Solid Performance. Positioned for Growth. Regions reports third quarter 2021 earnings of $624 million, earnings per share of $0.65

Delivers solid revenue and pre-tax pre-provision income⁽¹⁾.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF) today announced earnings for the third quarter ended September 30, 2021. The company reported net income available to common shareholders of $624 million and earnings per diluted share of $0.65. Compared to the second quarter of 2021, total revenue grew 2 percent while pre-tax pre-provision income⁽¹⁾ decreased 1 percent. Adjusted revenue⁽¹⁾ increased 3 percent while adjusted pre-tax pre-provision income⁽¹⁾ increased 4 percent. The company also generated modest year-to-date positive operating leverage on a reported and adjusted basis.⁽¹⁾

“Our ability to deliver solid third quarter results comes from having both a strong foundation and a strategic plan that positions us to grow effectively and efficiently,” said John Turner, President and CEO of Regions Financial Corp. “Strong relationships with customers across all segments drive our performance, and our track record of exceptional service continues to deepen those relationships while also bringing in new customers. We’re operating in markets that are attractive and growing, and those are the places where we’ll continue to make investments while consistently strengthening the core of our business throughout our footprint.

“Our focus on sustainable growth continues with bolt-on acquisitions – EnerBank aligns with our strategy to be the premier lender to homeowners, and our agreement to acquire Sabal Capital Partners is designed to further expand our range of specialized services for business clients,” Turner added. “Regions’ investments in digital and data are also positioning us for growth. Through a technology-enabled, seamless experience in branches and across all platforms, customers are responding to the personalized service, advice and guidance they’re getting from Regions.

“We have the plan, the team, and the experience to compete with purpose and passion, and we are focused every day on delivering results for our customers, communities, and shareholders,” Turner concluded.

Key factors positioning Regions for continued growth include:

1) Attractive core markets and growth markets:

Regions has identified high-growth markets in its existing footprint that are benefiting from population and business growth, such as Florida, Georgia, Texas, and Tennessee, which further position the company to reach more consumers and businesses with high-value financial services. A consistently modernized branch network, which includes key investments in markets such as Houston, Orlando, and Atlanta, combines in-person financial consultation with enhanced technology. This supports further account growth while creating greater efficiencies across Regions’ retail-banking footprint.

2) Focus on digital, data, and innovation:

Regions’ customer experience is powered not only by exceptional bankers who know their customers – but also technology that is constantly evolving to better connect consumers and businesses with custom-tailored, convenient solutions. For example, we are leveraging artificial intelligence in our Contact Centers to further improve the customer experience and have handled 1 million customer calls this year. Consumers are increasingly leveraging Regions’ enhanced online and mobile banking options. More than two-thirds of our customer transactions are digital. Over the last two years, active mobile banking users are up 23% and Zelle transactions have more than tripled. Digitized sales in the consumer bank are up 38% year-to-date, reflecting our ability to deliver greater value for our customers and become more efficient in how we operate. In addition, product innovation across our business groups will continue to support a positive customer experience. For example, Regions recently launched Regions Now Checking – a Bank On-certified account that combines the convenience of modern banking with no overdraft fees.

3) Specialty lending capabilities:

Regions has continued to pursue beneficial bolt-on acquisitions, including the acquisition of home improvement point-of-sale lender EnerBank that was completed Oct. 1 and the recently announced agreement to acquire Sabal Capital Partners, LLC. Regions is focused on serving as the premier lender to homeowners. By adding EnerBank’s suite of home improvement financing, Regions is able to expand options for homeowners throughout the company’s footprint while establishing new relationships with clients served by EnerBank across the U.S. The agreement to acquire Sabal Capital Partners announced in early October serves as the latest example of Regions expanding fee-based businesses that enable the bank to deliver additional services that complement the company’s existing suite of financial solutions.

SUMMARY OF THIRD QUARTER 2021 RESULTS:

		Quarter Ended
(amounts in millions, except per share data)		9/30/2021				6/30/2021				9/30/2020
Net income		$	651			$	790			$	530
Preferred dividends and other*		27				42				29
Net income available to common shareholders		$	624			$	748			$	501
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding		962				965				962
Actual shares outstanding—end of period		955				955				960
Diluted earnings per common share		$	0.65			$	0.77			$	0.52
Selected items impacting earnings:
Pre-tax adjusted items(1):
Adjustments to non-interest expense(1)		$	(20	)		$	(3	)		$	(7	)
Adjustments to non-interest income(1)		3				19				47
Total pre-tax adjusted items(1)		$	(17	)		$	16			$	40
After-tax preferred stock redemption expense(1)*		$	—			$	(13	)		$	—
Diluted EPS impact**		$	(0.01	)		$	—			$	0.03
Pre-tax additional selected items***:
CECL provision less than (in excess of) net charge-offs		$	185			$	384			$	—
Capital markets income – CVA/DVA		1				(4		)		5
MSR net hedge performance		(15		)		(6		)		—
PPP loan interest income****		31				43				31
COVID-19 related expenses		—				—				(3		)
Pension settlement charges		(8		)		—				—

*	The second quarter 2021 amount includes $13 million of Series A preferred stock issuance costs, which reduced net income available to common shareholders when the shares were redeemed.
**	Based on income taxes at an approximate 25% incremental rate. Second quarter of 2021 bank-owned life insurance claim is tax free.
***	Items impacting results or trends during the quarter, but are not considered non-GAAP adjustments. These items generally include market-related measures, impacts of new accounting guidance, or event driven actions.
****	Interest income for PPP loans includes estimated funding costs.

Non-GAAP adjusted items⁽¹⁾ impacting the company’s earnings are identified to assist investors in analyzing Regions’ operating results on the same basis as that applied by management and provide a basis to predict future performance. Non-GAAP adjusted items⁽¹⁾ in the current quarter reflect, among other items, $2 million in leveraged lease termination gains and $1 million in securities gains more than offset by $20 million in charges for the early extinguishment of debt.

Total revenue

		Quarter Ended
($ amounts in millions)		9/30/2021				6/30/2021				9/30/2020				3Q21 vs. 2Q21							3Q21 vs. 3Q20
Net interest income		$	965			$	963			$	988			$	2			0.2	%		$	(23	)		(2.3	)%
Taxable equivalent adjustment		11				12				12				(1		)		(8.3	)%		(1		)		(8.3	)%
Net interest income, taxable equivalent basis		$	976			$	975			$	1,000			$	1			0.1	%		$	(24	)		(2.4	)%
Net interest margin (FTE)		2.76		%		2.81		%		3.13		%
Adjusted net interest margin (FTE) (non-GAAP)(1)		3.30		%		3.31		%		3.41		%
Non-interest income:
Service charges on deposit accounts		$	162			$	163			$	152			(1		)		(0.6	)%		10				6.6	%
Card and ATM fees		129				128				115				1				0.8	%		14				12.2	%
Wealth management income		95				96				85				(1		)		(1.0	)%		10				11.8	%
Capital markets income		87				61				61				26				42.6	%		26				42.6	%
Mortgage income		50				53				108				(3		)		(5.7	)%		(58		)		(53.7	)%
Commercial credit fee income		23				23				20				—				—	%		3				15.0	%
Bank-owned life insurance		18				33				17				(15		)		(45.5	)%		1				5.9	%
Securities gains (losses), net		1				1				3				—				—	%		(2		)		(66.7	)%
Market value adjustments on employee benefit assets*		5				8				14				(3		)		(37.5	)%		(9		)		(64.3	)%
Gains on equity investment		—				—				44				—				NM			(44		)		(100.0	)
Other		79				53				36				26				49.1	%		43				119.4	%
Non-interest income		$	649			$	619			$	655			$	30			4.8	%		$	(6	)		(0.9	)%
Total revenue		$	1,614			$	1,582			$	1,643			$	32			2.0	%		$	(29	)		(1.8	)%
Adjusted total revenue (non-GAAP)(1)		$	1,611			$	1,563			$	1,596			$	48			3.1	%		$	15			0.9	%
NM – Not Meaningful * These market value adjustments relate to assets held for employee benefits that are offset within salaries and employee benefits expense.

Total revenue of approximately $1.6 billion increased 2 percent on a reported basis and 3 percent on an adjusted basis⁽¹⁾ compared to the second quarter of 2021. Net interest income increased modestly in aggregate and 1 percent after adjusting for lower PPP income linked-quarter. The company offset pressure on asset yields from the low interest rate environment through its interest rate hedging program, a continued focus on lower funding costs, and active cash management strategies. This includes securities purchases in the second quarter, as well as a net reduction of holding company debt in the third quarter. Loan growth, one additional day in the quarter, and a large interest recovery drove net interest income higher. Strong deposit growth trends continued, and cash balances rose to new record levels, negatively impacting the reported net interest margin. Excluding the impact of PPP interest income and excess cash balances held at the Federal Reserve, the company’s adjusted net interest margin⁽¹⁾ remained relatively stable at 3.30 percent.

Non-interest income increased 5 percent on a reported basis and 8 percent on an adjusted basis⁽¹⁾ compared to the second quarter of 2021. Capital markets income increased 43 percent, driven by record loan syndication revenue and strong M&A advisory fees. Other income increased 49 percent attributable primarily to an increase in the value of certain equity investments as well as increased gains associated with the sale of certain small dollar equipment loans and leases. Mortgage income decreased 6 percent primarily due to mortgage servicing rights valuation adjustments, partially offset by improved secondary market gains. Service charges and wealth management income experienced modest declines compared to the prior quarter. Additionally, bank-owned life insurance income decreased $15 million during the quarter compared to the second quarter, which included the benefit of a significant claim.

Non-interest expense

		Quarter Ended
($ amounts in millions)		9/30/2021				6/30/2021				9/30/2020				3Q21 vs. 2Q21							3Q21 vs. 3Q20
Salaries and employee benefits		$	552			$	532			$	525			$	20			3.8	%		$	27			5.1	%
Equipment and software expense		90				89				89				1				1.1	%		1				1.1	%
Net occupancy expense		75				75				80				—				—	%		(5		)		(6.3	)%
Outside services		38				39				44				(1		)		(2.6	)%		(6		)		(13.6	)%
Professional, legal and regulatory expenses		21				15				22				6				40.0	%		(1		)		(4.5	)%
Marketing		23				29				22				(6		)		(20.7	)%		1				4.5	%
FDIC insurance assessments		11				11				10				—				NM			1				10.0	%
Credit/checkcard expenses		16				17				12				(1		)		(5.9	)%		4				33.3	%
Branch consolidation, property and equipment charges		—				—				3				—				—	%		(3		)		(100.0	)%
Visa class B shares expense		4				6				5				(2		)		(33.3	)%		(1		)		(20.0	)%
Loss on early extinguishment of debt		20				—				2				20				NM			18				NM
Other		88				85				82				3				3.5	%		6				7.3	%
Total non-interest expense		$	938			$	898			$	896			$	40			4.5	%		$	42			4.7	%
Total adjusted non-interest expense(1)		$	918			$	895			$	889			$	23			2.6	%		$	29			3.3	%
NM – Not Meaningful

Non-interest expense increased 4 percent on a reported basis and 3 percent on an adjusted basis⁽¹⁾ compared to the second quarter of 2021. Salaries and benefits increased 4 percent, driven primarily by higher variable-based compensation associated with elevated fee income as well as one additional work day in the third quarter. Full-time equivalent associate headcount increased by 149 positions with the vast majority located in revenue-producing businesses. Further, strong financial performance contributed to higher incentive compensation. Professional fees increased 40 percent reflecting the benefit of a legal reserve release in the prior quarter that did not repeat. Most other expense categories increased slightly or remained relatively stable. Partially offsetting these increases was a 21 percent decrease in marketing expense due to the timing of campaigns. The company also incurred a $20 million charge associated with the early extinguishment of debt during the quarter.

The company’s third quarter efficiency ratio was 57.7 percent on a reported basis and 56.6 percent on an adjusted basis⁽¹⁾. The effective tax rate was 21.7 percent.

Loans and Leases

		Average Balances
($ amounts in millions)		3Q21				2Q21				3Q20				3Q21 vs. 2Q21							3Q21 vs. 3Q20
Commercial and industrial		$	41,892			$	43,140			$	46,405			$	(1,248	)		(2.9	)%		$	(4,513	)		(9.7	)%
Commercial real estate—owner-occupied		5,682				5,634				5,816				48				0.9	%		(134		)		(2.3	)%
Investor real estate		7,311				7,282				7,298				29				0.4	%		13				0.2	%
Business Lending		54,885				56,056				59,519				(1,171		)		(2.1	)%		(4,634		)		(7.8	)%
Residential first mortgage		17,198				16,795				15,786				403				2.4	%		1,412				8.9	%
Home equity		6,523				6,774				7,727				(251		)		(3.7	)%		(1,204		)		(15.6	)%
Indirect—other consumer*		2,097				2,174				2,835				(77		)		(3.5	)%		(738		)		(26.0	)%
Indirect—vehicles**		557				690				1,223				(133		)		(19.3	)%		(666		)		(54.5	)%
Consumer credit card		1,128				1,108				1,194				20				1.8	%		(66		)		(5.5	)%
Other consumer		962				954				1,086				8				0.8	%		(124		)		(11.4	)%
Consumer Lending		28,465				28,495				29,851				(30		)		(0.1	)%		(1,386		)		(4.6	)%
Total Loans		$	83,350			$	84,551			$	89,370			$	(1,201	)		(1.4	)%		$	(6,020	)		(6.7	)%
Adjusted Business Lending (non-GAAP)(1)		$	52,747			$	52,293			$	54,961			454				0.9	%		$	(2,214	)		(4.0	)%
Adjusted Consumer Lending (non-GAAP)(1)		27,102				26,896				27,310				206				0.8	%		(208		)		(0.8	)%
Adjusted Total Loans (non-GAAP)(1)		$	79,849			$	79,189			$	82,271			$	660			0.8	%		$	(2,422	)		(2.9	)%

NM – Not meaningful.
*	A portion of indirect other consumer is an exit portfolio due to the company’s decision not to renew a 3rd party relationship in the fourth quarter of 2019.
**	Indirect vehicles is an exit portfolio.

Average loans and leases decreased 1 percent compared to the prior quarter. Excluding the company’s indirect auto and indirect-other consumer exit portfolios, as well as outstanding PPP loans, adjusted average and ending loans and leases⁽¹⁾ both increased approximately 1 percent. Adjusted average business lending⁽¹⁾ increased 1 percent led by growth in corporate and middle market lending across asset-based lending, healthcare, transportation, technology and defense, as well as essential business equipment lending through Ascentium. While still well below pre-pandemic levels, commercial loan line utilization levels ended the quarter at approximately 39.9 percent. Utilization levels have also been impacted by strong year-to-date loan commitment growth of $2 billion. Excluding exit portfolios, adjusted average consumer lending⁽¹⁾ increased 1 percent as growth in residential first mortgage and consumer credit card was offset by declines in other categories.

Deposits

		Average Balances
($ amounts in millions)		3Q21				2Q21				3Q20				3Q21 vs. 2Q21							3Q21 vs. 3Q20
Customer low-cost deposits		$	127,369			$	126,315			$	110,493			$	1,054			0.8	%		$	16,876			15.3	%
Customer time deposits		4,527				4,813				6,150				(286		)		(5.9	)%		(1,623		)		(26.4	)%
Corporate treasury time deposits		1				1				13				—				—	%		(12		)		(92.3	)%
Corporate treasury other deposits		—				3				—				(3		)		(100.0	)		—				NM
Total Deposits		$	131,897			$	131,132			$	116,656			$	765			0.6	%		$	15,241			13.1	%
($ amounts in millions)		3Q21				2Q21				3Q20				3Q21 vs. 2Q21							3Q21 vs. 3Q20
Consumer Bank Segment		$	79,098			$	78,200			$	68,842			$	898			1.1	%		$	10,256			14.9	%
Corporate Bank Segment		42,525				42,966				38,755				(441		)		(1.0	)%		3,770				9.7	%
Wealth Management Segment		9,873				9,519				8,658				354				3.7	%		1,215				14.0	%
Other		401				447				401				(46		)		(10.3	)%		—				—	%
Total Deposits		$	131,897			$	131,132			$	116,656			$	765			0.6	%		$	15,241			13.1	%

Total average deposit balances increased 1 percent to a new record high in the third quarter of 2021. Consumer and Wealth Management deposits both increased compared to the second quarter while Corporate deposits decreased modestly.

Asset quality

		As of and for the Quarter Ended
($ amounts in millions)		9/30/2021		6/30/2021		9/30/2020
ACL/Loans, net		1.80%		2.00%		2.74%
ALL/Loans, net		1.71%		1.90%		2.58%
Allowance for credit losses to non-performing loans, excluding loans held for sale		283%		253%		316%
Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans, excluding loans held for sale		269%		240%		297%
Provision for (benefit from) credit losses		$(155)		$(337)		$113
Net loans charged-off		$30		$47		$113
Net loan charge-offs as a % of average loans, annualized		0.14%		0.23%		0.50%
Non-accrual loans, excluding loans held for sale/Loans, net		0.64%		0.79%		0.87%
NPAs (ex. 90+ past due)/Loans, foreclosed properties, non-marketable investments and non-performing loans held for sale		0.66%		0.93%		0.90%
NPAs (inc. 90+ past due)/Loans, foreclosed properties, non-marketable investments and non-performing loans held for sale*		0.80%		1.09%		1.08%
Total TDRs, excluding loans held for sale		$546		$620		$645
Total Criticized Loans—Business Services**		$3,054		$3,222		$3,734

*	Excludes guaranteed residential first mortgages that are 90+ days past due and still accruing.
**	Business services represents the combined total of commercial and investor real estate loans.

Continued improvements in the economic outlook and positive credit performance during the quarter resulted in a net $155 million benefit from credit losses during the third quarter of 2021. The resulting allowance for credit losses was equal to 1.80 percent of total loans and 283 percent of total non-accrual loans, excluding loans held for sale. Excluding PPP loans, which are fully government guaranteed, the allowance for credit losses amounted to 1.83 percent⁽¹⁾ of total loans. Annualized net charge-offs decreased 9 basis points to 0.14 percent of average loans, the company’s lowest level on record post its 2006 merger of equals. The decrease reflects broad-based improvement across most commercial and consumer loan portfolios, as well as recoveries associated with strong collateral asset values. Total non-accrual loans, excluding loans held for sale, and total business services criticized loans both improved during the quarter, while total delinquencies remained unchanged.

Capital and liquidity

		As of and for Quarter Ended
		9/30/2021		6/30/2021		9/30/2020
Common Equity Tier 1 ratio(2)		10.8%		10.4%		9.3%
Tier 1 capital ratio(2)		12.3%		11.9%		10.8%
Tangible common stockholders’ equity to tangible assets (non-GAAP)(1)		7.79%		7.58%		7.88%
Tangible common book value per share (non-GAAP)(1)*		$12.32		$11.94		$11.49
Loans, net of unearned income, to total deposits		63.1%		63.9%		74.6%

*	Tangible common book value per share includes the impact of quarterly earnings and changes to market value adjustments within accumulated other comprehensive income, as well as continued capital returns.

Regions maintains a solid capital position as estimated capital ratios remain well above current regulatory requirements. The Tier 1⁽²⁾ and Common Equity Tier 1⁽²⁾ ratios were estimated at 12.3 percent and 10.8 percent, respectively, at quarter-end.

During the third quarter, the company declared $164 million in dividends to common shareholders.

(1)	Non-GAAP; refer to pages 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 15, 19, 21, 22, 23 and 26 of the financial supplement to this earnings release.
(2)	Current quarter Common Equity Tier 1, and Tier 1 capital ratios are estimated.

Conference Call

In addition to the live audio webcast at 10 a.m. ET on October 22, 2021, an archived recording of the webcast will be available at the Investor Relations page of www.regions.com following the live event. A replay of the earnings call will also be available beginning Friday, October 22, 2021, at 2:30 p.m. ET through Monday, November 22, 2021. To listen by telephone, please dial 855-859-2056, and use access code 2058432.

About Regions Financial Corporation

Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF), with $156 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation’s largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates more than 1,300 banking offices and approximately 2,000 ATMs. Regions Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. Additional information about Regions and its full line of products and services can be found at www.regions.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

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

• Current and future economic and market conditions in the United States generally or in the communities we serve (in particular the Southeastern United States), including the effects of possible declines in property values, increases in unemployment rates, financial market disruptions and potential reductions of economic growth, which may adversely affect our lending and other businesses and our financial results and conditions.
• Possible changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies of, and other activities undertaken by, governments, agencies, central banks and similar organizations, which could have a material adverse effect on our earnings.
• Possible changes in market interest rates or capital markets could adversely affect our revenue and expense, the value of assets and obligations, and the availability and cost of capital and liquidity.
• The impact of pandemics, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, on our businesses, operations, and financial results and conditions. The duration and severity of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has disrupted the global economy, has and could continue to adversely affect our capital and liquidity position, impair the ability of borrowers to repay outstanding loans and increase our allowance for credit losses, impair collateral values, and result in lost revenue or additional expenses.

Contacts

Media Contact:
Jeremy King

(205) 264-4551

Investor Relations Contact:
Dana Nolan

(205) 264-7040

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