| FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENT The information contained in this presentation may include forward looking statements which reflect Regions' current views with respect to future events and financial performance. 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, or that may be acquired in the future, including its merger with AmSouth Bancorporation ("AmSouth"), 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 acquired operations to Regions' corporate culture, including the ability to instill appropriate credit practices and efficient approaches to the acquired operations; ^ 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. 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 and operational 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. 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 may lead to a deterioration in credit quality, thereby increasing provisioning costs, or a reduced demand for credit, thereby reducing earning assets. The occurrence of natural disasters or the threat or occurrence of war or acts of terrorism and the existence or exacerbation of general geopolitical instability and uncertainty. 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 words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "project," and similar expressions signify forward looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward looking statements made by or on behalf of Regions. Any such statement speaks only as of the date the statement was made. Regions undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward looking statements. |
