Regions Financial(US:RF)2026-01-16 16:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported full-year earnings of $2.1 billion, with earnings per share (EPS) of $2.30, or $2.33 on an adjusted basis, and a return on tangible common equity of just over 18% [6][9] - Fourth-quarter earnings were $514 million, resulting in EPS of $0.58 and $0.57 on an adjusted basis, with certain items negatively impacting earnings by an additional $0.04 [7][11] - Adjusted non-interest income grew by 5% in 2025, while net interest income increased by 2% linked quarter [9][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wealth Management and Corporate Bank businesses achieved record fee income, with Treasury management products also reaching a second consecutive record [9][18] - Loan growth was challenged in 2025, with large corporate customers refinancing into Capital Markets, leading to a strategic runoff of over $2 billion [12][19] - Adjusted non-interest expense increased by 2% in 2025, with salaries and benefits rising by 3% due to higher health insurance costs and hiring [19][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposits increased by approximately $800 million, supported by strong customer acquisition and retention, while average deposits were roughly flat [13][14] - The non-interest-bearing mix remained in the low 30% range, consistent with targets [14] - The company expects average loans to be up below single digits versus 2025, with a return to more normal loan growth anticipated in 2026 [12][21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on modernizing its core systems, which is expected to strengthen its competitive position [8][22] - A commitment to hiring approximately 120 bankers over two years is in place to support growth initiatives, with 50 hired in 2025 [30][90] - The company aims to deliver consistent, sustainable long-term performance while managing capital and expense discipline [22][36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in improving client sentiment and strengthening loan pipelines, anticipating a return to normal loan growth levels in 2026 [12][29] - The company expects net interest income to grow between 2.5% and 4% in 2026, with a net interest margin projected to be around 3.7% in the first quarter [17][19] - Management noted that many headwinds from 2025 are behind them, with positive trends in loan pipelines, deposit strength, and fee income growth [22][23] Other Important Information - The effective tax rate for the full year was 21.4%, with expectations to return to the 20.5%-21.5% range in 2026 [11] - The allowance for credit losses decreased by $27 million, with the allowance as a percentage of non-performing loans increasing to 242% [21][22] - The company executed $430 million in share repurchases and paid $231 million in common dividends during the quarter [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth guidance and pipeline activity - Management indicated positive customer sentiment and increased pipeline activity, expecting lower single-digit loan growth primarily driven by Commercial Banking activities [29][31] Question: Trade-off between growth and returns - Management emphasized a focus on capital allocation and risk-adjusted returns, stating that there is no trade-off between growth and returns [34][36] Question: Capital Markets performance and outlook - Management acknowledged a slower start in Capital Markets for 2026 but expressed confidence in a rebound and growth throughout the year [42][43] Question: Deposit pricing trends and competitive landscape - Management highlighted the importance of remaining competitive while acknowledging the need to adapt to market conditions [44][45] Question: Credit quality trends and expectations - Management reported improvements in credit quality metrics and expressed optimism for continued improvement in 2026 [58][60] Question: Systems conversion and M&A flexibility - Management stated that while the systems conversion is ongoing, it does not technically restrict M&A activities, though it would be challenging [97] Question: Expense outlook and headcount management - Management reiterated a commitment to positive operating leverage while managing expenses and headcount growth [84][86]