10-KPeriod: FY2005

BANK OF AMERICA CORP /DE/ Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2005

Filed March 16, 2006For Securities:BACBAC-PBBAC-PKBAC-PLBAC-PMBAC-PNBAC-PSBML-PJBAC-PEBAC-PPBAC-PQBACRPBML-PGBML-PHBML-PLBAC-POMER-PK

Summary

Bank of America Corporation (BAC) reported solid financial performance for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, with net income increasing by 18% to $16.5 billion, or $4.04 per diluted share. This growth was driven by strong performance across its core business segments, including Global Consumer and Small Business Banking and Global Business and Financial Services, bolstered by the integration of the FleetBoston Financial Corporation merger. The company also announced a significant strategic move with the acquisition of MBNA Corporation for $35 billion, which closed in January 2006, aiming to expand its customer base and credit card operations. BAC maintained robust capital ratios, exceeding regulatory requirements and demonstrating a commitment to shareholder returns through a 11% increase in its quarterly cash dividend. The report also highlighted the company's proactive risk management strategies and its commitment to complying with evolving regulatory standards.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income increased 18% to $16.5 billion ($4.04 per diluted share) in 2005, up from $13.9 billion ($3.64 per diluted share) in 2004.
  • 2The company completed the acquisition of MBNA Corporation for approximately $35 billion in stock and cash, a transaction that closed on January 1, 2006.
  • 3Total revenue grew 14% to $56.1 billion, driven by strong performance in all four business segments, particularly Global Consumer and Small Business Banking and Global Wealth and Investment Management.
  • 4The quarterly cash dividend on common stock was increased by 11% to $0.50 per share, reflecting confidence in the company's financial strength.
  • 5Bank of America maintained strong capital adequacy ratios, with a Tier 1 capital ratio of 8.25% and a Total Capital ratio of 11.08% at year-end 2005, exceeding regulatory requirements.
  • 6The company experienced a net increase in total assets of 16% to $1.3 trillion, driven by increased trading-related activity, ALM portfolio growth, and loan growth.
  • 7Noninterest income saw a significant increase of $4.3 billion, primarily due to growth in Card Income, Investment and Brokerage Services, and Trading Account Profits.

Frequently Asked Questions

In 2005, Bank of America reported a significant increase in net income of 18% to $16.5 billion, or $4.04 per diluted share, compared to $13.9 billion, or $3.64 per diluted share, in 2004. Total revenue also grew by 14% to $56.1 billion. This strong performance was attributed to growth across all business segments and the ongoing integration benefits from the FleetBoston merger.

The most significant strategic initiative was the acquisition of MBNA Corporation for approximately $35 billion in stock and cash, which closed in January 2006. This acquisition was aimed at expanding the company's customer base and its credit card operations. Additionally, the company announced the combination of its Global Business and Financial Services and Global Capital Markets and Investment Banking segments into a new 'Global Corporate and Investment Banking' segment, effective January 1, 2006, to better serve business clients.

Bank of America maintained strong capital adequacy ratios, exceeding regulatory well-capitalized levels. The company demonstrated a commitment to shareholder returns by increasing its quarterly cash dividend by 11% to $0.50 per common share. Furthermore, the company repurchased 126.4 million shares of common stock in 2005, partially offsetting shares issued under employee plans.

Yes, the company restated its financial statements for 2004 and 2003, as well as quarterly financial information for 2004 and 2005. This restatement was primarily related to the incorrect accounting treatment for certain derivative transactions under SFAS 133. As a result of this, a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting related to derivatives was identified and subsequently remediated by December 31, 2005.