Fifth Third Reports Fourth Quarter 2023 Diluted Earnings Per Share of $0.72

Strong capital accretion and continued to grow deposits and improve liquidity

Reported results included a negative $0.27 impact from certain items on page 2 of the earnings release

Fifth Third Bancorp (NASDAQ:FITB):

Fifth Third delivered strong operating results in 2023 while continuing to successfully navigate the challenging environment. We generated record revenue while prudently managing expenses and continuing to invest in our businesses. Our credit metrics reflect disciplined credit risk management, with net charge-offs for the quarter in-line with our expectations.

In the fourth quarter, we successfully completed our risk-weighted assets initiative and accreted nearly 50 basis points of CET1 capital. We generated another quarter of strong deposit growth, with average deposits up 5% compared to the year-ago quarter while the industry declined 3%. Additionally, we maintained full Category 1 LCR compliance during the quarter.

We continued to invest for growth by opening 19 branches during the quarter, 18 of which are in our high-growth Southeast markets, and generated consumer household growth of 3% compared to the prior year. Our new quality middle market relationships in commercial continued to grow at a record pace.

While the economic and regulatory environments remain uncertain, we remain well positioned to respond to a range of potential economic and regulatory outcomes. We will continue to follow our guiding principles of stability, profitability, and growth – in that order.

Fifth Third Bancorp (NASDAQ^®: FITB) today reported fourth quarter 2023 net income of $530 million compared to net income of $660 million in the prior quarter and $737 million in the year-ago quarter. Net income available to common shareholders in the current quarter was $492 million, or $0.72 per diluted share, compared to $623 million, or $0.91 per diluted share, in the prior quarter and $699 million, or $1.01 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter.

Reported full year 2023 net income was $2.3 billion compared to full year 2022 net income of $2.4 billion. Full year 2023 net income available to common shareholders was $2.2 billion, or $3.22 per diluted share, compared to 2022 full year net income available to common shareholders of $2.3 billion, or $3.35 per diluted share.

NII decreased $22 million, or 2%, compared to the prior quarter. During the quarter, the risk-weighted asset reduction initiative was completed, and strong core deposit growth continued. Balance sheet positioning and deposit performance continue to provide flexibility in managing through a range of uncertain economic and regulatory environments. The impacts of increasing deposit costs due to higher average market rates and continued competition were partially offset by improved loan yields and the funding benefits from the core deposit balance growth. Compared to the prior quarter, NIM decreased 13 bps, reflecting the impact of higher cash balances due to the combined impact of the decrease in average loans and the growth in core deposits. NIM will continue to be impacted by the decision to carry additional liquidity, with the combination of cash and due from banks and other short-term investments exceeding $25 billion at quarter-end.

Compared to the year-ago quarter, NII decreased $159 million, or 10%, reflecting the impact of the deposit mix shift from demand to interest-bearing accounts and continued deposit repricing dynamics, partially offset by higher loan yields. Compared to the year-ago quarter, NIM decreased 50 bps, reflecting the impact of higher market rates and their effects on deposit pricing and the decision to carry additional liquidity, partially offset by higher loan yields.

Reported noninterest income increased $29 million, or 4%, from the prior quarter, and increased $9 million, or 1%, from the year-ago quarter. The reported results reflect the impact of certain items in the table below, including securities gains/losses which incorporate mark-to-market impacts from securities associated with non-qualified deferred compensation plans that are primarily offset in compensation and benefits expense.

Noninterest income excluding certain items increased $19 million, or 3%, from the prior quarter, and decreased $26 million, or 3%, from the year-ago quarter.

Compared to the prior quarter, service charges on deposits decreased $3 million, or 2%, primarily reflecting a decrease in consumer deposit fees due to the elimination of extended overdraft fees. Commercial banking revenue increased $9 million, or 6%, primarily reflecting higher institutional brokerage revenue, business lending fees, and corporate bond fees, partially offset by a decrease in loan syndication revenue. Mortgage banking net revenue increased $9 million, or 16%, primarily reflecting a decrease in MSR asset decay and an increase in MSR net valuation adjustments, which had a $2 million gain in the fourth quarter compared to a $2 million loss in the prior quarter. Wealth and asset management revenue increased $2 million, or 1%, primarily driven by higher brokerage fees, partially offset by lower personal asset management revenue. Card and processing revenue increased $2 million, or 2%, primarily driven by higher interchange revenue. Leasing business revenue decreased $12 million, or 21%, primarily reflecting lower lease remarketing revenue. Other noninterest income results were driven by the recognition of tax receivable agreement revenue of $22 million in the current quarter.

Compared to the year-ago quarter, service charges on deposits increased $6 million, or 4%, reflecting an increase in commercial treasury management fees, partially offset by a decrease in consumer deposit fees. Commercial banking revenue increased $5 million, or 3%, primarily driven by higher institutional brokerage revenue, corporate bond fees and business lending fees, partially offset by lower M&A advisory revenue and client financial risk management revenue. Mortgage banking net revenue increased $3 million, or 5%, primarily reflecting a decrease in MSR asset decay and an increase in origination fees and gains on loans sales. Wealth and asset management revenue increased $8 million, or 6%, driven by higher brokerage fees and personal asset management revenue. Card and processing revenue increased $3 million, or 3%, primarily reflecting higher interchange revenue. Leasing business revenue decreased $12 million, or 21%, primarily reflecting lower operating lease revenue and lease remarketing revenue. The decrease in other noninterest income was primarily attributable to lower tax receivable agreement revenue and private equity income.

Reported noninterest expense increased $267 million, or 22%, from the prior quarter, and increased $237 million, or 19%, from the year-ago quarter. The reported results reflect the impact of certain items in the table below.

Compared to the prior quarter, noninterest expense excluding certain items increased $23 million, or 2%, primarily driven by the impact of non-qualified deferred compensation mark-to-market, which was a $17 million expense in the fourth quarter compared to a $5 million benefit in the prior quarter, both of which were largely offset in net securities gains/losses through noninterest income.

Compared to the year-ago quarter, noninterest expense excluding certain items decreased $7 million, or 1%, primarily driven by lower leasing business expense and other noninterest expense, partially offset by higher technology and communications expense primarily related to continued modernization investments. The year-ago quarter included $6 million of noninterest expense related to the impact of non-qualified deferred compensation mark-to-market, which was largely offset in net securities gains/losses through noninterest income.

Compared to the prior quarter, total average portfolio loans and leases decreased 2%, reflecting the aforementioned reduction in risk-weighted assets initiative which impacted both commercial and consumer portfolios. Average commercial portfolio loans and leases decreased 3%, reflecting a decrease in commercial and industrial (C&I) loan balances. Average consumer portfolio loans decreased 1%, primarily reflecting decreases in indirect secured consumer loan balances and residential mortgage loan balances, partially offset by an increase in other consumer loan balances driven by Dividend Finance.

Compared to the year-ago quarter, total average portfolio loans and leases decreased 2%, reflecting a decrease in the commercial portfolio. Average commercial portfolio loans and leases decreased 3%, primarily reflecting a decrease in C&I loan balances, partially offset by an increase in commercial mortgage loan balances. Average consumer portfolio loans were flat, primarily reflecting an increase in other consumer loan balances driven by Dividend Finance, offset by a decrease in indirect secured consumer loan balances and residential mortgage loan balances.

Average loans and leases held for sale were $0.5 billion in the current quarter compared to $0.6 billion in the prior quarter and $1.5 billion in the year-ago quarter.

Average securities (taxable and tax-exempt; amortized cost) of $57 billion in the current quarter increased $0.4 billion, or 1%, compared to the prior quarter and decreased $1 billion, or 2%, compared to the year-ago quarter. Average other short-term investments (including interest-bearing cash) of $22 billion in the current quarter increased $9 billion, or 66%, compared to the prior quarter and increased $15 billion, or 242%, compared to the year-ago quarter.

Total period-end commercial portfolio loans and leases of $73 billion decreased 3% compared to the prior quarter, primarily reflecting a decrease in C&I loan balances. Compared to the year-ago quarter, total period-end commercial portfolio loans and leases decreased 5%, primarily reflecting a decrease in C&I loan balances. Period-end commercial revolving line utilization was 35%, compared to 36% in the prior quarter and 37% in the year-ago quarter.

Total period-end consumer portfolio loans of $44 billion decreased 1% compared to the prior quarter, primarily reflecting decreases in indirect secured consumer loan balances and residential mortgage loan balances, partially offset by an increase in other consumer loan balances driven by Dividend Finance. Compared to the year-ago quarter, total period-end consumer portfolio loans decreased 1%, primarily driven by decreases in indirect secured consumer loan balances and residential mortgage loan balances, partially offset by an increase in other consumer loan balances driven by Dividend Finance.

Total period-end securities (taxable and tax-exempt; amortized cost) of $57 billion in the current quarter were stable compared to the prior quarter and decreased $1 billion, or 2%, compared to the year-ago quarter. Period-end other short-term investments of approximately $22 billion increased $3 billion, or 17%, compared to the prior quarter, and increased $14 billion, or 164%, compared to the year-ago quarter.

On January 3, 2024, Fifth Third transferred $12.6 billion (amortized cost) of securities, with an unrealized loss of $994 million, from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity. This transfer is in response to Fifth Third's decision to hold these securities to maturity in order to reduce potential capital volatility associated with investment security market price fluctuations.

Compared to the prior quarter, total average deposits increased 2%, primarily due to seasonality. Average demand deposits represented 26% of total core deposits in the current quarter, compared to 28% in the prior quarter. Compared to the prior quarter, average consumer segment deposits increased 1%, average commercial segment deposits increased 5%, and average wealth & asset management segment deposits increased 1%. Period-end total deposits increased 1% compared to the prior quarter.

Compared to the year-ago quarter, total average deposits increased 5%, primarily reflecting an increase in interest checking and time deposit balances, partially offset by a decrease in demand account balances. Period-end total deposits increased 3% compared to the year-ago quarter.

The period-end portfolio loan-to-core deposit ratio was 72% in the current quarter, compared to 74% in the prior quarter and 76% in the year-ago quarter. Estimated uninsured deposits were approximately $71 billion, or 42% of total deposits, as of quarter end.

Compared to the prior quarter, average wholesale funding increased 8%, primarily reflecting an increase in long-term debt (reflecting the full quarter impact of issuing long-term debt and automobile loan portfolio securitization in the prior quarter), partially offset by a decrease in FHLB advances. Compared to the year-ago quarter, average wholesale funding increased 11%, primarily reflecting an increase in long-term debt and CDs over $250,000, partially offset by a decrease in FHLB advances.

Nonperforming portfolio loans and leases were $649 million in the current quarter, with the resulting NPL ratio of 0.55%. Compared to the prior quarter, NPLs increased $79 million with the NPL ratio increasing 8 bps. Compared to the year-ago quarter, NPLs increased $134 million with the NPL ratio increasing 13 bps.

Nonperforming portfolio assets were $688 million in the current quarter, with the resulting NPA ratio of 0.59%. Compared to the prior quarter, NPAs increased $76 million with the NPA ratio increasing 8 bps. Compared to the year-ago quarter, NPAs increased $149 million with the NPA ratio increasing 15 bps.

The provision for credit losses totaled $55 million in the current quarter. The allowance for credit loss ratio represented 2.12% of total portfolio loans and leases at quarter end, compared with 2.11% for the prior quarter end and 1.98% for the year-ago quarter end. In the current quarter, the allowance for credit losses represented 383% of nonperforming portfolio loans and leases and 362% of nonperforming portfolio assets.

Net charge-offs were $96 million in the current quarter, resulting in an NCO ratio of 0.32%. Compared to the prior quarter, net charge-offs decreased $28 million and the NCO ratio decreased 9 bps. Commercial net charge-offs were $25 million, resulting in a commercial NCO ratio of 0.13%, which decreased 21 bps compared to the prior quarter. Consumer net charge-offs were $71 million, resulting in a consumer NCO ratio of 0.64%, which increased 11 bps compared to the prior quarter.

Compared to the year-ago quarter, net charge-offs increased $28 million and the NCO ratio increased 10 bps, reflecting a normalizing from near-historically low net charge-offs in the year-ago quarter. The commercial NCO ratio was flat compared to the prior year, and the consumer NCO ratio increased 26 bps compared to the prior year.

The CET1 capital ratio was 10.29%, the Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio was 7.67% excluding AOCI, and 5.73% including AOCI. The Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 11.59%, the Total risk-based capital ratio was 13.72%, and the Leverage ratio was 8.73%. Fifth Third did not execute share repurchases in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Tax Rate

The effective tax rate for the quarter was 18.4% compared with 22.0% in the prior quarter and 19.4% in the year-ago quarter. The tax rate in the fourth quarter reflects a favorable adjustment of $17 million associated with resolution of certain acquisition related tax matters.

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 and may be accessed through the Fifth Third Investor Relations website at www.53.com (click on "About Us" then "Investor Relations"). 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, which will be available for 30 days.

Corporate Profile

Fifth Third is a bank that's as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we've been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it's one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people, and focused community impact. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere's World's Most Ethical Companies® for several years. With a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is not only to be the nation's highest performing regional bank, but to be the bank people most value and trust.

Fifth Third Bank, National Association is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank and its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ® Global Select Market under the symbol "FITB." Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com.

Earnings Release End Notes

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This 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. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. These statements relate to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance, capital actions 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," "potential," "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 as updated by our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").

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) deteriorating credit quality; (2) loan concentration by location or industry of borrowers or collateral; (3) problems encountered by other financial institutions; (4) inadequate sources of funding or liquidity; (5) unfavorable actions of rating agencies; (6) inability to maintain or grow deposits; (7) limitations on the ability to receive dividends from subsidiaries; (8) effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic; (9) cyber-security risks; (10) Fifth Third's ability to secure confidential information and deliver products and services through the use of computer systems and telecommunications networks; (11) failures by third-party service providers; (12) inability to manage strategic initiatives and/or organizational changes; (13) inability to implement technology system enhancements; (14) failure of internal controls and other risk management systems; (15) losses related to fraud, theft, misappropriation or violence; (16) inability to attract and retain skilled personnel; (17) adverse impacts of government regulation; (18) governmental or regulatory changes or other actions; (19) failures to meet applicable capital requirements; (20) regulatory objections to Fifth Third's capital plan; (21) regulation of Fifth Third's derivatives activities; (22) deposit insurance premiums; (23) assessments for the orderly liquidation fund; (24) replacement of LIBOR; (25) weakness in the national or local economies; (26) global political and economic uncertainty or negative actions; (27) changes in interest rates and the effects of inflation; (28) changes and trends in capital markets; (29) fluctuation of Fifth Third's stock price; (30) volatility in mortgage banking revenue; (31) litigation, investigations, and enforcement proceedings by governmental authorities; (32) breaches of contractual covenants, representations and warranties; (33) competition and changes in the financial services industry; (34) changing retail distribution strategies, customer preferences and behavior; (35) difficulties in identifying, acquiring or integrating suitable strategic partnerships, investments or acquisitions; (36) potential dilution from future acquisitions; (37) loss of income and/or difficulties encountered in the sale and separation of businesses, investments or other assets; (38) results of investments or acquired entities; (39) changes in accounting standards or interpretation or declines in the value of Fifth Third's goodwill or other intangible assets; (40) inaccuracies or other failures from the use of models; (41) effects of critical accounting policies and judgments or the use of inaccurate estimates; (42) weather-related events, other natural disasters, or health emergencies (including pandemics); (43) the impact of reputational risk created by these or other developments on such matters as business generation and retention, funding and liquidity; (44) changes in law or requirements imposed by Fifth Third's regulators impacting our capital actions, including dividend payments and stock repurchases; and (45) Fifth Third's ability to meet its environmental and/or social targets, goals and commitments.

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. 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. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations or any changes in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as may be required by law, and we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The information contained herein is intended to be reviewed in its totality, and any stipulations, conditions or provisos that apply to a given piece of information in one part of this press release should be read as applying mutatis mutandis to every other instance of such information appearing herein.

Category: Earnings

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