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Surprise Loss, $7B Cash Infusion for Wachovia

Fourth-largest bank was prime player in mortgage mess

By Jonas Oransky,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 14, 2008 8:47 AM CDT

(Newser) – Wachovia reported a surprise first-quarter loss today 2 years after taking over a subprime-dealing savings and loan. The CEO of the fourth-largest US bank was “deeply disappointed” that the bank lost $393 million, or 20 cents a share; analysts had anticipated earnings of 40 cents a share, Bloomberg reports. Wachovia cut its dividend; it plans to raise $7 billion to replenish capital reserves by selling shares and axing 500 jobs.

Wachovia kicks off an 11 city-tour for Way2Save in Los Angeles with the world's largest money machine on Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008.
Wachovia kicks off an 11 city-tour for Way2Save in Los Angeles with the world's largest money machine on Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008.   (AP Photo)
A Wachovia branch bank is shown in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, April 14, 2008. Wachovia will slash its dividend and raise $7 billion in a share sale after reporting a surprising first-quarter loss Monday of $350 million before preferred dividends.
A Wachovia branch bank is shown in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, April 14, 2008. Wachovia will slash its dividend and raise $7 billion in a share sale after reporting a surprising first-quarter loss Monday...   (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Wachovia CEO Ken Thompson talks to employees during a meeting at the bank's corporate headquarters in Charlotte, N.C.
Wachovia CEO Ken Thompson talks to employees during a meeting at the bank's corporate headquarters in Charlotte, N.C.   (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
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