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Fifth Third Announces Third Quarter 2013 Net Income to Common Shareholders of $421 Million, or $0.47 Per Diluted Share

FITB

Fifth Third Bancorp (Nasdaq: FITB) today reported third quarter 2013 net income of $421 million, compared with net income of $591 million in the second quarter of 2013 and net income of $363 million in the third quarter of 2012. Third quarter 2013 net income available to common shareholders was also $421 million, or $0.47 per diluted share, as there were no preferred dividends paid in the third quarter. After preferred dividends, second quarter 2013 net income to common shareholders was $582 million, or $0.65 per diluted share, and third quarter 2012 net income to common shareholders was $354 million, or $0.38 per diluted share.

Third quarter 2013 noninterest income included an $85 million gain on the sale of Vantiv shares and a $6 million positive valuation adjustment on the Vantiv warrant. Third quarter noninterest expense included $30 million in charges to increase litigation reserves, $5 million in severance expense, and $5 million in large bank assessments for 2012 and 2013 initiated by regulators under the Dodd-Frank Act. Results also included the benefit of a $15 million reduction in the mortgage representation and warranty reserve and a $4 million seasonal pension settlement charge.

Second quarter 2013 noninterest income included a $242 million gain on the sale of Vantiv shares, a $76 million positive valuation adjustment on the Vantiv warrant, and a pre-tax benefit of $10 million resulting from a settlement related to a previously surrendered bank-owned life insurance (BOLI) policy. Second quarter noninterest expense included $51 million in charges to increase litigation reserves and $1 million in severance expense. Results also included $9 million of charges to increase the mortgage representation and warranty reserve.

Third quarter 2012 noninterest income included a $16 million negative valuation adjustment on the Vantiv warrant and $13 million in gains recognized on the sale of certain Fifth Third funds. Third quarter 2012 noninterest expense included $26 million of debt extinguishment costs associated with the redemption of Fifth Third Capital Trust V and Fifth Third Capital Trust VI trust preferred securities (TruPS), $5 million in charges to increase litigation reserves, $2 million of expenses associated with the sale of certain Fifth Third funds, and $2 million of severance expense. Results also included $24 million of charges to increase the mortgage representation and warranty reserve.

Earnings Highlights
                             
For the Three Months Ended   % Change
September June March December September    
2013 2013 2013 2012 2012   Seq   Yr/Yr
Earnings ($ in millions)
Net income attributable to Bancorp $ 421 $ 591 $ 422 $ 399 $ 363 (29 %) 16 %
Net income available to common shareholders $ 421 $ 582 $ 413 $ 390 $ 354 (28 %) 19 %
 
Common Share Data
Earnings per share, basic 0.47 0.67 0.47 0.44 0.39 (30 %) 21 %
Earnings per share, diluted 0.47 0.65 0.46 0.43 0.38 (28 %) 24 %
Cash dividends per common share 0.12 0.12 0.11 0.10 0.10 - 20 %
 
Financial Ratios
Return on average assets 1.35 % 1.94 % 1.41 % 1.33 % 1.23 % (30 %) 10 %
Return on average common equity 12.1 17.3 12.5 11.5 10.4 (30 %) 15 %
Return on average tangible common equity 14.7 21.1 15.4 14.1 12.8 (31 %) 14 %
Tier I risk-based capital 11.15 11.07 10.83 10.65 10.85 1 % 3 %
Tier I common equity 9.89 9.43 9.70 9.51 9.67 5 % 2 %
Net interest margin(a) 3.31 3.33 3.42 3.49 3.56 (1 %) (7 %)
Efficiency(a) 59.2 53.2 59.8 65.2 63.7 11 % (7 %)
 
Common shares outstanding (in thousands) 887,030 851,474 874,645 882,152 897,467 4 % (1 %)

Average common shares outstanding (in thousands):

Basic 880,183 858,583 870,923 884,676 904,475 3 % (3 %)
Diluted 888,111 900,625 913,163 925,585 944,821 (1 %) (6 %)
 
(a) Presented on a fully taxable equivalent basis
The percentages in all of the tables in this earning release are calculated on actual dollar amounts and not the rounded dollar amounts.

“Fifth Third reported solid third quarter results, reflecting our continued focus on revenue generation as well as expense discipline,” said Kevin T. Kabat, Vice Chairman and CEO of Fifth Third Bancorp. “Return on average assets was 1.4 percent and return on average tangible common equity* was 14.7 percent for the quarter including Vantiv-related gains, and were 1.2 percent and 12.6 percent, respectively, excluding them.

“Highlights from the quarter include an increase in net interest income of 2 percent and continued balance sheet strength. Period end loans in the portfolio reached the highest level in the company’s history, despite significant borrower caution. Core deposits grew 2 percent over last quarter, reflecting higher deposits in nearly all of our key markets as recent annual FDIC market share data also shows. Lower fee income reflected lower Vantiv-related gains and the impact of significantly higher mortgage rates and resultant effects on that business, as well as the comparison to a very strong second quarter. On a year-over-year basis, fee income performance was driven by deposit service charges, investment advisory revenue, and card and processing revenue.

“Credit trends continued to improve as net charge-offs declined below 50 basis points of average loans and leases for the first time in 6 years, and we saw continued improvement in nearly every key credit metric.

“We recently completed our outstanding repurchase agreement for $539 million of common shares. We have approximately $600 million of repurchase capacity remaining under our current CCAR plan extending through March 31, 2014, excluding any potential gains from Vantiv share sales in the future. Our capital position under the Basel III rules would remain strong with an estimated pro forma Tier 1 common equity ratio* of 9.5 percent under the new final capital rules compared with 9.9 percent under current capital rules.”

* Non-GAAP measure; see Reg. G reconciliation on page 35 in Exhibit 99.1 of 8-k filing dated 10/17/13.

Income Statement Highlights  
                           
For the Three Months Ended   % Change
September June   March   December   September    
2013   2013   2013   2012   2012   Seq   Yr/Yr
Condensed Statements of Income ($ in millions)
Net interest income (taxable equivalent) $ 898 $ 885 $ 893 $ 903 $ 907 2 % (1 %)
Provision for loan and lease losses 51 64 62 76 65 (20 %) (22 %)
Total noninterest income 721 1,060 743 880 671 (32 %) 7 %
Total noninterest expense   959       1,035       978       1,163       1,006     (7 %)   (5 %)
Income before income taxes (taxable equivalent)   609       846       596       544       507     (28 %)   20 %
 
Taxable equivalent adjustment 5 5 5 4 4 2 % 13 %
Applicable income taxes   183       250       179       144       139     (27 %)   32 %
Net income 421 591 412 396 364 (29 %) 16 %
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests   -       -       (10 )     (3 )     1     19 %   (46 %)
Net income attributable to Bancorp 421 591 422 399 363 (29 %) 16 %
Dividends on preferred stock   -       9       9       9       9     (100 %)   (100 %)
Net income available to common shareholders   421       582       413       390       354     (28 %)   19 %
Earnings per share, diluted $ 0.47     $ 0.65     $ 0.46     $ 0.43     $ 0.38     (28 %)   24 %
 
Net Interest Income
                           
For the Three Months Ended   % Change
September June March December September
2013   2013   2013   2012   2012   Seq   Yr/Yr
Interest Income ($ in millions)
Total interest income (taxable equivalent) $ 997 $ 989 $ 1,000 $ 1,020 $ 1,027 1 % (3 %)
Total interest expense   99       104       107       117       120     (5 %)   (18 %)
Net interest income (taxable equivalent) $ 898     $ 885     $ 893     $ 903     $ 907     2 %   (1 %)
 
Average Yield
Yield on interest-earning assets (taxable equivalent) 3.68 % 3.73 % 3.84 % 3.94 % 4.03 % (1 %) (9 %)
Rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities   0.54 %     0.57 %     0.59 %     0.65 %     0.67 %   (6 %)   (20 %)
Net interest rate spread (taxable equivalent)   3.14 %     3.16 %     3.25 %     3.29 %     3.36 %   (1 %)   (7 %)
Net interest margin (taxable equivalent) 3.31 % 3.33 % 3.42 % 3.49 % 3.56 % (1 %) (7 %)
 
Average Balances ($ in millions)
Loans and leases, including held for sale $ 89,154 $ 89,473 $ 88,880 $ 86,180 $ 84,829 - 5 %
Total securities and other short-term investments 18,528 16,962 16,846 16,765 16,588 9 % 12 %
Total interest-earning assets 107,682 106,435 105,726 102,945 101,417 1 % 6 %
Total interest-bearing liabilities 73,190 73,363 74,038 71,420 72,026 - 2 %
Bancorp shareholders' equity   14,440       14,221       13,779       13,855       13,887     2 %   4 %

Net interest income of $898 million on a fully taxable equivalent basis increased $13 million from the second quarter. The increase was driven by higher balances and higher yields in investment securities. Net interest income also benefited from a decline in interest expense driven by the full quarter impact from the maturity of debt and related swaps during the prior quarter as well as the benefit from high-priced CDs that matured during the quarter. Additionally, an extra day in the quarter contributed $6 million to net interest income. These benefits were partially offset by the effects of loan repricing and lower held-for-sale loan balances as well as the residual impact from the maturity of interest rate floors in the prior quarter.

The net interest margin was 3.31 percent, a decrease of 2 bps from 3.33 percent in the previous quarter. The decline in net interest margin was due to lower loan yields and the residual impact from the maturity of interest rate floors in the second quarter, partially offset by the effect of lower funding rates and higher securities yields. The impact of day count reduced the net interest margin by 1 bp.

Compared with the third quarter of 2012, net interest income decreased $9 million and the net interest margin decreased 25 bps, driven by lower asset yields partially offset by higher average loan balances, lower long-term debt expense due to a reduction in higher cost average long-term debt along with a decrease in the rate paid on average long-term debt, and run-off in higher-priced CDs.

Securities

Average securities and other short-term investments were $18.5 billion in the third quarter of 2013 compared with $17.0 billion in the previous quarter and $16.6 billion in the third quarter of 2012. On an end of period basis, available-for-sale securities of $18.1 billion increased $1.9 billion from the prior quarter, largely due to added investments following the increase in market rates experienced during the early and middle part of the third quarter. Other short-term investments end of period balances of $2.6 billion increased $1.5 billion sequentially due to higher interest bearing cash balances held at the Federal Reserve at quarter end.

Loans            
                                     
For the Three Months Ended   % Change
September June March December September
2013   2013   2013   2012   2012   Seq   Yr/Yr
Average Portfolio Loans and Leases ($ in millions)
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial loans $ 38,133 $ 37,630 $ 36,395 $ 34,301 $ 33,111 1 % 15 %
Commercial mortgage loans 8,273 8,618 8,965 9,193 9,567 (4 %) (14 %)
Commercial construction loans 793 713 695 686 742 11 % 7 %
Commercial leases   3,572       3,552       3,556       3,509       3,481     1 %   3 %
Subtotal - commercial loans and leases   50,771       50,513       49,611       47,689       46,901     1 %   8 %
Consumer:
Residential mortgage loans 12,486 12,260 12,096 11,846 11,578 2 % 8 %
Home equity 9,432 9,625 9,872 10,129 10,312 (2 %) (9 %)
Automobile loans 12,083 11,887 11,961 11,944 11,812 2 % 2 %
Credit card 2,140 2,071 2,069 2,029 1,971 3 % 9 %
Other consumer loans and leases   360       351       294       306       314     2 %   15 %
Subtotal - consumer loans and leases   36,501       36,194       36,292       36,254       35,987     1 %   1 %
Total average loans and leases (excluding held for sale) $ 87,272 $ 86,707 $ 85,903 $ 83,943 $ 82,888 1 % 5 %
 
Average loans held for sale   1,882       2,766       2,977       2,237       1,941     (32 %)   (3 %)

Average loan and lease balances (excluding loans held-for-sale) increased $565 million, or 1 percent, sequentially and increased $4.4 billion, or 5 percent, from the third quarter of 2012. The increase in average loans and leases was primarily driven by growth in the commercial and industrial (C&I), residential mortgage, and auto loan portfolios. The growth was partially offset by declines in commercial mortgage and home equity loans. Period end loans and leases (excluding loans held-for-sale) of $87.2 billion increased $199 million sequentially and $4.2 billion, or 5 percent, from a year ago.

Average commercial portfolio loan and lease balances increased $258 million, or 1 percent, sequentially and increased $3.9 billion, or 8 percent, from the third quarter of 2012. The increase from prior periods was largely driven by growth in average C&I loans of $503 million from the prior quarter and $5.0 billion from the third quarter of 2012, partially offset by lower average commercial real estate balances. Within commercial real estate, average commercial mortgage balances continued to decline although average commercial construction balances increased for the second consecutive quarter. Commercial line usage, on an end of period basis, was 30 percent of committed lines in the third quarter of 2013 compared with 31 percent in the second quarter of 2013 and 32 percent in the third quarter of 2012.

Average consumer portfolio loan and lease balances increased 1 percent sequentially and year-over-year. Growth was broad-based, although partially offset by lower home equity balances as runoff continues to outpace new production. Average residential mortgage loans increased $226 million sequentially and $908 million from a year ago, reflecting the continued retention of certain shorter term residential mortgage loans. Average auto loans increased $196 million sequentially and $271 million from the third quarter of 2012.

Average loans held-for-sale balances of $1.9 billion decreased $884 million sequentially and $59 million compared with the third quarter of 2012. Period end loans held-for-sale of $1.3 billion decreased $818 million from the previous quarter and $472 million from the third quarter of 2012 reflecting lower residential mortgage held-for-sale balances due to the lower volume of mortgage originations.

Deposits
                                         
    For the Three Months Ended   % Change
September   June   March   December   September    
2013   2013   2013   2012   2012   Seq   Yr/Yr
Average Deposits ($ in millions)
Demand $ 30,655 $ 29,682 $ 28,565 $ 29,223 $ 27,127 3 % 13 %
Interest checking 23,116 22,796 23,763 23,556 22,967 1 % 1 %
Savings 18,026 18,864 19,576 20,216 21,283 (4 %) (15 %)
Money market 9,693 8,918 7,932 6,026 4,776 9 % NM
Foreign office(a)     1,755       1,418       1,102       1,174       1,345     24 %   30 %
Subtotal - Transaction deposits 83,245 81,678 80,938 80,195 77,498 2 % 7 %
Other time     3,676       3,859       3,982       4,094       4,224     (5 %)   (13 %)
Subtotal - Core deposits 86,921 85,537 84,920 84,289 81,722 2 % 6 %
Certificates - $100,000 and over 7,315 6,519 4,017 3,084 3,016 12 % NM
Other     17       10       40       32       32     67 %   (46 %)
Total deposits   $ 94,253     $ 92,066     $ 88,977     $ 87,405     $ 84,770     2 %   11 %

(a)

 

Includes commercial customer Eurodollar sweep balances for which the Bancorp pays rates comparable to other commercial deposit accounts.

Average core deposits increased $1.4 billion, or 2 percent, sequentially and increased $5.2 billion, or 6 percent, from the third quarter of 2012. Average transaction deposits, which are included in core deposits, increased $1.6 billion, or 2 percent, from the second quarter of 2013 and $5.7 billion, or 7 percent from the third quarter of 2012 driven by higher demand deposits, money market account, and interest checking balances, partially offset by lower savings balances. Other time deposits, primarily CDs, decreased 5 percent sequentially and 13 percent compared with the third quarter of 2012.

Commercial average transaction deposits increased 6 percent sequentially and increased 10 percent from the previous year. Sequential growth reflected higher demand deposit, foreign office, and money market account balances partially offset by lower interest checking and savings balances. Year-over-year growth reflected higher demand deposit, money market account, interest checking, and foreign office balances. Average public funds balances were $4.9 billion compared with $5.2 billion in the second quarter of 2013 and $5.1 billion in the third quarter of 2012.

Consumer average transaction deposits decreased 1 percent sequentially and increased 5 percent from the third quarter of 2012. The sequential decrease reflected lower demand deposit and savings balances, which were partially offset by higher money market and interest checking balances. Year-over-year growth was driven by increased money market and demand deposit balances partially offset by lower savings and interest checking balances. Consumer CDs included in core deposits declined 5 percent sequentially and 13 percent year-over-year driven by maturities of higher-rate CDs.

Wholesale Funding
                                       
  For the Three Months Ended   % Change
September   June   March   December   September    
2013   2013   2013   2012   2012   Seq   Yr/Yr
Average Wholesale Funding ($ in millions)
Certificates - $100,000 and over $ 7,315 $ 6,519 $ 4,017 $ 3,084 $ 3,016 12 % NM
Other deposits 17 10 40 32 32 67 % (46 %)
Federal funds purchased 464 560 691 794 664 (17 %) (30 %)
Other short-term borrowings 1,675 2,867 5,429 4,553 4,856 (42 %) (66 %)
Long-term debt   7,453       7,552       7,506       7,891       8,863     (1 %)   (16 %)
Total wholesale funding $ 16,924     $ 17,508     $ 17,683     $ 16,354     $ 17,431     (3 %)   (3 %)

Average wholesale funding of $16.9 billion decreased $584 million, or 3 percent, sequentially and decreased $507 million, or 3 percent, compared with the third quarter of 2012. The sequential and year-over-year comparisons reflect lower short-term borrowings, primarily average short-term FHLB borrowings, partially offset by the issuance of certificates $100,000 and over. Average long-term debt balances reflected the full quarter impact of the $750 million and $500 million senior note maturities in the second quarter of 2013 partially offset by $1.3 billion in long-term funding issued in conjunction with the auto securitization in August of 2013.

Noninterest Income            
                           
For the Three Months Ended   % Change
September June March December September
2013   2013   2013   2012   2012   Seq   Yr/Yr
Noninterest Income ($ in millions)
Service charges on deposits $ 140 $ 136 $ 131 $ 134 $ 128 3 % 10 %
Corporate banking revenue 102 106 99 114 101 (4 %) 1 %
Mortgage banking net revenue 121 233 220 258 200 (48 %) (40 %)
Investment advisory revenue 97 98 100 93 92 (2 %) 6 %
Card and processing revenue 69 67 65 66 65 2 % 6 %
Other noninterest income 185 414 109 215 78 (55 %) NM
Securities gains, net 2 - 17 2 2 NM 56 %

Securities gains (losses), net - non-qualifying hedges on mortgage servicing rights

  5     6     2     (2 )     5   (12 %)   5 %
Total noninterest income $ 721 $ 1,060 $ 743 $ 880 $ 671 (32 %) 7 %
 
NM: Not Meaningful                          

Noninterest income of $721 million decreased $339 million sequentially and increased $50 million compared with prior year results. These comparisons reflect the Vantiv-related impacts described below as well as lower mortgage banking net revenue.

Third quarter 2013 results included an $85 million gain on the sale of Vantiv shares as well as the $6 million positive Vantiv warrant valuation adjustment. This compares with a $242 million gain on the sale of Vantiv shares and a $76 million positive warrant valuation adjustment in the second quarter of 2013, and a $16 million negative warrant valuation adjustment in the third quarter of 2012. Quarterly results included charges related to the valuation of the total return swap entered into as part of the 2009 sale of Visa, Inc. Class B shares. Negative valuation adjustments on this swap were $2 million, $5 million, and $1 million in the in the third quarter of 2013, the second quarter of 2013, and the third quarter of 2012, respectively. Second quarter 2013 results included a pre-tax benefit of $10 million resulting from a settlement related to a previously surrendered BOLI policy. Third quarter 2012 results included $13 million in gains recognized on the sale of certain Fifth Third funds. Excluding these items and net securities gains in all periods, noninterest income of $630 million decreased $107 million, or 15 percent, from the previous quarter and decreased $43 million, or 6 percent, from the third quarter of 2012. The sequential decline was primarily due to lower mortgage banking net revenue. The year-over-year decline was primarily the result of lower mortgage banking net revenue partially offset by higher service charges on deposits and investment advisory revenue.

Service charges on deposits of $140 million increased 3 percent from the second quarter and increased 10 percent compared with the same quarter last year. Retail service charges increased 2 percent sequentially and 17 percent from the third quarter of 2012. The sequential increase was driven by higher overdraft occurrences while the year-over-year increase was primarily due to the transition to our new and simplified deposit product offerings. Commercial service charges increased 4 percent sequentially and increased 6 percent from a year ago primarily as a result of higher treasury management fees.

Corporate banking revenue of $102 million decreased 4 percent from the second quarter of 2013 and increased 1 percent from the same period last year. The sequential decline was primarily driven by lower foreign exchange fees and interest rate derivatives, partially offset by higher syndications fees and business lending fees. The year-over-year growth was primarily driven by higher syndication fees, business lending fees, and interest rate derivatives, partially offset by lower institutional sales revenue, foreign exchange fees, and letter of credit fees.

Mortgage banking net revenue was $121 million in the third quarter of 2013, a 48 percent decrease from the second quarter of 2013 and a 40 percent decrease from the third quarter of 2012. Third quarter 2013 originations were $4.8 billion, compared with a record $7.5 billion in the previous quarter and $5.8 billion in the third quarter of 2012. Third quarter 2013 originations resulted in gains of $74 million on mortgages sold, compared with gains of $150 million during the previous quarter and $226 million during the third quarter of 2012. The declines from the prior quarter and prior year reflected lower production and lower gain on sale margins. Mortgage servicing fees this quarter were $63 million, compared with $62 million in the previous quarter and in the third quarter of 2012. Mortgage banking net revenue is also affected by net servicing asset valuation adjustments, which include mortgage servicing rights (MSR) amortization and MSR valuation adjustments (including mark-to-market adjustments on free-standing derivatives used to economically hedge the MSR portfolio). These net servicing asset valuation adjustments were negative $16 million in the third quarter of 2013 (reflecting MSR amortization of $39 million and MSR valuation adjustments of positive $23 million); positive $21 million in the second quarter of 2013 (MSR amortization of $51 million and MSR valuation adjustments of positive $72 million); and negative $88 million in the third quarter of 2012 (MSR amortization of $48 million and MSR valuation adjustments of negative $40 million). The mortgage servicing asset, net of the valuation reserve, was $915 million at quarter end on a servicing portfolio of $69 billion.

Net gains on securities held as non-qualifying hedges for the MSR portfolio were $5 million in the third quarter of 2013, compared with net gains of $6 million in the second quarter of 2013 and net gains of $5 million in the third quarter of 2012.

Investment advisory revenue of $97 million decreased 2 percent from the second quarter and increased 6 percent year-over-year. The sequential decline reflected lower brokerage fees and private client services revenue from a strong second quarter of 2013. The year-over-year increase was due to higher brokerage fees and private client services revenue, which was partially offset by the absence of mutual fund fees due to the sale of certain Fifth Third funds in the third quarter of 2012.

Card and processing revenue of $69 million in the third quarter of 2013 increased 2 percent sequentially and 6 percent from the third quarter of 2012, reflecting the impact of higher transaction volumes.

Other noninterest income totaled $185 million in the third quarter of 2013, compared with $414 million in the previous quarter and $78 million in the third quarter of 2012. The third quarter of 2013 included an $85 million gain on the sale of Vantiv shares. Other noninterest income also included effects of the valuation of the Vantiv warrant and changes in income related to the valuation of the Visa total return swap. For the quarters ending September 30, 2013, June 30, 2013, and September 30, 2012, the impact of warrant valuation adjustments were positive $6 million, positive $76 million, and negative $16 million, respectively, and changes in income related to the Visa total return swap were losses of $2 million, $5 million, and $1 million, respectively. The second quarter of 2013 also included a $242 million gain from the sale of Vantiv shares and a $10 million benefit resulting from a settlement related to a previously surrendered BOLI policy. The third quarter of 2012 also included $13 million in gains recognized on the sale of certain Fifth Third funds. Excluding the items detailed above, other noninterest income of $96 million increased approximately $5 million, or 5 percent, from the second quarter of 2013 and increased approximately $14 million, or 17 percent, from the third quarter of 2012.

Net credit-related costs recognized in other noninterest income were $5 million in the third quarter of 2013 versus $6 million last quarter and $14 million in the third quarter of 2012. Third quarter 2013 results primarily reflected $5 million of losses on other real estate owned (OREO). Second quarter 2013 results included $1 million of fair value charges on commercial loans held-for-sale, as well as $5 million of losses on OREO. Third quarter 2012 results included $2 million of net gains on sales of commercial loans held-for-sale, $3 million of fair value charges on commercial loans held-for-sale, and $11 million of losses on OREO.

Net gains on investment securities were $2 million in the third quarter of 2013, compared with no material investment securities gains of in the previous quarter and $2 million in the third quarter of 2012.

Noninterest Expense                    
                                     
For the Three Months Ended     % Change
September June March December September
2013   2013     2013     2012     2012     Seq   Yr/Yr
Noninterest Expense ($ in millions)
Salaries, wages and incentives $ 389 $ 404 $ 399 $ 416 $ 399 (4 %) (2 %)
Employee benefits 83 83 114 96 79 - 4 %
Net occupancy expense 75 76 79 76 76 (2 %) (1 %)
Technology and communications 52 50 49 52 49 5 % 6 %
Equipment expense 29 28 28 27 28 6 % 5 %
Card and processing expense 33 33 31 31 30 (2 %) 9 %
Other noninterest expense   298       361       278       465       345     (18 %)   (14 %)
Total noninterest expense $ 959     $ 1,035     $ 978     $ 1,163     $ 1,006     (7 %)   (5 %)

Noninterest expense of $959 million decreased 7 percent from the second quarter of 2013 and decreased 5 percent versus the third quarter of 2012.

Third quarter 2013 expenses included $30 million in charges to increase litigation reserves, $5 million in severance expense, and $5 million in large bank assessment fees. Second quarter 2013 expenses included $51 million in charges to increase litigation reserves and $1 million in severance expense. Third quarter 2012 expenses included $26 million of debt extinguishment costs associated with the redemption of Fifth Third Capital Trust V and Fifth Third Capital Trust VI TruPS, $5 million in charges to increase litigation reserves, $2 million of expenses associated with the sale of certain Fifth Third funds, and $2 million of severance expense. Excluding these items, noninterest expense of $919 million decreased $64 million compared with the second quarter of 2013 and decreased $52 million compared with the third quarter of 2012. The decrease from both periods was largely due to lower compensation-related expense, primarily in the mortgage business; lower credit-related costs, including a $15 million reduction in the mortgage representation and warranty reserve due to improving underlying repurchase metrics; and lower loan and lease expense. These declines were partially offset by a $4 million seasonal pension settlement charge.

Credit costs related to problem assets recorded as noninterest expense totaled $16 million in the third quarter of 2013, compared with $35 million in the second quarter of 2013 and $59 million in the third quarter of 2012. Third quarter credit-related expenses included provision for mortgage repurchases that was a benefit of $4 million, compared with expense of $20 million in the second quarter and $36 million a year ago. (Realized mortgage repurchase losses were $13 million in the third quarter of 2013, compared with $14 million last quarter and $15 million in the third quarter of 2012.) Provision for unfunded commitments was $1 million in the current quarter, compared with a benefit of $2 million last quarter and a year ago. Derivative valuation adjustments related to customer credit risk were immaterial for this quarter and last quarter compared with positive $2 million for the year ago quarter. OREO expense was $5 million this quarter, compared with $3 million last quarter and $6 million a year ago. Other problem asset-related expenses were $14 million in the third quarter, compared with $14 million the previous quarter and $21 million in the same period last year.

Credit Quality
                           
For the Three Months Ended
September   June   March   December   September
2013   2013   2013   2012   2012
Total net losses charged off ($ in millions)
Commercial and industrial loans ($44 ) ($33 ) ($25 ) ($36 ) ($29 )
Commercial mortgage loans (2 ) (10 ) (26 ) (17 ) (28 )
Commercial construction loans 2 - (3 ) (4 ) (4 )
Commercial leases - (2 ) - 1 (1 )
Residential mortgage loans (12 ) (15 ) (20 ) (23 ) (26 )
Home equity (19 ) (23 ) (30 ) (34 ) (37 )
Automobile loans (6 ) (5 ) (4 ) (9 ) (7 )
Credit card (19 ) (19 ) (20 ) (19 ) (18 )
Other consumer loans and leases (9 )     (5 )     (5 )     (6 )     (6 )
Total net losses charged off (109 ) (112 ) (133 ) (147 ) (156 )
 
Total losses (141 ) (145 ) (168 ) (177 ) (188 )
Total recoveries 32       33       35       30       32  
Total net losses charged off ($109 ) ($112 ) ($133 ) ($147 ) ($156 )
Ratios (annualized)

Net losses charged off as a percent of average loans and leases (excluding held for sale)

0.49 % 0.51 % 0.63 % 0.70 % 0.75 %
Commercial 0.35 % 0.36 % 0.44 % 0.46 % 0.53 %
Consumer 0.70 %     0.73 %     0.89 %     1.01 %     1.04 %

Net charge-offs were $109 million in the third quarter of 2013, or 49 bps of average loans on an annualized basis. Net charge-offs declined 2 percent compared with second quarter 2013 net charge-offs of $112 million, and declined 31 percent versus third quarter 2012 net charge-offs of $156 million.

Commercial net charge-offs were $44 million, or 35 bps, down $1 million sequentially. C&I net charge-offs of $44 million increased $11 million from the previous quarter, and were offset by a $10 million decline in commercial real estate net charge-offs and a $2 million decline in commercial lease net charge-offs compared with the previous quarter.

Consumer net charge-offs were $65 million, or 70 bps, down $2 million sequentially. Net charge-offs on residential mortgage loans in the portfolio were $12 million, down $3 million from the previous quarter. Home equity net charge-offs were $19 million, down $4 million from the second quarter of 2013. Net charge-offs on brokered home equity loans represented 31 percent of third quarter home equity losses; such loans are 13 percent of the total $9.4 billion home equity portfolio. Originations of these loans were discontinued in 2007. Net charge-offs in the auto portfolio of $6 million increased $1 million compared with the prior quarter. Net charge-offs on consumer credit card loans were $19 million, consistent with the second quarter. Net charge-offs on other consumer loans were $9 million, up $4 million compared with the previous quarter.

   
For the Three Months Ended
September   June   March   December   September
2013   2013   2013   2012   2012
Allowance for Credit Losses ($ in millions)
Allowance for loan and lease losses, beginning $ 1,735 $ 1,783 $ 1,854 $ 1,925 $ 2,016
Total net losses charged off (109 ) (112 ) (133 ) (147 ) (156 )
Provision for loan and lease losses   51         64         62         76         65  
Allowance for loan and lease losses, ending 1,677 1,735 1,783 1,854 1,925
 
Reserve for unfunded commitments, beginning 166 168 179 176 178
Provision for unfunded commitments   1         (2 )       (11 )       3         (2 )
Reserve for unfunded commitments, ending 167 166 168 179 176
 
Components of allowance for credit losses:
Allowance for loan and lease losses 1,677 1,735 1,783 1,854 1,925
Reserve for unfunded commitments   167         166         168         179         176  
Total allowance for credit losses $ 1,844 $ 1,901 $ 1,951 $ 2,033 $ 2,101
Allowance for loan and lease losses ratio
As a percent of loans and leases 1.92 % 1.99 % 2.08 % 2.16 % 2.32 %
As a percent of nonperforming loans and leases(a) 218 % 191 % 187 % 180 % 167 %
As a percent of nonperforming assets(a) 165 % 151 % 147 % 144 % 133 %
 

(a) Excludes nonaccrual loans and leases in loans held for sale

Provision for loan and lease losses totaled $51 million in the third quarter of 2013, down $13 million from the second quarter of 2013 and down $14 million from the third quarter of 2012. The allowance for loan and lease losses declined $58 million sequentially reflecting continued improvement in credit trends. The allowance represented 1.92 percent of total loans and leases outstanding as of quarter end, compared with 1.99 percent last quarter, and represented 218 percent of nonperforming loans and leases, and 165 percent of nonperforming assets.

   
As of
September June March December   September

 

2013 2013 2013   2012   2012

Nonperforming Assets and Delinquent Loans ($ in millions)

Nonaccrual portfolio loans and leases:
Commercial and industrial loans $

146

$ 218 $ 229 $ 234 $ 309
Commercial mortgage loans 106 169 184 215 263
Commercial construction loans 27 39 66 70 76
Commercial leases 1 1 1 1 5
Residential mortgage loans 83 96 110 114 126
Home equity 28 28 28 30 29
Automobile loans - - - - -
Other consumer loans and leases   -       -       -       1         -  
Total nonaccrual loans and leases $

391

$ 551 $ 618 $ 665 $ 808
Restructured loans and leases - commercial (nonaccrual)

241

(c) 196 (c) 159 (c) 177 153
Restructured loans and leases - consumer (nonaccrual)   138       162       174       187         192  
Total nonperforming loans and leases $ 770 $ 909 $ 951 $ 1,029 $ 1,153
Repossessed personal property 7 6 7 8 10
Other real estate owned(a)   237       235       252       249         283  
Total nonperforming assets(b) $ 1,014 $ 1,150 $ 1,210 $ 1,286 $ 1,446
Nonaccrual loans held for sale 11 15 16 25 38
Restructured loans - commercial (nonaccrual) held for sale   -       -       3       4         5  
Total nonperforming assets including loans held for sale $ 1,025     $ 1,165     $ 1,229     $ 1,315       $ 1,489  
 
Restructured Consumer loans and leases (accrual) $ 1,694 $ 1,671 $ 1,683 $ 1,655 $ 1,641
Restructured Commercial loans and leases (accrual) $

499

(c) $ 475 (c) $ 441 (c) $ 431 $ 442
 
Total loans and leases 90 days past due $ 156 $ 152 $ 164 $ 195 $ 201

Nonperforming loans and leases as a percent of portfolio loans, leases and other assets, including other real estate owned(b)

0.88 % 1.04 % 1.11 % 1.19 % 1.38 %

Nonperforming assets as a percent of portfolio loans, leases and other assets, including other real estate owned(b)

1.16 % 1.32 % 1.41 % 1.49 % 1.73 %

(a)

 

Excludes government insured advances.

(b)

Does not include nonaccrual loans held for sale.

(c)

 

Excludes $21.5 million of restructured nonaccrual loans and $7.6 million of restructured accruing loans associated with a consolidated variable interest entity in which the Bancorp has no continuing credit risk.

Total nonperforming assets, including loans held-for-sale, were $1.0 billion, a decline of $140 million, or 12 percent, from the previous quarter. Nonperforming assets held-for-investment (NPAs) were $1.0 billion, or 1.16 percent, of total loans, leases and OREO, and decreased $136 million, or 12 percent, from the previous quarter. Nonperforming loans held-for-investment (NPLs) at quarter end were $770 million or 0.88 percent of total loans, leases and OREO, and decreased $139 million, or 15 percent, from the previous quarter.

Commercial portfolio NPAs were $680 million, or 1.34 percent of commercial loans, leases and OREO, and decreased $114 million, or 14 percent, from the second quarter. Commercial portfolio NPLs were $521 million, or 1.02 percent of commercial loans and leases, and decreased $102 million from last quarter. C&I portfolio NPAs of $321 million decreased $40 million from the prior quarter. Commercial mortgage portfolio NPAs were $296 million, down $59 million from the previous quarter. Commercial construction portfolio NPAs were $62 million, a decrease of $7 million from the previous quarter. Commercial lease portfolio NPAs were $1 million, a decrease of $7 million from the previous quarter. Commercial real estate loans in Michigan and Florida represented 52 percent of commercial real estate NPAs and 36 percent of our total commercial real estate portfolio. Within the overall commercial loan portfolio, residential real estate builder and developer portfolio NPAs of $53 million declined $10 million from the second quarter, of which $33 million were commercial mortgage assets, $14 million were commercial construction assets and $6 million were C&I assets. Commercial portfolio NPAs included $241 million of nonaccrual troubled debt restructurings (TDRs), compared with $196 million last quarter.

Consumer portfolio NPAs of $334 million, or 0.91 percent of consumer loans, leases and OREO, decreased $22 million from the second quarter. Consumer portfolio NPLs were $249 million, or 0.68 percent of consumer loans and leases and decreased $37 million from last quarter. Of consumer NPAs, $292 million were in residential real estate portfolios. Residential mortgage NPAs were $229 million, $25 million lower than last quarter, with Florida representing 41 percent of residential mortgage NPAs and 13 percent of total residential mortgage loans. Home equity NPAs of $63 million were up $6 million compared with last quarter. Credit card NPAs of $34 million decreased $3 million compared to the previous quarter. Consumer nonaccrual TDRs were $138 million in the third quarter of 2013, compared with $162 million in the second quarter 2013.

Third quarter OREO balances included in portfolio NPA balances described above were $237 million, up $2 million from the second quarter, and included $160 million in commercial OREO and $77 million in consumer OREO. Repossessed personal property of $7 million consisted largely of autos.

Loans still accruing over 90 days past due were $156 million, up $4 million, or 2 percent, from the second quarter of 2013. Commercial balances over 90 days past due were $3 million. Consumer balances 90 days past due of $153 million were up $1 million from the previous quarter. Loans 30-89 days past due of $258 million were flat from the previous quarter. Commercial balances 30-89 days past due of $13 million were up $6 million sequentially and consumer balances 30-89 days past due of $245 million decreased $6 million from the second quarter. The above delinquencies figures exclude nonaccruals described previously.

Commercial nonaccrual loans held-for-sale were $11 million, compared with $15 million at the end of the second quarter.

Capital Position        
                           
For the Three Months Ended
September June March December September
2013   2013   2013   2012   2012
Capital Position
Average shareholders' equity to average assets 11.71 % 11.64 % 11.38 % 11.65 % 11.82 %
Tangible equity(a) 9.75 % 9.65 % 9.36 % 9.17 % 9.45 %
Tangible common equity (excluding unrealized gains/losses)(a) 9.27 % 8.83 % 9.03 % 8.83 % 9.10 %
Tangible common equity (including unrealized gains/losses)(a) 9.42 % 8.94 % 9.28 % 9.10 % 9.45 %
Tangible common equity as a percent of risk-weighted assets (excluding unrealized gains/losses)(a)(b) 9.95 % 9.49 % 9.77 % 9.57 % 9.74 %

Regulatory capital ratios:(c)

Tier I risk-based capital 11.15 % 11.07 % 10.83 % 10.65 % 10.85 %
Total risk-based capital 14.36 % 14.34 % 14.35 % 14.42 % 14.76 %
Tier I leverage 10.58 % 10.40 % 10.03 % 10.05 % 10.09 %
Tier I common equity(a) 9.89 % 9.43 % 9.70 % 9.51 % 9.67 %
Book value per share 15.84 15.56 15.42 15.10 14.84
Tangible book value per share(a) 13.09 12.69 12.62 12.33 12.12

(a)

 

The tangible equity, tangible common equity, tier I common equity and tangible book value per share ratios, while not required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP), are considered to be critical metrics with which to analyze banks. The ratios have been included herein to facilitate a greater understanding of the Bancorp's capital structure and financial condition. See the Regulation G Non-GAAP Reconciliation table for a reconciliation of these ratios to U.S. GAAP.

 

(b)

Under the banking agencies risk-based capital guidelines, assets and credit equivalent amounts of derivatives and off-balance sheet exposures are assigned to broad risk categories. The aggregate dollar amount in each risk category is multiplied by the associated risk weight of the category. The resulting weighted values are added together resulting in the Bancorp's total risk weighted assets.

 

(c)

 

Current period regulatory capital data ratios are estimated.

Capital ratios remained strong, reflecting growth in retained earnings during the quarter. Compared with the prior quarter, the Tier 1 common equity ratio* of 9.89 percent increased 46 bps. The tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio* was 9.27 percent (excluding unrealized gains/losses) and 9.42 percent (including unrealized gains/losses). These ratios included 37 bps of benefit from the conversion of Series G preferred stock at the beginning of the quarter. The Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio increased 8 bps to 11.15 percent. The Total risk-based capital ratio increased 2 bps to 14.36 percent and the Leverage ratio increased 18 bps to 10.58 percent.

Book value per share at September 30, 2013 was $15.84 and tangible book value per share* was $13.09, compared with June 30, 2013 book value per share of $15.56 and tangible book value per share of $12.69.

As previously announced, Fifth Third entered into a share repurchase agreement with a counterparty on May 21, 2013, whereby Fifth Third would purchase approximately $539 million of its outstanding common stock. This transaction reduced Fifth Third’s average common share count in the third quarter by 15 million shares. The settlement of the forward contract occurred on October 1, 2013, and an additional 4,270,250 shares were repurchased upon completion of the agreement which will be reflected in the fourth quarter share count.

U.S. banking regulators approved final capital rules for U.S. banks, including changes to the definition of capital components (i.e. the numerator of capital ratios) and changes to risk-weighting rules for assets (i.e. the denominator of capital ratios). These final rules implement portions of rules proposed by international banking regulators known as Basel III and Basel II. Fifth Third is not a Basel “Advanced Approaches” institution. Therefore, Fifth Third would be subject to the general capital rules governing the capital or numerator portion of these final rules and the “Standardized Approach” for risk-weighting assets. Additionally, Fifth Third would have a one-time irrevocable option to neutralize certain accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) components in capital, comparable to treatment under prevailing capital rules. Fifth Third will also be subject to the Market Risk Rule for trading assets and liabilities, which has been re-proposed for alignment with the other final capital rules. We continue to evaluate the final rule and its impact, which would apply beginning reporting periods after January 1, 2015.

Our current estimate of the pro-forma fully phased in Tier I common equity ratio at September 30, 2013 under the final capital rule, assuming the Company elected to maintain the current treatment of AOCI components in capital, would be approximately 9.5 percent**. This would compare with 9.9 percent* as calculated under the currently prevailing Basel I capital framework. The primary drivers of the change from the prevailing capital framework to the Basel III framework would be an increase in Tier I common equity of approximately 8 bps, which would be more than offset by modestly higher risk-weighted assets. (The largest impact to the numerator is that the new rules would not require the current 10 percent deduction of mortgage servicing rights assets; the largest changes to the denominator would be the treatment of securitizations and lending commitments of less than a year.) Should Fifth Third make the election to include AOCI components in capital, the September 30, 2013 pro forma Basel III Tier 1 common ratio would be increased by approximately 18 bps. Fifth Third’s pro forma Tier 1 common equity ratio exceeds the minimum buffered Tier 1 common equity ratio of 7 percent, comprising a minimum of 4.5 percent plus a capital conservation buffer of 2.5 percent. The pro forma Tier 1 common equity ratio does not include the effect of any mitigating actions the Bancorp may undertake to offset any impact of the final capital rules.

The new regulations approved by U.S. banking regulators also cease Tier 1 capital treatment for outstanding trust preferred securities (“TruPS”) for banking organizations greater than $15 billion by January 1, 2016. Fifth Third’s Tier 1 and Total capital levels at September 30, 2013 included $810 million of TruPS, or 71 bps of risk weighted assets. Based on regulatory developments, Fifth Third will continue to evaluate the role of these types of securities in its capital structure. Fifth Third included the potential redemption of $750 million in TruPS in its 2013 CCAR plan. To the extent these types of securities remain outstanding during and after the phase-in period, they would continue to be included in Total capital, as approved in the capital rules described above. We expect to manage our capital structure over time – including the components represented by common equity and non-common equity – to adapt to and reflect the effect of changes in U.S. bank capital regulations, transition periods for inclusion of capital components in capital, regulatory expectations, and our goals for capital levels and capital composition, as appropriate.

Fifth Third is subject to the Federal Reserve’s (FRB) Capital Plans Rule which was issued November 9, 2012. Under this rule, we are required to submit our annual capital plan to the Federal Reserve, for its objection or non-objection. The plan includes those capital actions Fifth Third intends to pursue or contemplate during the period covered by the FRB’s response, which is the second quarter of 2013 through the first quarter of 2014. These actions were more fully described in our March 14, 2013 announcement that the FRB did not object to Fifth Third’s 2013 CCAR capital plan. Any such actions would be based on environmental and market conditions, earnings results, our capital position, and other factors, as well as approval by the Fifth Third Board of Directors, at the time. This announcement can be found under “Press Releases” at http://ir.53.com.

Pursuant to Fifth Third’s 2013 CCAR capital plan, on June 11, 2013, Fifth Third provided notice that its Board of Directors had authorized the conversion of all $398 million in outstanding Depositary Shares representing Series G 8.5 percent convertible preferred stock into approximately 35.5 million common shares issued to the holders. (Note that these securities had been accounted for under the “if-converted” method for inclusion in common shares for diluted earnings per share reporting purposes.) Effective as of the close of the market on July 1, 2013, Fifth Third converted all remaining outstanding shares of Series G Preferred Stock, represented by 4,110,500 Depositary Shares, into shares of Fifth Third’s Common Stock. Each Depositary Share was convertible into 8.6393 shares of Common Stock, and the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock issued in this conversion was 35,511,740, although as noted earlier those shares were already included in our diluted share count.

* Non-GAAP measure; see Reg. G reconciliation on page 35 in Exhibit 99.1 of 8-k filing dated 10/17/13.

** Capital ratios estimated; presented under current U.S. capital regulations. The pro forma Basel III Tier I common equity ratio is management’s estimate based upon its current interpretation of recent prospective regulatory capital requirements approved in July 2013.

Tax Rate

The effective tax rate was 30.3 percent this quarter compared with 29.7 percent in the second quarter and 27.7 percent in the third quarter of 2012.

Other

Fifth Third Bank owns 48.8 million units representing a 25 percent interest in Vantiv Holding, LLC, convertible into shares of Vantiv, Inc., a publicly traded firm (NYSE: VNTV). Based upon Vantiv’s closing price of $27.94 on September 30, 2013, our interest in Vantiv was valued at approximately $1.4 billion. Next month in our 10-Q, we will update our disclosure of the carrying value of our interest in Vantiv stock, which was $448 million as of June 30, 2013. The difference between the market value and the book value of Fifth Third’s interest in Vantiv’s shares is not recognized in Fifth Third’s equity or capital. Additionally, Fifth Third has a warrant to purchase additional shares in Vantiv which is carried as a derivative asset at a fair value of $293 million as of September 30, 2013.

Conference Call

Fifth Third will host a conference call to discuss these financial results at 9:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) today. This conference call will be webcast live by Thomson Financial and may be accessed through the Fifth Third Investor Relations website at www.53.com (click on “About Fifth Third” then “Investor Relations”). The webcast also is being distributed over Thomson Financial’s Investor Distribution Network to both institutional and individual investors. Individual investors can listen to the call through Thomson Financial’s individual investor center at www.earnings.com or by visiting any of the investor sites in Thomson Financial’s Individual Investor Network. Institutional investors can access the call via Thomson Financial’s password-protected event management site, StreetEvents (www.streetevents.com).

Those unable to listen to the live webcast may access a webcast replay through the Fifth Third Investor Relations website at the same web address. Additionally, a telephone replay of the conference call will be available beginning approximately two hours after the conference call until Thursday, October 31 by dialing 800-585-8367 for domestic access and 404-537-3406 for international access (passcode 35616507#).

Corporate Profile

Fifth Third Bancorp is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. As of September 30, 2013, the Company had $126 billion in assets and operated 18 affiliates with 1,326 full-service Banking Centers, including 104 Bank Mart® locations open seven days a week inside select grocery stores and 2,374 ATMs in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Georgia and North Carolina. Fifth Third operates four main businesses: Commercial Banking, Branch Banking, Consumer Lending, and Investment Advisors. Fifth Third also has a 25% interest in Vantiv Holding, LLC. Fifth Third is among the largest money managers in the Midwest and, as of September 30, 2013, had $318 billion in assets under care, of which it managed $27 billion for individuals, corporations and not-for-profit organizations. Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Fifth Third’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.”

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that we believe are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Rule 175 promulgated thereunder, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Rule 3b-6 promulgated thereunder. These statements relate to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance or business. They usually can be identified by the use of forward-looking language such as “will likely result,” “may,” “are expected to,” “is anticipated,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “projected,” “intends to,” or may include other similar words or phrases such as “believes,” “plans,” “trend,” “objective,” “continue,” “remain,” or similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “might,” “can,” or similar verbs. You should not place undue reliance on these statements, as they are subject to risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to the risk factors set forth in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. When considering these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind these risks and uncertainties, as well as any cautionary statements we may make. Moreover, you should treat these statements as speaking only as of the date they are made and based only on information then actually known to us.

There are a number of important factors that could cause future results to differ materially from historical performance and these forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: (1) general economic conditions and weakening in the economy, specifically the real estate market, either nationally or in the states in which Fifth Third, one or more acquired entities and/or the combined company do business, are less favorable than expected; (2) deteriorating credit quality; (3) political developments, wars or other hostilities may disrupt or increase volatility in securities markets or other economic conditions; (4) changes in the interest rate environment reduce interest margins; (5) prepayment speeds, loan origination and sale volumes, charge-offs and loan loss provisions; (6) Fifth Third’s ability to maintain required capital levels and adequate sources of funding and liquidity; (7) maintaining capital requirements may limit Fifth Third’s operations and potential growth; (8) changes and trends in capital markets; (9) problems encountered by larger or similar financial institutions may adversely affect the banking industry and/or Fifth Third; (10) competitive pressures among depository institutions increase significantly; (11) effects of critical accounting policies and judgments; (12) changes in accounting policies or procedures as may be required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) or other regulatory agencies; (13) legislative or regulatory changes or actions, or significant litigation, adversely affect Fifth Third, one or more acquired entities and/or the combined company or the businesses in which Fifth Third, one or more acquired entities and/or the combined company are engaged, including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act; (14) ability to maintain favorable ratings from rating agencies; (15) fluctuation of Fifth Third’s stock price; (16) ability to attract and retain key personnel; (17) ability to receive dividends from its subsidiaries; (18) potentially dilutive effect of future acquisitions on current shareholders’ ownership of Fifth Third; (19) effects of accounting or financial results of one or more acquired entities; (20) difficulties from the separation of or the results of operations of Vantiv, LLC; (21) loss of income from any sale or potential sale of businesses that could have an adverse effect on Fifth Third’s earnings and future growth; (22) ability to secure confidential information and deliver products and services through the use of computer systems and telecommunications networks; and (23) the impact of reputational risk created by these developments on such matters as business generation and retention, funding and liquidity.

You should refer to our periodic and current reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or “SEC,” for further information on other factors, which could cause actual results to be significantly different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.



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