Regions Financial Is Saved

Investors are breathing a collective sigh of relief on Alabama-based regional bank Regions Financial (NYSE: RF  ) -- it just posted first-quarter results without any major surprises, which, if you have been following the banking industry lately, is a feat in itself.

The quarter wasn't impressive by any means. Income from continuing operations fell 26% to $0.48, net interest margin condensed to 3.53%, non-performing assets grew, and net charge-offs increased. But when you add in one-time charges related to a recent acquisition, earnings beat analyst projections, and management expects to post a "new run-rate of $700 million" from merger cost savings and related operations improvements for the year.

Regions booked a $91.2 million gain related to its share of the Visa (NYSE: V  ) IPO and a reduction in Visa-related litigation expenses, and results include a similar amount from the sale of investment securities. Both helped to offset more challenging operating results.

Again, the quarter wasn't stellar by any means, but I'll take it. After all, peers such as Wachovia (NYSE: WB  ) , National City (NYSE: NCC  ) , and Washington Mutual (NYSE: WM  ) are candidates for the worst investment of 2008 as they report unexpected losses, look for bailout "partners," or just plain fight for survival.

Regions was definitely ahead of the game when it agreed to sell its EquiFirst subprime division last year, right before major cracks in the residential housing market began to surface. Calling many Sun Belt states home doesn't hurt, either, as this region should continue to experience favorable population trends and subsequent economic growth, coming at the expense of cold Northern regions.

It isn't out of the woods yet -- the credit market climate remains tepid, to say the least -- but today's stock jump (more than 10% at one point) suggests the market is becoming more comfortable, and that Regions will be able to ride out any future uncertainty.       

For related Foolishness:

• Heading South Saves Regions Financial
• Wachovia's Bleeding Continues
• Dueling Fools: The Case for Investing in Banks Now