grouping vary according to the specific type of loan. Certain risks, such as a general slowing of the economy and changes in consumer demand, may impact future loss rates.

NON-INTEREST INCOME

The following table presents a summary of non-interest income from continuing operations:

Table 14 - Non-Interest Income

 

     Three months ended
March 31
  

%

Change

 
(In thousands)            2007                    2006           

Service charges on deposit accounts

   $ 284,097    $ 143,640    97.78 %

Brokerage and investment banking

     199,748      166,793    19.76  

Trust income

     49,929      34,555    44.49  

Mortgage income

     37,021      43,286    (14.47 )

Securities gains, net

     304      11    NM      

Insurance premiums and commissions

     27,229      21,394    27.27  

Commercial credit fee income

     20,574      14,405    42.83  

Gain on sale of student loans

     22,349      57    NM      

Other miscellaneous income

     55,661      36,250    53.55  
                    
   $     696,912    $     460,391    51.37 %
                    

Total non-interest income (excluding securities transactions) increased in the first three months of 2007 compared to the same period of 2006, due primarily to income added in connection with the AmSouth merger. This increase, which reflects a full quarter impact of AmSouth operations, is primarily led by increases in service charges on deposit accounts, brokerage and investment banking revenues, trust fees and the gain on the sale of student loans, offset by decreases in mortgage income. Changes in various categories of non-interest income are discussed below.

 

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Service charges on deposit accounts - Service charges on deposit accounts increased in the first three months of 2007 compared to the same period in 2006, due primarily to an increase in the number of deposit accounts as a result of the AmSouth merger.

Brokerage and investment banking - Brokerage and investment banking income increased $33.0 million compared to the first quarter of 2006, due primarily to increased retail trading activity at Morgan Keegan and investment advisory fees, offset somewhat by a decline in equity capital markets and interest and other business line revenues. During the first quarter of 2007, Regions successfully implemented the conversion of the former AmSouth brokerage system into its current operations.

The following table shows the components of revenue contributed by Morgan Keegan:

Table 15 - Morgan Keegan

Summary Income Statement

 

     Three months ended
March 31
(Dollars in thousands)            2007                    2006        

Revenues:

     

Commissions

   $ 72,405    $ 57,073

Principal transactions

     37,597      41,951

Investment banking

     36,750      43,027

Interest

     40,031      30,327

Trust fees and services

     56,121      28,046

Investment advisory

     41,792      28,885

Other

     17,303      22,639
             

Total revenues

     301,999      251,948

Expense:

     

Interest expense

     23,983      18,085

Non-interest expense

     206,108      169,352
             

Total expenses

     230,091      187,437
             

Income before income taxes

     71,908      64,511

Income taxes

     26,367      23,703
             

Net income

   $       45,541    $       40,808
             

The following table shows the breakout of revenue by division contributed by Morgan Keegan:

Table 16 - Morgan Keegan

Breakout of Revenue by Division

 

(Dollars in thousands)    Private
Client
    Fixed-Income
Capital
Markets
    Equity
Capital
Markets
    Regions
MK Trust
    Asset
Management
    Interest
And Other
 
Three months ended March 31, 2007:             

Gross revenue

   $ 96,072     $ 47,556     $ 17,891     $ 56,122     $ 44,474     $ 39,884  

Percent of gross revenue

     31.8 %     15.8 %     5.9 %     18.6 %     14.7 %     13.2 %
Three months ended March 31, 2006:             

Gross revenue

   $     78,085     $     42,687     $     28,003     $     28,047     $     32,301     $     42,825  

Percent of gross revenue

     31.0 %     17.0 %     11.1 %     11.1 %     12.8 %     17.0 %

Trust income - Trust income for the first three months of 2007 increased $15.4 million, or 44%, compared to the same period of 2006, primarily due to increased trust fees and services due to the full quarter impact of AmSouth trust revenues.

 

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Mortgage income - The primary source of this category of income is Regions’ mortgage banking operations, Regions Mortgage (a division of Regions Bank). Regions Mortgage’s primary business and source of income is generated from the origination and servicing of conforming mortgage loans for long-term investors and sales of mortgage loans in the secondary market.

For the first quarter of 2007, mortgage income from continuing operations decreased compared to the first quarter of 2006, due to lower gains on sales in the secondary market, reflecting the challenging operating environment for the mortgage industry as a whole. Single-family mortgage production from continuing operations was $1.7 billion in the first quarter of 2007, compared to $1.3 billion in the first quarter of 2006. The mortgage operation’s servicing portfolio totaled $42.6 billion at March 31, 2007, compared to $36.7 billion at March 31, 2006.

Regions’ subsidiary, EquiFirst, typically originates non-conforming mortgage loans which are sold to third-party investors with servicing released. On March 30, 2007, Regions sold EquiFirst for $76 million, and results of operations for EquiFirst are reported as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of earnings. See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion.

Other income - In the first quarter of 2007, other non-interest income increased over the first quarter of 2006, due primarily to the impact of the AmSouth merger and includes a $22.3 million pre-tax gain on the sale of student loans. Insurance premiums and commissions increased as a result of the acquisition of Miles & Finch, Inc. (see Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion).

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE

Table 17 presents a summary of non-interest expense from continuing operations, both including and excluding merger charges. Regions incurred merger-related expenses during the first quarter of 2007 in connection with the integration of Regions and AmSouth. The following table shows the impact on the major non-interest expense components by applying non-GAAP adjustments to the non-interest expense categories as reported in accordance with GAAP, more specifically, by excluding merger-related expenses. Management believes that consideration of non-GAAP financial measures in conjunction with their GAAP counterparts provides a meaningful base for period-to-period comparisons and in evaluating trends in non-interest expense. For further discussion of non-interest expense, refer to the discussion of each component following the table presented.

Table 17 - Non-Interest Expense

 

     Three months ended
March 31
   

%

Change

 
     2007    2006    
(In thousands)    GAAP    Less:
Merger
Charges
   Non- GAAP               

Salaries and employee benefits

   $ 608,939    $ 23,531    $ 585,408    $ 429,949     36.16 %

Net occupancy expense

     93,531      3,830      89,701      58,630     53.00  

Furniture and equipment expense

     72,809      245      72,564      32,908     120.51  

Impairment (recapture) of mortgage servicing rights

     1,000      -      1,000      (9,000 )   (111.11 )

Amortization of core deposit intangible

     43,112      -      43,112      10,724     302.01  

Amortization of mortgage servicing rights

     20,042      -      20,042      18,303     9.50  

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

     -      -      -      8,168     NM  

Other

     269,533      21,387      248,146      179,330     38.37  
                                   
   $     1,108,966    $     48,993    $     1,059,973    $     729,012     45.40 %
                                   

 

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Total non-interest expense from continuing operations, both including and excluding merger-related charges, increased compared to the first quarter of 2006, due primarily to expenses added in connection with the AmSouth merger. Changes in various categories of non-interest expense are discussed below.

Salaries and employee benefits - In the first quarter of 2007, salaries and employee benefits increased compared to the first quarter of 2006 primarily due to a full quarter inclusion of AmSouth, as well as merit increases. These increases were offset partially by headcount reductions occurring since the merger in November 2006. As of March 31, 2007, Regions employed 34,138 associates compared to 36,517 at December 31, 2006.

Net occupancy expense - Net occupancy expense in the first quarter of 2007 increased compared to the first quarter of 2006 due primarily to the AmSouth merger.

Furniture and equipment expense - In the first quarter of 2007, furniture and equipment expense increased due to increased depreciation expense from fixed asset additions from the AmSouth merger.

Other expenses - In the first quarter of 2007, other non-interest expense increased compared to the first quarter of 2006, due primarily to increases in core deposit amortization resulting from the AmSouth merger. Also included in other non-interest expense is $17.4 million of investment write-downs, which are more than offset with related benefits included in income taxes.

INCOME TAXES

Regions’ first quarter 2007 provision for income taxes from continuing operations increased $98.4 million compared to the first quarter of 2006 primarily due to increased consolidated earnings. Regions’ effective tax rate from continuing operations for the first quarter of 2007 was 33.2% compared to 31.5% in the first quarter of 2006. The primary driver of the increased effective tax rate is the adoption of FIN 48. As a result of the adoption, Regions recorded a cumulative reduction in equity of $259.0 million. Beginning in the first quarter, the annual impact is expected to increase income tax expense and decrease after-tax net income by approximately $50 million or approximately 7 cents per share in 2007. These adjustments resulted from a change in the recognition of the tax benefit related to a transaction in 2000 with a mortgage-related subsidiary. Refer to Note 7 of the consolidated financial statements for further details.

From time to time, Regions engages in business plans that may also have an effect on its tax liabilities. While Regions has obtained the opinion of advisors that the tax aspects of these strategies should prevail, examination of Regions’ income tax returns, changes in tax law and regulatory guidance may impact the tax benefits of these plans.

Periodically, Regions invests in pass-through investment vehicles that generate tax credits, principally low-income housing credits and non-conventional fuel source credits, which directly reduce Regions’ federal income tax liability. Congress has legislated these tax credit programs to encourage capital inflows to these investment vehicles. The amount of tax benefit recognized from these tax credits was $32.2 million in the first quarter of 2007 compared to $5.8 million in the first quarter of 2006.

Regions has segregated a portion of its investment securities and intellectual property into separate legal entities in order to, among other business purposes, protect such intangible assets from inappropriate claims of Regions’ creditors, and to maximize the return on such assets by the professional and focused management thereof. Regions has recognized state tax benefits related to these legal entities of $10.7 million in the first quarter of 2007 compared to $10.8 million in the first quarter of 2006.

Management’s determination of the realization of the deferred tax asset is based upon management’s judgment of various future events and uncertainties, including the timing, nature and amount of future income earned by certain subsidiaries and the implementation of various plans to maximize realization of the deferred tax

 

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asset. Management believes that the subsidiaries will generate sufficient operating earnings to realize the deferred tax benefits. However, management does not believe that it is more-likely-than-not that all of its state net operating loss carryforwards will be realized. Accordingly, a valuation allowance has been established in the amount of $17.2 million against such benefits as of the first quarter of 2007, compared to $14.1 million in the first quarter of 2006.

Item 3.    Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Reference is made to pages 31 through 34 included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis.

Item 4.    Controls and Procedures

Based on an evaluation, as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-Q, under the supervision and with the participation of Regions’ management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that Regions’ disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) are effective. As of the end of the period covered by this report, there have been no changes in Regions’ internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Regions’ internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II.    OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings

Regions is subject to litigation, including class action litigation, and claims in the ordinary course of business. Punitive damages are routinely claimed in these cases. Regions continues to be concerned about the general trend in litigation involving large damage awards against financial service company defendants.

Regions evaluates these contingencies based on information currently available, including advice of counsel and assessment of available insurance coverage. Although it is not possible to predict the ultimate resolution or financial liability with respect to these litigation contingencies, management is of the opinion that the outcome of pending and threatened litigation would not have a material effect on Regions’ consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Information concerning Regions’ repurchases of its outstanding common stock during the three month period ended March 31, 2007, is set forth in the following table:

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

Period   Total Number of
Shares Purchased
  Average Price
Paid per Share
  Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs
  Maximum Number of
Shares that May Yet
Be Purchased Under
the Plans or Programs

January 1 - 31, 2007

  2,650,000   $     36.54   2,650,000   61,276,413

February 1 - 28, 2007

  2,884,200     36.80   2,884,200   58,392,213

March 1 - 31, 2007

  4,476,900     35.36   4,476,900   53,915,313

Total

  10,011,100   $     36.09   10,011,100   53,915,313

On October 20, 2005, Regions’ Board of Directors assessed the repurchase authorization of Regions and authorized the repurchase of up to 25 million shares of Regions’ common stock through open market or privately negotiated transactions. The authorization was announced on October 21, 2005. At March 31, 2007, 3.9 million shares were authorized for repurchase under this program.

On January 18, 2007, Regions’ Board of Directors assessed the repurchase authorization of Regions and authorized the repurchase of an additional 50 million shares of Regions’ common stock through open market or privately negotiated transactions and announced the authorization of this repurchase.

 

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ITEM 6. EXHIBIT INDEX

The following is a list of exhibits including items incorporated by reference.

 

    3.1(a)

   Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (1)

    3.1(b)

   Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (2)

    3.2

   By-laws as amended through April 19, 2007 (3)

  10.1

   Amendment to Employment Agreement between Jackson W. Moore and Regions Financial Corporation, executed January 24, 2007 (4)

  10.2

   Amendment Number Three to the AmSouth Bancorporation Supplemental Thrift Plan, executed January 31, 2007

  12

   Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

  31.1

   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

  31.2

   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

  32

   Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

NOTES TO EXHIBITS

 

  (1) Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Form 10-Q Quarterly Report filed by registrant on August 6, 2004, incorporated herein by reference.

 

  (2) Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K Current Report dated April 19, 2007 and filed by registrant on April 20, 2007, incorporated herein by reference.

 

  (3) Filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Form 8-K Current Report dated April 19, 2007 and filed by registrant on April 20, 2007, incorporated herein by reference.

 

  (4) Filed as Exhibit 99.1 to Form 8-K Current Report dated January 24, 2007 and filed by registrant on January 30, 2007, incorporated herein by reference.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Regions Financial Corporation

DATE:  May 7, 2007

 

/s/ Alton E. Yother
Alton E. Yother
Senior Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer (Principal
Financial Officer and Authorized Officer)

 

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