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Debt overshadows US bank's profit Debt overshadows US bank's profit
(about 3 hours later)
Concerns about debt levels at Bank of America have overshadowed its better than expected profits for the first three months of 2009.Concerns about debt levels at Bank of America have overshadowed its better than expected profits for the first three months of 2009.
The US's largest bank set aside $13.4bn (£9.2bn) to cover credit losses, from the fourth quarter's $8.5bn.The US's largest bank set aside $13.4bn (£9.2bn) to cover credit losses, from the fourth quarter's $8.5bn.
Its shares sank 20% by mid-afternoon, and dragged other banking stocks lower. Its shares sank 24% and the news dragged other banking stocks lower.
This was despite net income soaring to $4.2bn in the first three months of 2009 from $1.2bn a year earlier, beating analysts expectations.This was despite net income soaring to $4.2bn in the first three months of 2009 from $1.2bn a year earlier, beating analysts expectations.
Its results were inflated by its purchases of Merrill Lynch, which added $3.7bn in net income, and Countrywide, which boosted its mortgage arm.Its results were inflated by its purchases of Merrill Lynch, which added $3.7bn in net income, and Countrywide, which boosted its mortgage arm.
We understand that we continue to face extremely difficult challenges Ken LewisChief executive, Bank of America Check Bank of America shares We understand that we continue to face extremely difficult challenges Ken LewisChief executive, Bank of America Check Bank of America shares
Analysts said investors were looking beyond the bank's profit to the continuing concerns about the impact of the financial crisis on the banking system.Analysts said investors were looking beyond the bank's profit to the continuing concerns about the impact of the financial crisis on the banking system.
This sentiment pulled the Dow Jones index lower, with a knock-on effect on European markets.This sentiment pulled the Dow Jones index lower, with a knock-on effect on European markets.
'Healthy number''Healthy number'
Bank of America has received $45bn in government funds as part of the Treasury Department's $700bn financial rescue package.Bank of America has received $45bn in government funds as part of the Treasury Department's $700bn financial rescue package.
"We understand that we continue to face extremely difficult challenges," said Bank of America's chief executive Ken Lewis."We understand that we continue to face extremely difficult challenges," said Bank of America's chief executive Ken Lewis.
Mr Lewis has been under intense pressure over the purchase of Merrill - which was approved before shareholders learned of huge losses at the investment bank, and before billions of dollars worth of bonuses were paid to Merrill employees.Mr Lewis has been under intense pressure over the purchase of Merrill - which was approved before shareholders learned of huge losses at the investment bank, and before billions of dollars worth of bonuses were paid to Merrill employees.
Bank of America also said that Countrywide and Merrill had contributed "outstanding performances".Bank of America also said that Countrywide and Merrill had contributed "outstanding performances".
Analyst Michael Holland of Holland and Company in New York said the headline figure was "a really really healthy number given where expectations were just a few months ago".Analyst Michael Holland of Holland and Company in New York said the headline figure was "a really really healthy number given where expectations were just a few months ago".
Improving reportsImproving reports
The results beat analysts' forecasts and add to signs that the banking sector might be improving.The results beat analysts' forecasts and add to signs that the banking sector might be improving.
Last week rival Citigroup reported its first quarterly net profit in nearly two years.Last week rival Citigroup reported its first quarterly net profit in nearly two years.
Citi's results came soon after positive earnings reports from Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan.Citi's results came soon after positive earnings reports from Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan.
In January Bank of America was granted $20bn in fresh US government aid and $118bn worth of guarantees against bad assets.In January Bank of America was granted $20bn in fresh US government aid and $118bn worth of guarantees against bad assets.
It has also benefitted from selling shares it held in China Construction Bank.It has also benefitted from selling shares it held in China Construction Bank.