Regions reported a fourth quarter 2011 net loss available to common shareholders was $602 million, bringing full-year results to a net loss available to common shareholders of $429 million. As a result of selling its Morgan Keegan brokerage unit, Regions said its results for the fourth quarter included a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $731 million. Based on a relative fair value allocation as required by GAAP, $478 million was recorded within discontinued operations and $253 million within continuing operations. Regulatory and tangible capital ratios were not impacted by this charge.

Regions said total loan production for the year increased to $60 billion. Commercial loan production (including renewals) constituted the majority of that total at $51 billion, of which $15 billion was new loan production, a 14% increase over the last year. Growth in lending to middle market commercial and industrial customers continued, with average loans in this category up 11% for the full year, and 2% in the fourth quarter.

Total commercial and industrial commitments grew $1.2 billion, or 4% linked quarter. The company said it continues to focus on its health care, franchise restaurant and transportation specialized industry groups and is expanding into other industry practices, such as technology and defense.

To read the full Regions earnings news release click here.