Regions Financial returns to profitability in 3Q, beating estimates

Regions Financial Corp. (RF) reported third-quarter income of $155 million, or 8 cents a share, compared to a loss of $155 million, or 13 cents a share, in the year-ago quarter. Third-quarter revenue declined 1% to $1.6 billion and loan-loss provisions fell to $355 million from $760 million a year ago. Analysts expected earnings of 4 cents a share on revenue of $1.63 billion. The Birmingham, Ala.-based bank reported growing profitability from consumer and business loans. The bank holding company said results were also helped by low-cost deposits and management’s ability to control expenses. Net charge-offs totaled $511 million for the three months ended Sept. 30, down from $763 million a year earlier. Inflows of non-performing loans increased $200 million to $755 million, primarily driven by investor real estate, which was impacted by economic uncertainty, declining business and consumer confidence. Non-performing loans, excluding loans held for sale, declined $74 million or 3%. Unlike many competitors, Regions has yet to repay $3.5 billion in federal bailout aid received during the financial crisis. However, in August, Standard & Poor’s removed the prospect of an impending downgrade for Regions, saying it expects the lender to remain profitable this year and next. Write to Justin T. Hilley. Follow him on Twitter @JustinHilley.

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