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Fifth Third Bancorp

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Ticker fitb
Exchange NASDAQ
Sector Financial Services
Industry Banks - Regional
Employees 10,000+
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FY2015 Annual Report · Fifth Third Bancorp
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2015  |  ANNUAL REPORT

Corporate Profile

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5
1
0
2

$141B 

  I N   A S S E T S

O P E R AT E S 
1,254 

F U L L - S E R V I C E   
B A N K I N G   
C E N T E R S

95

B A N K   M A R T ® 
L O C AT I O N S  

2,593
ATMs
OH, KY, IN, MI, IL, 
FL, TN, WV, PA, MO, 
GA, NC

31

CO R P O R AT E 
O F F I C E   
LO C AT I O N S

ESTABLISHED IN 

1858

Fifth Third Bancorp, established  
in 1858, is a diversified financial 
services company headquartered  
in Cincinnati, Ohio.

  Corporate Office Locations (London and Toronto offices not shown)        

  Fifth Third Bank Regional Footprint as of Dec. 31, 2015

Fifth Third operates four main businesses: 
Commercial Banking, Branch Banking, 
Consumer Lending, and Investment Advisors. 
Fifth Third also has an 18.3% interest in Vantiv 
Holding, LLC. Fifth Third is among the largest money  
managers in the Midwest and, as of Dec. 31, 2015, 
had $297 billion in assets under care, of which it 
managed $26 billion for individuals, corporations 
and not-for-profit organizations. Member FDIC.  

 Equal Housing Lender.  

 
A Message To  
Our Shareholders

Greg D. Carmichael
President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Fifth Third Shareholders,

It is my great pleasure to address you as chief executive officer of Fifth Third 
Bancorp. I am honored by the Board’s appointment to this post and I look 
forward to helping our Company deliver new solutions that will continue to 
raise the bar on the services we provide as a trusted advisor to our retail and 
commercial customers.

Before turning to the highlights and challenges of 2015, and on behalf of 
everyone at Fifth Third, I want to thank Kevin Kabat for his 33 years of 
strong and steady leadership. Having served as CEO for more than eight  
of those years, Kevin deftly guided Fifth Third through the financial crisis with a 
steadfast commitment to deliver shareholder value and support the communities 
we serve. I want to thank him for his guidance, his support and his friendship.

2015 was a transformative year for Fifth Third; a year in which we took bold  
steps to better navigate, manage and anticipate industry change as well as risk, 
and a year in which we redoubled our efforts to keep the customer at the center  
of everything we do. 

The second half of the year was especially active as we worked to position 
Fifth Third for sustainable success through every economic cycle. 
For example, we welcomed several top-caliber executives who are already 
contributing to our talented leadership team. We chose to exit two of our retail 
markets to improve efficiency and competitiveness. And we resolved a number  
of long-standing regulatory matters, allowing us to take a strong step forward  
on the road ahead.

Given the grounding early in my career in technology and operations, you will 
not be surprised to hear that this road will include significant technological 
milestones as well as a focus on process improvements, customer service and 
regulatory excellence. We are firmly committed to growing our businesses 
profitably and responsibly.

2015 Performance

Our progress in 2015 across our businesses and markets provides a good start. 
Net income available to common shareholders was $1.6 billion and earnings 
per diluted share were $2.01. The results reflect a solid performance across each 
of our business lines, highlighted by revenue growth in mortgage banking, 
payments processing and wealth management. This contributed to a return on 
average assets of 1.2 percent, which is an increase from 2014 and higher than  
the average of our commercial bank peers. 

Return on average tangible common equity1 of 13.5 percent was a 130-basis-point 
increase from 2014. Loan and lease balances grew by more than $2 billion in  
2015, as our continued focus on the commercial and industrial space remained  
strong. The growth in our commercial business was complemented by customer 
deposits, which increased by over $5 billion. We continued to recognize significant  
value from our position in Vantiv and, as a result, generated over $500 million  
of after-tax cash proceeds after liquidating a portion of our position.

1 Non-GAAP measure. For further information, see the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of MD&A.

FIFTH THIRD BANCORP 2015 ANNUAL REPORT    |    1

A Message To Our Shareholders continued

Expenses were up in 2015 as we invested in our commitment to digitize our 
business and regulatory excellence. However, we improved our efficiency ratio 
by carefully managing the relationship between revenue and expenses. Line of 
business performance also improved. Mortgage banking revenue grew 12 percent 
due to more than $8 billion in originations. Wealth management revenue grew 
3 percent as asset management and securities and brokerage fees grew 3 and 
4 percent, respectively. Payment processing revenue increased 2 percent as we 
issued more credit cards to meet customer needs and grew our client base. We 
also continued to return capital to shareholders through a 2 percent dividend 
increase and the repurchase of over 42 million shares of common stock.

Common Dividend Per Share
$1.00

$0.75

$0.50

$0.25

$0

$0.47

$0.51

$0.52

$0.36

$0.28

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Driving Consistently Strong Results

In a world of higher and higher expectations—in terms of service, efficiency, 
results and returns—our own expectation for Fifth Third is to deliver a consistently 
strong performance throughout the cycle. To meet that expectation, we have 
added and enhanced talent and ramped up the level of accountability at all 
levels of the Company.

Our commitment to growing our businesses will be calibrated and 
measured, with a focus on profitability, lower volatility and risk 
management. Resources will be allocated strategically and carefully managed. 
Additionally, we will seek relationships with the right risk/return profiles.  
This includes avoiding an over-reliance on credit income and building out more  
fee-driven relationships, specifically showcasing our suite of products across  
our consumer and core middle-market sectors.

The substantial investments we have made in people, products and services are 
already moving us toward a better mix of fee and credit income. By focusing on 
having a greater proportion of our revenue driven by fee-based products and 
services, we are supporting our goal to operate with lower volatility. We have also 
worked to reshape our business mix, again to manage the volatility inherent in 
certain, more cyclical industries. We regularly consider opportunities that could 
be additive to our existing businesses or could expand our existing lineup. 

We are very pleased to have assembled a leadership team that brings together 
significant experience from within the industry and from companies that have  
served the industry. New additions include Lars Anderson, a seasoned 
commercial banker with a 30-year record of success at other large regional banks. 
Since the day he joined us as chief operating officer last August, Lars has modeled 
the high level of work ethic and performance that is necessary for us to win.  
Tim Spence came to Fifth Third in September from Oliver Wyman, where he  
was a partner in the regional banking practice. As our new chief strategy officer, 
Tim brings along substantial knowledge about our Company, our industry  
and the competitive landscape. Chief Legal Officer Heather Russell Koenig, 
who also joined in September, has deep experience with regulatory affairs at 
several other large financial institutions. In addition to these great executives, 
we also have added senior talent in sales, credit and risk management 
over the last 18 months. These leaders, along with the highly capable and 
engaged individuals all across our Company, have the skill and energy to execute 
on our vision.

2    |    FIFTH THIRD BANCORP 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

Book Value Per Share
$20

$15.10

$15.85

$13.92

$17.35

$18.48

$16

$12

$8

$4

$0

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Average Assets ($B)
$160

$120

$112.67

$117.61

$123.73

$131.94 $140.11

$80

$40

$0

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

NPA Ratio
3.0

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0.0

2.23%

1.49%

1.10%

0.82% 0.70%

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Common Shares Outstanding
950

920

900

850

800

750

700

882

855

824

785

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Our commitment to growing  
our businesses will be  
calibrated & measured, with a  
focus on profitability,  
lower volatility and risk 
management.

Dealing Effectively with Uncertainty

Along with investing to grow and drive efficiencies in  
our core businesses, we are also mindful of the challenges 
of operating through different economic cycles to protect 
the value of the business. As you may know, interest rates  
have recently dominated discussion around bank earnings,  
and we continue to perform well in the current low 
interest rate environment. Our balance sheet is positioned  
very well and reflects our expectations for slowly rising 
interest rates, as our securities portfolio is structured  
with lower exposures to prepayments and re-pricing.  
At the same time, however, we have also maintained the  
flexibility to adapt to an even lower rate environment in the event that the Fed takes  
a slower-than-expected approach. We believe this strategy will be pivotal to 
supporting a stable earnings stream in a continually uncertain rate environment.

In any environment, the keys to our future are steadfast: keep the 
customer at the center, operate with excellence, proactively manage 
risk and foster engagement among our teams.

Achieving Excellence in Risk Management and Operations

While we are constantly looking ahead, we are also focused on day-to-day operational  
excellence while managing the risks that are inherent in the business of banking.  
As I mentioned earlier, we settled a few significant regulatory matters in 2015 
and we were pleased to put these matters behind us. We are focused on ensuring 
that we meet or exceed our regulatory and compliance targets to avoid regulatory 
enforcement actions in the future. 

As the Dodd-Frank Act and other banking regulations take effect, we are gaining 
more clarity around the types of regulatory and compliance expectations we 
will be required to meet in the coming years. We have made the necessary 
investments to continue to meet these expectations and ensure that our risk 
management culture will be a competitive advantage going forward. 

Our commitment to risk management is not just about the back office, or narrowly  
focused in support of regulatory and compliance areas. Our commitment is also 
a big driver of how we think about customer satisfaction as we strive to achieve 
service excellence. When we deliver on our operational duties, risks are 
mitigated, and both our customers and our Company win.

This means that whether a customer is standing in front of us or banking online, 
at the ATM or on the phone, he or she should have a great experience with  
Fifth Third. We need to make sure we do all we can, every time, to deliver from 
an operational standpoint. This will mitigate risk to the customer and to us, all 
while ensuring that every customer has a great overall experience at Fifth Third. 
Ultimately, we are proving to our customers that they can and should trust  
us to provide high-quality and highly efficient services that connect them with 
their goals.

FIFTH THIRD BANCORP 2015 ANNUAL REPORT    |    3

 
 
A Message To Our Shareholders continued

Keeping Customers at the Center

Doing the right thing, the right way, is a core principle of our Company. We  
want to be the One Bank people most value and trust. To achieve this, we will 
remain focused on understanding and meeting customer needs; being clear  
and transparent; and delivering solutions when, and how they want to bank.  
We will look at processes through the lens of the customer and work to continually 
meet and exceed expectations. We know that by putting the customer  
at the center of everything we do, we will continue to create 
shareholder value.

With the right foundation in place, we are firmly focused on growing direct, 
profitable relationships with our customers. Being a trusted advisor and taking 
care of our customers are vital to creating value for our franchise, and will require 
us to increase the pace of play across each of our businesses.

In the Consumer Bank, investments in technology and efforts to 
develop and improve digital channels are essential to building these 
relationships. Customer demographics are changing, and by any measure, it’s 
clear that their comfort level with digital channels is growing. Digital channel 
experiences are generally more highly rated than traditional service channels 
and online services in retail and other categories are increasing expectations  
for access, transparency and speed. 

Digital channels are integral to the way people shop for, apply for and  
use financial services and we are already using these tools to increase 
the number of customer touch points. This places a higher focus on 
customer-facing actions while helping to develop a consultative sales process  
in which we are the trusted advisor to our consumer customers. 

Late last year, we rolled out a new website with an enhanced look and feel  
to improve the customer experience, which is the most important factor in  
the ultimate success of digital deployment. As the frequency of digital contact 
is growing relative to physical contact, our investments have been increasingly 
moving to ensure and improve the quality of the experience. This also has led  
us to more effective management of our brick and mortar branch network.  
These strategies will improve customer experience and take risks out of processes, 

4    |    FIFTH THIRD BANCORP 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

We will look at processes  
through the lens of 
the customer and work to 
continually meet and  
exceed expectations.

all while allowing us to deliver services and solutions to 
our customers safely and efficiently through the channels 
they most prefer.

In the Commercial Bank, we are targeting high-
value customers with the right risk/reward 
balance. We have enhanced the capabilities available 
to our relationship managers so that they have the 
necessary tools to be assets to their customers, especially 
on the go. It is important that we monitor and consult 
on significant macroeconomic trends to help benefit 
commercial clients in a dynamic rate environment. By 
offering fast, seamless, convenient and flexible solutions, 

we will earn respect from our customers by promoting trust and integrity as the 
valuable advantages to doing business with Fifth Third.

In the wealth management business, our investments in mobile 
enhancements and our convenient Life360 tool will connect our 
customers and advisors to more information faster, which will improve 
the quality of relationships. Our specific focus on intergenerational wealth 
transfer will help build long-term relationships driven by the value Fifth Third 
provides as a trusted advisor.

Over the last several years, we have also continued to grow our Payments and 
Commerce Solutions business, and I am enthused about the opportunities we 
have in this space. We are bringing value-added services to customers faster than 
the competition and are focused on this competitive advantage going forward. 
Through emerging products in mobile payments, digital sales and consulting 
tools, we continue to drive customer-centric innovations.

Overall, we are using technology to enhance our ability to be nimble 
and opportunistic in all aspects of our Company. While we will continue 
to have an intense focus on expenses in 2016, we have invested wisely in the 
digital space. Technology is transforming our industry through its impact on day-
to-day operations, its success in widening the delivery channels for products and 
services, and the value that data analytics provides. Our digital investments will 
set the stage for ongoing outperformance through all economic cycles.

Digital channels are integral to the way people 
shop for, apply for and use financial services  
and we are already using these tools to increase the 
number of customer touch points.

FIFTH THIRD BANCORP 2015 ANNUAL REPORT    |    5

 
 
 
A Message To Our Shareholders continued

Improving the Lives of Customers and the Well-being  
of Communities

Fifth Third is committed to improving the lives of customers and the well-being 
of our communities. This commitment shows in our products, services and 
relationships, and it also shows in the way we step up and step together to 
positively impact the places where we live and work.

This long legacy of caring, which has been a hallmark of our Company,  
continued in 2015. Last August, for example, we announced that Fifth Third’s 
headquarters and Cincinnati region had held the most successful United Way 
campaign to date, raising more than $3 million from employee contributions 
alone. We provided roughly 800,000 meals to the hungry through Fifth Third 
Day celebrations in 2015 (5/3 on the calendar). 

In June, we received the prestigious Community Service Award from 
the Illinois Bankers Association (IBA) for our many efforts to help the 
communities we serve, especially through our “Honoring Our Veterans” 
campaign. This campaign included providing veterans and military families 
with college scholarships, care packages, house remodeling, free pet adoptions,  
job coaching assistance and training for support dogs. It culminated on Veterans 
Day, when more than 200 veterans received either jobs or solid job leads at our 
first-of-its-kind “Hiring Fair” for veterans.

Additionally, since our collaboration with Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) began 
in 2013, Fifth Third has raised $6 million by providing opportunities for customers 
and community members to help in the fight against this disease by donating  
to SU2C’s innovative research programs. 

We could not have this kind of community impact, nor could we deliver the 
financial products and services that improve the lives of individual and families, 
without the dedication of our more than 18,000 
employees. Our employees are the face of  
Fifth Third. They also are the hands 
that put their neighbors in homes; help 
businesses launch, expand and operate; 
put kids through college and send workers 
to a secure retirement. I am proud to be  
part of this industry, this Company and this team. 
I look forward to the future with confidence, 
optimism and great faith that Fifth Third will 
continue to make a positive difference in the  
lives of customers, communities, employees  
and shareholders.

Sincerely,
Greg D. Carmichael
President and Chief Executive Officer   

6    |    FIFTH THIRD BANCORP 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

I look forward to the  
future with confidence,  
optimism & great faith  
that Fifth Third will continue  
to make a positive difference  
in the lives of customers,  
communities, employees  
and shareholders.

 
 
 
 
S
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Full-year net income 
available to  
common shareholders
INCREASED

 16%

Average loans & leases
INCREASED TO

$93.3B

Average securities
INCREASED

$5.2B

Average  
transaction deposits 
INCREASED

6%

At year-end, our  
LCR was

116%

exceeding Federal 
requirements

Noninterest income
INCREASED

21%

2015 Financial Review

Full-year 2015 net income available to common shareholders of  
$1.6 billion increased 16 percent from 2014. Earnings per diluted
common share of $2.01 increased 21 percent.

Results for both years included the benefit to earnings related to our holding  
in Vantiv. In 2015, after-tax Vantiv net gains were approximately 
$519 million (approximately $0.64 per share), compared with net gains 
of $148 million (approximately $0.17 per share) in 2014. We reduced our direct 
ownership stake and realized significant gains, and our remaining interest in 
Vantiv will continue to be a source of significant future returns.

Our balance sheet is strong as we maintained our disciplined approach to lending 
and focused on areas that we believe have a compelling risk/return profile. 
Average loans and leases increased to $93.3 billion, with a majority of 
the growth in commercial and industrial and commercial construction loans. 
Average securities increased $5.2 billion as we worked toward an optimal
mix for the current and near-term rate and liquidity environment.

We also continued to grow high-value, low-cost transaction deposits in 2015, 
with average balances increasing 6 percent from 2014. We view the strength 
of our deposit franchise to be the driving force for profitable balance 
sheet growth in the coming years.

Full-year net interest income declined 1 percent as we nearly offset $94 million 
dollars of revenue reduction from the changes made to our deposit advance
product that went into effect on Jan. 1, 2015. Excluding that, NII was up 1 percent.
At year-end, our liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) was 116 percent, which exceeds 
the Federal Banking Regulators’ LCR requirements.

Noninterest income increased 21 percent from 2014, reflecting the higher
net benefit from our investment in Vantiv, partially offset by charges associated 
with branch rationalization plans, and an 11 percent decline in corporate
banking revenue. Otherwise, fee income results were highlighted by mortgage
banking net revenue and investment advisory fees. Throughout the year, we
maintained our focus on expenses, and while total noninterest expense increased
2 percent from 2014, we are driving efficiencies in our operations that are largely 
funding our investments in our risk and compliance infrastructure.

Credit trends reflected the benign environment and our continued focus to improve 
our businesses and results. Full-year net charge-offs decreased 22 percent, while 
nonperforming assets declined 16 percent from 2014. Our coverage ratios remain
solid at 1.37 percent of loans and 252 percent of nonperforming loans. 

Overall, we have momentum in many of our core businesses.  
WeWe believe we are taking appropriate steps to be successful today 
and toto position ourselves for long-term success.  

FIFTH THIRD BANCORP 2015 ANNUAL REPORT    |    7

 
Consumer Lending

We offer competitive rates with flexible terms 
to help customers reach their goals. 

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$656M 

TOTAL REVENUE

$21B 

AV E R A G E 
L O A N S

$73B

M O R T G A G E 
S E RV I C I N G 
P O R T F O L I O

8,717

D E A L E R   
I N D I R E C T   AU TO 
L E N D I N G   
N E T WO R K

Our Consumer Lending division offers competitive 
rates with flexible terms to help customers reach 
their goals, whether short- or long-term. In our 
consumer credit card business, we focus 
on acquiring and activating existing retail and 
small business customers to strengthen the total 
customer relationship. The recent creation of 
our Payments and Commerce Solutions division 
takes this strategy even further, allowing us to 
accelerate and deepen customer relationships. 

Our auto business is another important 
component of Consumer Lending, and it  
is a business that has remained stable in size 
throughout 2015. There is no shortage of 
opportunity to generate substantial auto loan 
growth, given the industry volume, but we believe 
we are sized right to effectively manage risk and 
controls in this area. Fifth Third is one of the 
largest bank originators of indirect auto loans 
in the country, and we continue to value the 
relationships with our extensive dealer network 
across our 45-state indirect auto footprint.

Mortgage is the most cyclical of our 
businesses, and we have managed well through 
the most recent cycle. We have a fairly flexible 

business model that can be adjusted quickly in 
response to the changing environment. Fifth 
Third is primarily an in-footprint, direct and retail 
lender, though we also purchase loans through 
a correspondent channel. We offer home loans 
to our existing customers and new prospects, 
knowing that ideally, we can provide additional 
products and services beyond their home loan. 
Mortgage often opens the door to deeper, more 
profitable relationships, and our One Bank 
approach to holistically serving the needs of 
customers is key to leveraging these opportunities.

Regardless of whether our credit customers 
come to us through card, auto, mortgage or 
other Consumer Lending areas, Fifth Third 
provides ample resources to simplify the process 
of obtaining a loan. We proactively work with 
borrowers to explore options that make sense 
within their current financial situation. Our 
commitment to demonstrate better listening, 
better ideas and better solutions helps earn us 
the trust that creates value…value that lasts well 
beyond the life of the loan.  

We proactively work 
with borrowers  
to explore options that 
make sense within 
their current financial 
situation.  

8    |    FIFTH THIRD BANCORP 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

 
Branch Banking

Our mobile app and re-designed 
website makes it easier to 
bank where and when our 
customers prefer.

We continue to believe a strong Retail Bank  
is critical to the future of Fifth Third. 

Customers’ expectations for access, transparency 
and speed are quickly rising. Accordingly, 
we are prioritizing our investments to align 
with the demographic and technological 
changes that are reshaping these markets. 
The traditional lines across retail delivery 
channels are no longer well-defined, and our 
investments will continue to integrate every 
touch point into a universal sales, service and 
marketing strategy. We believe our efforts 
to effectively integrate digital technology in 
this fast-changing environment will not only 
improve the lives of our customers, but also will 
provide significant shareholder value.  

We offer a complete suite of retail banking 
products and services, and our localized, 
high-touch service model allows us to connect 
with the unique and diverse areas of our 
footprint to create a more personal banking 
experience. Our branch network is fundamental 
to our success, as customers have indicated that 
convenience and branch proximity are still top 
factors in selecting a bank.

Our physical infrastructure complements 
our digital efforts. Over the last several years,  
we have taken significant action to re-engineer 
our retail operations to better meet the evolving 
needs of customers. As we announced in June, 
this work included changes to the size of our 
branch network. We are in the process of selling 
or consolidating 107 branches across our 
footprint. While our banking centers represent 
the physical manifestation of our brand in the 
community, our enhanced online and mobile 
presence is becoming an increasingly valued tool 
for our customers. 

2
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$2.2B 

TOTAL REVENUE

$16.4B 

  AV E R A G E 
  L O A N S

$51.2B 

  AV E R A G E 
  C O R E   
  D E P O S I T S

1.7M 

O N L I N E   
B A N K I N G   
C U S T O M E R S

~1.2M 

M O B I L E   
B A N K I N G   
C U S T O M E R S

FIFTH THIRD BANCORP 2015 ANNUAL REPORT    |    9

 
Investment Advisors

We provide our clients with complete, powerful 
financial solutions from one trusted advisor. 

Our Investment Advisors business has become 
successful through helping clients over their 
lifetimes and becoming their trusted partner. 
Client behaviors, preferences and expectations 
are evolving alongside shifts in demographics.  
We are prioritizing our investments in recognition 
of these significant changes. One such investment 
is in digital tools to help clients better manage 
their personal wealth and enhance their 
experience with us. 

By providing holistic advice, guidance and 
service, and focusing on the needs of our clients, 
Investment Advisors is poised to continue to 
deliver growth to Fifth Third.  

Investment Advisors is comprised of four 
distinct businesses tailored to the unique 
needs of its customers. We put more than  
100 years of experience to work to help individuals, 
families, businesses, and institutional clients 
protect, grow, and manage their wealth.

•  Fifth Third Private Bank serves the complex 
financial needs of the Bank’s clients with teams 
of professionals dedicated to helping clients 
achieve their financial goals.

•  Fifth Third Securities helps individuals 
and families at every stage of their lives, 
offering retirement, investment and education 
planning, managed money, annuities and 
transactional brokerage services.  

•  ClearArc Capital, Inc. provides asset 

management services to institutional clients.

•  Fifth Third Institutional Services provides 
consulting, investment and record-keeping 
services for corporations, financial institutions, 
foundations, endowments and not-for-profit 
organizations. Products include retirement 
plans, endowment management, planned 
giving and global and domestic custody services. 

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$546M 

TOTAL REVENUE

$2.8B 

AV E R A G E 
L O A N S

$9.4B

AV E R A G E 
C O R E   
D E P O S I T S

$26B

A S S E T S   U N D E R 
M A N AG E M E N T

$297B

A S S E T S   U N D E R 
C A R E

We put more than 100 years 
of experience to work to help 
our clients protect, grow and 
manage their wealth.

10    |    FIFTH THIRD BANCORP 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

 
Commercial Banking

We offer a variety of services  that 
can help your business succeed—
no matter your industry.

Our commitment to business lending  
remains strong. 

In the Commercial Bank, we develop 
relationships with business, government, and 
professional customers through customized 
financial solutions. With our focused 
segmentation strategy, we are targeting 
clients ranging in size from those with  
$20 million in annual revenue to some of the 
world’s largest companies. Our comprehensive 
and competitive offerings span from traditional 
lending and depository products to global 
cash management, foreign exchange and 
international trade finance, derivatives and 
capital markets services, asset-based lending, 
real estate finance, public finance, commercial 
leasing, and syndicated finance.

This wide range of service and experience 
allows us to address our clients’ needs as our 
talented bankers become valued partners 
in our customers’ financial success. We have 
seen the benefits of our strategies in stronger 
partnerships with our customers and in the 
steady growth of this business. In 2015, our 
Commercial Bank produced 38 percent 
of Bancorp revenue and accounted for more 
than half of our loan balances. 

We are focused on sustaining the growth 
trajectory in this business by cultivating 
relationships that go well beyond traditional 
lending arrangements and that fit within 

our risk appetite. We are focused on selecting 
high-value customers with the right risk/
reward balance. Our commitment to business 
lending remains strong. Our track record 
of success and ability to develop new 
capabilities sets Fifth Third apart from 
the competition. We have built specialized 
verticals and significantly strengthened our 
credit underwriting by adding experienced 
talent in these areas as well. 

We stand ready to help businesses adapt to the 
new economy, drive innovation and growth, 
and access the working capital needed to 
meet their goals. We are confident we have 
the experience and knowledge to grow this 
business profitably.  

2
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1
5

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$2.5B 

TOTAL REVENUE

$53B 

  AV E R A G E 
  L O A N S

$37.2B 

  AV E R A G E 
  C O R E   
  D E P O S I T S

14,000 

C L I E N T S

1,800 

S T R AT E G I C 
V E R T I C A L   
C L I E N T S

FIFTH THIRD BANCORP 2015 ANNUAL REPORT    |    11

 
Community Giving

Our purpose is to improve lives, and by 
extension, our communities. 

We are committed to serving our community 
by delivering signature programs that keep our 
customers at the center of everything we do.

Our alliance with Stand Up to Cancer  
(SU2C) hit a major milestone in 2015—the 
raising of $6 million for cancer research since 
our collaboration began in 2013. We helped  
to raise the funds through our SU2C credit  
and debit cards, regional SU2C Nights at minor 
league ballparks and an innovative social 
media campaign, which encouraged people  
to share stories about how they fight cancer 
with the #howifight hash tag. Fifth Third 
donated $1 to SU2C for each eligible post and 
more than 35,000 stories were shared.  

The Bank also expanded its unique collaboration 
with national employment solutions company, 
NextJob, to help fight against unemployment 
in the United States. In 2015, our outreach 
included offering $1,000 scholarships to recent 
college graduates to get career coaching from 
NextJob experts.     

For more than 10 years, Fifth Third has worked  
to empower people through educational 
programs that equip people with the knowledge 
and tools they need to be financially successful. 
Our Fifth Third Bank L.I.F.E. (Lives Improved 
through Financial Empowerment®) 
programs teach budgeting, saving and planning  
strategies for major life events like homeownership,  
college funding and retirement.  

The Young Banker’s Club®, our L.I.F.E. 
program for fifth-graders, graduated more 
than 2,000 students in 2015. We took our 
sponsorship of Dave Ramsey’s Foundations 
in Personal Finance® curriculum into our 
fifth consecutive year and into approximately 
1,800 schools. More than 800,000 students 
have gone through the program to date. 
Empower U®, our program for adults, 
reached more employees within our business 
client base in 2015, as did our Fifth Third 
Financial Empowerment Mobiles, or eBuses, 
which conducted more than 200 tours in 

over 100 cities. The eBuses are staffed by Bank 
professionals who bring credit counseling, job 
search assistance, foreclosure prevention and 
homeownership help directly into underserved 
and minority neighborhoods.

We expanded our “Feeding Our Communities” 
initiative in 2015 where the fundraising 
and volunteer efforts of our employees helped 
to provide more than 800,000 meals and 
personal care items to those in need in our local 
neighborhoods. 

Veterans, too, continued to receive our 
admiration and support. We provided NextJob 
scholarships for veterans looking to transition 
from their military career into a civilian role. 
We invested $220,000 with Rebuilding Together 
National to do 17 home rebuild projects for  
low-income veterans in our regional markets. 
We hosted job fairs, commemorative events and 
key sponsorships to give back and serve those 
who have served.

Finally, our innovative school-to-work transition 
program for people with disabilities, Project 
SEARCH®, continued to positively impact the 
lives of student interns served at our three 
Project SEARCH campuses. We had 30 student 
interns in 2015. Further, the Bank hosted its 
annual Tee Off for Project SEARCH golf outing 
and raised $151,000. Over the past 10 years,  
the Bank has helped raise more than $1 million 
in support of the program. 

Beyond our signature programs, we also 
invested directly into our communities. Our 
2015 corporate and employee donations to 
United Way were more than $7.8 million. 
We invested over $190 million in affordable 
housing, historic preservation projects through 
the Fifth Third Community Development 
Corporation. We made more than $4 million 
in grants through the Fifth Third Foundation. 
These investments, and many others, helped  
to improve the lives of hundreds of thousands  
of people in the markets we serve.  

12    |    FIFTH THIRD BANCORP 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

2015 ANNUAL REPORT 
FINANCIAL CONTENTS 

Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations  
Selected Financial Data 
Overview 
Non-GAAP Financial Measures 
Recent Accounting Standards 
Critical Accounting Policies   
Risk Factors  
Statements of Income Analysis 
Business Segment Review 
Fourth Quarter Review  
Balance Sheet Analysis 
Risk Management  
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements 
Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments  
Management’s Assessment as to the Effectiveness of Internal Control over Financial Reporting 
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm  
Financial Statements 
Consolidated Balance Sheets  
Consolidated Statements of Income  
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity  
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
Summary of Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies 
Supplemental Cash Flow Information 
Restrictions on Cash, Dividends and Other Capital Actions 
Investment Securities 
Loans and Leases 
Credit Quality and the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses 
Bank Premises and Equipment 
Operating Lease Equipment 
Goodwill 
Intangible Assets 
Variable Interest Entities 
Sales of Receivables and Servicing Rights 
Derivative Financial Instruments 
Other Assets 
Short-Term Borrowings 
Long-Term Debt 

Annual Report on Form 10-K 
Consolidated Ten Year Comparison 
Directors and Officers 
Corporate Information 

Income Taxes 

Stock-Based Compensation 

89  Commitments, Contingent Liabilities and Guarantees 
100  Legal and Regulatory Proceedings 
100  Related Party Transactions 
101 
103  Retirement and Benefit Plans 
105  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income 
114  Common, Preferred and Treasury Stock 
115 
116  Other Noninterest Income and Other Noninterest Expense 
116  Earnings Per Share 
117  Fair Value Measurements 
120  Certain Regulatory Requirements and Capital Ratios 
122  Parent Company Financial Statements 
127  Business Segments 
128 
Subsequent Event 
129 

171 
187 
188 

14 

15 
16 
21 
23 
23 
26 
35 
42 
50 
52 
57 
80 
81 
82 
83 

84 
85 
86 
87 
88 

132 
136 
138 
140 
142 
146 
147 
149 
153 
154 
155 
166 
167 
168 
170 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 
This report 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 those set forth in the Risk Factors section of MD&A in 
this  report.  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 and adequate sources of funding and liquidity 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 Fifth Third’s investment in, relationship with, and nature of the 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) difficulties in separating the operations of any branches or other assets divested; (23) inability to achieve expected 
benefits from branch consolidations and planned sales within desired timeframes, if at all; (24) ability to secure confidential information and deliver products and services through the use of computer systems and 
telecommunications networks; and (25) the impact of reputational risk created by these developments on such matters as business generation and retention, funding and liquidity. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS 

Fifth Third Bancorp provides the following list of abbreviations and acronyms as a tool for the reader that are used in Management’s Discussion 
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes to Consolidated Financial 
Statements. 

ALCO: Asset Liability Management Committee 
ALLL: Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses 
AML: Anti-Money Laundering 
AOCI: Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income 
ARM: Adjustable Rate Mortgage 
ASU: Accounting Standards Update 
ATM: Automated Teller Machine 
BCBS: Basel Committee on Banking Supervision 
BHC: Bank Holding Company 
BHCA: Bank Holding Company Act 
BOLI: Bank Owned Life Insurance 
BPO: Broker Price Opinion 
bps: Basis Points 
BSA: Bank Secrecy Act 
CCAR: Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review 
CDC: Fifth Third Community Development Corporation 
CET1: Common Equity Tier 1 
CFE: Collateralized Financing Entity 
CFPB: United States Consumer Financial Protection Bureau 
CFTC: Commodity Futures Trading Commission 
C&I: Commercial and Industrial 
CPP: Capital Purchase Program 
CRA: Community Reinvestment Act 
DCF: Discounted Cash Flow 
DFA: Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act 
DIF: Deposit Insurance Fund 
DOJ: United States Department of Justice 
DTCC: Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation 
ERISA: Employee Retirement Income Security Act 
ERM: Enterprise Risk Management 
ERMC: Enterprise Risk Management Committee 
EVE: Economic Value of Equity 
FASB: Financial Accounting Standards Board 
FDIA: Federal Deposit Insurance Act 
FDIC: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation 
FFIEC: Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council 
FHA: Federal Housing Administration 
FHLB: Federal Home Loan Bank 
FHLMC: Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation 
FICO: Fair Isaac Corporation (credit rating) 
FNMA: Federal National Mortgage Association 
FRB: Federal Reserve Bank 
FSOC: Financial Stability Oversight Council 
FTE: Fully Taxable Equivalent 
FTP: Funds Transfer Pricing 
FTS: Fifth Third Securities 
GDP: Gross Domestic Product 
GNMA: Government National Mortgage Association 
GSE: United States Government Sponsored Enterprise 

HAMP: Home Affordable Modification Program 
HARP: Home Affordable Refinance Program 
HFS: Held for Sale 
HQLA: High-Quality Liquid Assets 
HUD: Department of Housing and Urban Development 
IPO: Initial Public Offering 
IRC: Internal Revenue Code 
IRLC: Interest Rate Lock Commitment 
IRS: Internal Revenue Service 
ISDA: International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. 
LCR: Liquidity Coverage Ratio 
LIBOR: London Interbank Offered Rate 
LLC: Limited Liability Company 
LTV: Loan-to-Value 
MD&A: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial 
Condition and Results of Operations 
MSA: Metro Statistical Area 
MSR: Mortgage Servicing Right 
N/A: Not Applicable 
NASDAQ: National Association of Securities Dealers Automated 
Quotations 
NII: Net Interest Income 
NM: Not Meaningful 
NSFR: Net Stable Funding Ratio 
OAS: Option-Adjusted Spread 
OCC: Office of the Comptroller of the Currency 
OCI: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 
OREO: Other Real Estate Owned 
OTTI: Other-Than-Temporary Impairment 
PCA: Prompt Corrective Action 
PMI: Private Mortgage Insurance 
PSAs: Performance Share Awards 
RSAs: Restricted Stock Awards 
RSUs: Restricted Stock Units 
SARs: Stock Appreciation Rights 
SBA: Small Business Administration 
SEC: United States Securities and Exchange Commission 
TARP: Troubled Asset Relief Program 
TBAs: To Be Announced 
TDR: Troubled Debt Restructuring 
TRA: Tax Receivable Agreement 
TruPS: Trust Preferred Securities 
U.S.: United States of America 
U.S. GAAP: United States Generally Accepted Accounting 
Principles 
VA: Department of Veterans Affairs 
VIE: Variable Interest Entity 
VRDN: Variable Rate Demand Note 

14  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

The following is Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of certain significant factors that have 
affected Fifth Third Bancorp’s (the “Bancorp” or “Fifth Third”) financial condition and results of operations during the periods included in the 
Consolidated  Financial  Statements,  which  are  a  part  of  this  filing.  Reference  to  the  Bancorp  incorporates  the  parent  holding  company  and  all 
consolidated subsidiaries. 

TABLE 1: SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA  
For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions, except for per share data)  
Income Statement Data  
Net interest income(a) 
Noninterest income  
       Total revenue(a) 
Provision for loan and lease losses  
Noninterest expense  
Net income attributable to Bancorp  
Net income available to common shareholders  
Common Share Data  
Earnings per share - basic  
Earnings per share - diluted  
Cash dividends declared per common share  
Book value per share  
Market value per share  
Financial Ratios  
Return on average assets  
Return on average common equity  
Return on average tangible common equity(b) 
Dividend payout ratio  
Average total Bancorp shareholders' equity as a percent of average assets  
Tangible common equity as a percent of tangible assets(b)(i) 
Net interest margin(a) 
Efficiency(a) 
Credit Quality   
Net losses charged-off   
Net losses charged-off as a percent of average portfolio loans and leases  
ALLL as a percent of portfolio loans and leases  
Allowance for credit losses as a percent of portfolio loans and leases(c) 
Nonperforming portfolio assets as a percent of portfolio loans and leases  
     and OREO  
Average Balances  
Loans and leases, including held for sale  
Total securities and other short-term investments  
Total assets  
Transaction deposits(d) 
Core deposits(e) 
Wholesale funding(f) 
Bancorp shareholders’ equity  

Regulatory Capital Ratios  
CET1 capital  
Tier I risk-based capital  
Total risk-based capital   
Tier I leverage  

2015   

2014   

2013   

2012   

2011   

3,600 
2,473 
6,073 
315 
3,709 
1,481   
1,414   

1.68   
1.66   
0.51 
17.35 
20.38 

1.12   
10.0   
12.2   
30.3 
11.59   
8.43 
3.10 
61.1 

575 
0.64 
1.47 
1.62 

0.82 

3,581   
3,227   
6,808 
229   
3,961   
1,836 
1,799 

2.05 
2.02 
0.47 
15.85 
21.03   

1.48 
13.1 
16.0 
22.9 
11.56 
8.63 
3.32 
58.2 

501   
0.58   
1.79   
1.97   

1.10   

 3,613   
 2,999   
6,612 
 303   
 4,081   
 1,576   
 1,541   

1.69   
1.66   
0.36   
15.10   
15.20   

1.34   
11.6   
14.3   
21.3 
11.65   
8.83   
3.55   
61.7   

704   
0.85   
2.16   
2.37   

1.49   

3,575 
2,455 
6,030 
423 
3,758 
1,297   
1,094   

1.20   
1.18   
0.28 
13.92 
12.72 

1.15   
9.0   
11.4   
23.3   
11.41   
8.68 
3.66 
62.3 

1,172 
1.49 
2.78 
3.01 

2.23 

91,127   
24,866   
131,943   
89,715   
93,477   
19,188   
15,290   

N/A
10.83 
14.33 
9.66 

89,093   
18,861   
123,732   
82,915   
86,675   
17,797   
14,302 

84,822   
16,814   
117,614   
78,116   
82,422   
16,978   
13,701   

Basel I(h) 

N/A  
10.43   
14.17   
9.73   

N/A  
 10.69   
 14.47   
 10.15   

80,214   
17,468   
112,666   
72,392   
78,652   
16,939   
12,851   

N/A  
 12.00   
 16.19   
 11.25   

$ 

$

$

$

3,554 
3,003 
6,557 
396 
3,775 
1,712 
1,637 

2.03 
2.01 
0.52 
18.48 
20.10 

1.22 %
11.3 
13.5 
25.6 
11.32 
8.59 
2.88 
57.6 

446 
0.48 
1.37 
1.52 

0.70 

93,339 
30,245 
140,111 
95,244 
99,295 
20,243 
15,865 

Basel III 
Transitional(g)  
9.82 %  
10.93   
14.13 
9.54 

Basel III Fully 
Phased-In  

CET1 capital(b) 
(a)  Amounts presented on an FTE basis. The FTE adjustment for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $21, $21, $20, $18 and $18, respectively. 
(b)  These are non-GAAP measures. For further information, refer to the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of MD&A. 
(c)  The allowance for credit losses is the sum of the ALLL and the reserve for unfunded commitments. 
(d) 
(e) 
(f) 
(g)  Under the U.S. banking agencies’ Basel III Final Rule, assets and credit equivalent amounts of off-balance sheet exposures are calculated according to the standardized approach for risk-weighted 

Includes demand deposits, interest checking deposits, savings deposits, money market deposits and foreign office deposits. 
Includes transaction deposits and other time deposits. 
Includes certificates $100,000 and over, other deposits, federal funds purchased, other short-term borrowings and long-term debt. 

9.72 %

N/A  

N/A  

N/A  

N/A

assets. The resulting values are added together in the Bancorp’s total risk-weighted assets. 

(h)  These capital ratios were calculated under the Supervisory Agencies general risk-based capital rules (Basel I) which were in effect prior to January 1, 2015. 
(i)  Excludes unrealized gains and losses.  

15  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
  
  
   
    
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
   
    
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
 
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
 
  
  
  
  
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

OVERVIEW 
Fifth  Third  Bancorp  is  a  diversified  financial  services  company 
headquartered  in  Cincinnati,  Ohio.  At  December  31,  2015,  the 
Bancorp had $141.1 billion in assets and operates 1,254 full-service 
banking  centers,  including  95  Bank  Mart®  locations,  open  seven 
days a week, inside select grocery stores and 2,593 ATMs in twelve 
states  throughout  the  Midwestern  and  Southeastern  regions  of  the 
U.S.  The  Bancorp  reports  on  four  business  segments:  Commercial 
Banking,  Branch  Banking,  Consumer  Lending  and  Investment 
Advisors.  The  Bancorp  also  has  an  approximate  18%  interest  in 
Vantiv  Holding,  LLC.  The  carrying  value  of  the  Bancorp’s 
investment  in  Vantiv  Holding,  LLC  was  $360  million  as  of 
December 31, 2015. 

This overview of MD&A highlights selected information in the 
financial  results  of  the  Bancorp  and  may  not  contain  all  of  the 
information  that  is  important  to  you.  For  a  more  complete 
trends,  events,  commitments,  uncertainties, 
understanding  of 
liquidity,  capital  resources  and  critical  accounting  policies  and 
estimates,  you  should  carefully  read  this  entire  document.  Each  of 
these  items  could  have  an  impact  on  the  Bancorp’s  financial 
condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, refer to 
the Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms in this report for a list 
of terms included as a tool for the reader of this annual report on 
Form 10-K. The abbreviations and acronyms identified therein are 
used throughout this MD&A, as well as the Consolidated Financial 
Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Net interest income, net interest margin and the efficiency ratio 
are  presented  in  MD&A  on  an  FTE  basis.  The  FTE  basis  adjusts 
for  the  tax-favored  status  of  income  from  certain  loans  and 
securities  held  by  the  Bancorp  that  are  not  taxable  for  federal 
income tax purposes. The Bancorp believes this presentation to be 
the  preferred  industry  measurement  of  net  interest  income  as  it 
provides  a  relevant  comparison  between  taxable  and  non-taxable 
amounts.  

The  Bancorp’s  revenues  are  dependent  on  both  net  interest 
income and noninterest income. For the year ended December 31, 
2015, net interest income on an FTE basis and noninterest income 
provided 54% and 46% of total revenue, respectively. The Bancorp 
derives the majority of its revenues within the U.S. from customers 
domiciled in the United States. Revenue from foreign countries and 
external customers domiciled in foreign countries was immaterial to 
the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements.  Changes  in  interest  rates, 
credit quality, economic trends and the capital markets are primary 
factors  that  drive  the  performance  of  the  Bancorp.  As  discussed 
later in the Risk Management section of MD&A, risk identification, 
measurement,  monitoring,  control  and  reporting  are  important  to 
the management of risk and to the financial performance and capital 
strength of the Bancorp.  

Net  interest  income  is  the  difference  between  interest  income 
earned  on  assets  such  as  loans,  leases  and  securities,  and  interest 
expense  incurred  on  liabilities  such  as  deposits,  other  short-term 
borrowings and long-term debt. Net interest income is affected by 
the general level of interest rates, the relative level of short-term and 
long-term interest rates, changes in interest rates and changes in the 
amount  and  composition  of  interest-earning  assets  and  interest-
bearing liabilities. Generally, the rates of interest the Bancorp earns 
on its assets and pays on its liabilities are established for a period of 
time.  The  change  in  market  interest  rates  over  time  exposes  the 
Bancorp  to  interest  rate  risk  through  potential  adverse  changes  to 
net  interest  income  and  financial  position.  The  Bancorp  manages 
this  risk  by  continually  analyzing  and  adjusting  the  composition  of 
its assets and liabilities based on their payment streams and interest 
rates, the timing of their maturities and their sensitivity to changes 
in  market  interest  rates.  Additionally,  in  the  ordinary  course  of 

16  Fifth Third Bancorp 

business,  the  Bancorp  enters  into  certain  derivative  transactions  as 
part of its overall strategy to manage its interest rate and prepayment 
risks. The Bancorp is also exposed to the risk of losses on its loan 
and  lease  portfolio  as  a  result  of  changing  expected  cash  flows 
caused  by  borrower  credit  events,  such  as  loan  defaults  and 
inadequate  collateral  due  to  a  weakened  economy  within  the 
Bancorp’s footprint. 

Noninterest  income  is  derived  from  service  charges  on 
deposits,  investment  advisory  revenue,  corporate  banking  revenue, 
mortgage  banking  net  revenue,  card  and  processing  revenue, 
securities  gains,  net  and  other  noninterest  income.  Noninterest 
expense 
includes  personnel  costs,  net  occupancy  expense, 
technology and communication costs, card and processing expense, 
equipment expense and other noninterest expense. 

to  2030, 

Vantiv, Inc. and Vantiv Holding, LLC Transactions  
During  the  fourth  quarter  of  2015,  the  Bancorp  entered  into  an 
agreement with Vantiv, Inc. under which a portion of its TRA with 
Vantiv, Inc. was terminated and settled in full for a cash payment of 
approximately $49 million from Vantiv, Inc. Under the agreement, 
the  Bancorp  sold  certain  TRA  cash  flows  it  expected  to  receive 
from  2017 
totaling  an  estimated  $140  million. 
Approximately half of the sold TRA cash flows related to 2025 and 
later. This sale did not impact the TRA payment recognized during 
the fourth quarter of 2015 and is not expected to impact the TRA 
payment to be recognized in the fourth quarter of 2016. In addition 
to the impact of the TRA termination discussed above, the Bancorp 
recognized  $31  million,  $23  million  and  $9  million  in  noninterest 
income  in  the  Consolidated  Statements  of  Income  associated  with 
the  TRA  during  the  years  ended  December  31,  2015,  2014  and 
2013, respectively. 

the  Bancorp  exercised 

The  Bancorp  agreed  during  the  fourth  quarter  of  2015  to 
cancel rights to purchase approximately 4.8 million Class C units in 
Vantiv  Holding,  LLC,  the  wholly-owned  principal  operating 
subsidiary  of  Vantiv,  Inc.,  underlying  the  Bancorp’s  warrant  in 
exchange  for  a  cash  payment  of  $200  million.  Subsequent  to  this 
cancellation, 
to  purchase 
approximately  7.8  million  Class  C  units  underlying  the  Bancorp’s 
warrant at the $15.98 strike price. This exercise was settled on a net 
basis for approximately 5.4 million Class C units, which were then 
exchanged for approximately 5.4 million shares of Vantiv, Inc. Class 
A  common  stock  that  were  sold  in  the  secondary  offering.  The 
Bancorp recognized a gain of $89 million on the 62% of the warrant 
that was settled or net exercised.  

right 

its 

Additionally,  during  the  fourth  quarter  of  2015,  the  Bancorp 
exchanged  8  million  Class  B  units  of  Vantiv  Holding,  LLC  for  8 
million  Class  A  shares  in  Vantiv,  Inc.,  which  were  also  sold  in  the 
secondary offering, and on which the Bancorp recognized a gain of 
$331  million.  The  Bancorp’s  remaining  investment  in  Vantiv 
Holding,  LLC  continues  to  be  accounted  for  under  the  equity 
method  of  accounting.  For  more  information,  refer  to  Note  19  of 
the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  

Branch Consolidation and Sales Plan 
The  Bancorp  monitors  changing  customer  preferences  associated 
with  the  channels  it  uses  for  banking  transactions  to  evaluate  the 
efficiency,  competitiveness  and  quality  of  the  customer  service 
experience  in  its  consumer  distribution  network.  As  part  of  this 
ongoing assessment, the Bancorp may determine that it is no longer 
fully committed to maintaining full-service branches at certain of its 
existing  banking  center  locations.  Similarly,  the  Bancorp  may  also 
determine  that  it  is  no  longer  fully  committed  to  building  banking 
centers  on  certain  parcels  of  land  which  had  previously  been  held 

 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

for  future  branch  expansion.  On  June  16,  2015,  the  Bancorp’s 
Board  of  Directors  authorized  management  to  pursue  a  plan  to 
further  develop  its  distribution  strategy,  including  a  plan  to 
consolidate and/or sell certain operating branch locations and to sell 
certain  parcels  of  undeveloped  land  that  had  been  acquired  by  the 
Bancorp  for  future  branch  expansion  (the  “Branch  Consolidation 
and  Sales  Plan”).  The  Bancorp  expects  to  receive  $60  million  in 
annual  savings  from  operating  expenses  upon  completion  of  the 
Branch Consolidation and Sales Plan. 

On September 3, 2015, the Bancorp announced the decision to 
enter  into  an  agreement  to  sell  branch  banking  locations,  retail 
loan 
accounts,  certain  private  banking  deposits  and  related 
relationships  in  the  Pittsburgh  MSA  to  First  National  Bank  of 
Pennsylvania. On September 30, 2015, the Bancorp announced the 
decision  to  enter  into  an  agreement  to  sell  its  retail  operations, 
including  retail  accounts,  certain  private  banking  deposits  and 
related  loan  relationships  in  the  St.  Louis  MSA  to  Great  Southern 
Bank.  Both  transactions  are  part  of  the  Branch  Consolidation  and 
Sales Plan and are expected to close in the first half of 2016. As of 
December  31,  2015,  the  Bancorp  intended  to  consolidate  and/or 
sell  107  operating  branch  locations  and  to  sell  an  additional  32 
parcels of undeveloped land that had been acquired by the Bancorp 
for  future  branch  expansion.  For  further 
information  on  a 
subsequent  event  related  to  the  Branch  Consolidation  and  Sales 
Plan,  refer  to  Note  31  of  the  Notes  to  Consolidated  Financial 
Statements. 

The  Bancorp  performs  assessments  of  the  recoverability  of 
long-lived  assets  when  events  or  changes  in  circumstances  indicate 
that their carrying values may not be recoverable. Impairment losses 
associated  with  such  assessments  and  lower  of  cost  or  market 
adjustments  were  $109  million,  $20  million  and  $6  million  for  the 
years  ended  December  31,  2015,  2014  and  2013,  respectively.  The 
recognized  impairment  losses  were  recorded  in  other  noninterest 
income  in  the  Consolidated  Statements  of  Income.  For  more 
information  on  the  Branch  Consolidation  and  Sales  Plan,  refer  to 
Note 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Accelerated Share Repurchase Transactions 
During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Bancorp 
entered  into  or  settled  a  number  of  accelerated  share  repurchase 
transactions. As part of these transactions, the Bancorp entered into 
forward contracts in which the final number of shares delivered at 
settlement  was  based  generally  on  a  discount  to  the  average  daily 
volume  weighted-average  price  of  the  Bancorp’s  common  stock 
during 
the  repurchase  agreements.  For  more 
information  on  the  accelerated  share  repurchase  program,  refer  to 
Note  23  of  the Notes  to  Consolidated  Financial  Statements.  For  a 
summary of the Bancorp’s accelerated share repurchase transactions 
that were entered into or settled during the years ended December 
31, 2015 and 2014, refer to Table 2. 

term  of 

the 

TABLE 2: SUMMARY OF ACCELERATED SHARE REPURCHASE TRANSACTIONS

Repurchase Date 
November 18, 2013 
December 13, 2013 
January 31, 2014 
May 1, 2014 
July 24, 2014 
October 23, 2014 
January 27, 2015 
April 30, 2015 
August 3, 2015 
September 9, 2015 
December 14, 2015 

   Amount ($ in millions) 
200 
456 
99 
150 
225 
180 
180 
155 
150 
150 
215 

Shares Repurchased on 
Repurchase Date

Shares Received from Forward 
Contract Settlement 

Total Shares 
Repurchased 

 8,538,423 
 19,084,195 
 3,950,705 
 6,216,480 
 9,352,078 
 8,337,875 
 8,542,713 
 6,704,835 
 6,039,792 
 6,538,462 
 9,248,482 

 1,132,495 
 2,294,932 
 602,109 
 1,016,514 
 1,896,685 
 794,245 
 1,103,744 
 842,655 
 1,346,314 
 1,446,613 
 1,782,477 

 9,670,918 
 21,379,127 
 4,552,814 
 7,232,994 
 11,248,763 
 9,132,120 
 9,646,457 
 7,547,490 
 7,386,106 
 7,985,075 
 11,030,959 

Settlement Date 

March 5, 2014
March 31, 2014
March 31, 2014
July 21, 2014
October 14, 2014
January 8, 2015
April 28, 2015
July 31, 2015
September 3, 2015
October 23, 2015
January 14, 2016

Senior Notes Offerings 
On  July  27,  2015,  the  Bancorp  issued  and  sold  $1.1  billion  of 
2.875%  unsecured  senior  fixed-rate  notes,  with  a  maturity  of  five 
years, due on July 27, 2020. The notes are not subject to redemption 
at the Bancorp’s option at any time until 30 days prior to maturity. 

On  August  20,  2015,  the  Bank  issued  and  sold  $1.3  billion  in 
aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior bank notes, with a 
maturity  of  three  years,  due  on  August  20,  2018.  The  bank  notes 
consisted of $1.0 billion of 2.15% senior fixed-rate notes and $250 
million  of  senior  floating-rate  notes.  The  Bancorp  entered  into 
interest  rate  swaps  to  convert  the  fixed-rate  notes  to  floating-rate, 
which  resulted  in  an  effective  rate  of  three-month  LIBOR  plus  90 
bps. Interest on the floating-rate notes is three-month LIBOR plus 
91 bps. These bank notes will be redeemable by the Bank, in whole 
or in part, on or after the date that is 30 days prior to the maturity 
date  at  a  redemption  price  equal  to  100%  of  the  principal  amount 
plus  accrued  and  unpaid  interest  up  to,  but  excluding,  the 
redemption  date.  For  additional  information  on  the  senior  notes 
offerings, refer to Note 16 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial 
Statements. 

Automobile Loan Securitization 
On  November  5,  2015,  the  Bancorp  transferred  an  aggregate 
amount  of  approximately  $750  million  in  consumer  automobile 
loans to a bankruptcy remote trust which was deemed to be a VIE. 
The  Bancorp  concluded  that  it  is  the  primary  beneficiary  of  this 
VIE  and,  therefore,  has  consolidated  this  VIE.  For  additional 
information on the automobile loan securitization refer to Note 11 
and Note 16 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

insurance  assessments  of 

Legislative and Regulatory Developments 
The  FDIC  published  a  notice  of  proposed  rulemaking  in  October 
of  2015  which  would  implement  a  4.5  bps  surcharge  on  the 
quarterly  FDIC 
insured  depository 
institutions  with  total  consolidated  assets  of  $10  billion  or  more. 
The  surcharge  would  take  effect  at  the  same  time  the  FDIC  is 
required  to  lower  the  regular  FDIC  insurance  assessments  by 
approximately 2 bps under a rule adopted by the FDIC in 2011 that 
is  triggered  by  the  DIF  reserve  ratio  reaching  1.15%  of  insured 
deposits.  The  FDIC  estimates  the  DIF  reserve  ratio  will  reach 
1.15%  in  2016  and  the  surcharge  would  be  sufficient  to  raise  the 
DIF reserve ratio to the 1.35% minimum mandated by the DFA in 
approximately  eight  quarters.  Fifth  Third  estimates  the  proposed 

17  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
  
     
  
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

changes to the FDIC assessments would result in a net increase in 
its  FDIC  insurance  expense  of  approximately  $25  million  on  an 
annual basis. The comment period for this proposal ended January 
5, 2016. 

the  Bancorp  agreed 

On  September  30,  2015, 

to  pay 
approximately  $85  million  to  cover  losses  on  approximately  500 
loans  for  which  HUD  had  paid  FHA  insurance  claims,  and  an 
additional  $2  million  to  HUD,  in  connection  with  the  Bancorp’s 
entry into a Stipulation and Order of Settlement and Dismissal with 
the DOJ and HUD, which was approved by the U.S. District Court 
for the Southern District of New York on October 5, 2015, and a 
related Settlement Agreement with HUD. On September 28, 2015, 
the  Bancorp  entered  into  consent  orders  and  agreed,  without 
admitting  or  denying  any  of  the  findings  of  fact  or  conclusions  of 
law  (except  to  establish  jurisdiction),  to  pay  $18  million  to 
consumers in a settlement with the DOJ and the CFPB related to an 
investigation  into  whether  Fifth  Third  Bank  engaged  in  any 
discriminatory  practices  in  connection  with  the  Bank’s  indirect 
automobile  loan  portfolio.  On  September  28,  2015,  the  Bancorp 
agreed  to  pay  an  amount  not  less  than  $3  million  in  redress  to 
consumers  and  a  civil  penalty  of  $500,000  to  the  CFPB  in 
connection  with  its  entry  into  a  consent  order  with  the  CFPB 
related  to  the  marketing  and  administration  of  the  Bancorp’s  debt 
protection  credit  card  “add-on”  product  for  those  enrolled  in  the 
product  from  January  1,  2007  through  November  11,  2013.  For 
additional  information  on  these  legal  and  regulatory  proceedings 
refer to Note 18 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 
On March 11, 2015, the Bancorp announced the results of its 
capital plan submitted to the FRB as part of the 2015 CCAR. The 
FRB indicated to the Bancorp that it did not object to the following 
capital  actions  for  the  period  beginning  April  1,  2015  and  ending 
June 30, 2016: 

  The potential increase in the quarterly common stock 

dividend to $0.14 per share in 2016; 

  The  potential  repurchase  of  common  shares  in  an 

amount up to $765 million; and 

  The  additional  ability  to  repurchase  shares  in  the 
amount of any after-tax gains from the sale of Vantiv, 
Inc. common stock. 

The  BHCs  that  participated  in  the  2015  CCAR,  including  the 
Bancorp,  were  required  to  conduct  mid-cycle  company-run  stress 
tests using data as of March 31, 2015. For more information on the 
2015 CCAR results and 2015 mid-cycle stress test, refer to Note 3 
of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Fifth  Third  offers  qualified  deposit  customers  a  deposit 
advance product if they choose to avail themselves of this product 
to  meet  short-term,  small-dollar  financial  needs.  In  April  of  2013, 
the  CFPB  issued  a  “White  Paper”  which  studied  financial  services 
industry offerings and customer use of deposit advance products as 
well  as  payday  loans  and  is  considering  whether  rules  governing 
these products are warranted. At the same time, the OCC and FDIC 
each  issued  proposed  supervisory  guidance  for  public  comment  to 
institutions  they  supervise  which  supplements  existing  OCC  and 
FDIC  guidance,  detailing  the  principles  they  expect  financial 
institutions  to  follow  in  connection  with  deposit  advance  products 
and  supervisory  expectations  for  the  use  of  deposit  advance 
products.  The  Federal  Reserve  also  issued  a  statement  in  April  of 
2013 to state member banks like Fifth Third for whom the Federal 
Reserve  is  the  primary  regulator.  This  statement  encouraged  state 
member banks to respond to customers’ small-dollar credit needs in 
a  responsible  manner;  emphasized  that  they  should  take  into 
consideration  the  risks  associated  with  deposit  advance  products, 
including  potential  consumer  harm  and  potential  elevated 

18  Fifth Third Bancorp 

compliance  risk;  and  reminded  them  that  these  product  offerings 
must comply with applicable laws and regulations.  

Fifth  Third’s  deposit  advance  product  is  designed  to  fully 
comply  with  the  applicable  federal  and  state  laws  and  use  of  this 
product  is  subject  to  strict  eligibility  requirements  and  advance 
restriction  guidelines  to  limit  dependency  on  this  product  as  a 
borrowing  source.  The  Bancorp’s  deposit  advance  balances  are 
included  in  other  consumer  loans  and  leases  in  the  Loans  and 
Leases subsection of the Balance Sheet Analysis section of MD&A 
and  in  Table  9  in  the  Statements  of  Income  Analysis  section  of 
MD&A.  On  January  17,  2014,  given  developments  in  industry 
practice, Fifth Third announced that it would no longer enroll new 
customers in its deposit advance product and expected to phase out 
the  service  to  existing  customers  by  the  end  of  2014.  To  avoid  a 
disruption  to  its  existing  customers  during  the  extension  period 
while the banking industry awaits further regulatory guidance on the 
deposit  advance  product,  on  November  3,  2014,  Fifth  Third 
announced  changes  to  its  current  deposit  advance  product  for 
existing  customers  beginning  January  1,  2015,  including  a  lower 
transaction  fee,  an  extended  repayment  period  and  a  reduced 
maximum  advance  period.  The  Bancorp  is  continuing  to  offer  the 
service  to  existing  deposit  advance  customers  until  further 
regulatory  guidance  is  finalized.  These  changes  to  the  deposit 
advance  product  negatively  impacted  net  interest  income  by  $94 
million for the year ended December 31, 2015. 

In  July  of  2013,  U.S.  banking  regulators  approved  final 
enhanced  regulatory  capital  requirements  (Basel  III  Final  Rule), 
which  included  modifications  to  the  proposed  rules.  The  Basel  III 
Final Rule provided for certain banks, including the Bancorp, to opt 
out  of  including  AOCI  in  regulatory  capital  and  also  retained  the 
treatment  of  residential  mortgage  exposures  consistent  with  the 
current Basel I capital rules. The Basel III Final Rule phases out the 
inclusion  of  certain  TruPS  as  a  component  of  Tier  I  capital.  The 
Bancorp  became  subject  to  the  Basel  III  Final  Rule  on  January  1, 
2015.  The  Bancorp  made  a  one-time  permanent  election  not  to 
include  AOCI  in  regulatory  capital  in  the  March  31,  2015  FFIEC 
031  and  FR  Y-9C  filings.  For  more  information  on  the  impact  of 
the 
the  Capital 
Management  subsection  of  the  Risk  Management  section  of 
MD&A. 

regulatory  capital  enhancements, 

refer 

to 

On  December  10,  2013,  the  U.S.  banking  agencies  finalized 
section 619 of the DFA, known as the Volcker Rule, which became 
effective April 1, 2014. Though the Final Rule was effective April 1, 
2014, the FRB granted the industry an extension of time until July 
21,  2015  to  conform  certain  of  its  activities  related  to  proprietary 
trading to comply with the Volcker Rule. In addition, the FRB has 
granted  the  industry  an  extension  of  time  until  July  21,  2016,  and 
announced  its  intention  to  grant  a  one  year  extension  of  the 
conformance  period  until  July  21,  2017,  to  conform  certain 
ownership  interests  in,  sponsorship  activities  of  and  relationships 
with  private  equity  or  hedge  funds  as  well  as  holding  certain 
collateralized loan obligations that were in place as of December 31, 
2013.  It  is  possible  that  additional  conformance  period  extensions 
could  be  granted  either  to  the entire  industry, or,  upon request,  to 
requesting banking organizations on a case-by-case basis. The Final 
Rule  prohibits  banks  and  BHCs  from  engaging  in  short-term 
proprietary  trading  of  certain  securities,  derivatives,  commodity 
futures  and  options  on  these  instruments  for  their  own  account. 
The  Volcker  Rule  also  restricts  banks  and  their  affiliated  entities 
from  owning,  sponsoring  or  having  certain  relationships  with 
private  equity  and  hedge  funds,  as  well  as  holding  certain 
collateralized loan obligations that are deemed to contain ownership 
interests.  Exemptions  are  provided  for  certain  activities  such  as 
in  certain 
underwriting,  market  making,  hedging, 
government obligations and organizing and offering a hedge fund or 

trading 

 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

private equity fund. Fifth Third does not sponsor any private equity 
or  hedge  funds  that,  under  the  Final  Rule,  it  is  prohibited  from 
sponsoring.  At  December  31,  2015,  the  Bancorp  did  not  hold 
collateralized loan obligations. At December 31, 2015, the Bancorp 
had  approximately  $186  million  in  interests  and  approximately  $37 
million  in  binding  commitments  to  invest  in  private  equity  funds 
that are affected by the Volcker Rule. It is expected that over time 
the Bancorp may need to dispose of these investments, however no 
formal plan to sell has been approved as of December 31, 2015. As 
a  result  of  the  announced  conformance  period  extension,  the 
Bancorp  believes  it  is  likely  that  these  investments  will  be  reduced 
over  time  in  the  ordinary  course  of  events  before  compliance  is 
required. 

implementing  a  quantitative 

On  October  10,  2014,  the  U.S.  banking  agencies  published 
final  rules 
liquidity  requirement 
consistent with the LCR standard established by the BCBS for large 
internationally  active  banking  organizations,  generally  those  with 
$250  billion  or  more  in  total  consolidated  assets  or  $10  billion  or 
more in on-balance sheet foreign exposure. In addition, a modified 
LCR  requirement  was  implemented  for  BHCs  with  $50  billion  or 
more  in  total  consolidated  assets  but  that  are  not  internationally 
active,  such  as  Fifth  Third.  The  Modified  LCR  became  effective 
January  1,  2016  and  requires  BHCs  to  calculate  its  LCR  on  a 
monthly  basis. Refer  to  the  Liquidity  Risk  Management  subsection 
of  the  Risk  Management  section  of  MD&A  for  further  discussion 
on these ratios. 

On  July  31,  2013,  the  U.S.  District  Court  for  the  District  of 
Columbia  issued  an  order  granting  summary  judgment  to  the 

plaintiffs in a case challenging certain provisions of the FRB’s rule 
concerning  electronic  debit  card  transaction  fees  and  network 
exclusivity arrangements (the “Current Rule”) that were adopted to 
implement  Section  1075  of  the  DFA,  known  as  the  Durbin 
Amendment. The Court held that, in adopting the Current Rule, the 
FRB  violated  the  Durbin  Amendment’s  provisions  concerning 
which  costs  are  allowed  to  be  taken  into  account  for  purposes  of 
setting  fees  that  are  reasonable  and  proportional  to  the  costs 
incurred by the issuer and, therefore, the Current Rule’s maximum 
permissible fees were too high. In addition, the Court held that the 
Current  Rule’s  network  non-exclusivity  provisions  concerning 
unaffiliated  payment  networks  for  debit  cards  also  violated  the 
Durbin  Amendment.  The  Court  vacated  the  Current  Rule,  but 
stayed  its  ruling  to  provide  the  FRB  an  opportunity  to  replace  the 
invalidated portions. The FRB appealed this decision and on March 
21,  2014,  the  District  of  Columbia  Circuit  Court  of  Appeals 
reversed  the  District  Court’s  grant  of  summary  judgment  and 
remanded  the  case  for  further  proceedings  in  accordance  with  its 
opinion. The merchants have filed a petition for writ of certiorari to 
the  U.S.  Supreme  Court.  However,  on  January  20,  2015,  the  U.S. 
Supreme  Court  declined  to  hear  an  appeal  of  the  Circuit  Court 
the  Current  Rule  and 
reversal, 
substantially 
card 
surrounding  debit 
interchange  fees  the  Bancorp  is  permitted  to  charge.  Refer  to  the 
Noninterest  Income  subsection  of  the  Statements  of  Income 
Analysis  section  of  MD&A  for  further  information  regarding  the 
Bancorp’s debit card interchange revenue. 

reducing  uncertainty 

largely  upholding 

thereby 

TABLE 3: CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions, except per share data)
Interest income (FTE) 
Interest expense 
Net Interest Income (FTE) 
Provision for loan and lease losses 
Net Interest Income After Provision for Loan and Lease Losses (FTE) 
Noninterest income 
Noninterest expense 
Income Before Income Taxes (FTE) 
Fully taxable equivalent adjustment 
Applicable income tax expense 
Net Income 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 
Net Income Attributable to Bancorp 
Dividends on preferred stock 
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders 
Earnings per share - basic 
Earnings per share - diluted 
Cash dividends declared per common share 

2015  
4,049 
495 
3,554 
396 
3,158 
3,003 
3,775 
2,386 
21 
659 
1,706 
(6)
1,712 
75 
1,637 
 2.03 
 2.01 
 0.52 

$

$
$
$
$

2014  

2013  

2012  

2011  

4,051 
451 
3,600 
315 
3,285 
2,473 
3,709 
2,049 
21 
545 
1,483 
2 
1,481 
67 
1,414 
 1.68 
 1.66 
 0.51 

3,993 
412 
3,581 
229 
3,352 
3,227 
3,961 
2,618 
20 
772 
1,826 
(10)
1,836 
37 
1,799 
 2.05 
 2.02 
 0.47 

4,125 
512 
3,613 
303 
3,310 
2,999 
4,081 
2,228 
18 
636 
1,574 
(2)
1,576 
35 
1,541 
 1.69 
 1.66 
 0.36 

4,236 
661 
3,575 
423 
3,152 
2,455 
3,758 
1,849 
18 
533 
1,298 
1 
1,297 
203 
1,094 
 1.20 
 1.18 
 0.28 

Earnings Summary 
The  Bancorp’s  net  income  available  to  common  shareholders  for 
the  year  ended  December  31,  2015  was  $1.6  billion,  or  $2.01  per 
diluted  share,  which  was  net  of  $75  million  in  preferred  stock 
dividends.  The  Bancorp’s  net 
income  available  to  common 
shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $1.4 billion, 
or $1.66 per diluted share, which was net of $67 million in preferred 
stock dividends. Pre-provision net revenue was $2.8 billion and $2.3 
billion  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2015  and  2014, 
respectively.  Pre-provision  net  revenue  is  a  non-GAAP  measure. 
For  further 
information,  refer  to  the  Non-GAAP  Financial 
Measures section of MD&A. 

Net interest income on an FTE basis was $3.6 billion for both 
the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. Net interest income 

was negatively impacted by a decrease in the net interest rate spread, 
changes made to the Bancorp’s deposit advance product beginning 
January  1,  2015  and  an  increase  in  average  long-term  debt  of  $1.7 
billion for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the year 
ended  December  31,  2014.  These  negative  impacts  were  partially 
offset  by  increases  in  average  taxable  securities  and  average  loans 
and leases of $5.2 billion and $2.2 billion, respectively, for the year 
ended  December  31,  2015  compared  to  the  year  ended  December 
31,  2014.  Net  interest  margin  on  an  FTE  basis  was  2.88%  and 
3.10%  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2015  and  2014, 
respectively. 

Noninterest  income  increased  $530  million  from  the  year 
ended  December  31,  2014  primarily  due  to  increases  in  other 
noninterest  income  and  mortgage  banking  net  revenue  partially 

19  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

Capital Summary 
The Bancorp’s capital ratios exceed the “well-capitalized” guidelines 
as  defined  by  the  PCA  requirements  of  the  U.S.  banking  agencies. 
As  of  December  31,  2015,  as  calculated  under  the  Basel  III 
transition provisions, the CET1 capital ratio was 9.82%, the Tier I 
risk-based capital ratio was 10.93%, the Total risk-based capital ratio 
was 14.13% and the Tier I leverage ratio was 9.54%. 

offset  by  a  decrease 
in  corporate  banking  revenue.  Other 
noninterest  income  increased  $529  million  from  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2014. The increase included the impact of a gain of 
$331 million on the sale of Vantiv, Inc. shares in the fourth quarter 
of  2015  compared  to  a  gain  of  $125  million  during  the  second 
quarter  of  2014.  The  positive  valuation  adjustments  on  the  stock 
warrant associated with Vantiv Holding, LLC were $236 million and 
$31  million  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2015  and  2014, 
respectively.  During  the  fourth  quarter  of  2015,  the  Bancorp 
recognized a gain of $89 million on both the sale and exercise of a 
portion  of  the  warrant  associated  with  Vantiv  Holding,  LLC. 
Additionally, the Bancorp recognized a gain of $49 million from the 
payment from Vantiv, Inc. to terminate a portion of the TRA and 
also  recognized  a  gain  of  $31  million  associated  with  the  annual 
TRA  payment  during  the  fourth  quarter  of  2015.  The  Bancorp 
recognized a gain of $23 million associated with the TRA during the 
fourth quarter of 2014. Mortgage banking net revenue increased $38 
million  from  the  year  ended  December  31,  2014  primarily  due  to 
increases in net mortgage servicing revenue and origination fees and 
gains  on  loan  sales.  Corporate  banking  revenue  decreased  $46 
million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the year 
ended  December  31,  2014  primarily  driven  by  decreases  in 
syndication fees and lease remarketing fees. 

in 

the  mortgage 

business.  Technology 

Noninterest  expense  increased  $66  million  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 31, 2014 
primarily  due  to  increases  in  personnel  costs,  technology  and 
communications expense and card and processing expense partially 
offset  by  a  decrease  in  other  noninterest  expense.  Personnel  costs 
increased  $65  million  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2015 
compared  to  the  year  ended  December  31,  2014  driven  by  higher 
executive  retirement  and  severance  costs  as  well  as  an  increase  in 
base  compensation  and  an  increase  in  incentive  compensation, 
primarily 
and 
communications  expense  increased  $12  million  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 31, 2014 
driven primarily by increased investment in information technology 
associated  with  regulatory  and  compliance 
initiatives,  system 
maintenance,  and  other  growth  initiatives.  Card  and  processing 
expense  increased  $12  million  for  the  year  ended  December  31, 
2015  compared  to  the  year  ended  December  31,  2014  driven 
primarily  by  increased  fraud  prevention  related  expenses.  Other 
noninterest  expense  decreased  $34  million  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 31, 2014 
primarily due to a decrease in losses and adjustments partially offset 
by  increases  in  the  provision  for  the  reserve  for  unfunded 
commitments,  marketing  expense,  donations  expense,  impairment 
on affordable housing investments, FDIC insurance and other taxes 
and operating lease expense.  

For  more  information  on  net  interest  income,  noninterest 
income and noninterest expense, refer to the Statements of Income 
Analysis section of MD&A. 

Credit Summary 
The provision for loan and lease losses was $396 million and $315 
million  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2015  and  2014, 
respectively. Net losses charged-off as a percent of average portfolio 
loans  and  leases  decreased  to  0.48%  during  the  year  ended 
December  31,  2015  compared  to  0.64%  during  the  year  ended 
December  31,  2014.  At  December  31,  2015,  nonperforming 
portfolio  assets  as  a  percent  of  portfolio  loans  and  leases  and 
OREO  decreased  to  0.70%  compared  to  0.82%  at  December  31, 
2014.  For  further  discussion  on  credit  quality,  refer  to  the  Credit 
Risk  Management  subsection  of  the  Risk  Management  section  of 
MD&A. 

20  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES 
The following are non-GAAP measures which are important to the 
reader  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  but  should  be 
supplemental to primary U.S. GAAP measures.  

The  Bancorp  considers  many  factors  when  determining  the 
adequacy of its liquidity profile, including its LCR as defined by the 
U.S. banking agencies Basel III LCR Final Rule. Generally, the LCR 
is  designed  to  ensure  banks  maintain  an  adequate  level  of 
unencumbered  HQLA  to  satisfy  the  estimated  net  cash  outflows 
under  a  30-day  stress  scenario.  The  Bancorp  is  subject  to  the 

Modified LCR whereby the net cash outflow under the 30-day stress 
scenario is multiplied by a factor of 0.7. The LCR Final Rule became 
effective for the Bancorp on January 1, 2016. The Bancorp believes 
there  is  no  comparable  U.S.  GAAP  financial  measure  to  the  LCR. 
The  Bancorp  believes  providing  an  estimated  Modified  LCR  is 
important  for  comparability  to  other  financial  institutions.  For  a 
further  discussion  on  liquidity  management  and  the  LCR,  refer  to 
the Liquidity Risk Management subsection of the Risk Management 
section of MD&A. 

TABLE 4:  NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES – ESTIMATED MODIFIED LIQUIDITY COVERAGE RATIO 

As of ($ in millions) 
Estimated HQLA 
Estimated net cash outflow 
Estimated Modified LCR 

$ 

December 31, 
2015  
 21,897 
 18,849 

 116 %

Pre-provision  net  revenue  is  net  interest  income  plus  noninterest 
income  minus  noninterest  expense.  The  Bancorp  believes  this 

measure  is  important  because  it  provides  a  ready  view  of  the 
Bancorp’s pre-tax earnings before the impact of provision expense. 

The following table reconciles the non-GAAP financial measure of pre-provision net revenue to U.S. GAAP for the years ended December 31: 

TABLE 5:  NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES - PRE-PROVISION NET REVENUE
($ in millions) 
Net interest income (U.S. GAAP) 
Add: Noninterest income 
Less: Noninterest expense 
Pre-provision net revenue 

2015  

2014  

   $ 

   $ 

 3,533 
 3,003 
 (3,775)  
 2,761   

 3,579 
 2,473 
 (3,709)
 2,343   

The Bancorp believes return on average tangible common equity is 
an important measure for comparative purposes with other financial 

institutions,  but  is  not  defined  under  U.S.  GAAP,  and  therefore  is 
considered a non-GAAP financial measure. 

The following table reconciles the non-GAAP financial measure of return on average tangible common equity to U.S. GAAP for the years ended
December 31: 

TABLE 6:  NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES - RETURN ON AVERAGE TANGIBLE COMMON EQUITY 
($ in millions) 
Net income available to common shareholders (U.S. GAAP) 
Add: Intangible amortization, net of tax 
Tangible net income available to common shareholders (1) 

2015  

2014  

   $ 

   $ 

   $ 

 1,637 
 2   
 1,639 

 15,865 
(1,331)  
(2,416)  
(14)  

   $ 

 12,104 

 1,414 
 3   
 1,417 

 15,290 
(1,205)
(2,416)
(20)
 11,649 

Average Bancorp shareholders' equity (U.S. GAAP) 
Less: Average preferred stock 
        Average goodwill 
        Average intangible assets and other servicing rights 
Average tangible common equity (2) 

Return on average tangible common equity (1) / (2) 

 13.5  %

 12.2 

The  Bancorp  considers  various  measures  when  evaluating  capital 
utilization  and  adequacy,  including  the  tangible  equity  ratio  and 
tangible common equity ratio, in addition to capital ratios defined by 
banking regulators. These calculations are intended to complement 
the  capital  ratios  defined  by  banking  regulators  for  both  absolute 
and  comparative  purposes.  Because  U.S.  GAAP  does  not  include 
capital ratio measures, the Bancorp believes there are no comparable 
U.S. GAAP financial measures to these ratios. These ratios are not 
formally  defined  by  U.S.  GAAP  or  codified  in  the  federal  banking 
regulations and, therefore, are considered to be non-GAAP financial 
measures. Additionally, the Bancorp became subject to the Basel III 
Final  Rule  on  January  1,  2015.  The  CET1  capital  ratio  is  a  new 

measure defined by the banking regulatory agencies under the Basel 
III Final Rule. The CET1 capital ratio has transition provisions that 
will be phased out over time. The Bancorp is presenting the CET1 
capital  ratio  on  a  fully  phased-in  basis  for  comparative  purposes 
with other organizations. Since analysts and banking regulators may 
assess  the  Bancorp’s  capital  adequacy  using  these  ratios,  the 
Bancorp believes they are useful to provide investors the ability to 
assess  its  capital  adequacy  on  the  same  basis.  The  Bancorp 
encourages 
its  Consolidated  Financial 
Statements  in  their  entirety  and  not  to  rely  on  any  single  financial 
measure. 

to  consider 

readers 

21  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
        
  
        
        
  
  
  
 
     
  
  
 
 
   
     
 
   
     
   
 
  
     
        
  
        
     
 
  
 
 
   
     
 
 
   
  
     
 
   
 
   
     
   
     
   
     
   
 
   
  
     
 
   
     
   
  
     
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

The following table reconciles non-GAAP capital ratios to U.S. GAAP as of December 31: 

TABLE 7:  NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES - CAPITAL RATIOS  
($ in millions)  
Total Bancorp Shareholders’ Equity (U.S. GAAP)  
Less:  Preferred stock  
          Goodwill  
          Intangible assets and other servicing rights  
Tangible common equity, including unrealized gains / losses  
Less:  AOCI  
Tangible common equity, excluding unrealized gains / losses (1)  
Add:   Preferred stock  
Tangible equity (2)  

Total Assets (U.S. GAAP)  
Less:  Goodwill  
          Intangible assets and other servicing rights  
          AOCI, before tax  
Tangible assets, excluding unrealized gains / losses (3)  

Total Bancorp Shareholders’ Equity (U.S. GAAP)  
Less:  Goodwill and certain other intangibles  
         Unrealized gains  
Add:  Qualifying TruPS  
         Other  
Tier I risk-based capital  
Less: Preferred stock  
          Qualifying TruPS  
          Qualified noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries  
Tier I common equity (4)  

Ratios:  
Tangible equity as a percent of tangible assets (2) / (3)(e) 
Tangible common equity as a percent of tangible assets (1) / (3)(e) 

Risk-weighted assets (5)  

Ratio:  
Tier I common equity (4) / (5)  

2015   

2014   

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

 15,839 
 (1,331)
 (2,416)
 (13)
 12,079 
 (197)
 11,882 
 1,331 
 13,213 

 141,082 
 (2,416)
 (13)
 (303)
 138,350 

N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

 15,626 
 (1,331)
 (2,416)
 (16)
 11,863 
 (429)
 11,434 
 1,331 
 12,765 

 138,706 
 (2,416)
 (16)
 (660)
 135,614 

 15,626 
 (2,476)
 (429)
 60 
 (17)
 12,764 
 (1,331)
 (60)
 (1)
 11,372 

9.55 % 
8.59   

 9.41 
 8.43 

Basel III  
Transitional(a)
 121,290 
$ 

Basel I(b) 

 117,878 

N/A  

 9.65 %   

Basel III Final Rule - Transition to Fully Phased-In  
CET1 capital (transitional)  
Less: Adjustments to CET1 capital from transitional to fully phased-in(c) 
CET1 capital (fully phased-in) (6)  
Risk-weighted assets (transitional)  
Add: Adjustments to risk-weighted assets from transitional to fully phased-in(d) 
Risk-weighted assets (fully phased-in) (7)  
Estimated CET1 capital ratio under Basel III Final Rule (fully phased-in) (6) / (7)  
(a)  Under the U.S. banking agencies’ Basel III Final Rule, assets and credit equivalent amounts of off-balance sheet exposures are calculated according to the standardized approach for risk-weighted 

 11,917   
 (8)  
 11,909   
 121,290   
 1,178   
 122,468   

N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  

9.72 % 

$ 

$ 

assets. The resulting weighted values are added together resulting in the Bancorp’s total risk-weighted assets. 

Primarily relates to disallowed intangible assets (other than goodwill and MSRs, net of associated deferred tax liabilities). 

(b)  This capital amount and ratio were calculated under the Supervisory Agencies general risk-based capital rules (Basel I) which were in effect prior to January 1, 2015. 
(c) 
(d)  Primarily relates to higher risk weighting for MSRs. 
(e)  Excludes unrealized gains and losses. 

22  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
  
   
  
   
  
  
   
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
   
   
  
  
   
  
   
 
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
 
  
   
 
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

RECENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS 
Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements provides 
a discussion of the significant new accounting standards adopted by 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES 
The  Bancorp’s  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  are  prepared  in 
accordance  with  U.S.  GAAP.  Certain  accounting  policies  require 
management  to  exercise  judgment  in  determining  methodologies, 
economic assumptions and estimates that may materially affect the 
Bancorp’s  financial  position,  results  of  operations  and  cash  flows. 
The Bancorp’s critical accounting policies include the accounting for 
the  ALLL,  reserve  for  unfunded  commitments,  income  taxes, 
valuation of servicing rights, fair value measurements, goodwill and 
legal contingencies. No material changes were made to the valuation 
techniques  or  models  described  below  during  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2015. 

ALLL 
The  Bancorp  disaggregates  its  portfolio  loans  and  leases  into 
portfolio  segments  for  purposes  of  determining  the  ALLL.  The 
include  commercial,  residential 
Bancorp’s  portfolio  segments 
mortgage  and  consumer.  The  Bancorp  further  disaggregates  its 
portfolio  segments  into  classes  for  purposes  of  monitoring  and 
assessing credit quality based on certain risk characteristics. For an 
analysis  of  the  Bancorp’s  ALLL  by  portfolio  segment  and  credit 
quality  information  by  class,  refer  to  Note  6  of  the  Notes  to 
Consolidated Financial Statements. 

The  Bancorp  maintains  the  ALLL  to  absorb  probable  loan 
and  lease  losses  inherent  in  its  portfolio  segments.  The  ALLL  is 
maintained  at  a  level  the  Bancorp  considers  to  be  adequate  and  is 
based  on  ongoing  quarterly  assessments  and  evaluations  of  the 
collectability  and  historical  loss  experience  of  loans  and  leases. 
Credit losses are charged and recoveries are credited to the ALLL. 
Provisions  for  loan  and  lease  losses  are  based  on  the  Bancorp’s 
review of the historical credit loss experience and such factors that, 
in  management’s  judgment,  deserve  consideration  under  existing 
economic  conditions  in  estimating  probable  credit  losses.  The 
Bancorp’s  strategy 
includes  a 
combination  of  conservative  exposure  limits  significantly  below 
legal  lending  limits  and  conservative  underwriting,  documentation 
and 
emphasizes 
diversification on a geographic, industry and customer level, regular 
credit  examinations  and  quarterly  management  reviews  of  large 
credit  exposures  and  loans  experiencing  deterioration  of  credit 
quality. 

risk  management 

standards.  The 

for  credit 

collections 

strategy 

also 

judgement  and 

The  Bancorp’s  methodology  for  determining  the  ALLL 
requires  significant  management 
is  based  on 
historical  loss  rates,  current  credit  grades,  specific  allocation  on 
loans  modified  in  a  TDR  and  impaired  commercial  credits  above 
specified  thresholds  and  other  qualitative  adjustments.  Allowances 
on  individual  commercial  loans,  TDRs  and  historical  loss  rates  are 
reviewed  quarterly  and  adjusted  as  necessary  based  on  changing 
borrower  and/or  collateral  conditions  and  actual  collection  and 
charge-off  experience.  An  unallocated  allowance  is  maintained  to 
recognize the imprecision in estimating and measuring losses when 
evaluating allowances for individual loans or pools of loans. 

Larger  commercial  loans  included  within  aggregate  borrower 
relationship  balances  exceeding  $1  million  that  exhibit  probable  or 
observed  credit  weaknesses,  as  well  as  loans  that  have  been 
modified in a TDR, are subject to individual review for impairment. 
The Bancorp considers the current value of collateral, credit quality 
of  any  guarantees,  the  guarantor’s  liquidity  and  willingness  to 
cooperate,  the  loan  structure  and  other  factors  when  evaluating 
whether  an  individual  loan  is  impaired.  Other  factors  may  include 

the  Bancorp  during  2015  and  the  expected  impact  of  significant 
accounting standards issued, but not yet required to be adopted.  

the  industry  and  geographic  region  of  the  borrower,  size  and 
financial  condition  of  the  borrower,  cash  flow  and  leverage  of  the 
borrower  and 
the  borrower’s 
the  Bancorp’s  evaluation  of 
management.  When  individual  loans  are  impaired,  allowances  are 
determined  based  on  management’s  estimate  of  the  borrower’s 
ability to repay the loan given the availability of collateral and other 
sources  of  cash  flow,  as  well  as  an  evaluation  of  legal  options 
available  to  the  Bancorp.  Allowances  for  impaired  loans  are 
measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows 
discounted  at  the  loan’s  effective  interest  rate,  fair  value  of  the 
underlying collateral or readily observable secondary market values. 
The  Bancorp  evaluates  the  collectability  of  both  principal  and 
interest when assessing the need for a loss accrual. 

Historical credit loss rates are applied to commercial loans that 
are  not  impaired  or  are  impaired,  but  smaller  than  the  established 
threshold  of  $1  million  and  thus  not  subject  to  specific  allowance 
allocations.  The  loss  rates  are  derived  from  a  migration  analysis, 
which  tracks  the  historical  net  charge-off  experience  sustained  on 
loans according to their internal risk grade. The risk grading system 
utilized for allowance analysis purposes encompasses ten categories. 
Homogenous loans and leases in the residential mortgage and 
consumer  portfolio  segments  are  not  individually  risk  graded. 
Rather, standard credit scoring systems and delinquency monitoring 
are used to assess credit risks and allowances are established based 
on the expected net charge-offs. Loss rates are based on the trailing 
twelve month net charge-off history by loan category. Historical loss 
rates may be adjusted for certain prescriptive and qualitative factors 
that,  in  management’s  judgment,  are  necessary  to  reflect  losses 
inherent in the portfolio. Factors that management considers in the 
analysis  include  the  effects  of  the  national  and  local  economies; 
trends  in  the  nature  and  volume  of  delinquencies,  charge-offs  and 
nonaccrual  loans;  changes  in  loan  mix;  credit  score  migration 
comparisons;  asset  quality  trends;  risk  management  and  loan 
administration;  changes  in  the  internal  lending  policies  and  credit 
standards;  collection  practices;  and  examination  results  from  bank 
regulatory agencies and the Bancorp’s internal credit reviewers. 

The  Bancorp’s  primary  market  areas  for  lending  are  the 
Midwestern  and  Southeastern  regions  of  the  United  States.  When 
evaluating  the  adequacy  of  allowances,  consideration  is  given  to 
these regional geographic concentrations and the closely associated 
effect  changing  economic  conditions  have  on  the  Bancorp’s 
customers. 

Refer  to  the  Allowance  for  Credit  Losses  subsection  of  the 
Risk  Management  section  of  MD&A  for  a  discussion  on  the 
Bancorp’s ALLL sensitivity analysis. 

liabilities 

Reserve for Unfunded Commitments 
The  reserve  for  unfunded  commitments  is  maintained  at  a  level 
believed  by  management  to  be  sufficient  to  absorb  estimated 
probable losses related to unfunded credit facilities and is included 
in  other 
in  the  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets.  The 
determination  of  the  adequacy  of  the  reserve  is  based  upon  an 
evaluation of the unfunded credit facilities, including an assessment 
of  historical  commitment  utilization  experience,  credit  risk  grading 
and  historical  loss  rates  based  on  credit  grade  migration.  This 
process  takes  into  consideration  the  same  risk  elements  that  are 
analyzed  in  the  determination  of  the  adequacy  of  the  Bancorp’s 
ALLL,  as  discussed  above.  Net  adjustments  to  the  reserve  for 

23  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

unfunded  commitments  are  included  in  other  noninterest  expense 
in the Consolidated Statements of Income. 

Income Taxes 
The  income  tax  laws  of  the  jurisdictions  in  which  the  Bancorp 
operates  are  complex  and  may  be 
to  different 
interpretations. The Bancorp evaluates and assesses the relative risks 
and  appropriate  tax  treatment  of  transactions  and  filing  positions 
after considering relevant statutes, regulations, judicial decisions and 
other  information.  The  Bancorp  maintains  tax  accruals  consistent 
with its evaluation of these items.  

subject 

Changes in the estimate of tax accruals occur periodically as a 
result  of  changes  in  tax  rates,  interpretation  of  tax  laws  and 
regulations,  and  other  guidance  issued  by  tax  authorities  and  the 
status  of  examinations  conducted  by  tax  authorities,  as  well  as  the 
expiration of statutes of limitations. These changes may significantly 
impact  the  Bancorp’s  tax  accruals,  deferred  taxes  and  income  tax 
expense  and  may  significantly  impact  the  operating  results  of  the 
Bancorp.   

Deferred taxes are determined using the balance sheet method.  
Under this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is calculated 
based  on  the  difference  between  the  book  and  tax  bases  of  the 
assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates. Significant management 
judgment  is  required  to  determine  the  realizability  of  deferred  tax 
assets.  Deferred  tax  assets  are  recognized  when  management 
believes  that  it  is  more  likely  than  not  that  the  deferred  tax  assets 
will  be  realized.  Where  management  has  determined  that  it  is  not 
more likely than not that certain deferred tax assets will be realized, 
a  valuation  allowance  is  maintained.  For  additional  information  on 
income  taxes,  refer  to  Note  20  of  the  Notes  to  Consolidated 
Financial Statements. 

reasonableness  of  key  assumptions  utilized  in  the  internal  OAS 
model.  For  purposes  of  measuring  impairment,  the  MSRs  are 
stratified into classes based on the financial asset type (fixed-rate vs. 
adjustable-rate)  and  interest  rates.  For  additional  information  on 
servicing  rights,  refer  to  Note  12  of  the  Notes  to  Consolidated 
Financial Statements. 

Fair Value Measurements 
The  Bancorp  measures  certain  financial  assets  and  liabilities  at  fair 
value in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which defines fair value as the 
price  that  would  be  received  to  sell  an  asset  or  paid  to  transfer  a 
liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the 
measurement  date.  Valuation  techniques  the  Bancorp  uses  to 
measure  fair  value  include  the  market  approach,  income  approach 
and  cost  approach.  The  market  approach  uses  prices  or  relevant 
information generated by market transactions involving identical or 
comparable  assets  or  liabilities.  The  income  approach  involves 
discounting future amounts to a single present amount and is based 
on  current  market  expectations  about  those  future  amounts.  The 
cost  approach  is  based  on  the  amount  that  currently  would  be 
required to replace the service capacity of the asset. 

U.S. GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes 
the  inputs  to  valuation  techniques  used  to  measure  fair  value  into 
three broad levels. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority 
to  quoted  prices  in  active  markets  for  identical  assets  or  liabilities 
(Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). A 
financial  instrument’s  categorization  within  the  fair  value  hierarchy 
is  based  upon  the  lowest  level  of  input  that  is  significant  to  the 
instrument’s fair value measurement. For additional information on 
the fair value hierarchy and fair value measurements, refer to Note 1 
of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Valuation of Servicing Rights 
When  the  Bancorp  sells  loans  through  either  securitizations  or 
individual  loan  sales  in  accordance  with  its  investment  policies,  it 
often  obtains  servicing  rights.  Servicing  rights  resulting  from  loan 
sales are initially recorded at fair value and subsequently amortized 
in  proportion  to,  and  over  the  period  of,  estimated  net  servicing 
revenue.  Servicing  rights  are  assessed  for  impairment  monthly, 
based on fair value, with temporary impairment recognized through 
a  valuation  allowance  and  other-than-temporary 
impairment 
recognized  through  a  write-off  of  the  servicing  asset  and  related 
valuation allowance. Significant management judgement is necessary 
to  identify  key  economic  assumptions  used  in  measuring  any 
the 
potential 
prepayment  speeds  of  the  underlying  loans,  the  weighted-average 
life,  the  OAS  spread  and  the  weighted-average  coupon  rate,  as 
applicable. The primary risk of material changes to the value of the 
servicing  rights  resides  in  the  potential  volatility  in  the  economic 
assumptions used, particularly the prepayment speeds. The Bancorp 
monitors  risk  and  adjusts  its  valuation  allowance  as  necessary  to 
adequately  reserve  for  impairment  in  the  servicing  portfolio.  In 
order  to  assist  in  this  assessment,  the  Bancorp  obtains  external 
valuations of the MSR portfolio from third parties and participates 
in  peer  surveys  that  provide  additional  confirmation  of  the 

the  servicing  rights 

impairment  of 

including 

trades  and  overall 

review  and  assessments 

The  Bancorp’s  fair  value  measurements  involve  various 
valuation  techniques  and  models,  which  involve  inputs  that  are 
observable,  when  available.  Valuation  techniques  and  parameters 
used  for  measuring  assets  and  liabilities  are  reviewed  and  validated 
by  the  Bancorp  on  a  quarterly  basis.  Additionally,  the  Bancorp 
monitors  the  fair  values  of  significant  assets  and  liabilities  using  a 
variety  of  methods  including  the  evaluation  of  pricing  runs  and 
exception reports based on certain analytical criteria, comparison to 
for 
previous 
reasonableness.  The  level  of  management  judgement  necessary  to 
determine  fair  value  varies  based  upon  the  methods  used  in  the 
determination of fair value. Financial instruments that are measured 
at fair value using quoted prices in active markets (Level 1) require 
minimal  judgement.    The  valuation  of  financial  instruments  when 
quoted market prices are not available (Levels 2 and 3) may require 
significant management judgement to assess whether quoted prices 
for  similar  instruments  exist,  the  impact  of  changing  market 
conditions  including  reducing  liquidity  in  the  capital  markets,  and, 
the  use  of  estimates  surrounding  significant  unobservable  inputs. 
Table  8  provides  a  summary  of  the  fair  value  of  financial 
instruments  carried  at  fair  value  on  a  recurring  basis  and  the 
amounts of financial instruments valued using Level 3 inputs. 

24  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

TABLE 8:  FAIR VALUE SUMMARY 
As of ($ in millions) 

Assets carried at fair value 
   As a percent of total assets 

Liabilities carried at fair value 
   As a percent of total liabilities 

December 31, 2015 

December 31, 2014 

Balance 

Level 3 

Balance 

Level 3 

$

$

 31,364 

22 %

 967 

1 %

 444 
 - 

 64 
 - 

 24,917 
 18 

 1,064 
 1 

 535 
 - 

 51 
 -   

Refer to Note 27 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
for  further  information  on  fair  value  measurements  including  a 
description  of  the  valuation  methodologies  used  for  significant 
financial instruments. 

Goodwill 
Business combinations entered into by the Bancorp typically include 
the  acquisition  of  goodwill.  U.S.  GAAP  requires  goodwill  to  be 
tested  for  impairment  at  the  Bancorp’s  reporting  unit  level  on  an 
annual  basis,  which  for  the  Bancorp  is  September 30,  and  more 
frequently  if  events  or  circumstances  indicate  that  there  may  be 
impairment. Refer to Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial 
Statements  for  a  discussion  on  the  methodology  used  by  the 
Bancorp to assess goodwill for impairment. 

Impairment  exists  when  a  reporting  unit’s  carrying  amount  of 
goodwill  exceeds  its  implied  fair  value.  In  testing  goodwill  for 
impairment,  U.S.  GAAP  permits  the  Bancorp  to  first  assess 
qualitative  factors  to  determine  whether  it  is  more  likely  than  not 
that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. 
In  this  qualitative  assessment,  the  Bancorp  evaluates  events  and 
circumstances which may include, but are not limited to, the general 
economic  environment,  banking  industry  and  market  conditions, 
the overall financial performance of the Bancorp, the performance 
of the Bancorp’s stock, the key financial performance metrics of the 
reporting units and events affecting the reporting units to determine 
if it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit 
is  less  than  its  carrying  amount.  If  the  two-step  impairment  test  is 
required  or  the  decision  to  bypass  the  qualitative  assessment  is 
elected,  the  Bancorp  would  be  required  to  perform  the  first  step 
(Step  1)  of  the  impairment  test  by  comparing  the  fair  value  of  a 
reporting  unit  with  its  carrying  amount,  including  goodwill.  If  the 
carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, Step 2 
of  the  goodwill  impairment  test  is  performed  to  measure  the 
amount of impairment loss, if any.  

The  fair  value  of  a  reporting  unit  is  the  price  that  would  be 
received to sell the unit as a whole in an orderly transaction between 
market  participants  at  the  measurement  date.  Since  none  of  the 
Bancorp’s  reporting  units  are  publicly  traded,  individual  reporting 
unit  fair  value  determinations  cannot  be  directly  correlated  to  the 
Bancorp’s  stock  price.  The  determination  of  the  fair  value  of  a 
reporting  unit  is  a  subjective  process  that  involves  the  use  of 
estimates  and  judgments,  particularly  related  to  cash  flows,  the 
appropriate discount rates and an applicable control premium. The 
Bancorp employs an income-based approach, utilizing the reporting 
unit’s forecasted cash flows (including a terminal value approach to 
estimate  cash  flows  beyond  the  final  year  of  the  forecast)  and  the 
reporting  unit’s  estimated  cost  of  equity  as  the  discount  rate. 
Significant management judgment is necessary in the preparation of 
each reporting unit’s forecasted cash flows surrounding expectations 
for  earnings  projections,  growth  and  credit  loss  expectations  and 
actual  results  may  differ  from  forecasted  results.  Additionally,  the 
Bancorp  determines  its  market  capitalization  based  on  the  average 
of  the  closing  price  of  the  Bancorp’s  stock  during  the  month 
including the measurement date, incorporating an additional control 

premium,  and  compares  this  market-based  fair  value  measurement 
to the aggregate fair value of the Bancorp’s reporting units in order 
to corroborate the results of the income approach. 

When  required  to  perform  Step  2,  the  Bancorp  compares  the 
implied  fair  value  of  a  reporting  unit’s  goodwill  with  the  carrying 
amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount exceeds the implied 
fair  value,  an  impairment  loss  equal  to  that  excess  amount  is 
recognized.  A  recognized  impairment  loss  cannot  exceed  the 
carrying amount of that goodwill and cannot be reversed in future 
periods even if the fair value of the reporting unit recovers. 

During  Step  2,  the  Bancorp  determines  the  implied  fair  value 
of  goodwill  for  a  reporting  unit  by  assigning  the  fair  value  of  the 
reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit (including 
any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been 
acquired 
in  a  business  combination.  Significant  management 
judgement  is  necessary  in  the  identification  and  valuation  of 
unrecognized  intangible  assets  and  the  valuation  of  the  reporting 
unit’s recorded assets and liabilities. The excess of the fair value of 
the  reporting  unit  over  the  amounts  assigned  to  its  assets  and 
liabilities  is  the  implied  fair  value  of  goodwill.  This  assignment 
process  is  only  performed  for  purposes  of  testing  goodwill  for 
impairment.  The  Bancorp  does  not  adjust  the  carrying  values  of 
recognized assets or liabilities (other than goodwill, if appropriate), 
nor  does  it  recognize  previously  unrecognized  intangible  assets  in 
the Consolidated Financial Statements as a result of this assignment 
process.  Refer  to  Note  9  of  the  Notes  to  Consolidated  Financial 
the  Bancorp’s 
Statements  for  further 
goodwill. 

information  regarding 

Legal Contingencies 
The Bancorp and its subsidiaries are parties to numerous claims and 
lawsuits  as  well  as  threatened  or  potential  actions  or  claims 
concerning  matters  arising  from  the  conduct  of  its  business 
activities.  The  outcome  of  claims  or  litigation  and  the  timing  of 
ultimate resolution are inherently difficult to predict and significant 
judgment  may  be  required  in  the  determination  of  both  the 
probability of loss and whether the amount of the loss is reasonably 
estimable. The Bancorp’s estimates are subjective and are based on 
the  status  of  legal  and  regulatory  proceedings,  the  merit  of  the 
Bancorp’s defenses and consultation with internal and external legal 
counsel. An accrual for a potential litigation loss is established when 
information related to the loss contingency indicates both that a loss 
is probable and that the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. 
Refer to Note 18 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
for further information regarding the Bancorp’s legal proceedings. 

25  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
     
 
  
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

RISK FACTORS 
The  risks  listed  below  present  risks  that  could  have  a  material 
impact  on  the  Bancorp’s  financial  condition,  the  results  of  its 
operations, or its business.  

RISKS RELATING TO ECONOMIC AND MARKET 
CONDITIONS 
Weakness in the U.S. economy, including within Fifth Third’s 
geographic footprint, has adversely affected Fifth Third in the 
past and may adversely affect Fifth Third in the future. 
If the strength of the U.S. economy in general or the strength of the 
local economies in which Fifth Third conducts operations declines, 
this  could  result  in,  among  other  things,  a  deterioration  in  credit 
quality or a reduced demand  for credit, including a resultant effect 
on  Fifth  Third’s  loan  portfolio  and  ALLL  and  in  the  receipt  of 
lower  proceeds  from  the  sale  of  loans  and  foreclosed  properties. 
These  factors  could  result  in  higher  delinquencies,  greater  charge-
offs  and  increased  losses  in  future  periods,  which  could  materially 
adversely  affect  Fifth  Third’s  financial  condition  and  results  of 
operations. 

Global financial conditions could hamper economic recovery 
or contribute to recessionary economic conditions and severe 
stress in the financial markets, including in the United States. 
Should the U.S. economic recovery be adversely impacted by 
these factors, the likelihood for loan and asset growth at U.S. 
financial institutions, like Fifth Third, may deteriorate. 
The  global  financial  markets  continue  to  be  strained  as  a  result  of 
economic slowdowns, geopolitical concerns and the related path of 
commodity  prices  and  interest  rates.  Divergence  in  economic 
growth  in  the  U.S.  and  international  economies  and  the  resulting 
differences  in  monetary  policy  are  placing  strains  on  financial 
markets  and  strengthening  the U.S.  dollar.  The  relative  strength  of 
the  U.S.  dollar  may  continue  to  negatively  impact  the  U.S. 
manufacturing  sector.  These  factors  could  negatively  impact  the 
U.S. economy and affect the stability of global financial markets.  

Changes in interest rates could affect Fifth Third’s income and 
cash flows. 
Fifth Third’s income and cash flows depend to a great extent on the 
difference  between  the  interest  rates  earned  on  interest-earning 
assets such as loans and investment securities, and the interest rates 
paid on interest-bearing liabilities such as deposits and borrowings. 
These  rates  are  highly  sensitive  to  many  factors  that  are  beyond 
Fifth Third’s control, including general economic conditions and the 
policies  of  various  governmental  and  regulatory  agencies  (in 
particular, the FRB). Changes in monetary policy, including changes 
in  interest  rates,  will  influence  the  origination  of  loans,  the 
prepayment  speed  of  loans,  the  purchase  of  investments,  the 
generation  of  deposits  and  the  rates  received  on  loans  and 
investment  securities  and  paid  on  deposits  or  other  sources  of 
funding.  The  impact  of  these  changes  may  be  magnified  if  Fifth 
Third does not effectively manage the relative sensitivity of its assets 
and  liabilities  to  changes  in  market  interest  rates.  Fluctuations  in 
these areas may adversely affect Fifth Third and its shareholders. 

Changes and trends in the capital markets may affect Fifth 
Third’s income and cash flows. 
Fifth  Third  enters  into  and  maintains  trading  and  investment 
positions  in  the  capital  markets  on  its  own  behalf  and  manages 
investment  positions  on  behalf  of  its  customers.  These  investment 
positions include derivative financial instruments. The revenues and 
profits Fifth Third derives from managing proprietary and customer 
trading  and  investment  positions  are  dependent  on  market  prices. 

26  Fifth Third Bancorp 

Market  changes  and  trends  may  result  in  a  decline  in  investment 
advisory  revenue  or  investment  or  trading  losses  that  may  impact 
Fifth  Third.  Losses  on  behalf  of  its  customers  could  expose  Fifth 
Third to litigation, credit risks or loss of revenue from those clients 
and  customers.  Additionally,  losses  in  Fifth  Third’s  trading  and 
investment  positions  could  lead  to  a  loss  with  respect  to  those 
investments and may adversely affect cash flows and funding costs. 

Problems encountered by financial institutions larger than or 
similar to Fifth Third could adversely affect financial markets 
generally and have direct and indirect adverse effects on Fifth 
Third.   
Fifth Third has exposure to counterparties in the financial services 
industry  and  other  industries,  and  routinely  executes  transactions 
with such counterparties, including brokers and dealers, commercial 
banks,  investment  banks,  mutual  and  hedge  funds,  and  other 
institutional  clients.  Many  of  Fifth  Third’s  transactions  with  other 
financial institutions expose Fifth Third to credit risk in the event of 
default of a counterparty or client. In addition, Fifth Third’s credit 
risk may be affected when the collateral it holds cannot be realized 
or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of 
the loan or derivative exposure. The commercial soundness of many 
financial institutions may be closely interrelated as a result of credit, 
trading, clearing or other relationships between the institutions. As a 
result,  concerns  about,  or  a  default  or  threatened  default  by,  one 
institution could lead to significant market-wide liquidity and credit 
problems, losses or defaults by other institutions. This is sometimes 
referred  to  as  “systemic  risk”  and  may  adversely  affect  financial 
intermediaries,  such  as  clearing  agencies,  clearing  houses,  banks, 
securities firms and exchanges, with which the Bancorp interacts on 
a daily basis, and therefore could adversely affect Fifth Third. 

Fifth Third’s stock price is volatile. 
Fifth  Third’s  stock  price  has  been  volatile  in  the  past  and  several 
factors could cause the price to fluctuate substantially in the future. 
These factors include: 

  Actual or anticipated variations in earnings; 
  Changes in analysts’ recommendations or projections; 
 

Fifth  Third’s  announcements  of  developments  related  to 
its businesses; 

  Operating  and  stock  performance  of  other  companies 

deemed to be peers;  

  Actions by government regulators; 
  New  technology  used  or  services  offered  by  traditional 

and non-traditional competitors; 

  News reports of trends, concerns and other issues related 

to the financial services industry; 

  Natural disasters; 
  Geopolitical conditions such as acts or threats of terrorism 

or military conflicts. 

The  price  for  shares  of  Fifth  Third’s  common  stock  may 
fluctuate  significantly  in  the  future,  and  these  fluctuations  may  be 
unrelated  to  Fifth  Third’s  performance.  General  market  price 
declines or market volatility in the future could adversely affect the 
price  for  shares  of  Fifth  Third’s  common  stock,  and  the  current 
market price of such shares may not be indicative of future market 
prices. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

including  automatic 

Changes  in  retail  distribution  strategies  and  consumer 
behavior may adversely impact Fifth Third’s investments in its 
bank premises and equipment and other assets and may lead 
to increased expenditures to change its retail distribution 
channel. 
Fifth  Third  has  significant  investments  in  bank  premises  and 
equipment  for  its  branch  network  including  its  1,254  full-service 
banking  centers,  56  parcels  of  land  held  for  the  development  of 
future  banking  centers,  as  well  as  its  retail  work  force  and  other 
branch banking assets. Advances in technology such as e-commerce, 
telephone,  internet  and  mobile  banking,  and  in-branch  self-service 
teller  machines  and  other 
technologies 
equipment, as well as changing customer preferences for these other 
methods  of  accessing  Fifth  Third’s  products  and  services,  could 
affect  the  value  of  Fifth  Third’s  branch  network  or  other  retail 
distribution assets and may cause it to change its retail distribution 
strategy,  close  and/or  sell  certain  branches  or  parcels  of  land  held 
for  development  and  restructure  or  reduce  its  remaining  branches 
and work force. Further advances in technology and/or changes in 
customer preferences could have additional changes in Fifth Third’s 
retail  distribution  strategy  and/or  branch  network.  These  actions 
could  lead  to  losses  on  these  assets  or  could  adversely  impact  the 
carrying  value  of  other  long-lived  assets  and  may  lead  to  increased 
expenditures to renovate and reconfigure remaining branches or to 
otherwise reform its retail distribution channel. 

RISKS RELATING TO FIFTH THIRD’S GENERAL 
BUSINESS 
Deteriorating credit quality has adversely impacted Fifth 
Third in the past and may adversely impact Fifth Third in the 
future. 
When  Fifth  Third  lends  money  or  commits  to  lend  money  the 
Bancorp  incurs  credit  risk  or  the  risk  of  loss  if  borrowers  do  not 
repay  their  loans.  The  credit  performance  of  the  loan  portfolios 
significantly affects the Bancorp’s financial results and condition. If 
the  current  economic  environment  were  to  deteriorate,  more 
customers  may  have  difficulty  in  repaying  their  loans  or  other 
obligations which could result in a higher level of credit losses and 
reserves  for  credit  losses.  Fifth  Third  reserves  for  credit  losses  by 
establishing  reserves  through  a  charge  to  earnings.  The  amount  of 
these reserves is based on Fifth Third’s assessment of credit losses 
inherent 
including  unfunded  credit 
commitments.  The  process  for  determining  the  amount  of  the 
ALLL and the reserve for unfunded commitments is critical to Fifth 
Third’s  financial  results  and  condition.  It  requires  difficult, 
subjective and complex judgments about the environment, including 
analysis  of  economic  or  market  conditions  that  might  impair  the 
ability of borrowers to repay their loans. 

loan  portfolio 

the 

in 

Fifth Third might underestimate the credit losses inherent in its 
loan  portfolio  and  have  credit  losses  in  excess  of  the  amount 
reserved. Fifth Third might increase the reserve because of changing 
economic  conditions,  including  falling  home  prices  or  higher 
unemployment,  or  other  factors  such  as  changes  in  borrower’s 
behavior.  As  an  example,  borrowers  may  "strategically  default,"  or 
discontinue  making  payments  on  their  real  estate-secured  loans  if 
the value of the real estate is less than what they owe, even if they 
are still financially able to make the payments.  

Fifth  Third  believes  that  both  the  ALLL  and  the  reserve  for 
unfunded  commitments  are  adequate  to  cover  inherent  losses  at 
December 31, 2015; however, there is no assurance that they will be 
sufficient  to  cover  future  credit  losses,  especially  if  housing  and 
employment  conditions  worsen.  In  the  event  of  significant 
deterioration  in  economic  conditions,  Fifth  Third  may  be  required 
to increase reserves in future periods, which would reduce earnings. 

For  more  information,  refer  to  the  Credit  Risk  Management 
subsection  of  the  Risk  Management  section  of  MD&A  and  the 
Allowance  for  Loan  and  Losses  and  Reserve  for  Unfunded 
Commitments  subsections  of  the  Critical  Accounting  Policies 
section of MD&A. 

Fifth Third must maintain adequate sources of funding and 
liquidity. 
Fifth Third must maintain adequate funding sources in the normal 
course  of  business  to  support  its  operations  and  fund  outstanding 
liabilities,  as  well  as  meet  regulatory  expectations.  Fifth  Third 
primarily relies on bank deposits to be a low cost and stable source 
of  funding  for  the  loans  Fifth  Third  makes  and  the  operations  of 
Fifth  Third’s  business.  Core  deposits,  which  include  transaction 
deposits  and  other  time  deposits,  have  historically  provided  Fifth 
Third with a sizeable source of relatively stable and low-cost funds 
(average  core  deposits  funded  71%  of  average  total  assets  at 
December  31,  2015).  In  addition  to  customer  deposits,  sources  of 
liquidity include investments in the securities portfolio, Fifth Third’s 
sale or securitization of loans in secondary markets and the pledging 
of  loans  and  investment  securities  to  access  secured  borrowing 
facilities through the FHLB  and the FRB,  and Fifth Third’s ability 
to  raise  funds  in  domestic  and  international  money  and  capital 
markets. 

Fifth Third’s liquidity and ability to fund and run the business 
could be materially adversely affected by a variety of conditions and 
factors, 
including  financial  and  credit  market  disruptions and 
volatility  or  a  lack  of  market  or  customer  confidence  in  financial 
markets  in  general  similar  to  what  occurred  during  the  financial 
crisis in 2008 and early 2009, which may result in a loss of customer 
deposits  or  outflows  of  cash  or  collateral  and/or  ability  to  access 
capital markets on favorable terms.  

Other  conditions  and  factors  that  could  materially  adversely 
affect Fifth Third’s liquidity and funding include a lack of market or 
customer  confidence  in  Fifth  Third  or  negative  news  about  Fifth 
Third  or  the  financial  services  industry  generally  which  also  may 
result  in  a  loss  of  deposits  and/or  negatively  affect  the  ability  to 
access  the  capital  markets;  the  loss  of  customer  deposits  to 
alternative investments;  inability to sell or securitize loans or other 
assets,  increased  regulatory  requirements,  and  reductions  in  one  or 
more  of  Fifth  Third’s  credit  ratings.  A  reduced  credit  rating  could 
adversely  affect  Fifth  Third’s  ability  to  borrow  funds  and  raise  the 
cost  of  borrowings  substantially  and  could  cause  creditors  and 
business counterparties to raise collateral requirements or take other 
actions  that  could  adversely  affect  Fifth  Third’s  ability  to  raise 
capital. Many of the above conditions and factors may be caused by 
events over which Fifth Third has little or no control such as what 
occurred  during  the  financial  crisis.  While  market  conditions  have 
stabilized and, in many cases, improved, there can be no assurance 
that significant disruption and volatility in the financial markets will 
not occur in the future. 

and 

additional 

Recent  regulatory  changes  relating  to 

liquidity  and  risk 
management  may  also  negatively  impact  Fifth  Third’s  results  of 
operations  and  competitive  position.  Various  regulations  recently 
adopted  or  proposed, 
regulations  under 
consideration,  impose  or  could  impose  more  stringent  liquidity 
requirements  for  large  financial  institutions,  including  Fifth  Third.  
These  regulations  address,  among  other  matters,  liquidity  stress 
testing,  minimum  liquidity  requirements  and  restrictions  on  short-
term debt issued by top-tier holding companies. Given the overlap 
and complex interactions of these regulations with other regulatory 
changes, 
framework 
applicable  to  Fifth  Third,  the  full  impact  of  the  adopted  and 

resolution  and 

including 

recovery 

the 

27  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

proposed  regulations  will  remain  uncertain  until 
implementation.  

their  full 

If  Fifth  Third  is  unable  to  continue  to  fund  assets  through 
customer bank deposits or access capital markets on favorable terms 
or if Fifth Third suffers an increase in borrowing costs or otherwise 
fails  to  manage  liquidity  effectively;  then  Fifth  Third’s  liquidity, 
operating  margins,  and  financial  results  and  condition  may  be 
materially adversely affected. As Fifth Third did during the financial 
crisis,  it  may  also  need  to  raise  additional  capital  through  the 
issuance  of  stock,  which  could  dilute  the  ownership  of  existing 
stockholders, or reduce or even eliminate common stock dividends 
to preserve capital. 

Fifth Third may have more credit risk and higher credit losses 
to the extent loans are concentrated by location or industry of 
the borrowers or collateral. 
Fifth Third’s credit risk and credit losses can increase if its loans are 
concentrated to borrowers engaged in the same or similar activities 
or 
to  borrowers  who  as  a  group  may  be  uniquely  or 
disproportionately  affected  by  economic  or  market  conditions. 
Deterioration  in  economic  conditions,  housing  conditions  and 
commodity and real estate values in these states and generally across 
the country could result in materially higher credit losses. 

loans  for 

investment  or  private 

Fifth  Third  may  be  required  to  repurchase  residential 
mortgage loans or reimburse investors and others as a result of 
breaches in contractual representations and warranties. 
Fifth  Third  sells  residential  mortgage  loans  to  various  parties, 
including  GSEs  and  other  financial  institutions  that  purchase 
residential  mortgage 
label 
securitization. Fifth Third may be required to repurchase residential 
mortgage  loans,  indemnify  the  securitization  trust,  investor  or 
insurer, or reimburse the securitization trust, investor or insurer for 
credit  losses  incurred  on  loans  in  the  event  of  a  breach  of 
contractual representations or warranties that is not remedied within 
a specified period (usually 60 days or less) after Fifth Third receives 
notice of the breach. Contracts for residential mortgage loan sales to 
the  GSEs  include  various  types  of  specific  remedies  and  penalties 
that  could  be  applied  to  inadequate  responses  to  repurchase 
requests. If economic conditions and the housing market deteriorate 
or  future  investor  repurchase  demand  and  Fifth  Third’s  success  at 
appealing  repurchase  requests  differ  from  past  experience,  Fifth 
Third  could  have  increased  repurchase  obligations  and  increased 
loss  severity  on  repurchases,  requiring  material  additions  to  the 
repurchase reserve.  

If Fifth Third does not appropriately adjust to rapid changes 
in the financial services industry, its financial performance 
may suffer. 
Fifth  Third’s  ability  to  deliver  strong  financial  performance  and 
returns  on  investment  to  shareholders  will  depend  in  part  on  its 
ability to expand the scope of available financial services to meet the 
needs and demands of its customers. In addition to the challenge of 
competing against other banks in attracting and retaining customers 
for  traditional  banking  services,  Fifth  Third’s  competitors  also 
include  securities  dealers,  brokers,  mortgage  bankers,  investment 
advisors, and specialty finance, telecommunications, technology and 
insurance  companies  who  seek  to  offer  one-stop  financial  services 
that may include services that banks have not been able or allowed 
to offer to their customers in the past or may not be currently able 
or  allowed  to  offer.  This  increasingly  competitive  environment  is 
primarily  a  result  of  changes  in  regulation,  changes  in  technology 
and  product  delivery  systems,  as  well  as  the  accelerating  pace  of 
consolidation  among  financial  service  providers.  Fifth  Third  may 
make  strategic  investments  and  may  expand  an  existing  line  of 

28  Fifth Third Bancorp 

business or enter into new lines of business to remain competitive. 
If  it  does  not  execute  the  appropriate  strategies  to  effectively 
compete with or does not do so in an appropriate or timely manner 
its business may suffer. Additionally, these strategies, products and 
lines of business may bring with them unforeseeable or unforeseen 
risks  and  may  not  generate  the  expected  results  or  returns,  which 
could  adversely  affect  Fifth  Third’s  results  of  operations  or  future 
growth prospects. 

If Fifth Third is unable to grow its deposits, it may be subject 
to paying higher funding costs. 
The  total  amount  that  Fifth  Third  pays  for  funding  costs  is 
dependent,  in  part,  on  Fifth  Third’s  ability  to  grow  its  deposits.  If 
Fifth  Third  is  unable  to  sufficiently  grow  its  deposits  to  meet 
liquidity objectives, it may be subject to paying higher funding costs.  
Fifth  Third  competes  with  banks  and  other  financial  services 
companies  for  deposits.  If  competitors  raise  the  rates  they  pay  on 
deposits,  Fifth  Third’s  funding  costs  may  increase,  either  because 
Fifth  Third  raises  rates  to  avoid  losing  deposits  or  because  Fifth 
Third  loses  deposits  and  must  rely  on  more  expensive  sources  of 
funding.  Higher  funding  costs  reduce  Fifth  Third’s  net  interest 
margin and net interest income. Fifth Third’s bank customers could 
take  their  money  out  of  the  Bank  and  put  it  in  alternative 
investments,  causing  Fifth  Third  to  lose  a  lower  cost  source  of 
funding. Checking and savings account balances and other forms of 
customer  deposits  may  decrease  when  customers  perceive 
alternative  investments,  such  as  the  stock  market,  as  providing  a 
better risk/return tradeoff.  

The  Bancorp’s  ability  to  receive  dividends  from  its 
subsidiaries accounts for most of its revenue and could affect 
its liquidity and ability to pay dividends.   
Fifth  Third  Bancorp  is  a  separate  and  distinct  legal  entity  from  its 
subsidiaries.  Fifth  Third  Bancorp  typically  receives  substantially  all 
of its revenue from dividends from its subsidiaries. These dividends 
are  the  principal  source  of  funds  to  pay  dividends  on  Fifth  Third 
Bancorp’s  stock  and  interest  and  principal  on  its  debt.  Various 
federal  and/or  state  laws  and  regulations,  as  well  as  regulatory 
expectations,  limit  the  amount  of  dividends  that  the  Bancorp’s 
banking  subsidiary  and  certain  nonbank  subsidiaries  may  pay. 
Regulatory scrutiny of capital levels at bank holding companies and 
insured  depository  institution  subsidiaries  has  increased  since  the 
financial crisis and has resulted in increased regulatory focus on all 
aspects  of  capital  planning, 
including  dividends  and  other 
distributions  to  shareholders  of  banks  such  as  the  parent  bank 
holding companies. Also, Fifth Third Bancorp’s right to participate 
in  a  distribution  of  assets  upon  a  subsidiary’s  liquidation  or 
reorganization  is  subject  to  the  prior  claims  of  that  subsidiary’s 
creditors.  Limitations  on  the  Bancorp’s  ability  to  receive  dividends 
from  its  subsidiaries  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  its 
liquidity  and  ability  to  pay  dividends  on  stock  or  interest  and 
principal on its debt. For further information refer to Note 3 of the 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

The financial services industry is highly competitive and 
creates competitive pressures that could adversely affect Fifth 
Third’s revenue and profitability.   
The  financial  services  industry  in  which  Fifth  Third  operates  is 
highly competitive. Fifth Third competes not only with commercial 
banks,  but  also  with  insurance  companies,  mutual  funds,  hedge 
funds,  telecommunications  and  technology  and  other  companies 
offering financial services in the U.S., globally and over the internet. 
Fifth  Third  competes  on  the  basis  of  several  factors,  including 
capital,  access  to  capital,  revenue  generation,  products,  services, 
transaction execution, innovation, reputation and price. Over time, 

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

certain sectors of the financial services industry have become more 
concentrated,  as  institutions  involved  in  a  broad  range  of  financial 
services  have  been  acquired  by  or  merged  into  other  firms.  These 
developments  could  result  in  Fifth  Third’s  competitors  gaining 
greater  capital  and  other  resources,  such  as  a  broader  range  of 
products  and  services  and  geographic  diversity.  Fifth  Third  may 
experience pricing pressures as a result of these factors and as some 
of its competitors seek to increase market share by reducing prices. 

Fifth Third and/or the holders of its securities could be 
adversely affected by unfavorable ratings from rating agencies.  
Fifth Third’s ability to access the capital markets is important to its 
overall  funding  profile.  This  access  is  affected  by  the  ratings 
assigned by rating agencies to Fifth Third, certain of its subsidiaries 
and particular classes of securities they issue. The interest rates that 
Fifth  Third  pays  on  its  securities  are  also  influenced  by,  among 
other  things,  the  credit  ratings  that  it,  its  subsidiaries  and/or  its 
securities receive from recognized rating agencies. A downgrade to 
Fifth Third or its subsidiaries’ credit rating could affect its ability to 
access  the  capital  markets,  increase  its  borrowing  costs  and 
negatively  impact  its  profitability.  A  ratings  downgrade  to  Fifth 
Third, its subsidiaries or their securities could also create obligations 
or  liabilities  to  Fifth  Third  under  the  terms  of  its  outstanding 
securities that could increase Fifth Third’s costs or otherwise have a 
negative  effect  on  its  results  of  operations  or  financial  condition. 
Additionally,  a  downgrade  of  the  credit  rating  of  any  particular 
security  issued  by  Fifth  Third  or  its  subsidiaries  could  negatively 
affect the ability of the holders of that security to sell the securities 
and the prices at which any such securities may be sold.  

Fifth Third could suffer if it fails to attract and retain skilled 
personnel. 
Fifth Third’s success depends, in large part, on its ability to attract 
and  retain  key  individuals.  Competition  for  qualified  candidates  in 
the activities and markets that Fifth Third serves is great, which may 
increase  Fifth  Third’s  expenses  and  may  result  in  Fifth  Third  not 
being able to hire these candidates or retain them. If Fifth Third is 
not able to hire or retain these key individuals, Fifth Third may be 
unable  to  execute  its  business  strategies  and  may  suffer  adverse 
consequences to its business, operations and financial condition. 

Compensation paid by financial institutions such as Fifth Third 
has  become  increasingly  regulated,  particularly  under  the  DFA, 
which  regulation  affects  the  amount  and  form  of  compensation 
Fifth  Third  pays  to  hire  and  retain  talented  employees.  If  Fifth 
Third is unable to attract and retain qualified employees, or do so at 
rates  necessary 
if 
compensation  costs  required  to  attract  and  retain  employees 
become  more  expensive,  Fifth  Third’s  performance,  including  its 
competitive position, could be materially adversely affected.  

its  competitive  position,  or 

to  maintain 

Fifth Third’s mortgage banking revenue can be volatile from 
quarter to quarter. 
Fifth  Third  earns  revenue  from  the  fees  it  receives  for  originating 
mortgage  loans  and  for  servicing  mortgage  loans.  When  rates  rise, 
the demand for mortgage loans tends to fall, reducing the revenue 
Fifth  Third  receives  from  loan  originations.  At  the  same  time, 
revenue  from  MSRs  can  increase  through  increases  in  fair  value. 
When rates fall, mortgage originations tend to increase and the value 
of MSRs tends to decline, also with some offsetting revenue effect. 
Even though the origination of mortgage loans can act as a “natural 
hedge,”  the  hedge  is  not  perfect,  either  in  amount  or  timing.  For 
example, the negative effect on revenue from a decrease in the fair 
value  of  residential  MSRs  is  immediate,  but  any  offsetting  revenue 
benefit  from  more  originations  and  the  MSRs  relating  to  the  new 

loans would accrue over time. It is also possible that even if interest 
rates were to fall, mortgage originations may also fall or any increase 
in mortgage originations may not be enough to offset the decrease 
in the MSRs value caused by the lower rates.  

Fifth Third typically uses derivatives and other instruments to 
hedge  its  mortgage  banking  interest  rate  risk.  Fifth  Third  generally 
does not hedge all of its risks, and the fact that Fifth Third attempts 
to  hedge  any  of  the  risks  does  not  mean  Fifth  Third  will  be 
successful.  Hedging  is  a  complex  process,  requiring  sophisticated 
models  and  constant  monitoring.  Fifth  Third  may  use  hedging 
instruments tied to U.S. Treasury rates, LIBOR or Eurodollars that 
may not perfectly correlate with the value or income being hedged. 
Fifth Third could incur significant losses from its hedging activities. 
There may be periods where Fifth Third elects not to use derivatives 
and other instruments to hedge mortgage banking interest rate risk.  

Fifth Third uses models for business planning purposes that 
may not adequately predict future results. 
Fifth Third uses financial models to aid in  its planning for various 
purposes  including  its  capital  and  liquidity  needs,  potential  charge- 
offs,  reserves,  and  other  purposes.  The  models  used  may  not 
accurately  account  for  all  variables  that  could  affect  future  results, 
may  fail  to  predict  outcomes  accurately  and/or  may  overstate  or 
understate  certain  effects.  As  a  result  of  these  potential  failures, 
Fifth  Third  may  not  adequately  prepare  for  future  events  and  may 
suffer losses or other setbacks due to these failures. 

Changes in interest rates could also reduce the value of MSRs. 
Fifth  Third  acquires  MSRs  when  it  keeps  the  servicing  rights  after 
the  sale  or  securitization  of  the  loans  that  have  been  originated  or 
when it purchases the servicing rights to mortgage loans originated 
by other lenders. Fifth Third initially measures all residential MSRs 
at fair value and subsequently amortizes the MSRs in proportion to, 
and over the period of, estimated net servicing income. Fair value is 
the  present  value  of  estimated  future  net  servicing  income, 
calculated  based  on  a  number  of  variables,  including  assumptions 
about  the  likelihood  of  prepayment  by  borrowers.  Servicing  rights 
are  assessed  for  impairment  monthly,  based  on  fair  value,  with 
temporary  impairment  recognized  through  a  valuation  allowance 
and  other-than-temporary  impairment  recognized  through  a  write-
off of the servicing asset and related valuation allowance. 

Changes  in  interest  rates  can  affect  prepayment  assumptions 
and  thus  fair  value.  When  interest  rates  fall,  borrowers  are  usually 
more likely to prepay their mortgage loans by refinancing them at a 
lower rate. As the likelihood of prepayment increases, the fair value 
of  MSRs  can  decrease.  Each  quarter  Fifth  Third  evaluates  the  fair 
value  of  MSRs,  and  decreases  in  fair  value  below  amortized  cost 
reduce earnings in the period in which the decrease occurs. 

The preparation of Fifth Third’s financial statements requires 
the use of estimates that may vary from actual results. 
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity 
with U.S. GAAP requires management to make significant estimates 
that  affect  the  financial  statements.  If  new  information  arises  that 
results  in  a  material  change  to  a  reserve  amount,  such  a  change 
could  result  in  a  change  to  previously  announced  financial  results. 
Refer  to  the  Critical  Accounting  Policies  section  of  MD&A  for 
more information regarding management’s significant estimates.  

29  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

regulatory  agencies,  periodically  change 

Changes in accounting standards or interpretations could 
impact  Fifth  Third’s  reported  earnings  and  financial 
condition. 
The accounting standard setters, including the FASB, the SEC and 
other 
financial 
accounting  and  reporting  standards  that  govern  the  preparation  of 
Fifth  Third’s  consolidated  financial  statements.  These  changes  can 
be  hard  to  predict  and  can  materially  impact  how  Fifth  Third 
records and reports its financial condition and results of operations. 
In  some  cases,  Fifth  Third  could  be  required  to  apply  a  new  or 
revised standard retroactively, which would result in the recasting of 
Fifth Third’s prior period financial statements.  

the 

Future  acquisitions  may  dilute  current  shareholders’ 
ownership of Fifth Third and may cause Fifth Third to 
become more susceptible to adverse economic events. 
Future business acquisitions could be material to Fifth Third and it 
may  issue  additional  shares  of  stock  to  pay  for  those  acquisitions, 
which  would  dilute  current  shareholders’  ownership  interests. 
Acquisitions also could require Fifth Third to use substantial cash or 
other  liquid  assets  or  to  incur  debt.  In  those  events,  Fifth  Third 
could  become  more  susceptible  to  economic  downturns  and 
competitive pressures. 

Difficulties in combining the operations of acquired entities 
with Fifth Third’s own operations may prevent Fifth Third 
from achieving the expected benefits from its acquisitions. 
Inherent  uncertainties  exist  when  integrating  the  operations  of  an 
acquired  entity.  Fifth  Third  may  not  be  able  to  fully  achieve  its 
strategic  objectives  and  planned  operating  efficiencies 
in  an 
acquisition.  In  addition,  the  markets  and  industries  in  which  Fifth 
Third  and  its  potential  acquisition  targets  operate  are  highly 
competitive.  Fifth  Third  may  lose  customers  or  the  customers  of 
acquired entities as a result of an acquisition. Future acquisition and 
integration  activities  may  require  Fifth  Third  to  devote  substantial 
time  and  resources  and  as  a  result  Fifth  Third  may  not  be  able  to 
pursue other business opportunities.   

After  completing  an  acquisition,  Fifth  Third  may  find  certain 
items  are  not  accounted  for  properly  in  accordance  with  financial 
accounting and reporting standards. Fifth Third may also not realize 
the  expected  benefits  of  the  acquisition  due  to  lower  financial 
results  pertaining  to  the  acquired  entity.  For  example,  Fifth  Third 
could  experience  higher  charge-offs  than  originally  anticipated 
related to the acquired loan portfolio. 

Fifth Third may sell or consider selling one or more of its 
businesses. Should it determine to sell such a business, it may 
not be able to generate gains on sale or related increase in 
shareholders’  equity  commensurate  with  desirable  levels. 
Moreover, if Fifth Third sold such businesses, the loss of 
income could have an adverse effect on its earnings and future 
growth. 
Fifth Third owns, or owns a minority stake in, as applicable, several 
non-strategic businesses that are not significantly synergistic with its 
core  financial  services  businesses.  Fifth  Third  has,  from  time  to 
time,  considered  and  undertaken  (and,  in  the  case  of  Vantiv,  has 
announced  its  intention  to  continue)  the  sale  of  such  businesses 
and/or  interests,  including,  for  example,  portions  of  Fifth  Third’s 
stake  in  Vantiv  Holding,  LLC.  If  it  were  to  determine  to  sell  such 
businesses and/or interests, Fifth Third would be subject to market 
forces that may make completion of a sale unsuccessful or may not 
be able to do so within a desirable time frame. If Fifth Third were to 
complete the sale of any of its  businesses and/or interests in third 
parties, it would suffer the loss of income from the sold businesses 
and/or  interests,  including  those  accounted  for  under  the  equity 

30  Fifth Third Bancorp 

method  of  accounting,  and  such  loss  of  income  could  have  an 
adverse effect on its future earnings and growth. Additionally, Fifth 
Third may encounter difficulties in separating the operations of any 
businesses  it  sells,  which  may  affect  its  business  or  results  of 
operations. 

Fifth Third relies on its systems and certain service providers, 
and  certain  failures  could  materially  adversely  affect 
operations. 
Fifth Third collects, processes and stores sensitive consumer data by 
utilizing  computer  systems  and  telecommunications  networks 
operated by both Fifth Third and third party service providers. Fifth 
Third has security, backup and recovery systems in place, as well as 
a  business  continuity  plan  to  ensure  the  systems  will  not  be 
inoperable.  Fifth  Third  also  has  security  to  prevent  unauthorized 
access to the systems. In addition, Fifth Third requires its third party 
service providers to maintain similar controls. However, Fifth Third 
cannot  be  certain  that  the  measures  will  be  successful.  A  security 
breach  in  the systems  and  loss of  confidential  information  such  as 
credit  card  numbers  and  related  information  could  result  in  losing 
the customers’ confidence and thus the loss of their business as well 
as additional significant costs for privacy monitoring activities.  

flaws  or  employee  errors, 

Fifth Third’s necessary dependence upon automated systems to 
record  and  process  its  transaction  volume  poses  the  risk  that 
technical  system 
tampering  or 
manipulation  of  those  systems  will  result  in  losses  and  may  be 
difficult to detect. Fifth Third may also be subject to disruptions of 
its operating systems arising from events that are beyond its control 
(for example, computer viruses or electrical or telecommunications 
outages).  

the  Bancorp  could 

its  customers,  thereby 

Third parties with which the Bancorp does business, as well as 
retailers and other third parties with which the Bancorp’s customers 
do business, can also be sources of operational risk to the Bancorp, 
particularly where activities of customers are beyond the Bancorp’s 
security  and  control  systems,  such  as  through  the  use  of  the 
internet,  personal  computers,  tablets,  smart  phones  and  other 
mobile  services.  Security  breaches  affecting 
the  Bancorp’s 
customers, or systems breakdowns or failures, security breaches or 
employee misconduct affecting such other third parties, may require 
the  Bancorp  to  take  steps  to  protect  the  integrity  of  its  own 
operational systems or to safeguard confidential information of the 
Bancorp  or 
increasing  the  Bancorp’s 
operational costs and potentially diminishing customer satisfaction. 
If personal, confidential or proprietary information of customers or 
clients  in  the  Bancorp’s  possession  were  to  be  mishandled  or 
regulatory 
misused, 
significant 
consequences,  reputational  damage  and  financial 
loss.  Such 
mishandling  or  misuse  could  include  circumstances  where,  for 
example, such information was erroneously provided to parties who 
are not permitted to have the information, either through the fault 
of  the  Bancorp’s  systems,  employees  or  counterparties,  or  where 
such  information  was  intercepted  or  otherwise  compromised  by 
third  parties.  The  Bancorp  may  be  subject  to  disruptions  of  its 
operating  systems  arising  from  events  that  are  wholly  or  partially 
beyond  the  Bancorp’s  control,  which  may  include,  for  example, 
security breaches; electrical or telecommunications outages; failures 
of computer servers or other damage to the Bancorp’s property or 
assets;  natural  disasters  or  severe  weather  conditions;  health 
emergencies;  or  events  arising  from  local  or  larger-scale  political 
events, including outbreaks of hostilities or terrorist acts. While the 
Bancorp believes that its current resiliency plans are both sufficient 
and  adequate,  there  can  be  no  assurance  that  such  plans  will  fully 
mitigate all potential business continuity risks to the Bancorp or its 
customers and clients. Any failures or disruptions of the Bancorp’s 
systems  or  operations  could  give  rise  to  losses  in  service  to 

suffer 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

customers  and  clients,  adversely  affect  the  Bancorp’s  business  and 
results of operations by subjecting the Bancorp to losses or liability, 
or  require  the  Bancorp  to  expend  significant  resources  to  correct 
the  failure  or  disruption,  as  well  as  by  exposing  the  Bancorp  to 
litigation,  regulatory  fines  or  penalties  or  losses  not  covered  by 
insurance. 

Fifth Third is exposed to cyber-security risks, including denial 
of service, hacking, and identity theft.  
Fifth  Third  relies  heavily  on  communications  and  information 
systems to conduct its business. Any failure, interruption or breach 
in  security  of  these  systems  could  result  in  disruptions  to  its 
accounting, deposit, loan and other systems, and adversely affect its 
customer  relationships.  While  Fifth  Third  has  policies  and 
procedures designed to prevent or limit the effect of these possible 
events, there can be no assurance that any such failure, interruption 
or security breach will not occur or, if any does occur, that it can be 
sufficiently  remediated.  There  have  been  increasing  efforts  on  the 
part of third parties, including through cyber attacks, to breach data 
security  at  financial  institutions  or  with  respect  to  financial 
transactions.  There  have  been  several  recent  instances  involving 
financial  services  and  consumer-based  companies  reporting  the 
unauthorized  disclosure  of  client  or  customer  information  or  the 
destruction  or  theft  of  corporate  data,  by  both  private  individuals 
and foreign governments. In addition, because the techniques used 
to  cause  such  security  breaches  change  frequently,  often  are  not 
recognized  until  launched  against  a  target  and  may  originate  from 
less regulated and remote areas around the world, Fifth Third may 
be  unable  to  proactively  address  these  techniques  or  to  implement 
adequate preventative measures. Furthermore, there has been a well-
publicized  series  of  apparently  related  distributed  denial  of  service 
attacks on large financial services companies, including Fifth Third 
Bank. Distributed denial of service attacks are  designed to saturate 
the  targeted  online  network  with  excessive  amounts  of  network 
traffic,  resulting  in  slow  response  times,  or  in  some  cases,  causing 
the  site  to  be  temporarily  unavailable.  These  events  adversely 
affected  the  performance  of  Fifth  Third’s  website  and  in  some 
instances prevented customers from accessing Fifth Third’s website. 
Future cyber-attacks could be more disruptive and damaging. Cyber 
threats  are  rapidly  evolving  and  Fifth  Third  may  not  be  able  to 
anticipate  or  prevent  all  such  attacks.  Fifth  Third  may  incur 
increasing  costs  in  an  effort  to  minimize  these  risks  or  in  the 
investigation  of  such  cyber-attacks  or  related  to  the  protection  of 
the  Bancorp’s  customers  from  identity  theft  as  a  result  of  such 
attacks.  Despite  this  effort,  the  occurrence  of  any  failure, 
interruption  or  security  breach  of  Fifth  Third’s  systems  or  third-
party  service  providers,  particularly  if  widespread  or  resulting  in 
financial  losses  to  customers,  could  also  seriously  damage  Fifth 
Third’s reputation, result in a loss of customer business, subject it to 
additional  regulatory  scrutiny,  or  expose  it  to  civil  litigation  and 
financial liability. 

Fifth Third is exposed to operational and reputational risk. 
Fifth Third is exposed to many types of operational risk, including 
but  not 
information 
to,  business  continuity 
management risk, fraud risk, model risk, third party service provider 
risk, human resources risk, and process risk.  

limited 

risk, 

Fifth  Third’s  actual  or  alleged  conduct  in  activities,  such  as 
lending  practices,  data  security,  corporate  governance  and 
acquisitions, may result in negative public opinion and may damage 
Fifth  Third’s  reputation.  Actions  taken  by  government  regulators 
and  community  organizations  may  also  damage  Fifth  Third’s 
reputation. Additionally, whereas negative public opinion once was 
primarily driven by adverse news coverage in traditional media, the 

advent  and  expansion  of  social  media  facilitates  the  rapid 
dissemination  of  information.  Though  Fifth  Third  monitors  social 
media  channels,  the  potential  remains  for  rapid  and  widespread 
dissemination  of  inaccurate,  misleading  or  false  information  that 
could damage Fifth Third’s reputation. Negative public opinion can 
adversely  affect  Fifth  Third’s  ability  to  attract  and  keep  customers 
and  can  increase  the  risk  that  it  will  be  a  target  of  litigation  and 
regulatory action.  

The results of Vantiv Holding, LLC could have a negative 
impact  on  Fifth  Third’s  operating  results  and  financial 
condition. 
In  2009,  Fifth  Third  sold  an  approximate  51%  interest  in  its 
processing  business,  Vantiv  Holding,  LLC  (formerly  Fifth  Third 
Processing  Solutions).  As  a  result  of  additional  share  sales 
completed  by  Fifth  Third  in  2013,  2014  and  2015,  the  Bancorp’s 
ownership share in Vantiv Holding, LLC as of December 31, 2015, 
is approximately 18%. The Bancorp’s investment in Vantiv Holding, 
LLC  is  currently  accounted  for  under  the  equity  method  of 
accounting and is not consolidated based on Fifth Third’s remaining 
ownership  share  in  Vantiv  Holding,  LLC.  Vantiv  Holding,  LLC’s 
operating  results  could  be  poor  and  could  negatively  affect  the 
operating  results  of  Fifth  Third.  In  addition,  Fifth  Third  owns  a 
warrant  to  acquire  approximately  7.8  million  Class  C  non-voting 
units  of  Vantiv  Holding,  LLC.  Fifth  Third  participates  in  a  multi-
lender credit facility to Vantiv Holding, LLC and repayment of these 
loans  is  contingent  on  the  future  cash  flows  of  Vantiv  Holding, 
LLC.  

Changes in Fifth Third’s ownership in Vantiv Holding, LLC 
could have an impact on Fifth Third’s stock price, operating 
results, financial condition, and future outlook.  
Fifth  Third  expects  that  it  will  reduce  its  equity  and  derivative 
investments in Vantiv Holding, LLC and its publicly traded parent, 
Vantiv, Inc., in whole or in part, but there can be no assurance that 
such sales will occur or as to when they will occur or the value that 
might  be  received  by  Fifth  Third.  A  reduction  in  Fifth  Third’s 
Vantiv  ownership  interest  may  result  from  a  series  of  sale 
transactions  similar  to  transactions  in  Vantiv  securities  engaged  in 
by  Fifth  Third  to  date,  or  could  occur  as  a  result  of  one  or  more 
larger  transactions,  depending  on  strategic  considerations,  market 
conditions,  or  other  factors  deemed  important  by  Fifth  Third. 
Additionally, Fifth Third’s ownership in Vantiv could be affected by 
transactions  that  Vantiv  may  undertake.  The  nature,  terms,  and 
timing  of  transactions  engaged  in  by  Vantiv  may  not  be  entirely 
within  Fifth  Third’s  control,  if  at  all.  If  and  when  Fifth  Third’s 
ownership  in  Vantiv  is  reduced,  such  changes  in  ownership  could 
have a material impact, positive or negative, on Fifth Third’s stock 
price, operating results, financial condition and future outlook. 

Weather related events or other natural disasters may have an 
effect on the performance of Fifth Third’s loan portfolios, 
especially in its coastal markets, thereby adversely impacting 
its results of operations. 
Fifth  Third’s  footprint  stretches  from  the  upper  Midwestern  to 
lower Southeastern regions of the United States. These regions have 
experienced  weather  events  including  hurricanes  and  other  natural 
disasters.  The  nature  and  level  of  these  events  and  the  impact  of 
global  climate  change  upon  their  frequency  and  severity  cannot  be 
predicted. If large scale events occur, they may significantly impact 
its  loan  portfolios  by  damaging  properties  pledged  as  collateral  as 
well as impairing its borrowers’ ability to repay their loans. 

31  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

RISKS  RELATED  TO  THE  LEGAL  AND  REGULATORY 
ENVIRONMENT 
As a regulated entity, the Bancorp is subject to certain capital 
requirements that may limit its operations and potential 
growth.   
The  Bancorp  is  a  bank  holding  company  and  a  financial  holding 
company. As such, it is subject to the comprehensive, consolidated 
supervision  and  regulation  of  the  FRB,  including  risk-based  and 
leverage capital  requirements, investment practices, dividend policy 
and  growth.  The  Bancorp  must  maintain  certain  risk-based  and 
leverage  capital  ratios  as  required  by  the  FRB  which  can  change 
depending  upon  general  economic  conditions  and  the  Bancorp’s 
particular condition, risk profile and growth plans. Compliance with 
the  capital  requirements,  including  leverage  ratios,  may  limit 
operations  that  require  the  intensive  use  of  capital  and  could 
adversely affect the Bancorp’s ability to expand or maintain present 
business levels. 

In July 2013, the Federal banking agencies issued final rules for 
the  enhanced  regulatory  capital  requirements  for  U.S.  banking 
organizations,  which  implemented  aspects  of  Basel  III.  The  final 
rules provide the option for certain banking organizations, including 
the Bancorp, to opt out of including AOCI in regulatory capital and 
retain  the  treatment  of  residential  mortgage  exposures  consistent 
with the current Basel I capital rules. The new capital rules became 
effective  for  the  Bancorp  on  January  1,  2015,  subject  to  phase-in 
periods  for  certain  components  and  other  provisions.  The need  to 
maintain more and higher quality capital as well as greater liquidity 
could  limit  Fifth  Third’s  business  activities,  including  lending,  and 
the  ability  to  expand,  either  organically  or  through  acquisitions. 
Moreover,  although  these  new  requirements  are  being  phased  in 
over  time,  U.S.  federal  banking  agencies  have  been  taking  into 
account  expectations  regarding  the  ability  of  banks  to  meet  these 
new requirements, including under stressed conditions, in approving 
actions that represent uses of capital, such as dividend increases and 
share repurchases.  

The Bank must be well-capitalized, well-managed and maintain 
at  least  a  "Satisfactory"  CRA  rating  for  the  Bancorp  to  retain  its 
status  as  a  financial  holding  company.  Failure  to  meet  these 
requirements  could  result  in  the  FRB  placing  limitations  or 
conditions  on  the  Bancorp's  activities  (and  the  commencement  of 
new  activities,  including  merger  with  or  acquisitions  of  other 
financial  institutions)  and  could  ultimately  result  in  the  loss  of 
financial  holding  company  status.  The  FRB  conducted  a  regularly 
scheduled  examination  covering  2011  through  2013  to  determine 
the  Bancorp's  banking  subsidiary's  compliance  with  the  CRA. 
Although the FRB has not made a final determination, the Bancorp 
believes  that  the  results  of  such  CRA  examination  may  result  in  a 
rating  of  "Needs  to  Improve".  If  that  would  occur,  such  rating 
would last at least until the Bancorp's banking subsidiary's next CRA 
examination.  

In addition, failure by the Bancorp’s banking subsidiary to meet 
applicable  capital  guidelines  could  subject  the  Bank  to  a  variety  of 
enforcement remedies available to the federal regulatory authorities. 
These  include  limitations  on  the  ability  to  pay  dividends,  the 
issuance by the regulatory authority of a capital directive to increase 
capital, and the termination of deposit insurance by the FDIC.  

Fifth Third’s business, financial condition and results of 
operations could be adversely affected by new or changed 
regulations and by the manner in which such regulations are 
applied by regulatory authorities.  
Previous economic conditions, particularly in the financial markets, 
have  resulted  in  government  regulatory  agencies  placing  increased 
focus  on  and  scrutiny  of  the  financial  services  industry.  The  U.S. 
government has intervened on an unprecedented scale, responding 

32  Fifth Third Bancorp 

to  what  has  been  commonly  referred  to  as  the  financial  crisis,  by 
introducing various actions and passing legislation such as the DFA. 
Such  programs  and  legislation  subject  Fifth  Third  and  other 
financial institutions to restrictions, oversight and/or costs that may 
have an impact on Fifth Third’s business, financial condition, results 
of operations or the price of its common stock.  

New  proposals  for  legislation  and  regulations  continue  to  be 
introduced that could further substantially increase regulation of the 
financial  services  industry.  Fifth  Third  cannot  predict  whether  any 
pending  or  future  legislation  will  be  adopted  or  the  substance  and 
impact  of  any  such  new  legislation  on  Fifth  Third.  Additional 
regulation  could  affect  Fifth  Third  in  a  substantial  way  and  could 
have  an  adverse  effect  on  its  business,  financial  condition  and 
results of operations.   

Fifth Third is subject to various regulatory requirements that 
may limit its operations and potential growth. 
Under federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to the safety 
and  soundness  of  insured  depository  institutions  and  their  holding 
companies, the FRB, the FDIC, the CFPB and the Ohio Division of 
Financial Institutions have the authority to compel or restrict certain 
actions by Fifth Third and its banking subsidiary. Fifth Third and its 
banking  subsidiary  are  subject  to  such  supervisory  authority  and, 
more  generally,  must,  in  certain  instances,  obtain  prior  regulatory 
approval before engaging in certain activities or corporate decisions. 
There  can  be  no  assurance  that  such  approvals,  if  required,  would 
be forthcoming or that such approvals would be granted in a timely 
manner. Failure to receive any such approval, if required, could limit 
or impair Fifth Third’s operations, restrict its growth and/or affect 
its  dividend  policy.  Such  actions  and  activities  subject  to  prior 
approval include, but are not limited to, increasing dividends paid by 
Fifth  Third  or  its  banking  subsidiary,  entering  into  a  merger  or 
acquisition transaction, acquiring or establishing new branches, and 
entering into certain new businesses.  

to  stress 

testing,  capital 

In  addition,  Fifth  Third,  as  well  as  other  financial  institutions 
more  generally,  have  recently  been  subjected  to  increased  scrutiny 
from government authorities, including bank regulatory authorities, 
stemming  from  broader  systemic  regulatory  concerns,  including 
with  respect 
levels,  asset  quality, 
provisioning,  AML/BSA,  consumer  compliance  and  other 
prudential  matters  and  efforts  to  ensure  that  financial  institutions 
take  steps  to  improve  their  risk  management  and  prevent  future 
crises.  In  this  regard,  government  authorities,  including  the  bank 
regulatory  agencies,  are  also  pursuing  aggressive  enforcement 
actions with respect to compliance and other legal matters involving 
financial  activities,  which  heightens  the  risks  associated  with  actual 
and  perceived  compliance  failures  and  may  also  adversely  affect 
Fifth  Third’s  ability  to  enter  into  certain  transactions  or  engage  in 
certain  activities,  or  obtain  necessary  regulatory  approvals  in 
connection therewith.  

In some cases, regulatory agencies may take supervisory actions 
that may not be publicly disclosed, which restrict or limit a financial 
institution.  Finally,  as  part  of  Fifth  Third’s  regular  examination 
process,  Fifth  Third’s  and  its  banking  subsidiary’s  respective 
regulators may advise it and its banking subsidiary to operate under 
various restrictions as a prudential matter. Such supervisory actions 
or restrictions, if and in whatever manner imposed, could negatively 
affect  Fifth  Third’s  ability  to  engage  in  new  activities  and  certain 
transactions,  as  well  as  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  Fifth 
Third’s business and results of operations and may not be publicly 
disclosed. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

to 

time 

Fifth Third and/or its affiliates are or may become involved 
from  time  to  time  in  information-gathering  requests, 
investigations  and  proceedings  by  various  governmental 
regulatory agencies and law enforcement authorities, as well 
as  self-regulatory  agencies  which  may  lead  to  adverse 
consequences. 
Fifth  Third  and/or  its  affiliates  are  or  may  become  involved  from 
time 
reviews, 
information-gathering 
investigations  and  proceedings  (both  formal  and  informal)  by 
governmental  regulatory  agencies  and  law  enforcement  authorities, 
as  well  as  self-regulatory  agencies,  regarding  their  respective 
in  material  adverse 
businesses.  Such  matters  may 
consequences,  including  without  limitation,  adverse  judgments, 
settlements, 
injunctions  or  other  actions, 
amendments  and/or  restatements  of  Fifth  Third’s  SEC  filings 
and/or financial statements, as applicable, and/or determinations of 
material weaknesses in its disclosure controls and procedures.  

fines,  penalties, 

requests, 

result 

in 

Deposit insurance premiums levied against Fifth Third Bank 
may increase if the number of bank failures increase or the 
cost of resolving failed banks increases.  
The  FDIC  maintains  a  DIF  to  protect  insured  depositors  in  the 
event  of  bank  failures.  The  DIF  is  funded  by  fees  assessed  on 
insured depository institutions including Fifth Third Bank. Under a 
rule adopted by the FDIC in  2011, regular assessment rates for all 
banks will decline when the reserve ratio reaches 1.15%, which the 
FDIC expects will occur in early 2016. In October 2015, the FDIC 
issued a proposed rule which would impose on banks with at least 
$10 billion in assets, such as Fifth Third, a surcharge of 4.5 cents per 
$100 of their assessment base, after making certain adjustments. The 
Bancorp  estimates  the  impact  of  these  changes  will  increase  Fifth 
Third’s  FDIC  premiums  by  approximately  $25  million  per  year. 
Future  deposit  premiums  paid  by  Fifth  Third  Bank  depend  on 
FDIC rules, which are subject to change, the level of the DIF and 
the  magnitude  and  cost  of  future  bank  failures.  Fifth  Third  Bank 
may  be  required  to  pay  significantly  higher  FDIC  premiums  if 
market developments change such that the DIF balance is reduced 
or the FDIC changes its rules to require higher premiums.  

Fifth Third is subject to extensive governmental regulation 
which could adversely impact Fifth Third or the businesses in 
which Fifth Third is engaged.  
Fifth  Third  is  subject  to  extensive  state  and  federal  regulation, 
supervision  and  legislation  that  govern  almost  all  aspects  of  its 
operations  and  limit  the  businesses  in  which  Fifth  Third  may 
engage.  These  laws  and  regulations  may  change  from  time  to  time 
and  are  primarily  intended  for  the  protection  of  consumers  and 
depositors.  The  impact  of  any  changes  to  laws  and  regulations  or 
other  actions  by  regulatory  agencies  may  negatively  impact  Fifth 
Third or its ability to increase the value of its business. Additionally, 
actions  by  regulatory  agencies  or  significant  litigation  against  Fifth 
Third  could  cause  it  to  devote  significant  time  and  resources  to 
defending itself and may lead to penalties that materially affect Fifth 
Third and its shareholders. Future changes in the laws, including tax 
laws, or regulations or their interpretations or enforcement may also 
be  materially  adverse  to  Fifth  Third  and  its  shareholders  or  may 
require  Fifth  Third  to  expend  significant  time  and  resources  to 
comply with such requirements. 

The DFA, enacted in 2010, is complex and broad in scope and 
several  of  its  provisions  are  still  being  implemented.    The  DFA 
established  the  CFPB  which  has  authority  to  regulate  consumer 
financial  products  and  services  sold  by  banks  and  non-bank 
companies  and  to  supervise  banks  with  assets  of  more  than  $10 
billion  and  their  affiliates  for  compliance  with  Federal  consumer 

protection  laws.  Since  its  formation,  the  CFPB  has  finalized  a 
number of significant rules that could have a significant impact on 
Fifth  Third’s  business  and  the  financial  services  industry  more 
generally including integrated mortgage disclosures under the Truth 
in  Lending  Act  and  the  Real  Estate  Settlement  Procedures  Act. 
Compliance  with  the  rules  and  policies  adopted  by  the  CFPB  may 
limit  the  products  Fifth  Third  may  permissibly  offer  to  customers, 
or limit the terms on which those products may be issued, or may 
adversely  affect  Fifth  Third’s  ability  to  conduct  its  business  as 
previously  conducted.  Fifth  Third  may  also  be  required  to  add 
additional  compliance  personnel  or 
incur  other  significant 
compliance-related  expenses.  Fifth  Third’s  business,  results  of 
operations  or  competitive  position  may  be  adversely  affected  as  a 
result.  

The reforms, both under the DFA and otherwise, are having a 
significant  effect  on  the  entire  financial  industry.  Fifth  Third 
believes compliance with the DFA and implementing its regulations 
and other initiatives will likely continue to negatively impact revenue 
and increase the cost of doing business, both in terms of transition 
expenses and on an ongoing basis, and may also limit Fifth Third’s 
ability  to  pursue  certain  desirable  business  opportunities.  Any  new 
regulatory  requirements  or  changes  to  existing  requirements  could 
require  changes  to  Fifth  Third’s  businesses,  result  in  increased 
compliance  costs  and  affect  the  profitability  of  such  businesses. 
Additionally, reform could affect the behaviors of third parties that 
Fifth  Third  deals  with  in  the  course  of  business,  such  as  rating 
agencies,  insurance  companies  and  investors.  The  extent  to  which 
Fifth  Third  can  adjust  its  strategies  to  offset  such  adverse  impacts 
also is not known at this time.  

Conforming Covered Activities to the Volcker Rule may 
require  the  expenditure  of  resources  and  management 
attention.  
The  DFA  “Volcker  Rule”  provisions  implementing  the  final  rule 
generally restrict banks and their affiliated entities from investing in 
or  sponsoring  certain  private  equity  and  hedge  funds.    Fifth  Third 
does  not  sponsor  any  private  equity  or  hedge  funds  that  it  is 
prohibited  from  sponsoring.    As  of  December  31,  2015,  the 
Bancorp  had  approximately  $186  million 
interests  and 
approximately  $37  million  in  binding  commitments  to  invest  in 
private equity funds likely to be affected by the Volcker Rule. It is 
expected  that  the  Bancorp  may  need  to  dispose  of  these 
investments  although  it  is  likely  that  these  investments  will  be 
reduced  over  time  in  the  ordinary  course  before  compliance  is 
required.  In  December  2014,  the  FRB  extended  the  conformance 
period through July 2016 for investments in and relationships with 
such covered funds that were in place prior to December 31, 2013, 
and  announced  its  intention  to  grant  a  one  year  extension  of  the 
conformance period until July 21, 2017. An ultimate forced sale of 
some of these investments could result in Fifth Third receiving less 
value than it would otherwise have received. 

in 

If an orderly liquidation of a systemically important bank 
holding  company  or  non-bank  financial  company  were 
triggered, Fifth Third could face assessments for the Orderly 
Liquidation Fund. 
The  DFA  creates  authority  for 
liquidation  of 
systemically  important  bank  holding  companies  and  non-bank 
financial  companies  and  is  based  on  the  FDIC’s  bank  resolution 
model. The Secretary of the U.S. Treasury may trigger a liquidation 
under this authority only after consultation with the President of the 
United  States  and  after  receiving  a  recommendation  from  the 
boards  of  the  FDIC  and  the  Federal  Reserve  upon  a  two-thirds 
vote.  Liquidation  proceedings  will  be  funded  by  the  Orderly 

the  orderly 

33  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

Fifth Third’s ability to pay or increase dividends on its 
common stock or to repurchase its capital stock is restricted. 
Fifth Third’s ability to pay dividends or repurchase stock is subject 
to  regulatory  requirements  and  the  need  to  meet  regulatory 
expectations. Fifth Third is subject to an annual assessment by the 
FRB as part of CCAR. The mandatory elements of the capital plan 
are  an  assessment  of  the  expected  use  and  sources  of  capital  over 
the  planning  horizon,  a  description  of  all  planned  capital  actions 
over the planning horizon, a discussion of any expected changes to 
the Bancorp’s business plan that are likely to have a material impact 
on  its  capital  adequacy  or  liquidity,  a  detailed  description  of  the 
Bancorp’s process for assessing capital adequacy and the Bancorp’s 
capital  policy.  Fifth  Third’s  stress  testing  results  and  2016  capital 
plan will be submitted to the FRB by April 5, 2016. 

The  FRB’s  review  of  the  capital  plan  will  assess  the 
comprehensiveness  of  the  capital  plan,  the  reasonableness  of  the 
the  capital  plan. 
the  analysis  underlying 
assumptions  and 
Additionally,  the  FRB  will  review  the  robustness  of  the  capital 
adequacy  process,  the  capital  policy  and  the  Bancorp’s  ability  to 
maintain  capital  above  the  minimum  regulatory  capital  ratios  and 
above  a  CET1  ratio  of  5%  under  baseline  and  stressful  conditions 
throughout a nine-quarter planning horizon.  

Liquidation  Fund  established  under  the  DFA,  which  will  borrow 
from  the  U.S.  Treasury  and  impose  risk-based  assessments  on 
covered  financial  companies.  Risk-based  assessments  would  be 
made, first, on entities that received more in the resolution than they 
would have received in the liquidation to the extent of such excess, 
and second, if necessary, on, among others, bank holding companies 
with total consolidated assets of $50 billion or more, such as Fifth 
Third.  Any  such  assessments  may  adversely  affect  Fifth  Third’s 
business, financial condition or results of operations. 

in  effect, 

Regulation of Fifth Third by the CFTC imposes additional 
operational and compliance costs. 
Title  VII  of  DFA  imposes  a  new  regulatory  regime  on  the  U.S. 
derivatives  markets.  While  most  of  the  provisions  related  to 
derivatives  markets  are  now 
several  additional 
requirements  await  final  regulations  from  the  relevant  regulatory 
agencies for derivatives, the CFTC and the SEC. One aspect of this 
new  regulatory  regime  for  derivatives  is  that  substantial  oversight 
responsibility  has  been  provided  to  the  CFTC,  which,  as  a  result, 
now has a meaningful supervisory role with respect to some of Fifth 
Third’s  businesses.  In  2014,  Fifth  Third  Bank  registered  as  a  swap 
dealer  with  the  CFTC  and  became  subject  to  new  substantive 
requirements, including real time trade reporting and robust record 
keeping  requirements,  business  conduct  requirements  (including 
daily  valuations,  disclosure  of  material  risks  associated  with  swaps 
and  disclosure  of  material  incentives  and  conflicts  of  interest),  and 
mandatory clearing and exchange trading of all standardized swaps 
designated  by  the  relevant  regulatory  agencies  as  required  to  be 
cleared.  Although  the  ultimate 
impact  will  depend  on  the 
promulgation  of  all  final  regulations,  Fifth  Third‘s  derivatives 
to  new  substantive 
business  will 
requirements,  including  margin  requirements  in  excess  of  current 
market  practice  and  capital  requirements  specific  to  this  business. 
These  requirements  will  collectively  impose  implementation  and 
ongoing  compliance  burdens  on  Fifth  Third  and  will  introduce 
additional  legal  risk  (including  as  a  result  of  newly  applicable 
antifraud  and  anti-manipulation  provisions  and  private  rights  of 
action).  Once  finalized,  the  rules  may  raise  the  costs  and  liquidity 
burden  associated  with  Fifth  Third’s  derivatives  businesses  and 
adversely  affect  or  cause  Fifth  Third  to  change  its  derivatives 
products. 

likely  be  further  subject 

Fifth Third and/or its affiliates are or may become the subject 
of litigation which could result in legal liability and damage to 
Fifth Third’s reputation.  
Fifth  Third  and  certain  of  its  directors  and  officers  have  been 
named from time to time as defendants in various class actions and 
other litigation relating to Fifth Third’s business and activities. Past, 
present  and  future  litigation  have  included  or  could  include  claims 
for substantial compensatory and/or punitive damages or claims for 
indeterminate amounts of damages. The SEC may seek admissions 
of  liability  when  settling  cases,  which  could  adversely  impact  the 
defense  of  private  litigation.  These  matters  could  result  in  material 
adverse judgments, settlements, fines, penalties, injunctions or other 
relief, amendments and/or restatements of Fifth Third’s SEC filings 
and/or financial statements, as applicable and/or determinations of 
material  weaknesses in its disclosure controls and procedures. Like 
other large financial institutions and companies, Fifth Third is also 
subject to risk from potential employee misconduct, including non-
compliance  with  policies  and  improper  use  or  disclosure  of 
confidential  information.  Substantial  legal  liability  or  significant 
regulatory  action  against  Fifth  Third  could  materially  adversely 
affect  its  business,  financial  condition  or  results  of  operations 
and/or cause significant reputational harm to its business. 

34  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

STATEMENTS OF INCOME ANALYSIS 
Net Interest Income 
Net  interest  income  is  the  interest  earned  on  loans  and  leases 
(including  yield-related  fees),  securities  and  other  short-term 
investments  less  the  interest  paid  for  core  deposits  (includes 
transaction deposits and other time deposits) and wholesale funding 
(includes  certificates  $100,000  and  over,  other  deposits,  federal 
funds purchased, other short-term borrowings and long-term debt). 
The net interest margin is calculated by dividing net interest income 
by  average  interest-earning  assets.  Net  interest  rate  spread  is  the 
difference  between  the  average  yield  earned  on  interest-earning 
assets  and  the  average  rate  paid  on  interest-bearing  liabilities.  Net 
interest margin is typically greater than net interest rate spread due 
to  the  interest  income  earned  on  those  assets  that  are  funded  by 
noninterest-bearing  liabilities,  or  free  funding,  such  as  demand 
deposits or shareholders’ equity. 

Table  9  presents  the  components  of  net  interest  income,  net 
interest  margin  and  net  interest  rate  spread  for  the  years  ended 
December  31,  2015,  2014  and  2013.  Nonaccrual  loans  and  leases 
and loans held for sale have been included in the average loan and 
lease balances. Average outstanding securities balances are based on 
amortized cost with any unrealized gains or losses on available-for-
sale securities included in other assets. Table 10 provides the relative 
impact of changes in the balance sheet and changes in interest rates 
on net interest income.  

Net interest income on an FTE basis was $3.6 billion for both 
the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. Net interest income 
was negatively impacted by a decrease in the net interest rate spread, 
changes made to the Bancorp’s deposit advance product beginning 
January  1,  2015  and  an  increase  in  average  long-term  debt  of  $1.7 
billion for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the year 
ended  December  31,  2014.  These  negative  impacts  were  partially 
offset  by  increases  in  average  taxable  securities  and  average  loans 
and leases of $5.2 billion and $2.2 billion, respectively, for the year 
ended  December  31,  2015  compared  to  the  year  ended  December 
31, 2014. The net interest rate spread decreased to 2.69% during the 
year ended December 31, 2015 from 2.94% in 2014 driven by a 21 
bps  decrease  in  yields  on  average  interest-earning  assets  coupled 
with  a  3  bps  increase  in  the  rates  paid  on  average  interest-bearing 
liabilities. 

Net  interest  margin  on  an  FTE  basis  was  2.88%  for  the  year 
ended  December  31,  2015  compared  to  3.10%  for  the  year  ended 
December  31,  2014.  The  decrease  from  December  31,  2014  was 
driven  primarily  by  the  previously  mentioned  decrease  in  the  net 
interest  rate  spread  coupled  with  a  $7.6  billion  increase  in  average 
interest-earning assets partially offset by an increase in average free 
funding balances. The increase in average free funding balances was 
driven  by  increases  in  average  demand  deposits  and  average 
shareholders’  equity  of  $3.4  billion  and  $572  million,  respectively, 
for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the year ended 
December 31, 2014.  

Interest  income  on  an  FTE  basis  from  loans  and  leases 
decreased  $147  million  compared  to  the  year  ended  December  31, 
2014 primarily due to a decrease of 24 bps in yields on average loans 
and leases partially offset by an increase of 2% in average loans and 
leases. The decrease in yields for the year ended December 31, 2015 
was  primarily  due  to  a  $93  million  decline  in  interest  income  on 
other consumer loans and leases primarily due to changes made to 
the  Bancorp’s  deposit  advance  product  beginning  January  1,  2015. 
The  decrease  also 
in  yields  on  average 
commercial and industrial loans, average residential mortgage loans 
and  average  automobile  loans  of  14  bps,  19  bps  and  11  bps, 
respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the 
year  ended  December  31,  2014.  The  increase  in  average  loans  and 

included  decreases 

leases  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2015  was  driven  primarily 
by  increases  in  average  commercial  loans  and  leases  and  average 
residential mortgage loans. For more information on the Bancorp’s 
loan and lease portfolio, refer to the Loans and Leases subsection of 
the Balance Sheet Analysis section of MD&A. Interest income from 
investment  securities  and  other  short-term  investments  increased 
$145  million  compared  to  the  year  ended  December  31,  2014 
primarily  as  a  result  of  the  aforementioned  increase  in  average 
taxable securities.  

Interest expense on core deposits decreased $15 million for the 
year  ended  December  31,  2015  compared  to  the  year  ended 
December  31,  2014  as  a  decline  in  the  cost  of  average  interest-
bearing  core  deposits  more  than  offset  an  increase  in  average 
interest-bearing  core  deposits.  The  cost  of  average  interest-bearing 
core deposits decreased to 24 bps for the year ended December 31, 
2015 from 27 bps for the year ended December 31, 2014. Average 
interest-bearing  core  deposits  increased  $2.4  billion  for  the  year 
ended  December  31,  2015  compared  to  the  year  ended  December 
31,  2014.  The  increase  was  primarily  due  to  increases  in  average 
money  market  deposits.  Refer  to  the  Deposits  subsection  of  the 
Balance Sheet Analysis section of MD&A for additional information 
on the Bancorp’s deposits. 

Interest  expense  on  average  wholesale  funding  increased  $59 
million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the year 
ended December 31, 2014 primarily due to a $1.7 billion increase in 
average long-term debt coupled with a 18 bps increase in the rates 
paid on average long-term debt. Refer to the Borrowings subsection 
of  the  Balance  Sheet  Analysis  section  of  MD&A  for  additional 
information  on  the  Bancorp’s  borrowings.  During  both  the  years 
ended  December  31,  2015  and  2014,  average  wholesale  funding 
represented  24%  of  average  interest-bearing  liabilities.  For  more 
information  on  the  Bancorp’s  interest  rate  risk  management, 
including estimated earnings sensitivity to changes in market interest 
rates,  see  the  Market  Risk  Management  subsection  of  the  Risk 
Management section of MD&A.  

35  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

TABLE 9: CONSOLIDATED AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET AND ANALYSIS OF NET INTEREST INCOME 
2015  
For the years ended December 31  

2014  

2013  

  Average 
Yield/ 
Rate 

  Average         
Yield/ 
Rate 

     Average   Revenue/ 

 Cost 

   Average   Revenue/ 
   Balance 

 Cost 

  Average 
  Balance 

Revenue/ 
 Cost 

$ 

        Balance 

3.22  
5.23  
0.25  
3.28  

722  
3  
8  
4,051

867  
3  
8  
4,049 

26,932 
55 
3,258 
123,584 
2,608 
15,212 
(1,293)
140,111 

37,770 
8,481 
793 
3,565 
50,609 
14,428 
9,554 
12,021 
2,121 
360 
38,484 
89,093 

41,178 
7,745 
1,492 
3,585 
54,000 
13,344 
9,059 
12,068 
2,271 
385 
37,127 
91,127 

42,594 
7,121 
2,717 
3,796 
56,228 
13,798 
8,592 
11,847 
2,303 
571 
37,111 
93,339 

$ 1,346  
260  
51  
108  
1,765
518  
336  
334  
227  
138  
1,553
3,318

$ 1,334  
227  
86  
106  
1,753  
509  
312  
315  
237  
45  
1,418  
3,171  

3.13 %  $
3.19  
3.17  
2.78  
3.12  
3.69  
3.63  
2.66  
10.27  
8.00  
3.82  
3.40  

3.27 %   $
3.36      
3.44      
3.01      
3.27      
3.88      
3.71      
2.77      
9.98      
35.99      
4.18      
3.64      

($ in millions)  
Assets  
Interest-earning assets:  
Loans and leases:(a) 
   Commercial and industrial loans  
  Commercial mortgage loans  
  Commercial construction loans  
  Commercial leases  
Total commercial loans and leases  
  Residential mortgage loans  
  Home equity  
  Automobile loans  
  Credit card  
  Other consumer loans and leases  
Total consumer loans and leases  
Total loans and leases  
Securities:  
   Taxable   
  Exempt from income taxes(a) 
Other short-term investments  
Total interest-earning assets  
Cash and due from banks  
Other assets  
Allowance for loan and lease losses  
Total assets  
Liabilities and Equity  
Interest-bearing liabilities:  
   Interest checking deposits  
  Savings deposits  
  Money market deposits  
  Foreign office deposits  
  Other time deposits  
Total interest-bearing core deposits  
  Certificates $100,000 and over  
  Other deposits  
  Federal funds purchased  
  Other short-term borrowings  
  Long-term debt  
Total interest-bearing liabilities 
Demand deposits 
Other liabilities 
Total liabilities 
Total equity 
Total liabilities and equity 
Net interest income (FTE) 
Net interest margin (FTE) 
Net interest rate spread (FTE) 
Interest-bearing liabilities to interest-earning assets 
(a)  The FTE adjustments included in the above table were $21 for both the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 and $20 for the year ended December 31, 2013.  

25,382 
16,080 
14,670 
1,828 
3,762 
61,722 
3,929 
- 
458 
1,873 
12,928 
80,910 
31,755 
3,950 
116,615 
15,328 
131,943 

23,582 
18,440 
9,467 
1,501 
3,760 
56,750 
6,339 
17 
503 
3,024 
7,914 
74,547 
29,925 
4,917 
109,389 
14,343 
123,732 

26,160 
14,951 
18,152 
817 
4,051 
64,131 
2,869 
57 
920 
1,721 
14,677 
84,375 
35,164 
4,672 
124,211 
15,900 
140,111 

0.19 %  $
0.06  
0.24  
0.16  
1.20  
0.24  
1.16  
0.16  
0.13  
0.12  
2.09  
0.59  

0.22 %   $
0.10      
0.35      
0.29      
1.06      
0.27      
0.85      
0.02      
0.09      
0.10      
1.91      
0.56      

21,770 
53 
3,043 
115,993 
2,892 
14,539 
(1,481)
131,943 

16,395 
49 
2,417 
107,954 
2,482 
15,053 
(1,757)
123,732 

50  
9  
44  
1  
49  
153  
33  
-  
1  
2  
306  
495  

56  
16  
51  
5  
40  
168  
34  
-  
-  
2  
247  
451

2.88 %      
2.69  
68.27  

3.32      
4.94      
0.26      
3.49      

3.10 %     
2.94        
69.75        

$ 3,554  

$ 3,600  

     $

     $

  $

  $

$ 

$ 

$ 

$

$

$

$ 1,361  
306  
27  
116  
1,810 
564  
355  
373  
209  
155  
1,656 
3,466 

518  
3  
6  
3,993 

53  
22  
23  
4  
50  
152  
50  
-  
1  
5  
204  
412 

$ 3,581  

  Average  
Yield/ 
Rate 

3.60 %
3.60
3.45
3.26
3.58  
3.91  
3.71  
3.10  
9.87  
42.93  
4.30  
3.89  

3.16  
5.29  
0.26  
3.70  

0.23 %
0.12  
0.25  
0.28  
1.33  
0.27  
0.78  
0.11  
0.12  
0.18  
2.58  
0.55  

3.32 %
3.15  
69.05  

36  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
  
     
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
     
 
     
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
        
  
  
  
  
     
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
   
  
   
  
   
  
   
  
   
  
   
  
   
  
   
  
   
  
   
     
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
   
  
   
  
   
  
  
 
  
 
   
  
  
     
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
   
  
  
     
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
   
  
  
     
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
     
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
     
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
     
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
     
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
     
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
    
  
 
      
  
     
  
 
    
  
 
  
    
  
 
      
  
  
 
   
  
 
  
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

$ 

Total 

Volume  Yield/Rate

2015 Compared to 2014 

 45 
 (21)
 39 
 6 
 69 
 17 
 (17)
 (5)
 3 
 47 
 45 
 114 

 (57) 
 (12) 
 (4) 
 (8) 
 (81) 
 (26) 
 (7) 
 (14) 
 7  
 (140) 
 (180) 
 (261) 

 (12)  
 (33)     
 35      
 (2)     
 (12)     
 (9)     
 (24)     
 (19)     
 10      
 (93)     
 (135)     
 (147)     

TABLE 10: CHANGES IN NET INTEREST INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO VOLUME AND YIELD/RATE(a)  
For the years ended December 31  
($ in millions)  
Assets  
Interest-earning assets:  
Loans and leases:  
   Commercial and industrial loans  
   Commercial mortgage loans  
   Commercial construction loans  
   Commercial leases  
Total commercial loans and leases  
   Residential mortgage loans  
   Home equity  
   Automobile loans  
   Credit card  
   Other consumer loans and leases  
Total consumer loans and leases  
Total loans and leases  
Securities:  
   Taxable   
Other short-term investments  
Total change in interest income  
Liabilities  
Interest-bearing liabilities:  
   Interest checking deposits  
   Savings deposits  
   Money market deposits  
   Foreign office deposits  
   Other time deposits  
Total interest-bearing core deposits  
   Certificates $100,000 and over  
   Federal funds purchased  
   Other short-term borrowings  
   Long-term debt  
Total change in interest expense  
Total change in net interest income  
(a)  Changes in interest not solely due to volume or yield/rate are allocated in proportion to the absolute dollar amount of change in volume and yield/rate. 

 (6)  
 (7)  
 (7)  
 (4)  
 9   
 (15)     
 (1)  
 1   
 -   
 59   
 44   
 (46)  

 (8) 
 (6) 
 (17) 
 (2) 
 6  
 (27)
 10  
 -  
 -  
 24  
 7  
 (290) 

 2 
 (1)
 10 
 (2)
 3 
 12 
 (11)
 1 
 - 
 35 
 37 
 244 

 (22) 
 -  
 (283) 

 145      
 -      

 167 
 - 
 281 

 (2)  

$ 

$ 

$ 

2014 Compared to 2013 
Yield/Rate

Total  

Volume 

 116 
 (26)
 24 
 1 
 115 
 (42)
 (18)
 1 
 16 
 9 
 (34)
 81 

 177 
 2 
 260 

 3 
 (2)
 16 
 1 
 - 
 18 
 (20)
 (1)
 (1)
 106 
 102 
 158 

 (131) 
 (20) 
 -  
 (9) 
 (160)
 (4) 
 (1) 
 (40) 
 2  
 (26) 
 (69)
 (229)

 27  
 -  
 (202)

 -  
 (4) 
 12  
 -  
 (10) 
 (2)
 4  
 -  
 (2) 
 (63) 
 (63)
 (139) 

 (15)  
 (46)  
 24   
 (8)  
 (45)  
 (46)  
 (19)  
 (39)  
 18   
 (17)  
 (103)  
 (148)  

 204   
 2   
 58   

 3   
 (6)  
 28   
 1   
 (10)  
 16   
 (16)  
 (1)  
 (3)  
 43   
 39   
 19   

Provision for Loan and Lease Losses 
The Bancorp provides as an expense an amount for probable losses 
within  the  loan  and  lease  portfolio  that  is  based  on  factors 
previously  discussed  in  the  Critical  Accounting  Policies  section  of 
MD&A.  The  provision  is  recorded  to  bring  the  ALLL  to  a  level 
deemed appropriate by the Bancorp to cover losses inherent in the 
portfolio.  Actual  credit  losses  on  loans  and  leases  are  charged 
against the ALLL. The amount of loans actually removed from the 
Consolidated  Balance  Sheets  is  referred  to  as  charge-offs.  Net 
charge-offs  include  current  period  charge-offs  less  recoveries  on 
previously charged-off loans and leases. 

The  provision  for  loan  and  lease  losses  was  $396  million  for 
the  year  ended  December  31,  2015  compared  to  $315  million  for 
the same period in the prior year. The increase in provision expense 
for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the prior year 

was  primarily  due  to  the  restructuring  of  a  student  loan  backed 
commercial credit originated in 2007, a broadening global economic 
slowdown,  stress  on  capital  markets  and  the  prolonged  softness  in 
commodity prices. The ALLL declined $50 million from December 
31,  2014  to  $1.3  billion  at  December  31,  2015.  At  December  31, 
2015, the ALLL as a percent of portfolio loans and leases decreased 
to 1.37%, compared to 1.47% at December 31, 2014.  

Refer  to  the  Credit  Risk  Management  subsection  of  the  Risk 
Management section of MD&A as well as Note 6 of the Notes to 
Consolidated Financial Statements for more detailed information on 
the provision for loan and lease losses, including an analysis of loan 
portfolio  composition,  nonperforming  assets,  net  charge-offs  and 
other  factors  considered  by  the  Bancorp  in  assessing  the  credit 
quality of the loan and lease portfolio and the ALLL. 

37  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

Noninterest Income 
Noninterest income increased $530 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 31, 2014. The following 
table presents the components of noninterest income:   

TABLE 11: COMPONENTS OF NONINTEREST INCOME
For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 
Service charges on deposits 
Investment advisory revenue 
Corporate banking revenue 
Mortgage banking net revenue 
Card and processing revenue 
Other noninterest income 
Securities gains, net 
Securities gains, net - non-qualifying hedges on mortgage service rights 
Total noninterest income 

Service charges on deposits 
Service charges on deposits increased $3 million for the year ended 
December 31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 31, 2014 
due  primarily  to  a  $3  million  increase  in  commercial  deposit  fees. 
The increase in commercial deposit fees was driven by an increase 
in activity from existing customers and new customer acquisition.  

Investment advisory revenue 
Investment  advisory  revenue  increased  $11  million  for  the  year 
ended  December  31,  2015  compared  to  the  year  ended  December 
31, 2014. The increase was primarily due to an increase of $6 million 
in recurring securities brokerage fees driven by higher sales volume 
and an increase of $5 million in private client service fees due to an 
increase  in  personal  asset  management  fees.  The  Bancorp  had 
approximately $297 billion and $308 billion in total assets under care 
as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and managed $26 
billion  and  $27  billion  in  assets  for  individuals,  corporations  and 

2015  
 563 
 418 
 384 
 348 
 302 
 979 
 9 
 - 
 3,003 

$

$

2014  
 560 
 407 
 430 
 310 
 295 
 450 
 21 
 - 
 2,473 

2013  
 549 
 393 
 400 
 700 
 272 
 879 
 21 
 13 
 3,227 

2012  
 522 
 374 
 413 
 845 
 253 
 574 
 15 
 3 
 2,999 

2011  

 520   
 375   
 350   
 597   
 308   
 250   
 46   
 9   
 2,455   

not-for-profit  organizations  as  of  December  31,  2015  and  2014, 
respectively. 

Corporate banking revenue 
Corporate banking revenue decreased $46 million for the year ended 
December  31,  2015  compared  to  the  year  ended  December  31, 
2014. The decrease from the prior year was primarily the result of a 
decrease in syndication and lease remarketing fees. Syndication fees 
decreased  $29  million  compared  to  the  year  ended  December  31, 
2014  as  a  result  of  decreased  activity  in  the  market  and  the 
Bancorp’s  reduced  leveraged  loan  appetite.  The  decrease  in  lease 
remarketing fees included the impact of impairment charges of $36 
million  related  to  certain  operating  lease  equipment  that  was 
recognized  during  the  year  ended  December  31,  2015.  The 
decreases  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2015  were  partially 
offset by higher institutional sales revenue and gains on the sale of 
operating lease equipment.  

Mortgage banking net revenue 
Mortgage banking net revenue increased $38 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 31, 2014. The 
following table presents the components of mortgage banking net revenue: 

TABLE 12: COMPONENTS OF MORTGAGE BANKING NET REVENUE
For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 
Origination fees and gains on loan sales 
Net mortgage servicing revenue: 
   Gross mortgage servicing fees 
   MSR amortization 
   Net valuation adjustments on MSRs and free-standing derivatives  
     entered into to economically hedge MSRs 
Net mortgage servicing revenue 
Mortgage banking net revenue 

Origination  fees  and  gains  on  loan  sales  increased  $18  million  for 
the  year  ended  December  31,  2015  compared  to  the  year  ended 
December  31,  2014  primarily  as  the  result  of  an  11%  increase  in 
residential  mortgage  loan  originations.  Residential  mortgage  loan 
originations  increased  to  $8.3 billion  for  the  year  ended  December 
31,  2015  from  $7.5  billion  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2014 
due  to  strong  refinancing  activity  that  occurred  during  the  year 
ended December 31, 2015.  

Net  mortgage  servicing  revenue 

is  comprised  of  gross 
mortgage  servicing  fees  and  related  MSR  amortization  as  well  as 

2015  

171   

222   
(139)  

94   
177   
348   

$

$

2014  

153   

246   
(119)  

30   
157   
310   

2013  

453   

251   
(166)  

162   
247   
700   

valuation adjustments on MSRs and mark-to-market adjustments on 
both  settled  and  outstanding  free-standing  derivative  financial 
instruments  used  to  economically  hedge  the  MSR  portfolio.  Net 
mortgage servicing revenue increased $20 million for the year ended 
December 31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 31, 2014 
driven  primarily  by  an  increase  of  $64  million  in  net  valuation 
adjustments,  partially  offset  by  a  decrease  in  gross  mortgage 
servicing fees of $24 million and an increase in mortgage servicing 
rights amortization of $20 million. 

38  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
     
  
    
 
  
     
     
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
     
  
 
 
  
  
  
     
     
  
  
     
    
  
     
  
    
  
 
  
 
  
 
    
  
     
  
    
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
    
  
     
  
    
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
     
  
  
     
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

The following table presents the components of net valuation adjustments on the MSR portfolio and the impact of the non-qualifying hedging 
strategy for the years ended December 31: 

TABLE 13: COMPONENTS OF NET VALUATION ADJUSTMENTS ON MSRs
($ in millions) 
Changes in fair value and settlement of free-standing derivatives purchased 
    to economically hedge the MSR portfolio 
Recovery of (provision for) MSR impairment 
Net valuation adjustments on MSRs and free-standing derivatives  
   entered into to economically hedge MSRs 

2015  

2014  

2013  

$

$

90 
4 

94   

95 
(65)

(30)
192 

30   

162   

Mortgage rates increased during the year ended December 31, 2015 
which  caused  the  modeled  prepayment  speeds  to  slow,  and  led  to 
the recovery of temporary impairment on servicing rights during the 
year. Mortgage rates decreased during the year ended December 31, 
2014  which  caused  the  modeled  prepayments  speeds  to  increase, 
which  led  to  temporary  impairment  on  servicing  rights  during  the 
year ended December 31, 2014. 

Servicing  rights  are  deemed  impaired  when  a  borrower’s  loan 
rate  is  distinctly  higher  than  prevailing  rates.  Impairment  on 
servicing rights is reversed when the prevailing rates return to a level 
commensurate with the borrower’s loan rate.  Further detail on the 
valuation  of  MSRs  can  be  found  in  Note  12  of  the  Notes  to 
Consolidated  Financial  Statements.  The  Bancorp  maintains  a  non-
qualifying  hedging  strategy  to  manage  a  portion  of  the  risk 
associated  with  changes  in  the  valuation  on  the  MSR  portfolio. 
Refer to Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
for  more  information  on  the  free-standing  derivatives  used  to 
economically hedge the MSR portfolio. 

In  addition  to  the  derivative  positions  used  to  economically 
hedge  the  MSR  portfolio,  the  Bancorp  may  acquire  various 

securities  as  a  component  of  its  non-qualifying  hedging  strategy. 
The  Bancorp  did  not  sell  securities  related  to  the  non-qualifying 
hedging  strategy  during  the  years  ended  December  31,  2015  and 
2014.    Net  gains  on  the  sale  of  these  securities  were  $13  million 
during  the  year  ended  December  31,  2013,  recorded  in  securities 
gains,  net  -  non-qualifying  hedges  on  mortgage  servicing  rights  in 
the Consolidated Statements of Income.  

The  Bancorp’s  total  residential  mortgage  loans  serviced  as  of 
December  31,  2015  and  2014  were  $73.4  billion  and  $79.0  billion, 
respectively,  with  $59.0  billion  and  $65.4  billion,  respectively,  of 
residential mortgage loans serviced for others. 

Card and processing revenue 
Card and processing revenue increased $7 million for the year ended 
December  31,  2015  compared  to  the  year  ended  December  31, 
2014.  The  increase  was  primarily  the  result  of  an  increase  in  the 
number  of  actively  used  cards  and  an  increase  in  customer  spend 
volume.  Debit  card  interchange  revenue,  included  in  card  and 
processing revenue, was $137 million and $128 million for the years 
ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  

Other noninterest income 
The following table presents the major components of other noninterest income:

TABLE 14: COMPONENTS OF OTHER NONINTEREST INCOME
For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 
Gain on sale of Vantiv, Inc. shares  
Valuation adjustments on the warrant associated with Vantiv Holding, LLC  
Gain on sale and exercise of the warrant associated with Vantiv Holding, LLC 
Operating lease income 
Income from the TRA associated with Vantiv, Inc. 
Equity method income from interest in Vantiv Holding, LLC 
BOLI income 
Cardholder fees 
Gain on loan sales 
Private equity investment income 
Consumer loan and lease fees 
Banking center income 
Insurance income 
Net losses on disposition and impairment of bank premises and equipment 
Loss on swap associated with the sale of Visa, Inc. Class B shares 
Other, net 
Total other noninterest income 

2015  

   2014  

2013  

$

$

331 
236 
89 
89 
80 
63 
48 
43 
38 
28 
23 
21 
14 
(101)
(37)
14 
979 

125 
31 
 - 
84 
23 
48 
44 
45 
 - 
27 
25 
30 
13 
(19)
(38)
12 
450 

327 
206 
 - 
75 
9 
77 
52 
47 
3 
24 
27 
34 
25 
(6)
(31)
10 
879 

Other noninterest income increased $529 million for the year ended 
December  31,  2015  compared  to  the  year  ended  December  31, 
2014. The increase included the impact of a gain of $331 million on 
the  sale  of  Vantiv,  Inc.  shares  in  the  fourth  quarter  of  2015 
compared to a gain of $125 million in 2014. The positive valuation 
adjustments  on  the  stock  warrant  associated  with  Vantiv  Holding, 
LLC  were  $236  million  and  $31  million  for  the  years  ended 
December  31,  2015  and  2014,  respectively.  The  fair  value  of  the 
stock  warrant  is  calculated  using  the  Black-Scholes  option-pricing 

model,  which  utilizes  several  key  inputs  (Vantiv,  Inc.  stock  price, 
strike  price  of  the  warrant  and  several  unobservable  inputs).  The 
positive  valuation  adjustments  for  the  years  ended  December  31, 
2015  and  2014  were  primarily  due  to  increases  of  40%  and  4%, 
respectively,  in  Vantiv,  Inc.’s  share  price  from  December  31,  2014 
to December 31, 2015 and from December 31, 2013 to December 
31,  2014,  respectively.  During  the  fourth  quarter  of  2015,  the 
Bancorp  recognized  a  gain  of  $89  million  on  both  the  sale  and 
exercise of a portion of the warrant associated with Vantiv Holding, 

39  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
    
  
    
  
    
  
  
  
  
     
    
  
     
  
    
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
     
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

LLC.  Additionally,  the  Bancorp  recognized  a  gain  of  $49  million 
from  the  payment  from  Vantiv,  Inc.  to  terminate  a  portion  of  the 
TRA and also recognized a gain of $31 million associated with the 
annual  TRA  payment  during  the  fourth  quarter  of  2015.  The 
Bancorp recognized a gain of $23 million associated with the TRA 
during the fourth quarter of 2014.  

In addition to the increases discussed above, gain on loan sales 
increased  $38  million  during  the  year  ended  December  31,  2015 
compared to the same period in the prior year primarily due to a $37 
million  gain  on  the  sale  of  certain  residential  mortgage  loans 
classified as TDRs during the first quarter of 2015. Equity method 

earnings  from  the  Bancorp’s  interest  in  Vantiv  Holding,  LLC 
increased  $15  million  from  the  year  ended  December  31,  2014  as 
2014 included charges taken by Vantiv Holding, LLC related to an 
acquisition during 2014.  

The  year  ended  December  31, 2015  also  included  impairment 
charges,  included  in  net  losses  on  disposition  and  impairment  of 
bank premises and equipment in other noninterest income of $109 
million  compared  to  $20  million  for  the  same  period  in  the  prior 
year.  For  more  information  on  these  impairment  charges,  refer  to 
Note 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  

Noninterest Expense 
Noninterest expense increased $66 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily due 
to increases in personnel costs (salaries, wages and incentives plus employee benefits), technology and communications and card and processing 
expense partially offset by a decrease in other noninterest expense. The following table presents the major components of noninterest expense: 

TABLE 15: COMPONENTS OF NONINTEREST EXPENSE
For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 
Salaries, wages and incentives 
Employee benefits 
Net occupancy expense 
Technology and communications 
Card and processing expense 
Equipment expense 
Other noninterest expense 
Total noninterest expense 
Efficiency ratio 

$

$

2015  
1,525
323
321
224
153
124
1,105
3,775
 57.6 % 

2014  
1,449 
334 
313 
212 
141 
121 
1,139 
3,709 
61.1 

2013  
1,581 
357 
307 
204 
134 
114 
1,264 
3,961 
58.2 

   2012  
1,607 
371 
302 
196 
121 
110 
1,374 
4,081 
61.7 

2011  
1,478 
330 
305 
188 
120 
113 
1,224 
3,758 
62.3 

Personnel costs increased $65 million for the year ended December 
31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 31, 2014 driven by 
higher  executive  retirement  and  severance  costs  as  well  as  an 
increase  in  base  compensation  and  an  increase  in  incentive 
compensation,  primarily 
in  the  mortgage  business.  Full-time 
equivalent  employees  totaled  18,261  at  December  31,  2015 
compared to 18,351 at December 31, 2014. 

Technology  and  communications  expense 

increased  $12 
million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the year 

information 

ended December 31, 2014 driven primarily by increased investment 
regulatory  and 
technology  associated  with 
in 
compliance  initiatives,  system  maintenance  and  other  growth 
initiatives. 

Card and processing expense increased $12 million for the year 
ended  December  31,  2015  compared  to  the  year  ended  December 
31,  2014  driven  primarily  by  increased  fraud  prevention  related 
expenses. 

The following table presents the major components of other noninterest expense:

TABLE 16: COMPONENTS OF OTHER NONINTEREST EXPENSE 
For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 
Impairment on affordable housing investments  
Loan and lease 
Marketing 
FDIC insurance and other taxes 
Operating lease 
Professional service fees 
Losses and adjustments 
Travel 
Postal and courier 
Data processing 
Recruitment and education 
Donations 
Insurance 
Supplies 
Provision for (benefit from) the reserve for unfunded commitments 
Other, net 
Total other noninterest expense 

40  Fifth Third Bancorp 

2015  

2014  

2013  

$

$

145   
118   
110   
99   
74   
70   
55   
54   
45   
45   
33   
29   
17   
16   
4   
191   
 1,105   

135   
119   
98   
89   
67   
72   
188   
52   
47   
41   
28   
18   
16   
15   
(27)  
181   
 1,139   

108   
158   
114   
127   
57   
76   
221   
54   
48   
42   
26   
24   
17   
16   
(17)  
193   
 1,264   

 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
     
  
  
 
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

Other noninterest expense decreased $34 million for the year ended 
December 31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 31, 2014 
primarily due to a decrease in losses and adjustments partially offset 
by  increases  in  the  provision  for  the  reserve  for  unfunded 
commitments,  marketing  expense,  donations  expense,  impairment 
on affordable housing investments, FDIC insurance and other taxes 
and operating lease expense.  

Losses  and  adjustments  decreased  $133  million  for  the  year 
ended  December  31,  2015  compared  to  the  year  ended  December 
31, 2014 primarily due to a decrease in legal settlements and reserve 
expense. The provision for the reserve for unfunded commitments 
increased  $31  million  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2015 
compared to the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily due to an 
increase  in  unfunded  commitments  for  which  the  Bancorp  holds 
reserves.  Marketing  expense  increased  $12  million  for  the  year 
ended  December  31,  2015  compared  to  the  year  ended  December 
31,  2014.  Donations  expense  increased  $11  million  for  the  year 
ended  December  31,  2015  compared  to  the  year  ended  December 
31,  2014  driven  by  contributions  of  $14  million  to  the  Fifth  Third 

Applicable Income Taxes 
Applicable  income  tax  expense  for  all  periods  includes  the  benefit 
from  tax-exempt  income,  tax-advantaged  investments,  and  certain 
gains  on  sales  of  leveraged  leases  that  are  exempt  from  federal 
taxation  and  tax  credits,  partially  offset  by  the  effect  of  certain 
nondeductible  expenses.  The  tax  credits  are  associated  with  the 
Low-Income  Housing  Tax  Credit  program  established  under 
Section  42  of  the  IRC,  the  New  Markets  Tax  Credit  program 
established  under  Section  45D  of  the  IRC,  the  Rehabilitation 
Investment Tax Credit program established under Section 47 of the 
IRC  and  the  Qualified  Zone  Academy  Bond  program  established 
under Section 1397E of the IRC.  

The effective tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2015 
and 2014 were primarily impacted by $178 million and $164 million, 
respectively,  in  tax  credits  and  $39  million  and  $27  million  of  tax 
benefits  from  tax-exempt  income  in  2015  and  2014,  respectively. 
The increase in the effective tax rate for the year ended December 
31,  2015  from  the  year  ended  December  31,  2014  was  primarily 
related to an increase in income before income taxes partially offset 
by the increased amount of tax credits.  

As  required  under  U.S.  GAAP,  the  Bancorp  established  a 
deferred  tax  asset  for  stock-based  awards  granted  to  its  employees 

Foundation.  Impairment  on  affordable  housing 
investments 
increased  $10  million  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2015 
compared  to  the  year  ended  December  31,  2014  primarily  due  to 
incremental losses resulting from previous growth in the portfolio. 
FDIC insurance and other taxes increased $10 million for the year 
ended  December  31,  2015  compared  to  the  year  ended  December 
31, 2014 primarily driven by an increase in the assessment rate due 
to  a  change  in  asset  mix  as  well  as  an  increase  in  the  assessment 
base.  Operating  lease  expense  increased  $7  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 31, 2014 
due  primarily  to  an  increase  in  depreciation  on  operating  lease 
equipment. 

The Bancorp continues to focus on efficiency initiatives as part 
of its core emphasis on operating leverage and expense control. The 
efficiency  ratio  (noninterest  expense  divided  by  the  sum  of  net 
interest  income  (FTE)  and  noninterest  income)  was  57.6%  for  the 
year  ended  December  31,  2015  compared  to  61.1%  for  the  year 
ended December 31, 2014. 

and directors. When the actual tax deduction for these stock-based 
awards  is  less  than  the  expense  previously  recognized  for  financial 
reporting  or  when  the  awards  expire  unexercised  and  where  the 
Bancorp  has  not  accumulated  an  excess  tax  benefit  for  previously 
exercised or released stock-based awards, the Bancorp is required to 
recognize a non-cash charge to income tax expense upon the write-
off of the deferred tax asset previously established for these stock-
based  awards.  As  the  Bancorp  had  an  accumulated  excess  tax 
benefit  at  December  31,  2015  and  2014,  the  Bancorp  was  not 
required  to  recognize  a  non-cash  charge  to  income  tax  expense 
during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.  

Based on the Bancorp’s stock price at December 31, 2015 and 
the  Bancorp’s  accumulation  of  an  excess  tax  benefit  through  the 
period  ended  December  31,  2015,  the  Bancorp  does  not  believe  it 
will  be  required  to  recognize  a  non-cash  charge  to  income  tax 
expense over the next twelve months related to stock-based awards. 
However, the Bancorp cannot predict its stock price or whether its 
employees  will  exercise  other  stock-based  awards  with  lower 
exercise  prices  in  the  future.  Therefore,  it  is  possible  the  Bancorp 
may  be  required  to  recognize  a  non-cash  charge  to  income  tax 
expense in the future. 

The following table presents the Bancorp’s income before income taxes, applicable income tax expense and effective tax rate:   

TABLE 17: APPLICABLE INCOME TAXES 
For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 
Income before income taxes  
Applicable income tax expense  
Effective tax rate 

$

2015  

2,365  
659  
 27.8 % 

2014  

2,028  
545  
 26.9  

2013  

 2,598      
 772      
 29.7      

2012  

2,210  
636  
 28.8  

2011  

 1,831  
 533  
 29.1  

41  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
        
  
 
        
  
  
        
        
        
        
     
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
        
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

BUSINESS SEGMENT REVIEW 
The  Bancorp  reports  on  four  business  segments:  Commercial 
Banking,  Branch  Banking,  Consumer  Lending  and  Investment 
Advisors.  Additional  financial 
information  on  each  business 
segment  is  included  in  Note  30  of  the  Notes  to  Consolidated 
Financial  Statements.  Results  of  the  Bancorp’s  business  segments 
are presented based on its management structure and management 
accounting  practices.  The  structure  and  accounting  practices  are 
specific  to  the  Bancorp;  therefore,  the  financial  results  of  the 
Bancorp’s  business  segments  are  not  necessarily  comparable  with 
similar  information  for  other  financial  institutions.  The  Bancorp 
refines  its  methodologies  from  time  to  time  as  management’s 
accounting practices or businesses change.  

The  Bancorp  manages  interest  rate  risk  centrally  at  the 
corporate  level  and  employs  an  FTP  methodology  at  the  business 
segment  level.  This  methodology  insulates  the  business  segments 
from  interest  rate  volatility,  enabling  them  to  focus  on  serving 
customers  through  loan  and  deposit  products.  The  FTP  system 
assigns  charge  rates  and  credit  rates  to  classes  of  assets  and 
liabilities,  respectively,  based  on  expected  duration  and  the  U.S. 
swap curve. Matching duration allocates interest income and interest 
expense  to  each  segment  so  its  resulting  net  interest  income  is 
insulated  from  interest  rate  risk.  In  a  rising  rate  environment,  the 
Bancorp  benefits  from  the  widening  spread  between  deposit  costs 
and  wholesale  funding  costs.  However,  the  Bancorp’s  FTP  system 
credits this benefit to deposit-providing businesses, such as Branch 
Banking and Investment Advisors, on a duration-adjusted basis. The 
net  impact  of  the  FTP  methodology  is  captured  in  General 
Corporate and Other.   

The following table summarizes net income (loss) by business segment:

TABLE 18: NET INCOME (LOSS) BY BUSINESS SEGMENT 
For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 
Income Statement Data 
Commercial Banking 
Branch Banking 
Consumer Lending 
Investment Advisors 
General Corporate & Other 
Net income 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 
Net income attributable to Bancorp 
Dividends on preferred stock 
Net income available to common shareholders 

The  Bancorp  adjusts  the  FTP  charge  and  credit  rates  as 
dictated  by  changes  in  interest  rates  for  various  interest-earning 
assets and interest-bearing liabilities and by review of the estimated 
durations  for  the  indeterminate-lived  deposits.  The  credit  rate 
provided  for  demand  deposit  accounts  is  reviewed  annually  based 
upon the account type, its estimated duration and the corresponding 
federal  funds,  U.S.  swap  curve  or  swap  rate.  The  credit  rates  for 
several  deposit  products  were  reset  January  1,  2015  to  reflect  the 
current market rates and updated duration assumptions. These rates 
were  generally  lower  than  those  in  place  during  2014,  thus  net 
interest  income  for  deposit-providing  businesses  was  negatively 
impacted during 2015.  

The business segments are charged provision expense based on 
the  actual  net  charge-offs  experienced  on  the  loans  and  leases 
owned by each business segment. Provision expense attributable to 
loan and lease growth and changes in ALLL factors are captured in 
General Corporate and Other. The financial results of the business 
segments  include  allocations  for  shared  services  and  headquarters 
expenses.  Additionally,  the  business  segments  form  synergies  by 
taking  advantage  of  cross-sell  opportunities  and  when  funding 
operations by accessing the capital markets as a collective unit.  

The  results  of  operations  and  financial  position  for  the  years 
ended  December  31,  2014  and  2013  were  adjusted  to  reflect  the 
transfer  of  certain  customers  and  Bancorp  employees  from 
Commercial Banking to Branch Banking, effective January 1, 2015. 
In  addition,  the  balances  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2014 
and  2013  were  adjusted  to  reflect  a  change  in  internal  allocation 
methodology. 

2015  

2014  

2013  

$ 

$ 

 739 
 311 
 112 
 58 
 486 
 1,706 
 (6)
 1,712 
 75 
 1,637 

 800 
 365 
 (66)
 54 
 330 
 1,483 
 2 
 1,481 
 67 
 1,414 

 798 
 219 
 187 
 68 
 554 
 1,826 
 (10)
 1,836 
 37 
 1,799 

42  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
  
     
  
  
  
  
  
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

Commercial Banking 
Commercial Banking offers credit intermediation, cash management 
and  financial  services  to  large  and  middle-market  businesses  and 
government  and  professional  customers.  In  addition  to  the 
traditional  lending  and  depository  offerings,  Commercial  Banking 

products  and  services  include  global  cash  management,  foreign 
exchange  and  international  trade  finance,  derivatives  and  capital 
markets  services,  asset-based  lending,  real  estate  finance,  public 
finance, commercial leasing and syndicated finance.  

The following table contains selected financial data for the Commercial Banking segment: 

$ 

2015  

2014  

2013  

 1,646 
 239 

 1,648 
 235 

TABLE 19: COMMERCIAL BANKING  
For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions)  
Income Statement Data  
Net interest income (FTE)(a) 
Provision for loan and lease losses  
Noninterest income:  
    Corporate banking revenue  
    Service charges on deposits  
    Other noninterest income  
Noninterest expense:  
    Personnel costs  
    Other noninterest expense  
Income before income taxes  
Applicable income tax expense(a)(b) 
Net income  
Average Balance Sheet Data  
Commercial loans and leases, including held for sale  
Demand deposits  
Interest checking deposits  
Savings and money market deposits  
Other time deposits and certificates $100,000 and over  
Foreign office deposits  
(a) 
(b)  Applicable income tax expense for all periods includes the tax benefit from tax-exempt income and business tax credits, partially offset by the effect of certain nondeductible expenses. Refer to the 

Includes FTE adjustments of $21 for both the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 and $20 for the year ended December 31, 2013. 

 53,010 
 20,677 
 9,069 
 6,652 
 1,230 
 813 

 50,718 
 18,381 
 7,995 
 5,792 
 1,399 
 1,817 

 47,197 
 16,582 
 7,031 
 4,844 
 1,330 
 1,483 

 304 
 1,013 
 976 
 176 
 800 

 303 
 1,099 
 858 
 119 
 739 

 306 
 924 
 975 
 177 
 798 

 391 
 262 
 158 

 429 
 280 
 171 

 378 
 284 
 191 

 1,589 
 195 

$ 

$ 

Applicable Income Taxes section of MD&A for additional information. 

Comparison of the year ended 2015 with 2014 
Net income was $739 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 
compared  to  net  income  of  $800  million  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2014. The decrease in net income was the result of an 
increase 
in 
noninterest income.  

in  noninterest  expense  coupled  with  a  decrease 

Net interest income decreased $2 million from the year ended 
December 31, 2014 primarily driven by a decline in yields of 19 bps 
on  average  commercial  loans  and  leases  and  increases  in  FTP 
charges  on  loans  and  leases  driven  by  an  increase  in  average 
balances.  These  decreases  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2015 
were  partially  offset  by  increases  in  FTP  credits  on  core  deposits 
driven by increases in average balances. 

Provision  for  loan  and  lease  losses  increased  $4  million  from 
the  year  ended  December  31,  2014.  The  increase  included  a  $102 
million  charge-off  during  the  third  quarter  of  2015  associated  with 
the  restructuring  of  a  student  loan  backed  commercial  credit 
originated in 2007. The year ended December 31, 2014 included net 
charge-offs  related  to  certain  impaired  commercial  and  industrial 
loans  in  the  first  and  third  quarters  of  2014.  Net  charge-offs  as  a 
percent of average portfolio loans and leases decreased to 45 bps for 
the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to 46 bps for the year 
ended December 31, 2014.  

Noninterest income decreased $27 million from the year ended 
December 31, 2014 due primarily to a decrease in corporate banking 
revenue partially offset by an increase in other noninterest income. 
Corporate  banking  revenue  decreased  $51  million  from  the  year 
ended  December  31,  2014  primarily  driven  by  decreases  in 
syndication  fees  and  lease  remarketing  fees.  The  decrease  in 
syndication  fees  was  the  result  of  decreased  activity  in  the  market 
and the Bancorp’s reduced leveraged loan appetite. The decrease in 

lease remarketing fees included the impact of impairment charges of 
$36  million  related  to  certain  operating  lease  equipment  that  was 
recognized  during  the  year  ended  December  31,  2015.  Refer  to 
Note  8  of  the  Notes  to  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  for 
additional  information.  The  decrease  in  corporate  banking  revenue 
for the year ended December 31, 2015 was partially offset by higher 
institutional sales revenue. Other noninterest income increased $20 
million from the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily driven by 
increases in gains on loan sales.  

Noninterest expense increased $85 million from the year ended 
December  31,  2014  driven  by  an  increase  in  other  noninterest 
expense.  The  increase  in  other  noninterest  expense  was  primarily 
driven  by  increases  in  corporate  overhead  allocations,  operating 
lease expense and impairment on affordable housing investments. 

industrial 

Average commercial loans increased $2.3 billion from the year 
ended  December  31,  2014  primarily  due  to  increases  in  average 
loans  and  average  commercial 
commercial  and 
construction 
in  average 
loans  partially  offset  by  a  decrease 
commercial  mortgage  loans.  Average  commercial  and  industrial 
loans  and  average  commercial  construction  loans  increased  $1.4 
billion and $1.2 billion, respectively, from the year ended December 
31, 2014 primarily as a result of an increase in new loan origination 
activity resulting from an increase in demand and targeted marketing 
efforts. Average commercial mortgage loans decreased $552 million 
from the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily due to a decline 
in new loan origination activity driven by increased competition and 
an increase in paydowns. 

Average  core  deposits  increased  $3.2  billion  from  the  year 
ended December 31, 2014. The increase was the result of growth in 
average  demand  deposits,  average  interest  checking  deposits  and 
average  savings  and  money  market  deposits  which  increased  $2.3 

43  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

billion,  $1.1  billion  and  $860  million,  respectively,  from  the  year 
ended  December  31,  2014.  This  increase  was  partially  offset  by  a 
decrease  in  average  foreign  deposits  of  $1.0  billion  from  the  year 
ended December 31, 2014. 

Comparison of the year ended 2014 with 2013 
Net income was $800 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 
compared  to  net  income  of  $798  million  for  the  year  ended 
December  31,  2013.  The  increase  in  net  income  was  the  result  of 
increases  in  net  interest  income  and  noninterest  income  partially 
offset by increases in noninterest expense and the provision for loan 
and lease losses. 

Net interest income increased $59 million from the year ended 
December 31, 2013 primarily due to growth in average commercial 
construction loans, an increase in FTP credits due to an increase in 
demand deposits and a decrease in FTP charges, partially offset by a 
decline in yields of 29 bps, on average commercial loans. 

Provision for loan and lease losses increased $40 million from 
the year ended December 31, 2013 due to an increase in net charge-
offs  related  to  certain  impaired  commercial  and  industrial  loans  in 
the first and third quarters of 2014. Net charge-offs as a percent of 
average  portfolio  loans  and  leases  increased  to 46  bps  for  the year 
ended December 31, 2014 compared to 41 bps for the year ended 
December 31, 2013.  

Noninterest income increased $69 million from the year ended 
December 31, 2013 due to increases in corporate banking revenue, 
service  charges  on  deposits  and  other  noninterest 
income. 
Corporate  banking  revenue  increased  $38  million  from  the  year 
ended  December  31,  2013  primarily  driven  by 
in 
syndication  fees  and  lease  remarketing  fees.  Service  charges  on 
deposits  increased  $18  million  from  the  year  ended  December  31, 

increases 

2013 primarily driven by higher commercial deposit revenue which 
increased  due  to  the  acquisition  of  new  customers  and  product 
expansion.  Other  noninterest  income  increased  $13  million  from 
the  year  ended  December  31,  2013  primarily  due  to  increases  in 
operating lease income and card and processing revenue. 

Noninterest expense increased $87 million from the year ended 
December  31,  2013  primarily  as  a  result  of  an  increase  in  other 
noninterest  expense.  Other  noninterest  expense  increased  $89 
million from the year ended December 31, 2013 driven by increases 
in  corporate  overhead  allocations, 
impairment  on  affordable 
housing investments and operating lease expense. 

industrial 

Average commercial loans increased $3.5 billion from the year 
ended  December  31,  2013  primarily  due  to  increases  in  average 
loans  and  average  commercial 
commercial  and 
construction 
in  average 
loans  partially  offset  by  a  decrease 
commercial  mortgage  loans.  Average  commercial  and  industrial 
loans  and  average  commercial  construction  loans  increased  $3.5 
billion  and  $684  million,  respectively,  from  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2013 as a result of an increase in new loan origination 
activity and utilization resulting from a strengthening economy and 
targeted  marketing  efforts.  Average  commercial  mortgage  loans 
decreased $671 million from the year ended December 31, 2013 due 
to continued run-off as the level of new originations was less than 
the repayments on the current portfolio. 

Average  core  deposits  increased  $4.0  billion  from  the  year 
ended December 31, 2013. The increase was the result of growth in 
average  demand  deposits,  average 
interest  checking  deposits, 
average  savings  and  money  market  deposits  and  average  foreign 
deposits which increased $1.8 billion, $964 million, $948 million and 
$334 million, respectively, from the year ended December 31, 2013. 

44  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

Branch Banking  
Branch Banking provides a full range of deposit and loan products 
to  individuals  and  small  businesses  through  1,254  full-service 
banking  centers.  Branch  Banking  offers  depository  and  loan 
products, such as checking and savings accounts, home equity loans 

and lines of credit, credit cards and loans for automobiles and other 
personal financing needs, as well as products designed to meet the 
specific  needs  of  small  businesses,  including  cash  management 
services.  

The following table contains selected financial data for the Branch Banking segment: 

TABLE 20: BRANCH BANKING 
For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 
Income Statement Data 
Net interest income  
Provision for loan and lease losses 
Noninterest income: 
    Service charges on deposits 
    Card and processing revenue 
    Investment advisory revenue 
    Other noninterest income 
Noninterest expense: 
    Personnel costs 
    Net occupancy and equipment expense 
    Card and processing expense 
    Other noninterest expense 
Income before income taxes 
Applicable income tax expense 
Net income 
Average Balance Sheet Data 
Consumer loans, including held for sale 
Commercial loans, including held for sale 
Demand deposits 
Interest checking deposits 
Savings and money market deposits 
Other time deposits and certificates $100,000 and over 

2015  

2014  

2013  

$ 

 1,555 
 159 

 1,573 
 181 

 1,380 
 211 

 277 
 236 
 157 
 (18)

 524 
 248 
 145 
 650 
 481 
 170 
 311 

 278 
 227 
 152 
 69 

 539 
 246 
 133 
 636 
 564 
 199 
 365 

 284 
 208 
 147 
 106 

 550 
 241 
 125 
 660 
 338 
 119 
 219 

 14,374 
 2,021 
 12,715 
 9,128 
 25,342 
 5,161 

 14,978 
 2,175 
 11,781 
 9,071 
 24,065 
 4,690 

 15,223 
 2,370 
 11,284 
 8,905 
 22,252 
 4,709 

$ 

$ 

Comparison of the year ended 2015 with 2014 
Net income was $311 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 
compared  to  net  income  of  $365  million  for  the  year  ended 
December  31,  2014.  The  decrease  was  driven  by  decreases  in 
noninterest income and net interest income as well as an increase in 
noninterest  expense  partially  offset  by  a  decrease  in  the  provision 
for loan and lease losses.  

Net interest income decreased $18 million from the year ended 
December  31,  2014  primarily  driven  by  changes  made  to  the 
Bancorp’s deposit advance product beginning January 1, 2015 and a 
decline  in  interest  income  on  home  equity  loans  and  residential 
mortgage  loans  driven  by  decreases  in  average  balances  partially 
offset  by  a  decrease  in  FTP  charges  due  to  the  decrease  in  these 
average  balances.  The  decline  in  net  interest  income  was  partially 
offset  by  a  decrease  in  interest  expense  on  core  deposits  due  to  a 
decline in the rates paid and by increases in the benefits from FTP 
credits  for  demand  deposits,  other  time  deposits  and  interest 
checking deposits. 

Provision for loan and lease losses decreased $22 million from 
the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily due to improved credit 
trends. Net charge-offs as a percent of average portfolio loans and 
leases  decreased  to  96  bps  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2015 
compared to 106 bps for the year ended December 31, 2014. 

Noninterest income decreased $74 million from the year ended 
December 31, 2014. The decrease was primarily driven by decreases 
in other noninterest income partially offset by increases in card and 
processing  revenue  and 
investment  advisory  revenue.  Other 
noninterest  income  decreased  $87  million  from  the  year  ended 
losses 
December  31,  2014  primarily  driven  by 
associated  with  lower  of  cost  or  market  adjustments  on  long-lived 

impairment 

assets  of  $109  million  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2015 
compared  to  $20  million  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2014. 
Refer to Note 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
for  additional  information  on  impairment  of  bank  premises  and 
equipment. Card and processing revenue increased $9 million from 
the  year  ended  December  31,  2014  primarily  due  to  an  increase  in 
the  number  of  actively  used  cards  and  an  increase  in  customer 
spend  volume.  Investment  advisory  revenue  increased  $5  million 
from  the  year  ended  December  31,  2014  primarily  due  to  an 
increase  of  $3  million  in  recurring  securities  brokerage  fees  driven 
by higher sales volume and an increase of $2 million in private client 
service fees due to an increase in personal asset management fees. 

increases 

Noninterest expense increased $13 million from the year ended 
December  31,  2014  primarily  driven  by 
in  other 
noninterest expense and card and processing expense partially offset 
by  a  decrease  in  personnel  costs.  Other  noninterest  expense 
increased $14 million from the year ended December 31, 2014 due 
to  higher  operational  losses  and  an  increase  in  corporate  overhead 
allocations. Card and processing expense increased $12 million from 
the  year  ended  December  31,  2014  driven  by  increased  fraud 
prevention related expenses. Personnel costs decreased $15 million 
from  the  year  ended  December  31,  2014  driven  by  a  decrease  in 
employee  benefits  expense  due  to  changes  in  the  Bancorp’s 
employee benefit plan implemented in 2015 as well as a decrease in 
base  compensation  due  to  a  decline  in  the  number  of  full-time 
equivalent employees. 

Average consumer loans decreased $604 million from the year 
ended  December  31,  2014  primarily  due  to  a  decrease  in  average 
home  equity  loans  and  average  residential  mortgage  loans  of  $336 
million and $261 million, respectively, as payoffs exceeded new loan 

45  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
     
  
  
  
     
  
  
  
  
  
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

production. Average commercial loans decreased $154 million from 
the  year  ended  December  31,  2014  primarily  due  to  a  decrease  in 
average  commercial  mortgage  loans  and  average  commercial  and 
industrial  loans  of  $97  million  and  $63  million,  respectively,  as 
payoffs exceeded new loan production. 

 Average  core  deposits  increased  $2.6  billion  from  the  year 
ended December 31, 2014 primarily driven by net growth in average 
savings  and  money  market  deposits  of  $1.3  billion  and  growth  in 
average demand deposits of $934 million. The net growth in average 
savings  and  money  market  deposits  was  driven  by  a  promotional 
product  offering  and  the  growth  in  average  demand  deposits  was 
driven by an increase in average account balances. 

Comparison of the year ended 2014 with 2013 
Net income was $365 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 
compared  to  net  income  of  $219  million  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2013. The increase was driven by an increase in net 
interest  income  and  decreases  in  the  provision  for  loan  and  lease 
losses  and  noninterest  expense  partially  offset  by  a  decrease  in 
noninterest income.  

Net  interest  income  increased  $193  million  from  the  year 
ended December 31, 2013 primarily driven by increases in the FTP 
credit  rates  for  savings  and  money  market  deposits,  demand 
deposits  and  interest  checking  deposits  and  a  decrease  in  the  FTP 
charges on loans and leases. These increases were partially offset by 
declines  in  yields  on  average  commercial  loans  and  a  decrease  in 
interest  income  relating  to  the  Bancorp’s  decision  to  no  longer 
enroll new customers in the deposit advance product. 

Provision  for  loan  and  lease  losses  for  December  31,  2014 
decreased $30 million from the year ended December 31, 2013 as a 
result  of  improved  credit  trends.  Net  charge-offs  as  a  percent  of 
average portfolio loans and leases decreased to 106 bps for the year 
ended December 31, 2014 compared to 119 bps for the year ended 
December 31, 2013. 

Noninterest income decreased $19 million from the year ended 
December 31, 2013. The decrease was primarily driven by decreases 
in other noninterest income and service charges on deposits partially 
offset  by  an  increase  in  card  and  processing  revenue.  Other 
noninterest  income  decreased  $37  million  from  the  year  ended 

December  31,  2013  primarily  due  to  $20  million  in  impairment 
charges during the year ended December 31, 2014 for branches and 
land.  The  remaining  decrease  in  other  noninterest  income  was 
primarily  due  to  decreases  in  gains  on  loan  sales  and  mortgage 
origination  fees  and  retail  service  fees.  Service  charges  on  deposits 
decreased  $6  million  from  the  year  ended  December  31,  2013 
primarily due to a decrease in consumer checking and savings  fees 
from  a  decline  in  the  percentage  of  consumer  customers  being 
charged  service  fees.  Card  and  processing  revenue  increased  $19 
million from the year ended December 31, 2013 primarily as a result 
of an increase in the number of actively used cards as well as higher 
processing fees related to additional ATM locations.  

Noninterest  expense  decreased  $22  million  from  the  year 
ended  December  31,  2013  primarily  driven  by  decreases  in  other 
noninterest expense and personnel costs partially offset by increases 
in  card  and  processing  expense  and  net  occupancy  and  equipment 
expense. Other noninterest expense decreased $24 million from the 
year  ended  December  31,  2013  primarily  due  to  lower  marketing 
expense and loan and lease expense. Personnel costs decreased $11 
million from the year ended December 31, 2013 primarily driven by 
lower  compensation  costs  due  to  a  decline  in  the  number  of  full-
time  equivalent  employees.  Card  and  processing  expense  increased 
$8 million from the year ended December 31, 2013 primarily due to 
higher rewards expense relating to credit cards and increased fraud-
related charges. Net occupancy and equipment expense increased $5 
million from the year ended December 31, 2013 primarily due to an 
increase in rent expense driven by additional ATM locations. 

Average consumer loans decreased $245 million from the year 
ended  December  31,  2013  primarily  due  to  a  decrease  in  average 
home  equity  loans  of  $382  million  as  payoffs  exceeded  new 
advances  and  new  loan  production.  This  decrease  was  partially 
offset  by  an  increase  in  average  credit  card  loans  of  $146  million 
from  the  year  ended  December  31,  2013  primarily  due  to  an 
increase in open and active accounts driven by the volume of new 
accounts. 

 Average  core  deposits  increased  $2.5  billion  from  the  year 
ended December 31, 2013 primarily driven by net growth in average 
savings  and  money  market  deposits  of  $1.8  billion  and  growth  in 
average demand deposits of $497 million. 

46  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

Consumer Lending 
Consumer  Lending  includes  the  Bancorp’s  residential  mortgage, 
home equity, automobile and other indirect lending activities. Direct 
lending activities include the origination, retention and servicing of 
residential mortgage and home equity loans or lines of credit, sales 

and securitizations of those loans, pools of loans or lines of credit 
and  all  associated  hedging  activities.  Indirect  lending  activities 
include  loans  to  consumers  through  correspondent  lenders  and 
automobile dealers.  

The following table contains selected financial data for the Consumer Lending segment: 

TABLE 21: CONSUMER LENDING 
For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 
Income Statement Data 
Net interest income  
Provision for loan and lease losses 
Noninterest income: 
    Mortgage banking net revenue 
    Other noninterest income 
Noninterest expense: 
    Personnel costs 
    Other noninterest expense 
Income (loss) before income taxes 
Applicable income tax expense (benefit) 
Net income (loss) 
Average Balance Sheet Data 
Residential mortgage loans, including held for sale 
Home equity 
Automobile loans, including held for sale 
Other consumer loans and leases, including held for sale 

Comparison of the year ended 2015 with 2014 
Net income was $112 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 
compared to a net loss of $66 million for the year ended December 
31,  2014.  The  increase  was  driven  by  decreases  in  noninterest 
expense  and  the  provision  for  loan  and  lease  losses  as  well  as  an 
increase  in  noninterest  income  partially  offset  by  a  decrease  in  net 
interest income. 

Net interest income decreased $9 million from the year ended 
December  31,  2014  primarily  driven  by  lower  yields  on  average 
residential  mortgage  loans  and  average  automobile  loans  and  a 
decline in average home equity loans partially offset by decreases in 
FTP charge rates on loans and leases. 

The provision for loan and lease losses decreased $111 million 
from the year ended December 31, 2014 as the prior year included 
an $87 million charge-off related to the transfer of certain residential 
mortgage  loans  from  the  portfolio  to  held  for  sale  in  the  fourth 
quarter of 2014. The decrease was also due to improved delinquency 
metrics  on  residential  mortgage  loans  and  home  equity  loans.  Net 
charge-offs  as  a  percent  of  average  portfolio  loans  and  leases 
decreased  to  22  bps  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2015 
compared to 77 bps for the year ended December 31, 2014.  

Noninterest income increased $57 million from the year ended 
December 31, 2014 as a result of increases in mortgage banking net 
revenue  and  other  noninterest  income.  Mortgage  banking  net 
revenue  increased  $36  million  from  the  year  ended  December  31, 
2014  driven  by  a  $16  million  increase  in  mortgage  origination  fees 
and gains on loan sales and a $20 million increase in net mortgage 
servicing  revenue.  Refer  to  the  Noninterest  Income  section  of 
MD&A for additional information on the fluctuations in mortgage 
banking  net  revenue.  Other  noninterest  income  increased  $21 
million from the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily driven by 
a $37 million gain on the sale of held for sale residential mortgage 
loans  classified  as  TDRs  in  the  first  quarter  of  2015.  This  increase 
was partially offset by a decrease in retail service fees. 

Noninterest  expense  decreased  $118  million  from  the  year 
ended December 31, 2014 driven by a decrease in other noninterest 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2015  

2014  

2013  

 249 
 45 

 341 
 66 

 185 
 251 
 175 
 63 
 112 

 258 
 156 

 305 
 45 

 181 
 373 
 (102)
 (36)
 (66)

 312 
 93 

 688 
 67 

 281 
 404 
 289 
 102 
 187 

 9,251 
 424 
 11,341 
 11 

 8,866 
 496 
 11,517 
 19 

 10,222 
 572 
 11,409 
 16 

expense of $122 million. The decrease in other noninterest expense 
was primarily due to decreased legal expenses and operational losses 
partially offset by an increase in corporate overhead allocations. 

Average  consumer  loans  and  leases  increased  $129  million 
from  the  year  ended  December  31,  2014.  Average  residential 
mortgage  loans  increased  $385  million  from  the  year  ended 
December  31,  2014  primarily  due  to  the  continued  retention  of 
certain  conforming  ARMs  and  certain  other  fixed-rate  loans. 
Average automobile loans and average home equity loans decreased 
$176  million  and  $72  million,  respectively,  from  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2014 as payoffs exceeded new loan production.  

Comparison of the year ended 2014 with 2013 
Consumer  Lending  incurred  a  net  loss  of  $66  million  for  the  year 
ended December 31, 2014 compared to net income of $187 million 
from the year ended December 31, 2013. The decrease was driven 
by decreases in net interest income and noninterest income and an 
increase in the provision for loan and lease losses partially offset by 
a decrease in noninterest expense. 

Net interest income decreased $54 million from the year ended 
December 31, 2013 primarily due to decreases in average residential 
mortgage  loans  and  average  home  equity  loans  as  well  as  lower 
yields on average automobile loans partially offset by a decrease in 
FTP charges on loans and leases. 

The  provision  for  loan  and  lease  losses  increased  $63  million 
from  the  year  ended  December  31,  2013  primarily  due  to  an  $87 
million  charge-off  related  to  the  transfer  of  certain  residential 
mortgage  loans  from  the  portfolio  to  held  for  sale  in  the  fourth 
quarter of 2014 partially offset by improved delinquency metrics on 
home equity loans. Net charge-offs as a percent of average portfolio 
loans and leases increased to 77 bps for the year ended December 
31,  2014  compared  to  46  bps  for  the  year  ended  December  31, 
2013.  

Noninterest  income  decreased  $405  million  from  the  year 
ended  December  31,  2013  as  a  result  of  decreases  in  mortgage 
banking net revenue of $383 million and other noninterest income 

47  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
     
  
  
  
     
  
  
  
  
  
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

of $22 million. The decrease in mortgage banking net revenue was 
due to a $293 million decline in mortgage origination fees and gains 
on  loan  sales  due  to  a  decline  in  mortgage  originations  and  a  $90 
million decrease in net mortgage servicing revenue. The decrease in 
other  noninterest  income  was  primarily  due  to  a  $16  million 
decrease in securities gains. 

Noninterest  expense  decreased  $131  million  due  to  decreases 
of  $100  million  in  personnel  costs  and  $31  million  in  other 
noninterest expense from the year ended December 31, 2013.  The 
decrease  in  personnel  costs  was  primarily  the  result  of  lower 
mortgage  loan  originations.  The  decrease  in  other  noninterest 
expense  was  primarily  due  to  decreases  in  loan  and  lease  expense 
and corporate overhead allocations. 

Average consumer loans and leases decreased $1.3 billion from 
the  year  ended  December  31,  2013.  Average  residential  mortgage 

loans decreased $1.4 billion from the year ended December 31, 2013 
due  primarily  to  a  decline  of  $1.5  billion  in  average  residential 
mortgage  loans  held  for  sale  from  reduced  origination  volumes 
driven by a reduction in refinance activity and the exit of the broker 
origination  channel  during  2014.  This  decrease  was  partially  offset 
by  the  continued  retention  of  certain  shorter  term  residential 
mortgage loans originated through the Bancorp’s retail branches and 
the  decision  to  retain  certain  conforming  ARMs  and  certain  other 
fixed-rate  loans  originated  during  the  year  ended  December  31, 
2014.  Average  home  equity  loans  decreased  $76  million  from  the 
year  ended  December  31,  2013  as  payoffs  exceeded  new  loan 
production. Average automobile loans increased $108 million from 
the  year  ended  December  31,  2013  due  to  new  originations 
exceeding run-off. 

Investment Advisors 
Investment Advisors provides a full range of investment alternatives 
for 
individuals,  companies  and  not-for-profit  organizations. 
Investment  Advisors  is  made  up  of  four  main  businesses:  FTS,  an 
indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bancorp; ClearArc Capital, 
Inc.,  an  indirect  wholly-owned  subsidiary  of  the  Bancorp;  Fifth 
Third  Private  Bank;  and  Fifth  Third  Institutional  Services.  FTS 

offers full-service retail brokerage services to individual clients  and 
broker  dealer  services  to  the  institutional  marketplace.  ClearArc 
Capital,  Inc.  provides  asset  management  services.  Fifth  Third 
Private  Bank  offers  holistic  strategies  to  affluent  clients  in  wealth 
planning,  investing,  insurance  and  wealth  protection.  Fifth  Third 
Institutional  Services  provides  advisory  services  for  institutional 
clients including states and municipalities. 

The following table contains selected financial data for the Investment Advisors segment: 

TABLE 22: INVESTMENT ADVISORS 
For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 
Income Statement Data 
Net interest income  
Provision for loan and lease losses 
Noninterest income: 
    Investment advisory revenue 
    Other noninterest income 
Noninterest expense: 
    Personnel costs 
    Other noninterest expense 
Income before income taxes 
Applicable income tax expense 
Net income 
Average Balance Sheet Data 
Loans and leases, including held for sale 
Core deposits 

2015  

2014  

2013  

 128 
 3 

 406 
 12 

 170 
 285 
 88 
 30 
 58 

 121 
 3 

 397 
 13 

 162 
 283 
 83 
 29 
 54 

 154 
 2 

 384 
 22 

 159 
 294 
 105 
 37 
 68 

 2,805 
 9,357 

 2,270 
 9,535 

 2,014 
 8,815 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Comparison of the year ended 2015 with 2014 
Net income was $58 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 
compared  to  net  income  of  $54  million  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2014. The increase in net income was primarily  due 
to increases in net interest income and noninterest income partially 
offset by an increase in noninterest expense.  

Net  interest  income  increased  $7  million  from  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2014 primarily due to increases in interest income on 
loans and leases and FTP credits on demand deposits both due to 
increases in average balances as well as an increase in FTP credits on 
interest  checking  deposits  due  to  an  increase  in  FTP  credit  rates. 
These increases were partially offset by increases on FTP charges on 
loans and leases driven by increases in average balances. 

Noninterest  income  increased  $8  million  from  the  year  ended 
December  31,  2014  primarily  due  to  a  $9  million  increase  in 
investment  advisory  revenue  driven  by  increases  in  recurring 
securities brokerage fees and private client service fees. 

Noninterest expense increased $10 million from the year ended 
December  31,  2014  primarily  due  to  increases  in  personnel  costs 
due to higher incentive compensation and base compensation.   

Average loans and leases increased $535 million from the year 
ended  December  31,  2014  primarily  driven  by  increases  in  average 
residential  mortgage  loans  and  average  other  consumer  loans  as  a 
result of increases in new loan origination activity partially offset by 
a  decrease  in  average  home  equity  loans  as  payoffs  exceeded  new 
loan production.  

Average  core  deposits  decreased  $178  million  from  the  year 
ended  December  31,  2014  primarily  due  to  a  decrease  in  average 
interest  checking  balances  partially  offset  by  increases  in  average 
savings and money market deposits and average demand deposits. 

Comparison of the year ended 2014 with 2013 
Net income was $54 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 
compared  to  net  income  of  $68  million  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2013. The decrease in net income was primarily due 
to a decrease in net interest income partially offset by a decrease in 
noninterest expense and an increase in noninterest income.  

Net interest income decreased $33 million from the year ended 
December  31,  2013  primarily  due  to  a  decrease  in  the  FTP  credit 
rate on certain interest checking deposits. 

48  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

Noninterest  income  increased  $4  million  from  the  year  ended 
December  31,  2013  due  to  a  $13  million  increase  in  investment 
advisory  revenue  primarily  driven  by  an  increase  of  $12  million  in 
private  client  services  revenue  due  to  growth  in  personal  asset 
management  fees  partially  offset  by  a  decrease  in  securities  broker 
fees  due  to  a  decline  in  transactional  brokerage  revenue.  This 
increase  was  partially  offset  by  a  $9  million  decrease  in  other 
noninterest  income  as  other  noninterest  income  in  the  prior  year 
included gains on the sale of certain advisory contracts. 

Noninterest expense decreased $8 million from the year ended 
December 31, 2013 primarily due to a decrease in other noninterest 

General Corporate and Other 
General  Corporate  and  Other  includes  the  unallocated  portion  of 
the  investment  securities  portfolio,  securities  gains  and  losses, 
certain  non-core  deposit  funding,  unassigned  equity,  provision 
expense in excess of net charge-offs or a benefit from the reduction 
of  the  ALLL,  representation  and  warranty  expense  in  excess  of 
actual losses or a benefit from the reduction of representation and 
warranty  reserves,  the  payment  of  preferred  stock  dividends  and 
certain  support  activities  and  other  items  not  attributed  to  the 
business segments. 

Comparison of the year ended 2015 with 2014 
Net  interest  income  decreased  $24  million  from  the  year  ended 
December  31,  2014  primarily  due  to  increases  in  FTP  credits  on 
deposits  allocated  to  business  segments  driven  by  increases  in 
average deposits. The remaining decrease in net interest income was 
due  to  an  increase  in  interest  expense  on  long-term  debt  and  a 
decrease  in  the  benefit  related  to  the  FTP  charges  on  loans  and 
leases  partially  offset  by  an  increase  in  interest  income  on  taxable 
securities.  Results  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2015  were 
impacted by a benefit of $50 million compared to a benefit of $260 
million for the year ended December 31, 2014 due to reductions in 
the ALLL. 

Noninterest  income  was  $822  million  for  the  year  ended 
December  31,  2015  compared  to  $253  million  for  the  year  ended 
December  31,  2014.  The  increase  in  noninterest  income  included 
the  impact  of  a  gain  of  $331  million  on  the  sale  of  Vantiv,  Inc. 
shares  in  the  fourth  quarter  of  2015  compared  to  a  gain  of  $125 
million  in  2014.  The  positive  valuation  adjustments  on  the  stock 
warrant associated with Vantiv Holding, LLC were $236 million and 
$31  million  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2015  and  2014, 
respectively.  During  the  fourth  quarter  of  2015,  the  Bancorp 
recognized a gain of $89 million on both the sale and exercise of a 
portion  of  the  warrant  associated  with  Vantiv  Holding,  LLC. 
Additionally, the Bancorp recognized a gain of $49 million from the 
payment from Vantiv, Inc. to terminate a portion of a TRA and also 
recognized  a  gain  of  $31  million  associated  with  the  annual  TRA 
payment during the fourth quarter of 2015. The Bancorp recognized 
a  gain  of  $23  million  associated  with  the  TRA  during  the  fourth 
quarter  of  2014.  Equity  method  earnings  from  the  Bancorp’s 
interest in Vantiv Holding, LLC increased $15 million from the year 
ended  December  31,  2014.  Noninterest  income  also  included  $37 
million  in  negative  valuation  adjustments  related  to  the  Visa  total 
return swap for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $38 
million for the year ended December 31, 2014. 

Noninterest  expense  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2015 
was an expense of $64 million compared to a benefit of $15 million 
for the year ended December 31, 2014. The increase was primarily 
due  to  an  increase  in  personnel  costs  and  an  increase  in  the 
provision  for  the  reserve  for  unfunded  commitments  as  well  as 
increases  in  FDIC  insurance  and  other  taxes,  donations  expense, 
technology  and  communications  expense  and  marketing  expense. 

expense  driven  by  decreases  in  operational  losses,  marketing 
expense and corporate overhead allocations. 

Average loans and leases increased $256 million from the year 
ended  December  31,  2013  primarily  driven  by  increases  in  average 
residential  mortgage  loans  and  average  commercial  mortgage  loans 
partially offset by a decrease in average home equity loans.  

Average  core  deposits  increased  $720  million  from  the  year 
ended  December  31,  2013  due  to  growth  in  average  interest 
checking balances as customers have opted to maintain excess funds 
in liquid transaction accounts as a result of interest rates remaining 
near historic lows. 

The  increase  was  partially  offset  by  decreased  litigation  and 
regulatory  activity  and  increased  corporate  overhead  allocations 
from General Corporate and Other to the other business segments. 

Comparison of the year ended 2014 with 2013 
Net  interest  income  decreased  $146  million  from  the  year  ended 
December  31,  2013  primarily  due  to  increases  in  FTP  credits  on 
deposits  allocated  to  business  segments  driven  by  increases  in 
average deposits. The remaining decrease in net interest income was 
due  to  an  increase  in  interest  expense  on  long-term  debt  and  a 
decrease  in  the  benefit  related  to  the  FTP  charges  on  loans  and 
leases  partially  offset  by  an  increase  in  interest  income  on  taxable 
securities.  Results  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2014  were 
impacted by a benefit of $260 million compared to a benefit of $272 
for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2013  due  to  reductions  in  the 
ALLL. 

Noninterest  income  was  $253  million  for  the  year  ended 
December  31,  2014  compared  to  $654  million  for  the  year  ended 
December  31,  2013.  The  year  ended  December  31,  2014  included 
the  impact  of  a  gain  of  $125  million  on  the  sale  of  Vantiv,  Inc. 
shares  in  the  second  quarter  of  2014  compared  to  gains  totaling 
$327  million  during  the  second  and  third  quarters  of  2013.  The 
Bancorp  also  recognized  gains  of  $23  million  and  $9  million 
associated  with  a  TRA  with  Vantiv,  Inc.  in  the  fourth  quarter  of 
2014 and 2013, respectively. The positive valuation adjustments on 
the  stock  warrant  associated  with  Vantiv  Holding,  LLC  were  $31 
million  and  $206  million  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2014 
and  2013,  respectively.  Additionally,  the  equity  method  earnings 
from the Bancorp’s interest in Vantiv Holding, LLC decreased $29 
million  from  the  year  ended  December  31,  2013.  Noninterest 
income also included $38 million in negative valuation adjustments 
related to the Visa total return swap for the year ended December 
31, 2014 compared to $31 million for the year ended December 31, 
2013. 

Noninterest  expense  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2014 
was  a  benefit  of  $15  million  compared  to  an  expense  of  $161 
million  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2013.  The  decrease  was 
driven by decreases in compensation expense, FDIC insurance and 
other taxes and litigation and regulatory activity partially offset by a 
decrease  in  the  benefit  from  other  noninterest  expense  driven  by 
decreased  corporate  overhead  allocations  from  General  Corporate 
and Other to the other business segments. 

49  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

FOURTH QUARTER REVIEW 
The Bancorp’s 2015 fourth quarter net income available to common 
shareholders was $634 million, or $0.79 per diluted share, compared 
to net income available to common shareholders of $366 million, or 
$0.45 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2015 and net income 
available  to  common  shareholders  of  $362  million,  or  $0.43  per 
diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2014.  

Net interest income on an FTE basis was $904 million during 
the fourth quarter of 2015 and decreased $2 million from the third 
quarter  of  2015  and  increased  $16  million  from  the  fourth  quarter 
of 2014. The decrease from the third quarter of 2015 was primarily 
driven  by  the  impact  of  the  issuance  of  $2.4  billion  of  long-term 
debt  during  the  third  quarter  of  2015,  the  $750  million  auto 
securitization completed in November of 2015 and commercial loan 
yield  compression,  partially  offset  by  higher  average  loan  balances. 
The  increase  in  net  interest  income  in  comparison  to  the  fourth 
quarter of 2014 was driven by higher investment securities balances, 
partially offset by a decline due to changes to the Bancorp’s deposit 
advance product beginning January 1, 2015.  

Fourth  quarter  2015  noninterest  income  of  $1.1  billion 
increased  $391  million  compared  to  the  third  quarter  of  2015  and 
increased $451 million compared to the fourth quarter of 2014. The 
increase  from  the  third  quarter  of  2015  was  primarily  due  to  an 
increase  in  other  noninterest  income.  The  year-over-year  increase 
was primarily the result of increases in other noninterest income and 
mortgage  banking  net  revenue,  partially  offset  by  lower  corporate 
banking revenue. 

Service  charges  on  deposits  of  $144  million  decreased  $1 
million  from  the  previous  quarter  and  increased  $2  million 
compared  to  the  fourth  quarter  of  2014.  The  decrease  from  the 
third quarter of 2015 was primarily due to a decrease in retail service 
charges due to lower overdraft occurrences. The increase from the 
fourth  quarter  of  2014  was  driven  by  an  increase  in  commercial 
service  charges  due  to  an  increase  in  activity  from  existing 
customers and new customer acquisition.  

Corporate banking revenue of $104 million was flat compared 
to  the  previous  quarter  and  decreased  $16  million  from  the  fourth 
quarter  of  2014.  The  year-over-year  decrease  was  driven  by  lower 
loan  syndications  revenue,  foreign  exchange  fees  and  business 
lending  fees,  partially  offset  by  higher  lease  remarketing  and 
institutional sales revenue. The decrease in syndication fees from the 
fourth  quarter  of  2014  was  the  result  of  decreased  activity  in  the 
market and the Bancorp’s reduced leveraged loan appetite. 

Mortgage  banking  net  revenue  was  $74  million  in  the  fourth 
quarter of 2015 compared to $71 million in the third quarter of 2015 
and $61 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. Fourth quarter 2015 
originations  were  $1.8  billion,  compared  with  $2.3  billion  in  the 
previous  quarter  and  $1.7  billion  in  the  fourth  quarter  of  2014. 
Fourth quarter 2015 originations resulted in gains of $37 million on 
mortgages  sold,  compared  with  gains  of  $46  million  during  the 
previous quarter and $36 million during the fourth quarter of 2014. 
The decrease from the prior quarter was driven by lower production 
due to an increase in interest rates during the fourth quarter of 2015. 
The  increase  from  the  prior  year  was  due  to  stronger  refinancing 
activity during the fourth quarter of 2015. Gross mortgage servicing 
fees were $53 million in the fourth quarter of 2015, $54 million in 
the  third  quarter  of  2015  and  $60  million  in  the  fourth  quarter  of 
2014. Mortgage banking net revenue is also affected by net servicing 
asset  valuation  adjustments,  which  include  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 and negative $29 million in the fourth and third 

50  Fifth Third Bancorp 

quarters of 2015, respectively, and negative $34 million in the fourth 
quarter of 2014.  

Investment  advisory  revenue  of  $102  million  decreased  $1 
million from the previous quarter and increased $2 million from the 
fourth quarter of 2014. The decline from the third quarter of 2015 
was  due  to  a  decrease  in  securities  and  brokerage  fees.  The  year-
over-year  increase  was  due  to  an  increase  in  private  client  services 
revenue.  

Card and processing revenue of $77 million was flat compared 
to  the  third  quarter  of  2015  and  increased  $1 million  compared  to 
the  fourth  quarter  of  2014.  The  increase  from  the  prior  year  was 
driven  by  an  increase  in  the  number  of  actively  used  cards  and  an 
increase in customer spend volume. 

Other  noninterest  income  of  $602  million  increased  $389 
million  compared  to  the  third  quarter  of  2015  and  increased  $452 
million from the fourth quarter of 2014. Fourth quarter 2015 results 
included  a  $331  million  gain  on  the  sale  of  Vantiv,  Inc.  shares,  an 
$89  million  gain  on  both  the  sale  and  exercise  of  a  portion  of  the 
warrant  associated  with  Vantiv,  Holding,  LLC,  a  $49  million  gain 
from a payment received from Vantiv, Inc. to terminate a portion of 
the TRA, a $31 million gain from Vantiv, Inc. pursuant to the TRA 
and  a  $21  million  positive  valuation  adjustment  on  the  Vantiv 
Holding, LLC warrant. This compares with a $130 million positive 
warrant valuation adjustment in the third quarter of 2015, and a $56 
million  positive  warrant  valuation  adjustment  in  the  fourth  quarter 
of  2014  as  well  as  $23  million  in  gains  pursuant  to  Fifth  Third’s 
TRA with Vantiv Holding, LLC recognized in the fourth quarter of 
2014. Quarterly results also 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 $10 million, $8 million and $19 million in the fourth quarter of 
2015,  the  third  quarter  of  2015  and  the  fourth  quarter  of  2014, 
respectively. 

The  net  gains  on  investment  securities  were  $1  million  in  the 
fourth quarter of 2015 and $4 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. 
There  were  no  net  gains  on  investment  securities  during  the  third 
quarter of 2015.  

Noninterest  expense  of  $963  million  increased  $20  million 
from the previous quarter and increased $45 million from the fourth 
quarter  of  2014.  The  increase  in  noninterest  expense  compared  to 
the third quarter of 2015 was driven by a $10 million contribution to 
the Fifth Third Foundation and higher net occupancy expense. The 
increase in noninterest expense from the fourth quarter of 2014 was 
primarily  due  to  a  $10  million  contribution  to  the  Fifth  Third 
Foundation,  higher  personnel  costs,  net  occupancy  expense  and 
technology and communications expense.  

The  ALLL  as  a  percentage  of  portfolio  loans  and  leases  was 
1.37%  as  of  December  31,  2015,  compared  to  1.35%  as  of 
September  30,  2015  and  1.47%  as  of  December  31,  2014.  The 
provision  for  loan  and  lease  losses  was  $91  million  in  the  fourth 
quarter  of  2015  compared  to  $156  million  in  the  third  quarter  of 
2015 and $99 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. Net charge-offs 
were $80 million in the fourth quarter of 2015, or 34 bps of average 
portfolio loans and leases on an annualized basis, compared with net 
charge-offs  of  $188  million  in  the  third  quarter  of  2015  and  $191 
million  in  the  fourth  quarter  of  2014.  The  third  quarter  of  2015 
included  a  charge-off  of  $102  million  associated  with  the 
restructuring of a student loan backed commercial credit originated 
in 2007. During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Bancorp transferred 
certain residential mortgage loans from the portfolio to held for sale 
resulting in a charge-off of $87 million.  

 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

TABLE 23: QUARTERLY INFORMATION (unaudited)  

2015  

2014  

For the three months ended ($ in millions, except per share data)  

12/31

9/30

Net interest income(a) 
Provision for loan and lease losses  
Noninterest income  
Noninterest expense  
Net income attributable to Bancorp   
Net income available to common shareholders  
Earnings per share, basic   
Earnings per share, diluted   
(a)  Amounts presented on an FTE basis. The FTE adjustment was $5 for all periods presented. 

$ 904 
 91 
 1,104 
 963 
 657 
 634 
 0.80 
 0.79 

906
 156
 713
 943
 381
 366
 0.46
 0.45

6/30

892 
 79 
 556 
 947 
 315 
 292 
 0.36 
 0.36 

3/31

12/31

9/30

852
 69
 630
 923
 361
 346
 0.42
 0.42

 888 
 99 
 653 
 918 
 385 
 362 
 0.44 
 0.43 

 908
 71
 520
 888
 340
 328
 0.39
 0.39

6/30

 905 
 76 
 736 
 954 
 439 
 416 
 0.49 
 0.49 

3/31

 898
 69
 564
 950
 318
 309
 0.36
 0.36

COMPARISON OF THE YEAR ENDED 2014 WITH 2013 
The  Bancorp’s  net  income  available  to  common  shareholders  for 
the  year  ended  December  31,  2014  was  $1.4  billion,  or  $1.66  per 
diluted  share,  which  was  net  of  $67  million  in  preferred  stock 
dividends.  The  Bancorp’s  net 
income  available  to  common 
shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $1.8 billion, 
or $2.02 per diluted share, which was net of $37 million in preferred 
stock dividends. The provision for loan and lease losses increased to 
$315 million during the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to 
$229 million during the year ended December 31, 2013 as the result 
of  an  increase  in  net  charge-offs  related  to  certain  impaired 
commercial  and  industrial  loans  and  an  increase  in  net  charge-offs 
loans  related  to  the  transfer  of  certain  residential  mortgage  loans 
from the portfolio to held for sale during 2014. The impact of these 
increases in charge-offs on provision expense during the year ended 
December  31,  2014  was  partially  offset  by  decreases 
in 
nonperforming loans and leases and improved delinquency metrics. 
Net  charge-offs  as  a  percent  of  average  portfolio  loans  and  leases 
increased to 0.64% during 2014 compared to 0.58% during the year 
ended December 31, 2013.  

Net  interest  income  was  $3.6  billion  for  both  of  the  years 
ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. For the year ended December 
31, 2014, net interest income was positively impacted by an increase 
in average taxable securities of $5.4 billion coupled with an increase 
in yields on these securities of 16 bps compared to the year ended 
December  31,  2013.  Net  interest  income  also  included  the  benefit 
of an increase in average loans and leases of $2.0 billion as well as a 
decrease  in  the  rates  paid  on  long-term  debt  for  the  year  ended 
December  31,  2014  compared  to  the  year  ended  December  31, 
2013.  These  benefits  were  partially  offset  by  lower  yields  on  loans 
and leases and an increase in average long-term debt of $5.0 billion 
for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the year ended 
December 31, 2013.  

Noninterest  income  decreased  $754  million  during  the  year 
ended  December  31,  2014  compared  to  the  year  ended  December 
31, 2013. The decrease from December 31, 2013 was primarily due 
to decreases in mortgage banking net revenue and other noninterest 
income.  Mortgage  banking  net  revenue  decreased  $390  million  for 
the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to 2013 primarily due 
to  decreases  in  origination  fees  and  gains  on  loan  sales  and  net 
mortgage  servicing  revenue.  Other  noninterest  income  decreased 
$429 million compared to the year ended December 31, 2013. The 
decrease included the impact of a gain of $125 million on the sale of 
Vantiv, Inc. shares in the second quarter of 2014, compared to gains 
totaling $327 million during the second and third quarters of 2013. 
The  Bancorp  recognized  gains  of  $23  million  and  $9  million 
associated with the TRA with Vantiv, Inc. in the fourth quarters of 
2014 and 2013, respectively. Additionally, other noninterest income 
decreased for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to 2013 
primarily due to positive valuation adjustments on the stock warrant 
associated  with  Vantiv  Holding,  LLC  of  $31  million  during  2014 

compared to positive valuation adjustments of $206 million during 
2013  and  a  decrease  in  equity  method  earnings  from  Vantiv 
Holding, LLC. 

Noninterest  expense  decreased  $252  million  during  the  year 
ended  December  31,  2014  compared  to  2013  primarily  due  to 
decreases  in  total  personnel  costs  and  other  noninterest  expense. 
The  decrease  in  total  personnel  costs  was  driven  by  a  decrease  in 
incentive  compensation  primarily  in  the  mortgage  business  due  to 
lower  production  levels  and  a  decrease  in  base  compensation  and 
employee benefits as a result of a decline in the number of full-time 
equivalent  employees.  Other  noninterest  expense  decreased  during 
the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to 2013 primarily due 
to  decreases  in  loan  and  lease  expense,  FDIC  insurance  and  other 
taxes, 
expense,  debt 
extinguishment costs and an increase in the benefit from the reserve 
for  unfunded  commitments,  partially  offset  by  an  increase  in 
impairment on affordable housing investments.  

adjustments,  marketing 

losses 

and 

51  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

BALANCE SHEET ANALYSIS 
Loans and Leases 
The Bancorp classifies its commercial loans and leases based upon 
their  primary  purpose  and  consumer  loans  and  leases  based  upon 
product or collateral. Table 24 summarizes end of period loans and 

leases,  including  loans  held  for  sale  and  Table  25  summarizes 
average total loans and leases, including loans held for sale. 

$

2015  

TABLE 24: COMPONENTS OF TOTAL LOANS AND LEASES (INCLUDING HELD FOR SALE)
As of December 31 ($ in millions) 
Commercial loans and leases: 
   Commercial and industrial loans 
   Commercial mortgage loans 
   Commercial construction loans 
   Commercial leases 
Total commercial loans and leases 
Consumer loans and leases: 
   Residential mortgage loans 
   Home equity 
   Automobile loans 
   Credit card 
   Other consumer loans and leases 
Total consumer loans and leases 
Total loans and leases 
Total portfolio loans and leases (excluding loans held for sale) 

14,424  
8,336  
11,497  
2,360  
658  
37,275  
93,485  
92,582  

42,151  
6,991  
3,214  
3,854  
56,210  

$
$

2014  

2013  

2012  

2011  

40,801   
7,410   
2,071   
3,721   
54,003   

13,582   
8,886   
12,037   
2,401   
436   
37,342   
91,345   
90,084   

39,347   
8,069   
1,041   
3,626   
52,083   

13,570   
9,246   
11,984   
2,294   
381   
37,475   
89,558   
88,614   

36,077  
9,116  
707  
3,549  
49,449  

14,873  
10,018  
11,972  
2,097  
312  
39,272  
88,721  
85,782  

30,828  
10,214  
1,037  
3,531  
45,610  

13,474  
10,719  
11,827  
1,978  
364  
38,362  
83,972  
81,018  

Loans  and  leases,  including  loans  held  for  sale,  increased  $2.1 
billion, or 2%, from December 31, 2014. The increase in loans and 
leases from December 31, 2014 was the result  of a $2.2 billion, or 
4%, increase in commercial loans and leases partially offset by a $67 
million decrease in consumer loans and leases.  

Commercial  loans  and  leases  increased  from  December  31, 
2014  primarily  due  to  increases  in  commercial  and  industrial  loans 
and commercial construction loans partially offset by a decrease in 
commercial  mortgage  loans.  Commercial  and  industrial  loans 
increased  $1.4  billion,  or  3%,  from  December  31,  2014  and 
commercial construction loans increased $1.1 billion, or 55%, from 
December 31, 2014 primarily as a result of an increase in new loan 
origination  activity  resulting  from  an  increase  in  demand  and 
targeted  marketing  efforts.  Commercial  mortgage  loans  decreased 
$419  million,  or  6%,  from  December  31,  2014  primarily  due  to  a 

decline  in  new  loan  origination  activity  driven  by  increased 
competition and an increase in paydowns.  

Consumer loans and leases decreased from December 31, 2014 
primarily  due  to  decreases  in  home  equity  and  automobile  loans 
partially offset by increases in residential mortgage loans and other 
consumer loans and leases. Home equity decreased $550 million, or 
6%, from December 31, 2014 and automobile loans decreased $540 
million, or 4%, from December 31, 2014 as payoffs exceeded new 
loan production. Residential mortgage loans increased $842 million, 
or  6%,  from  December  31,  2014  primarily  due  to  the  continued 
retention of certain conforming ARMs and certain other fixed-rate 
loans  originated  during  the  year  ended  December  31,  2015.  Other 
consumer  loans  and  leases  increased  $222  million,  or  51%,  from 
December 31, 2014 primarily as a result of an increase in new loan 
origination activity.  

$

2015  

2014  

TABLE 25: COMPONENTS OF TOTAL AVERAGE LOANS AND LEASES (INCLUDING HELD FOR SALE) 
For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 
Commercial loans and leases: 
   Commercial and industrial loans 
   Commercial mortgage loans 
   Commercial construction loans 
   Commercial leases 
Total commercial loans and leases 
Consumer loans and leases: 
   Residential mortgage loans 
   Home equity 
   Automobile loans 
   Credit card 
   Other consumer loans and leases 
Total consumer loans and leases 
Total average loans and leases 
Total average portfolio loans and leases (excluding loans held for sale) 

13,344   
9,059   
12,068   
2,271   
385   
37,127   
91,127   
90,485   

13,798  
8,592  
11,847  
2,303  
571  
37,111  
93,339  
92,423  

41,178   
7,745   
1,492   
3,585   
54,000   

42,594  
7,121  
2,717  
3,796  
56,228  

$
$

2013  

2012  

2011  

37,770   
8,481   
793   
3,565   
50,609   

14,428   
9,554   
12,021   
2,121   
360   
38,484   
89,093   
86,950   

32,911  
9,686  
835  
3,502  
46,934  

13,370  
10,369  
11,849  
1,960  
340  
37,888  
84,822  
82,733  

28,546  
10,447  
1,740  
3,341  
44,074  

11,318  
11,077  
11,352  
1,864  
529  
36,140  
80,214  
78,533  

Average  loans  and  leases,  including  loans  held  for  sale,  increased 
$2.2  billion,  or  2%,  from  December  31,  2014.  The  increase  from 
December 31, 2014 was the result of a $2.2 billion, or 4%, increase 
in  average  commercial  loans  and  leases  partially  offset  by  a  $16 
million decrease in average consumer loans and leases. 

52  Fifth Third Bancorp 

loans  and 

Average  commercial 

from 
in  average 
increases 
December  31,  2014  primarily  due 
loans  and  average  commercial 
commercial  and 
construction 
in  average 
loans  partially  offset  by  a  decrease 
commercial  mortgage  loans.  Average  commercial  and  industrial 

increased 

industrial 

leases 

to 

 
 
 
        
  
 
  
     
     
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
     
     
 
  
 
  
 
  
     
     
 
 
 
        
     
     
  
  
     
     
  
 
  
     
     
 
  
 
  
 
  
     
     
 
  
 
  
  
  
     
     
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

loans  increased  $1.4  billion,  or  3%,  from  December  31,  2014  and 
average  commercial  construction  loans  increased  $1.2  billion,  or 
82%, from December 31, 2014 primarily as a result of an increase in 
new  loan  origination  activity  resulting  from  an  increase  in  demand 
and targeted marketing efforts. Average commercial mortgage loans 
decreased  $624  million,  or  8%,  from  December  31,  2014  due  to  a 
decline  in  new  loan  origination  activity  driven  by  increased 
competition and an increase in paydowns. 

Average consumer loans and leases decreased from December 
31,  2014  primarily  due  to  decreases  in  average  home  equity  and 
average  automobile  loans  partially  offset  by  increases  in  average 

Investment Securities 
The  Bancorp  uses  investment  securities  as  a  means  of  managing 
interest rate risk, providing liquidity support and providing collateral 
for  pledging  purposes.  As  of  December  31,  2015,  total  investment 
securities were $29.5 billion compared to $23.0 billion at December 
31,  2014.  The  taxable  investment  securities  portfolio  had  an 
effective  duration  of  5.1  years  at  December  31,  2015  compared  to 
4.5 years at December 31, 2014.  

At  December  31,  2015,  the  Bancorp’s  investment  portfolio 
consisted  primarily  of  AAA-rated  available-for-sale  securities. 
Securities classified as below investment grade were immaterial as of 
December  31,  2015  and  2014.  The  Bancorp’s  management  has 
evaluated  the  securities  in  an  unrealized  loss  position  in  the 

TABLE 26: COMPONENTS OF INVESTMENT SECURITIES  
As of December 31 ($ in millions)  
Available-for-sale and other securities: (amortized cost basis)  
   U.S. Treasury and federal agencies securities  
   Obligations of states and political subdivisions securities  
   Mortgage-backed securities:  

   Agency residential mortgage-backed securities  
   Agency commercial mortgage-backed securities  
   Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities  
   Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities  

   Asset-backed securities and other debt securities  
   Equity securities(a) 
Total available-for-sale and other securities  
Held-to-maturity securities: (amortized cost basis)  
   Obligations of states and political subdivisions securities  
   Asset-backed securities and other debt securities  
Total held-to-maturity securities  
Trading securities: (fair value)  
   U.S. Treasury and federal agencies securities  
   Obligations of states and political subdivisions securities  
   Mortgage-backed securities:  

   Agency residential mortgage-backed securities  
   Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities  

residential  mortgage  loans  and  average  other  consumer  loans  and 
leases.  Average  home  equity  decreased  $467  million,  or  5%,  from 
December  31,  2014  and  average  automobile  loans  decreased  $221 
million, or 2%, from December 31, 2014 as payoffs exceeded new 
loan production. Average residential mortgage loans increased $454 
million,  or  3%,  from  December  31,  2014  primarily  driven  by  the 
continued retention of certain conforming ARMs and certain other 
fixed-rate loans. Average other consumer loans and leases increased 
$186 million, or 48%, from December 31, 2014 primarily as a result 
of an increase in new loan origination activity. 

available-for-sale  and  held-to-maturity  portfolios  for  OTTI.  The 
Bancorp  recognized  $5  million,  $24  million  and  $74  million  of 
OTTI on its available-for-sale and other debt securities, included in 
securities gains, net and securities gains, net – non-qualifying hedges 
on  mortgage  servicing  rights  in  the  Consolidated  Statements  of 
Income during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, 
respectively.  The  Bancorp  did  not  recognize  OTTI  on  any  of  its 
available-for-sale equity securities or held-to-maturity debt securities 
during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. Refer to 
Note  1  of  the  Notes  to  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  for  the 
Bancorp’s  methodology  for  both  classifying  investment  securities 
and  management’s  evaluation  of  securities  in  an  unrealized  loss 
position for OTTI. 

2015  

2014  

2013  

2012  

2011  

$

$

$

$

$

1,155  
50  

14,811  
7,795  
 -  
2,801  
1,363  
703  
28,678  

68  
2  
70  

19  
9  

1,545   
185   

 1,549   
 187   

11,968   
4,465   
 -   
1,489   
1,324   
701   
21,677   

186   
1   
187   

14   
8   

12,294   
 -   
 -   
1,368   
2,146   
865   
18,409   

207   
1   
208   

5   
13   

 1,771  
 203  

8,403  
 -  
 -  
1,089  
2,072  
1,033  
14,571  

282  
2  
284  

7  
17  

 1,953  
 96  

9,743  
 -  
28  
498  
1,266  
1,030  
14,614  

320  
2  
322  

 -  
9  

6  
 -  
19  
333  
386  

9   
 -   
13   
316   
360   

3   
 -   
7   
315   
343   

7  
 -  
15  
161  
207  

11  
1  
12  
144  
177  

   Asset-backed securities and other debt securities  
   Equity securities  
Total trading securities  
(a)  Equity securities consist of FHLB, FRB and DTCC restricted stock holdings that are carried at par, FHLMC and FNMA preferred stock holdings and certain mutual fund holdings and equity 

$

security holdings. 

On  an  amortized  cost  basis,  available-for-sale  and  other  securities 
increased  $7.0  billion,  or  32%,  from  December  31,  2014  primarily 
due to repositioning of the portfolio for LCR purposes resulting in 
increases  in  agency  residential  mortgage-backed  securities,  agency 
commercial mortgage-backed securities and non-agency commercial 
mortgage-backed  securities.  Agency  residential  mortgage-backed 
securities  increased  $2.8  billion,  or  24%,  from  December  31,  2014 
primarily due to the purchase of $18.8 billion of agency residential 
mortgage-backed  securities  partially  offset  by  sales  of  $13.6  billion 

and paydowns  of $2.5 billion during the year ended December 31, 
2015. Agency commercial mortgage-backed securities increased $3.3 
billion,  or  75%,  from  December  31,  2014  primarily  due  to  the 
purchase  of  $5.6  billion  of  agency  commercial  mortgage-backed 
securities  partially  offset  by  sales  of  $2.1  billion  and  paydowns  of 
$146 million during the year ended December 31, 2015. Non-agency 
commercial  mortgage-backed  securities  increased  $1.3  billion,  or 
88%, from December 31, 2014 primarily due to the purchase of $1.9 
billion  of  non-agency  commercial  mortgage-backed  securities 

53  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

partially  offset  by  sales  of  $483  million  and  paydowns  of  $105 
million during the year ended December 31, 2015. 

On  an  amortized  cost  basis,  available-for-sale  and  other 
securities  were  23%  and  18%  of  total  interest-earning  assets  at 
December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The estimated weighted-
average life of the debt securities in the available-for-sale and other 
portfolio was 6.4 years at December 31, 2015 compared to 5.8 years 
at  December  31,  2014.  In  addition,  at  December  31,  2015,  the 
available-for-sale  and  other  securities  portfolio  had  a  weighted-
average yield of 3.19% compared to 3.31% at December 31, 2014. 

Information presented in Table 27 is on a weighted-average life 
is 

basis,  anticipating  future  prepayments.  Yield 

information 

presented  on  an  FTE  basis  and  is  computed  using  amortized  cost 
balances.  Maturity  and  yield  calculations  for  the  total  available-for-
sale and other portfolio exclude equity securities that have no stated 
yield or maturity. Total net unrealized gains on the available-for-sale 
and  other  securities  portfolio  were  $366  million  at  December  31, 
2015 compared to $731 million at December 31, 2014. The decrease 
from December 31, 2014 was primarily due to an increase in interest 
rates and wider spreads during the year ended December 31, 2015. 
The fair value of investment securities is impacted by interest rates, 
credit  spreads,  market  volatility  and  liquidity  conditions.  The  fair 
value of investment securities generally increases when interest rates 
decrease or when credit spreads contract. 

TABLE 27: CHARACTERISTICS OF AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE AND OTHER SECURITIES 

As of December 31, 2015 ($ in millions)  
U.S. Treasury and federal agencies securities:  
   Average life of 1 year or less  
   Average life 1 – 5 years  
   Average life 5 – 10 years  
Total  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions securities:(a) 
   Average life of 1 year or less  
   Average life 1 – 5 years  
   Average life 5 – 10 years  
Total  
Agency residential mortgage-backed securities:  
   Average life of 1 year or less  
   Average life 1 – 5 years  
   Average life 5 – 10 years  
   Average life greater than 10 years  
Total  
Agency commercial mortgage-backed securities:  

Amortized Cost 

Fair Value 

Life (in years) 

Yield 

   Weighted-Average  Weighted-Average   

$

$

$

$

 549   
 530 
 76 
 1,155 

 14 
 1 
 35 
 50 

 13 
 4,992 
 9,154 
 652 
 14,811 

 561   
 550 
 76 
 1,187 

 14 
 1 
 37 
 52 

 14 
 5,106 
 9,295 
 666 
 15,081 

 0.70   
 1.50 
 5.10 
 1.30 

 0.80 
 1.80 
 7.30 
 5.30 

 0.70 
 3.90 
 6.50 
 12.90 
 5.90 

 3.76 % 
 3.97   
 1.80   
 3.72 % 

 0.01 
 5.79 
 3.93 
 2.80 % 

 4.15 
 3.49 
 3.18 
 3.45 
 3.30 % 

$

 4.40 
 8.20 
 13.10 
 7.80 

 1,083 
 6,585 
 194 
 7,862 

 1,063 
 6,542 
 190 
 7,795 

Average life 1 – 5 years  
   Average life 5 – 10 years  
   Average life greater than 10 years  
Total  
Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities:  
   Average life of 1 year or less  
   Average life 1 – 5 years  
   Average life 5 – 10 years  
Total  
Asset-backed securities and other debt securities:  
   Average life of 1 year or less  
   Average life 1 – 5 years  
   Average life 5 – 10 years  
   Average life greater than 10 years  
Total  
Equity securities  
Total available-for-sale and other securities  
(a)  Taxable-equivalent yield adjustments included in the above table are 0.00%, 0.24%, 2.09% and 1.46% for securities with an average life of 1 year or less, 1-5 years, 5-10 years and in total, 

 87 
 607 
 199 
 462 
 1,355 
 703 
 29,044 

 89 
 606 
 207 
 461 
 1,363 
 703 
 28,678 

 2.17 
 2.73 
 2.62 
 2.10 
 2.46 % 

 0.20 
 2.70 
 8.30 
 14.00 
 7.20 

 3.09 
 3.26 
 3.30 
 3.29 % 

 3.11 
 2.99 
 2.86 
 3.01 % 

 117 
 365 
 2,319 
 2,801 

 118 
 370 
 2,316 
 2,804 

 0.50 
 2.80 
 8.10 
 7.10 

 3.19 % 

 6.40 

$

$

$

respectively. 

54  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
   
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

Deposits 
The  Bancorp’s  deposit  balances  represent  an  important  source  of 
funding and revenue growth opportunity. The Bancorp continues to 
focus on core deposit growth in its retail and commercial franchises 

by  improving  customer  satisfaction,  building  full  relationships  and 
offering  competitive  rates.  Core  deposits  represented  71%  of  the 
Bancorp’s  average  asset  funding  base  for  both  of  the  years  ended 
December 31, 2015 and 2014. 

TABLE 28: COMPONENTS OF DEPOSITS   
As of December 31 ($ in millions)  
Demand   
Interest checking  
Savings  
Money market  
Foreign office  
Transaction deposits  
Other time  
Core deposits  
Certificates $100,000 and over(a) 
Other  
Total deposits  
(a) 

2015  
 36,267  
 26,768  
 14,601  
 18,494  
 464  
 96,594  
 4,019  
 100,613  
 2,592  
 -  
 103,205  

$

$

2014  
 34,809  
 26,800  
 15,051  
 17,083  
 1,114  
 94,857  
 3,960  
 98,817  
 2,895  
 -  
 101,712  

2013  
32,634   
25,875   
17,045   
11,644   
1,976   
89,174   
3,530   
92,704   
6,571   
-   
99,275   

2012  
30,023  
24,477  
19,879  
6,875  
885  
82,139  
4,015  
86,154  
3,284  
79  
89,517  

2011  
27,600  
20,392  
21,756  
4,989  
3,250  
77,987  
4,638  
82,625  
3,039  
46  
85,710  

Includes $1,449, $1,483, $1,479, $1,402 and $1,772 of certificates $250,000 and over at December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. 

Core  deposits  increased  $1.8  billion,  or  2%,  from  December  31, 
2014,  driven  by  an  increase  of  $1.7  billion,  or  2%,  in  transaction 
deposits.  Transaction  deposits  increased  from  December  31,  2014 
due  to  increases  in  demand  deposits  and  money  market  deposits, 
partially  offset  by  decreases  in  savings  deposits  and  foreign  office 
deposits.  Demand  deposits  increased  $1.5  billion,  or  4%,  from 
December  31,  2014  primarily  due  to  higher  balances  per  customer 
account  and  the  acquisition  of  new  commercial  customers.  Money 
market  deposits  increased  $1.4  billion,  or  8%,  from  December  31, 
2014  driven  primarily  by  higher  balances  per  commercial  account 
and  the  acquisition  of  new  commercial  customers.  The  remaining 

increase  in  money  market  deposits  was  due  to  a  promotional 
product  offering  causing  balance  migration  from  savings  deposits 
which  decreased  $450  million,  or  3%,  from  December  31,  2014. 
Foreign  office  deposits  decreased  $650  million,  or  58%,  from 
December  31,  2014  driven  primarily  by  lower  balances  per 
commercial account.  

The  Bancorp  uses  certificates  $100,000  and  over  as  a  method 
to fund earning assets. At December 31, 2015, certificates $100,000 
and  over  decreased  $303  million,  or  10%,  compared  to  December 
31,  2014  primarily  due  to  the  maturity  and  run-off  of  retail  and 
institutional certificates of deposit since December 31, 2014. 

The following table presents the components of average deposits for the years ended December 31:  

TABLE 29: COMPONENTS OF AVERAGE DEPOSITS  
($ in millions)  
Demand   
Interest checking  
Savings  
Money market  
Foreign office  
Transaction deposits  
Other time  
Core deposits  
Certificates $100,000 and over(a) 
Other  
Total average deposits  
(a) 

2015  
 35,164  
 26,160  
 14,951  
 18,152  
 817  
 95,244  
 4,051  
 99,295  
 2,869  
 57  
 102,221  

$

$

2014  
 31,755  
 25,382  
 16,080  
 14,670  
 1,828  
 89,715  
 3,762  
 93,477  
 3,929  
 -  
 97,406  

2013  
29,925   
23,582   
18,440   
9,467   
1,501   
82,915   
3,760   
86,675   
6,339   
17   
93,031   

2012  
27,196  
23,096  
21,393  
4,903  
1,528  
78,116  
4,306  
82,422  
3,102  
27  
85,551  

2011  
23,389  
18,707  
21,652  
5,154  
3,490  
72,392  
6,260  
78,652  
3,656  
7  
82,315  

Includes $1,410, $1,424, $1,283, $1,678 and $1,732 of average certificates $250,000 and over during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. 

On  an  average  basis,  core  deposits  increased  $5.8  billion,  or  6%, 
compared to December 31, 2014 due to increases of $5.5 billion, or 
6%,  in  average  transaction  deposits  and  $289  million,  or  8%,  in 
average  other  time  deposits.  The  increase  in  average  transaction 
deposits was driven by increases in average money market deposits, 
average  demand  deposits  and  average  interest  checking  deposits, 
partially offset by decreases in average savings deposits and average 
foreign  office  deposits.  Average  money  market  deposits  increased 
$3.5  billion,  or  24%,  from  December  31,  2014  due  to  a  balance 
migration  from  average  savings  deposits  which  decreased  $1.1 
billion,  or  7%,  from  December  31,  2014  driven  by  a  promotional 
product offering. The remaining increase in average money market 
deposits  was  due  to  an  increase  in  average  commercial  account 
balances and the acquisition of new commercial customers. Average 
demand deposits increased $3.4 billion, or 11%, from December 31, 

2014  primarily  due  to  an  increase  in  average  commercial  account 
balances  and  new  commercial  customer  accounts.  Average  interest 
checking  deposits  increased  $778  million,  or  3%,  from  December 
31, 2014 primarily due to an increase in average commercial account 
balances  and  new  commercial  customer  accounts.  Average  foreign 
office deposits decreased $1.0 billion, or 55%, from December 31, 
2014  primarily  due  to  lower  balances  per  account  for  commercial 
customers.  Average  other  time  deposits  increased  $289  million,  or 
8%, from December 31, 2014 primarily driven by the acquisition of 
new  customers  due 
interest  rates.  Average 
certificates $100,000 and over decreased $1.1 billion, or 27%, from 
December  31,  2014  due  primarily  to  the  maturity  and  run-off  of 
retail  and  institutional  certificates  of  deposit  since  December  31, 
2014. 

to  promotional 

55  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

The contractual maturities of certificates $100,000 and over as of December 31, 2015 are summarized in the following table: 

TABLE 30: CONTRACTUAL MATURITIES OF CERTIFICATES $100,000 AND OVER 
($ in millions)  
Next 3 months 
3-6 months 
6-12 months 
After 12 months 
Total certificates $100,000 and over 

2015  

 401  
 203  
 237  
 1,751  
 2,592  

$

$

The contractual maturities of other time deposits and certificates $100,000 and over as of December 31, 2015 are summarized in the following 
table: 

TABLE 31: CONTRACTUAL MATURITIES OF OTHER TIME DEPOSITS AND CERTIFICATES $100,000 AND OVER 
($ in millions) 
Next 12 months 
13-24 months 
25-36 months 
37-48 months 
49-60 months 
After 60 months 
Total other time deposits and certificates $100,000 and over 

2015  
 2,425  
 1,570  
 637  
 1,025  
 930  
 24  
 6,611  

$

$

Borrowings 
Total  borrowings  increased  $835  million,  or  5%,  from  December 
31,  2014.  Table  32  summarizes  the  end  of  period  components  of 

total  borrowings.  As  of  December  31,  2015,  total  borrowings  as  a 
percentage of interest-bearing liabilities were 21% compared to 20% 
at December 31, 2014. 

2015  

 151  
 1,507  
 15,844  
 17,502  

2014  

 144   
 1,556   
 14,967   
 16,667   

2013  

 284   
 1,380   
 9,633   
 11,297   

2012  

 901  
 6,280  
 7,085  
 14,266  

2011  

 346  
 3,239  
 9,682  
 13,267  

$

$

securitization  in  2015.  These  increases  were  partially  offset  by  the 
maturity of $500 million of subordinated fixed-rate bank notes and 
$1.7  billion  of  paydowns  on  long-term  debt  associated  with 
automobile 
information 
regarding  automobile  securitizations  and  long-term  debt,  refer  to 
Note  11  and  Note  16,  respectively,  of  the  Notes  to  Consolidated 
Financial Statements. 

securitizations.  For  additional 

loan 

2015  

 920  
 1,721  
 14,677  
 17,318  

$

$

2014  

 458  
 1,873  
 12,928  
 15,259  

2013  

2012  

2011  

 503   
 3,024   
 7,914   
 11,441   

 560  
 4,246  
 9,043  
 13,849  

 345  
 2,777  
 10,154  
 13,276  

Information on the average rates paid on borrowings is presented in 
the  Net  Interest  Income  subsection  of  the  Statements  of  Income 
Analysis section of MD&A. In addition, refer to the Liquidity Risk 
Management subsection of the Risk Management section of MD&A 
for a discussion on the role of borrowings in the Bancorp’s liquidity 
management. 

TABLE 32: COMPONENTS OF BORROWINGS 
As of December 31 ($ in millions) 
Federal funds purchased 
Other short-term borrowings 
Long-term debt 
Total borrowings 

Other  short-term  borrowings  decreased  $49  million,  or  3%,  from 
December  31,  2014  driven  primarily  by  a  decrease  in  commercial 
repurchase  agreements.  Long-term  debt  increased  $877  million,  or 
6%, from December 31, 2014 primarily driven by issuances of $1.1 
billion  of  unsecured  senior  notes,  $1.3  billion  of  unsecured  senior 
bank  notes  and  the  issuance  of  asset-backed  securities  by  a 
consolidated  VIE  of  $750  million  related  to  an  automobile  loan 

TABLE 33: COMPONENTS OF AVERAGE BORROWINGS
For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 
Federal funds purchased 
Other short-term borrowings 
Long-term debt 
Total average borrowings 

Average total borrowings increased $2.1 billion, or 13%, compared 
to  December  31,  2014,  due  to  increases  in  average  long-term  debt 
and average federal funds purchased, partially offset by a decrease in 
average other short-term borrowings. The increase in average long-
term  debt  of  $1.7  billion,  or  14%,  was  driven  primarily  by  the 
issuances of long-term debt as discussed above and the issuance of 
asset-backed securities by a consolidated VIE of $1.0 billion related 
to  an  automobile  loan  securitization  during  the  fourth  quarter  of 
2014.  The  impact  of  these  issuances  was  partially  offset  by  the 
aforementioned maturity of subordinated fixed-rate bank notes and 
paydowns  on  long-term  debt  associated  with  automobile  loan 
securitizations  since  December  31,  2014.  The  level  of  average 
federal  funds  purchased  and  average  other  short-term  borrowings 
can  fluctuate  significantly  from  period  to  period  depending  on 
funding  needs  and  which  sources  are  used  to  satisfy  those  needs. 

56  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
     
     
  
 
  
     
     
 
  
 
 
  
     
     
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
     
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
     
 
  
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

RISK MANAGEMENT - OVERVIEW 
Managing risk is an essential component of successfully operating a 
financial  services  company.  The  Bancorp’s  risk  management 
approach  includes  processes  for  identifying,  assessing,  managing, 
monitoring  and  reporting  risks.  The  ERM  division,  led  by  the 
Bancorp’s Chief Risk Officer, ensures the consistency and adequacy 
of the Bancorp’s risk management approach within the structure of 
the  Bancorp’s  operating  model.  Management  within  the  lines  of 
business  and  support  functions  assess  and  manage  risks  associated 
with  their  activities  and  determine  if  actions  need  to  be  taken  to 
strengthen  risk  management  or  reduce  risk  given  their  risk  profile. 
They  are  responsible  for  considering  risk  when  making  business 
decisions  and  for  integrating  risk  management  into  business 
processes.  In  addition,  the  Internal  Audit  division  provides  an 
independent assessment of the Bancorp’s internal control structure 
and related systems and processes. 

an 

that 

comprise 

integrated 

The  assumption  of  risk  requires  robust  and  active  risk 
management  practices 
and 
comprehensive set of activities, measures and strategies that apply to 
the entire organization. The Bancorp has established a Risk Appetite 
Framework, approved by the Board, that provides the foundations 
of  corporate  risk  capacity,  risk  appetite  and  risk  tolerances.  The 
Bancorp’s  risk  capacity  is  represented  by  its  available  financial 
resources. Risk capacity sets an absolute limit on risk-assumption in 
the Bancorp’s annual and strategic plans. The Bancorp understands 
that not all financial resources may persist as viable loss buffers over 
time.  Further,  consideration  must  be  given  to  regulatory  capital 
buffers  required  per  Capital  Policy  Targets  that  would  reduce  risk 
capacity.  Those  factors  take  the  form  of  capacity  adjustments  to 
arrive at an Operating Risk Capacity which represents the operating 
risk  level  the  Bancorp  can  assume  while  maintaining  its  solvency 
standard.  The  Bancorp’s  policy  currently  discounts  its  Operating 
Risk Capacity by a minimum of 5% to provide a buffer; as a result, 
the Bancorp’s risk appetite is limited by policy to, at most, 95% of 
its Operating Risk Capacity. 

Economic  capital  is  the  amount  of  unencumbered  financial 
resources  required  to  support  the  Bancorp’s  risks.  The  Bancorp 
measures economic capital under the assumption that it expects to 
maintain  debt  ratings  at  strong  investment  grade  levels  over  time. 
The  Bancorp’s  capital  policies  require  that  the  Operating  Risk 
Capacity  less  the  aforementioned  buffer  exceed  the  calculated 
economic capital required in its business. 

Risk  appetite  is  the  aggregate  amount  of  risk  the  Bancorp  is 
willing  to  accept  in  pursuit  of  its  strategic  and  financial  objectives. 
By  establishing  boundaries  around  risk  taking  and  business 
decisions,  and  by  incorporating  the  needs  and  goals  of  its 
shareholders,  regulators,  rating  agencies  and  customers, 
the 
Bancorp’s  risk  appetite  is  aligned  with  its  priorities  and  goals.  Risk 
tolerance is the maximum amount of risk applicable to each of the 
eight  specific  risk  categories  included  in  its  Enterprise  Risk 
Management  Framework.  This  is  expressed  primarily  in  qualitative 
terms; however certain risk types also have quantitative metrics that 
are  used  to  measure  the  Bancorp’s  level  of  risk  against  its  risk 
tolerances.  The  Bancorp’s  risk  appetite  and  risk  tolerances  are 
supported  by  risk  targets  and  risk  limits.  Those  limits  are  used  to 
monitor  the  amount  of  risk  assumed  at  a  granular  level.  On  a 
quarterly  basis,  the  Risk  and  Compliance  Committee  of  the  Board 
reviews current  assessments of each of the eight risk types relative 
to 
these 
assessments,  including  policy  limits  and  key  risk  indicators,  is  also 
reported to the Risk and Compliance Committee of the Board. Any 
results  outside  of  tolerance  require  the  development  of  an  action 
plan  that  describes  actions  to  be  taken  to  return  the  measure  to 
within the tolerance. 

tolerance.  Information  supporting 

the  established 

The risks faced by the Bancorp include, but are not limited to, 
credit,  market,  liquidity,  operational,  regulatory  compliance,  legal, 
reputational  and  strategic.  Each  of  these  risks  is  managed  through 
the  Bancorp’s  risk  program  which  includes  the  following  key 
functions: 
•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

including 

ERM  is  responsible  for  developing  and  overseeing  the 
implementation of risk programs and reporting that facilitate 
a  broad  integrated  view  of  risk.  The  department  also  leads 
the  continual  fostering  of  a  strong  risk  management  culture 
and  the  framework,  policies  and  committees  that  support 
the  oversight  of 
effective  risk  governance, 
Sarbanes-Oxley compliance; 
Commercial  Credit  Risk  Management  is  responsible  for 
overseeing the safety and soundness of the commercial loan 
independent  portfolio  management 
portfolio  within  an 
framework  that  supports  the  Bancorp’s  commercial  loan 
growth  strategies  and  underwriting  practices,  ensuring 
portfolio optimization and appropriate risk controls; 
Risk  Strategies  and  Reporting  is  responsible  for  quantitative 
analysis  needed  to  support  the  commercial  dual  rating 
methodology,  ALLL  methodology  and  analytics  needed  to 
assess credit risk and develop mitigation strategies related to 
that  risk.  The  department  also  provides  oversight,  reporting 
and  monitoring  of  commercial  underwriting  and  credit 
administration processes. The Risk Strategies and Reporting 
department  is  also  responsible  for  the  economic  capital 
program; 
Consumer  Credit  Risk  Management 
is  responsible  for 
overseeing  the  safety  and  soundness  of  the  consumer 
portfolio within an independent management framework that 
supports  the  Bancorp’s  consumer  loan  growth  strategies, 
ensuring  portfolio  optimization,  appropriate  risk  controls 
and oversight, reporting, and monitoring of underwriting and 
credit administration processes; 
Operational  Risk  Management  works  with  lines  of  business 
and  regional  management  to  maintain  processes  to  monitor 
and manage all aspects of operational risk, including ensuring 
consistency in application of operational risk programs; 
Bank Protection oversees and manages fraud prevention and 
detection and provides investigative and recovery services for 
the Bancorp; 
Capital  Markets  Risk  Management 
is  responsible  for 
instituting,  monitoring,  and  reporting  appropriate  trading 
limits,  monitoring 
interest  rate  risk  and  risk 
tolerances  within  Treasury,  Mortgage  and  Capital  Markets 
groups and utilizing a value at risk model for Bancorp market 
risk exposure; 
Regulatory  Compliance  Risk  Management  provides 
independent  oversight  to  ensure  that  an  enterprise-wide 
framework, including processes and procedures, are in place 
to  comply  with  applicable  laws,  regulations,  rules  and  other 
regulatory  requirements;  internal  policies  and  procedures; 
and  principles  of  integrity  and  fair  dealing  applicable  to  the 
Bancorp’s  activities  and  functions  The  Bancorp  focuses  on 
managing regulatory compliance risk in accordance with the 
Bancorp’s  integrated  risk  management  framework,  which 
identifying,  assessing, 
ensures  consistent  processes  for 
managing, monitoring and reporting risks; and 
The  ERM  division  creates  and  maintains  other  functions, 
committees  or  processes  as  are  necessary  to  effectively 
oversee risk management throughout the Bancorp. 

liquidity, 

57  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

Risk management oversight and governance is provided by the 
Risk  and  Compliance  Committee  of  the  Board  of  Directors  and 
through  multiple  management  committees  whose  membership 
includes  a  broad  cross-section  of  line-of-business,  regional  market 
and  support  representatives.  The  Risk  and  Compliance  Committee 
of the Board of Directors consists of five outside directors and has 
the  responsibility  for  the  oversight  of  risk  management  for  the 
Bancorp, as well as for the Bancorp’s overall aggregate risk profile. 
The Risk and Compliance Committee of the Board of Directors has 
approved the formation of key management governance committees 
that  are  responsible  for  evaluating  risks  and  controls.  The  primary 
committee responsible for the oversight of risk management is the 
ERMC. Committees accountable to the ERMC, which support the 
core  risk  programs,  are  the  Corporate  Credit  Committee,  the 
Operational  Risk  Committee, 
the  Management  Compliance 
Committee,  the  Asset/Liability  Committee  and  the  Enterprise 
Marketing Committee. Other committees accountable to the ERMC 

is  based  on 

CREDIT RISK MANAGEMENT 
The objective of the Bancorp’s credit risk management strategy is to 
quantify  and  manage  credit  risk  on  an  aggregate  portfolio  basis,  as 
well  as  to  limit  the  risk  of  loss  resulting  from  the  failure  of  a 
borrower  or  counterparty  to  honor  its  financial  or  contractual 
obligations  to  the  Bancorp.  The  Bancorp's  credit  risk  management 
strategy 
three  core  principles:  conservatism, 
diversification and monitoring. The Bancorp believes that effective 
credit  risk  management  begins  with  conservative  lending  practices. 
These  practices  include  conservative  exposure  and  counterparty 
limits and conservative underwriting, documentation and collection 
standards.  The  Bancorp's  credit  risk  management  strategy  also 
emphasizes  diversification  on  a  geographic,  industry  and  customer 
level  as  well  as  ongoing  portfolio  monitoring  and 
timely 
management  reviews  of 
large  credit  exposures  and  credits 
experiencing deterioration of credit quality. Credit officers with the 
authority to extend credit are delegated specific authority amounts, 
the utilization of which is closely monitored. Underwriting activities 

oversee  the  ALLL,  capital,  model  risk  and  regulatory  change 
management functions. There are also new products and initiatives 
processes  applicable  to  every  line  of  business  to  ensure  an 
appropriate  standard  readiness  assessment  is  performed  before 
launching  a  new  product  or  initiative.  Significant  risk  policies 
approved  by  the  management  governance  committees  are  also 
reviewed and approved by the Risk and Compliance Committee of 
the Board of Directors. 

Credit Risk Review is an independent function responsible for 
evaluating  the  sufficiency  of  underwriting,  documentation  and 
approval  processes  for  consumer  and  commercial  credits,  the 
accuracy  of  risk  grades  assigned  to  commercial  credit  exposure, 
nonaccrual status, specific reserves and monitoring for charge-offs. 
Credit  Risk  Review  reports  directly  to  the  Risk  and  Compliance 
Committee  of  the  Board  of  Directors  and  administratively  to  the 
Chief Auditor. 

are  centrally  managed,  and  ERM  manages  the  policy  and  the 
authority  delegation  process  directly.  The  Credit  Risk  Review 
function  provides  objective  assessments  of 
the  quality  of 
underwriting  and  documentation,  the  accuracy  of  risk  grades  and 
the  charge-off,  nonaccrual  and  reserve  analysis  process.  The 
Bancorp’s  credit  review  process  and  overall  assessment  of  the 
adequacy  of  the  allowance  for  credit  losses  is  based  on  quarterly 
assessments  of  the  probable  estimated  losses  inherent  in  the  loan 
and  lease  portfolio.  The  Bancorp  uses  these  assessments  to 
promptly  identify  potential  problem  loans  or  leases  within  the 
portfolio,  maintain  an  adequate  reserve  and  take  any  necessary 
charge-offs. The Bancorp defines potential problem loans and leases 
as  those  rated  substandard  that  do  not  meet  the  definition  of  a 
nonaccrual loan or a restructured loan. Refer to Note 6 of the Notes 
to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on the 
Bancorp’s credit grade categories, which are derived from standard 
regulatory rating definitions.   

The following tables provide a summary of potential problem portfolio loans and leases as of December 31: 

TABLE 34: POTENTIAL PROBLEM PORTFOLIO LOANS AND LEASES 

2015 ($ in millions) 
Commercial and industrial loans 
Commercial mortgage loans 
Commercial construction loans 
Commercial leases  
Total potential problem portfolio loans and leases 

TABLE 35: POTENTIAL PROBLEM PORTFOLIO LOANS AND LEASES

2014 ($ in millions) 
Commercial and industrial loans 
Commercial mortgage loans 
Commercial construction loans 
Commercial leases  
Total potential problem portfolio loans and leases 

Carrying 
Value 

 1,383   
 170   
 6   
 36   
 1,595   

Carrying 
Value  

 1,022   
 272   
 7   
 29   
 1,330   

$

$

$

$

Unpaid  
Principal     
Balance  

 1,384   
 171   
 6   
 36   
 1,597   

Unpaid  
Principal     
Balance  

 1,028   
 273   
 7   
 29   
 1,337   

  Exposure 

 1,922 
 172 
 7 
 39 
 2,140 

  Exposure 

 1,344 
 273 
 11 
 29 
 1,657 

In addition to the individual review of larger commercial loans that 
exhibit  probable  or  observed  credit  weaknesses,  the  commercial 
credit review process includes the use of two risk grading systems. 
The  risk  grading  system  currently  utilized  for  reserve  analysis 
purposes encompasses ten categories. The Bancorp also maintains a 
dual  risk  rating  system  for  credit  approval  and  pricing,  portfolio 

monitoring and capital allocation that includes a “through-the-cycle” 
rating philosophy for modeling expected losses. The dual risk rating 
system includes thirteen probabilities of default grade categories and 
an  additional  six  grade  categories  for  estimating  losses  given  an 
event  of  default.  The  probability  of  default  and  loss  given  default 
evaluations are not separated in the ten-category risk rating system. 

58  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
  
  
     
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

The Bancorp has completed significant validation and testing of the 
dual risk rating system as a commercial credit risk management tool. 
The  Bancorp  is  assessing  the  necessary  modifications  to  the  dual 
risk  rating  system  outputs  to  develop  a  U.S.  GAAP  compliant 
ALLL model and will make a decision on the use of modified dual 
risk ratings for purposes of determining the Bancorp’s ALLL once 
issued  a  final  standard  regarding  proposed 
the  FASB  has 
methodology changes to the determination of credit impairment as 
outlined  in  the  FASB’s  Proposed  ASU–Financial  Instruments–Credit 
Losses  (Subtopic  825-15)  issued  on  December  20,  2012.  Scoring 
systems,  various  analytical 
tools  and  portfolio  performance 
monitoring  are  used  to  assess  the  credit  risk  in  the  Bancorp’s 
homogenous consumer and small business loan portfolios. 

Overview 
Economic  growth  continues  to  improve,  and  GDP  is  expected  to 
maintain  its  modest  expansionary  pattern.  The  U.S.  job  market  is 
slowly but steadily improving. Housing prices have largely stabilized 
and  are  increasing  in  many  markets.  However,  overall  current 
economic  and  competitive  conditions  are  causing  weaker  than 
desired  qualified  loan  growth,  that  combined  with  a  weakness  in 
global  economic  conditions  and  a  relatively  low  interest  rate 
environment, may directly or indirectly impact the Bancorp’s growth 
and profitability.  

Among  consumer  portfolios, 

residential  mortgage  and 
brokered  home  equity  portfolios  exhibited  the  most  stress.  As  of 
December  31,  2015,  consumer  real  estate  loans  originated  from 
2005  through  2008  represent  approximately  20%  of  the  consumer 
real  estate  portfolio  and  approximately  60%  of  total  losses  for  the 
year ended December 31, 2015. Loss rates continue to improve as 
newer  vintages  are  performing  within  expectations.  Currently,  the 
level  of  new  commercial  real  estate  fundings  is  slightly  above  the 
amortization  and  payoff  of  the  portfolio  with  growth  in  the 
commercial  construction  portfolio  as 
those  markets  have 
rebounded.  The  Bancorp  continues  to  engage  in  loss  mitigation 
strategies such as reducing credit commitments, restructuring certain 
commercial and consumer loans, as well as utilizing commercial and 
consumer loan workout teams. For commercial and consumer loans 
owned  by  the  Bancorp,  loan  modification  strategies  are  developed 
that are workable for both the borrower and the Bancorp when the 
borrower  displays  a  willingness  to  cooperate.  These  strategies 
typically involve either a reduction of the stated interest rate of the 
loan,  an  extension  of  the  loan’s  maturity  date  with  a  stated  rate 
lower than the current market rate for a new loan with similar risk, 
or in limited circumstances, a reduction of the principal balance of 
the  loan  or  the  loan’s  accrued  interest.  For  residential  mortgage 
loans serviced for FHLMC and FNMA, the Bancorp participates in 
the  HAMP  and  HARP  2.0  programs.  For  loans  refinanced  under 
the  HARP  2.0  program,  the  Bancorp  strictly  adheres  to  the 
underwriting  requirements  of  the  program.  Loan  restructuring 
under  the  HAMP  program  is  performed  on  behalf  of  FHLMC  or 
FNMA  and  the  Bancorp  does  not  take  possession  of  these  loans 
during  the  modification  process.  Therefore,  participation  in  these 
programs does not significantly impact the Bancorp’s credit quality 
statistics.  The  Bancorp  participates 
in 
conjunction  with  the  HAMP  program  for  loans  it  services  for 
FHLMC  and  FNMA.  As  these  trial  modifications  relate  to  loans 
serviced for others, they are not included in the Bancorp’s TDRs as 
they  are  not  assets  of  the  Bancorp.  In  the  event  there  is  a 
representation  and  warranty  violation  on  loans  sold  through  the 
programs,  the  Bancorp  may  be  required  to  repurchase  the  sold 
loans. As of December 31, 2015, repurchased loans restructured or 
refinanced  under 
the 
these  programs  were 
Consolidated  Financial  Statements.  Additionally,  as  of  December 

in  trial  modifications 

immaterial 

to 

31,  2015  and  2014,  $14  million  and  $22  million,  respectively,  of 
loans  refinanced  under  HARP  2.0  were  included  in  loans  held  for 
sale  in  the  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets.  For  the  years  ended 
December  31,  2015  and  2014,  the  Bancorp  recognized  $6  million 
and  $13  million,  respectively,  of  noninterest  income  in  mortgage 
banking  net  revenue  in  the  Consolidated  Statements  of  Income 
related  to  the  sale  of  loans  restructured  or  refinanced  under  the 
HAMP and HARP 2.0 programs. 

In  the  financial  services  industry,  there  has  been  heightened 
focus  on  foreclosure  activity  and  processes.  The  Bancorp  actively 
works  with  borrowers  experiencing  difficulties  and  has  regularly 
modified  or  provided  forbearance  to  borrowers  where  a  workable 
solution  could  be  found.  Foreclosure  is  a  last  resort,  and  the 
Bancorp  undertakes  foreclosures  only  when  it  believes  they  are 
necessary and appropriate and is careful to ensure that customer and 
loan data are accurate.  

$1.7  billion, 

At  December  31,  2015,  the  Bancorp’s  non-power  producing 
energy  portfolio  balance  was 
representing 
approximately 2% of total loans and leases. This portfolio continues 
to  be  an  important  part  of  the  Bancorp’s  commercial  business 
strategy.  Due  to  the  sensitivity  of  this  portfolio  to  downward 
movements  in  oil  prices,  the  Bancorp  has  seen  migration  in  the 
portfolio 
into  criticized  classifications  during  2015.  When 
establishing  the  ALLL,  all  portfolio  and  general  economic  factors 
are considered, including the  level of criticized assets and the  level 
of commodity prices.  

Commercial Portfolio  
The Bancorp’s credit risk management strategy includes minimizing 
concentrations  of  risk  through  diversification.  The  Bancorp  has 
commercial  loan  concentration  limits  based  on  industry,  lines  of 
business  within  the  commercial  segment,  geography  and  credit 
product type. 

loan 

The  risk  within  the  commercial  loan  and  lease  portfolio  is 
managed  and  monitored  through  an  underwriting  process  utilizing 
detailed  origination  policies,  continuous 
level  reviews, 
monitoring  of  industry  concentration  and  product  type  limits  and 
continuous  portfolio  risk  management  reporting.  The  origination 
policies for commercial real estate outline the risks and underwriting 
requirements  for  owner  and  nonowner-occupied  and  construction 
lending.  Included  in  the  policies  are  maturity  and  amortization 
terms,  maximum  LTVs,  minimum  debt  service  coverage  ratios, 
construction  loan  monitoring  procedures,  appraisal  requirements, 
pre-leasing  requirements  (as  applicable),  sensitivity  and  pro-forma 
analysis  requirements  and  interest  rate  sensitivity.  The  Bancorp 
requires a valuation of real estate collateral, which may include third-
party  appraisals,  be  performed  at  the  time  of  origination  and 
renewal  in  accordance  with  regulatory  requirements  and  on  an  as 
needed basis when market conditions justify. Although the Bancorp 
does  not  back  test  these  collateral  value  assumptions,  the  Bancorp 
maintains an appraisal review department to order and review third-
party  appraisals 
in  accordance  with  regulatory  requirements. 
Collateral values on criticized assets with relationships exceeding $1 
million  are  reviewed  quarterly  to  assess  the  appropriateness  of  the 
value ascribed in the assessment of charge-offs and specific reserves. 
In addition, the Bancorp applies incremental valuation adjustments 
to  older  appraisals  that  relate  to  collateral  dependent  loans,  which 
can currently be up to 20-30% of the appraised value based on the 
type of collateral. These incremental valuation adjustments generally 
reflect the age of the most recent appraisal as well as collateral type. 
Trends  in  collateral  values,  such  as  home  price  indices  and  recent 
asset  dispositions,  are  monitored  in  order  to  determine  whether 
changes  to  the  appraisal  adjustments  are  warranted.  Other  factors 

59  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

such as local market conditions or location may also be considered 
as necessary. 

The  Bancorp  assesses  all  real  estate  and  non-real  estate 
collateral securing a loan and considers all cross-collateralized loans 
in  the  calculation  of  the  LTV  ratio.  The  following  tables  provide 

detail on the most recent LTV ratios for commercial mortgage loans 
greater  than  $1  million,  excluding  impaired  commercial  mortgage 
loans  individually  evaluated.  The  Bancorp  does  not  typically 
aggregate  the  LTV  ratios  for  commercial  mortgage  loans  less  than 
$1 million. 

TABLE 36: COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE LOANS OUTSTANDING BY LTV, LOANS GREATER THAN $1 MILLION 
As of December 31, 2015 ($ in millions) 
Commercial mortgage owner-occupied loans 
Commercial mortgage nonowner-occupied loans 
Total  

LTV > 100%  LTV 80-100% LTV < 80% 
2,063   
2,032   
4,095   

119   
120   
239   

216   
194   
410   

$

$

TABLE 37: COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE LOANS OUTSTANDING BY LTV, LOANS GREATER THAN $1 MILLION 
As of December 31, 2014 ($ in millions) 
Commercial mortgage owner-occupied loans 
Commercial mortgage nonowner-occupied loans 
Total  

LTV > 100%  LTV 80-100% LTV < 80% 
1,982   
2,423   
4,405   

148   
243   
391   

248   
333   
581   

$

$

60  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

The  following  table  provides  detail  on  commercial  loan  and  leases  by  industry  classification  (as  defined  by  the  North  American  Industry
Classification System), by loan size and by state, illustrating the diversity and granularity of the Bancorp’s commercial loans and leases:

TABLE 38: COMMERCIAL LOAN AND LEASE PORTFOLIO (EXCLUDING LOANS HELD FOR SALE) 

As of December 31 ($ in millions) 
By Industry: 

Manufacturing 
Real estate 
Financial services and insurance 
Healthcare 
Business services 
   Wholesale trade 
Retail trade 
Transportation and warehousing 
Communication and information 
Accommodation and food 
Construction 
Mining 
Utilities 
Entertainment and recreation 
Other services 
Public administration  
Agribusiness 
Individuals 
Other 

Total 
By Loan Size: 

Less than $200,000 
$200,000 to $1 million 
$1 million to $5 million 
$5 million to $10 million 
$10 million to $25 million 
Greater than $25 million 

Total 
By State: 

Ohio 
Michigan 
Florida 
Illinois 
Indiana 
North Carolina 
Tennessee 
Kentucky 
Pennsylvania 
All other states 

Total 

   Outstanding 

2015  
Exposure 

Nonaccrual 

Outstanding 

2014  
Exposure 

Nonaccrual 

$

$

 10,572   
 6,494   
 5,896   
 4,676   
 4,471   
 4,082   
 3,764   
 3,111   
 2,913   
 2,507   
 1,871   
 1,499   
 1,217   
 1,210   
 864   
 495   
 368   
 139   
 7   
 56,156   

 1 % 
 4   
 10   
 8   
 24   
 53   
 100 % 

 16 % 
 8   
 8   
 7   
 5   
 4   
 3   
 3   
 3   
 43   
 100 % 

 20,422  
 10,293  
 13,021  
 6,879  
 6,765  
 7,254  
 7,391  
 4,619  
 5,052  
 4,104  
 3,403  
 2,695  
 2,854  
 2,066  
 1,188  
 562  
 527  
 187  
 6  
 99,288  

 1  
 3  
 8  
 7  
 21  
 60  
 100  

 17  
 7  
 7  
 8  
 5  
 4  
 3  
 3  
 3  
 43  
 100  

 70  
 40  
 3  
 22  
 96  
 23  
 8  
 1  
 2  
 6  
 8  
 36 
 - 
 4  
 10  
 -  
 4  
 2  
 6  
 341  

 7  
 10  
 25  
 25  
 15  
 18  
 100  

 8  
 9  
 12  
 20  
 4  
 1  
 -  
 1  
 2  
 43  
 100  

 10,315   
 5,392   
 6,097   
 4,133   
 4,644   
 4,314   
 3,754   
 3,012   
 2,409   
 1,712   
 1,864   
 1,862   
 1,044   
 1,451   
 881   
 567   
 318   
 170   
 14   
 53,953   

 1   
 5   
 11   
 8   
 25   
 50   
 100   

 17   
 9   
 7   
 7   
 5   
 3   
 3   
 3   
 3   
 43   
 100   

 20,496  
 8,612  
 13,557  
 6,322  
 7,109  
 8,004  
 7,190  
 4,276  
 4,140  
 2,945  
 3,352  
 3,323  
 2,551  
 2,321  
 1,207  
 658  
 444  
 201  
 17  
 96,725  

 1  
 3  
 9  
 7  
 22  
 58  
 100  

 20  
 8  
 6  
 8  
 5  
 4  
 3  
 3  
 2  
 41  
 100  

 55  
 32  
 20  
 20  
 79  
 62  
 22  
 1  
 3  
 9  
 25  
 3  
 -  
 10  
 11  
 -  
 11  
 4  
 -  
 367  

 6  
 15  
 22  
 19  
 24  
 14  
 100  

 11  
 11  
 17  
 6  
 5  
 2  
 -  
 2  
 7  
 39  
 100  

61  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
  
     
  
     
     
  
  
  
     
     
  
  
     
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
     
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
     
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
     
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
     
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
     
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
     
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
     
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
     
 
  
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

The  Bancorp  has  identified  certain  categories  of  loans  which  it 
believes represent a higher level of risk compared to the rest of the 

Bancorp’s  commercial  loan  portfolio,  due  to  economic  or  market 
conditions within the Bancorp’s key lending areas.  

The following tables provide an analysis of nonowner-occupied commercial real estate loans (excluding loans held for sale): 

TABLE 39: NONOWNER-OCCUPIED COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE(a)  

 As of December 31, 2015 ($ in millions) 
By State: 

Ohio 
Florida 
Illinois 
Michigan 
North Carolina 
Indiana 
All other states 

$

Outstanding 

Exposure 

90 Days 
Past Due 

Nonaccrual 

For the Year Ended 
December 31, 2015 

Net Charge-offs 
(Recoveries) 

1,334   
687   
650   
598   
375   
294   
2,467   
6,405   

1,594   
1,041   
1,028   
722   
669   
521   
4,383   
9,958   

 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   

 7   
 9   
 2   
 13   
 -   
 -   
 4   
 35   

 (2)
 2 
 - 
 7 
 (1)
 - 
 11 
 17 

Total   
(a) 

$
Included in commercial mortgage loans and commercial construction loans in the Loans and Leases subsection of the Balance Sheet Analysis section of MD&A. 

TABLE 40: NONOWNER-OCCUPIED COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE(a)

 As of December 31, 2014 ($ in millions) 
By State: 

  Outstanding 

Exposure 

90 Days 
Past Due 

Nonaccrual 

For the Year Ended  
December 31, 2014 

Net Charge-offs 
(Recoveries)  

$

Ohio 
Florida 
Illinois 
Michigan 
North Carolina 
Indiana 
All other states 

 7 
 16 
 6 
 9 
 - 
 - 
 19 
 57 
$
Included in commercial mortgage loans and commercial construction loans in the Loans and Leases subsection of the Balance Sheet Analysis section of MD&A. 

 1,685
 871
 964
 797
 537
 344
 3,560
 8,758   

 1,283 
 575 
 449 
 724 
 369 
 250 
 1,865 
 5,515 

 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

Total   
(a) 

 (1)
 5 
 2 
 8 
 - 
 - 
 4 
 18 

Consumer Portfolio 
The Bancorp’s consumer portfolio is materially comprised of three 
loans:  residential  mortgage,  home  equity  and 
categories  of 
automobile.  The  Bancorp  has  identified  certain  categories  within 
these  loan  types  which  it  believes  represent  a  higher  level  of  risk 
compared  to  the  rest  of  the  consumer  loan  portfolio  due  to  high 
loan amount to collateral value.  The Bancorp does not update LTV 
ratios  for  the  consumer  portfolio  subsequent  to  origination  except 
as part of the charge-off process for real estate secured loans.   

Residential Mortgage Portfolio 
The  Bancorp  manages  credit  risk  in  the  residential  mortgage 
portfolio  through  conservative  underwriting  and  documentation 
standards and geographic and product diversification. The Bancorp 
may also package and sell loans in the portfolio. 

The  Bancorp  does  not  originate  mortgage  loans  that  permit 
customers  to  defer  principal  payments  or  make  payments  that  are 

less  than  the  accruing  interest.  The  Bancorp  originates  both  fixed 
and ARM loans. Resets of rates on ARMs are not expected to have 
a  material  impact  on  credit  costs  in  the  current  interest  rate 
environment, as approximately $846 million of ARM loans will have 
rate resets during the next twelve months. Of those resets, 89% are 
expected to experience an increase in rate, with an average increase 
of approximately one third of a percent. 

Certain residential mortgage products have contractual features 
that may increase credit exposure to the Bancorp in the event of a 
decline in housing values. These types of mortgage products offered 
by the Bancorp include loans  with high LTV ratios, multiple loans 
on the same collateral that when combined result in a LTV greater 
than  80%  and  interest-only  loans.  The  Bancorp  has  deemed 
residential mortgage loans with greater than 80% LTV ratios and no 
mortgage insurance as loans that represent a higher level of risk.  

62  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
           
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

The following table provides an analysis of the residential mortgage portfolio loans outstanding by LTV at origination:  

TABLE 41: RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE PORTFOLIO LOANS BY LTV AT ORIGINATION 
2015  

2014  

As of December 31 ($ in millions) 

LTV ≤ 80% 
LTV > 80%, with mortgage insurance 
LTV > 80%, no mortgage insurance 

Total  

Outstanding  

Weighted-
Average LTV 

      Outstanding  

Average LTV  

Weighted-

$

$

 10,198   
 1,300   
 2,218   

 13,716   

 65.6 %    $ 
 93.3         
 96.0         

 9,220   
 1,206   
 1,963   

 73.4 %    $ 

 12,389   

 65.1 %
 93.8  
 96.2  

 73.0 %

The following tables provide an analysis of the residential mortgage portfolio loans outstanding with a greater than 80% LTV ratio and no 
mortgage insurance: 

TABLE 42: RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE PORTFOLIO LOANS, LTV GREATER THAN 80%, NO MORTGAGE INSURANCE

As of December 31, 2015 ($ in millions) 
By State: 

Ohio  
Illinois 

   Michigan 

Florida 
Indiana 
North Carolina 
Kentucky 
All other states 

Total 

  Outstanding 

90 Days 
Past Due  Nonaccrual

Net Charge-offs 

For the Year Ended 
December 31, 2015

$

 517
 375
 280
 278
 137
 108
 84
 439

$

 2,218

 2 
 - 
 1 
 1 
 1 
 - 
 1 
 - 

 6 

 4 
 1 
 1 
 4 
 1 
 1 
 - 
 1 

 13 

 3 
 1   
 2 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

 6 

TABLE 43: RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE PORTFOLIO LOANS, LTV GREATER THAN 80%, NO MORTGAGE INSURANCE 

As of December 31, 2014 ($ in millions) 
By State: 

Ohio 
Illinois
Michigan
Florida
Indiana
North Carolina
Kentucky
All other states

Total 
(a) 

  Outstanding 

90 Days 
Past Due  Nonaccrual

Net Charge-offs 

For the Year Ended 
December 31, 2014 

$

$

 509
 293
 265
 247
 126
 100
 78
 345
 1,963

 1 
 1 
 1 
 1 
 1 
 1 
 - 
 - 
 6 

 10 
 4 
 5 
 5 
 2 
 1 
 1 
 2 
 30 

 22 
 3 
 11 
 3 
 3 
 - 
 2 
 2 
 46  (a)

Includes $34 in charge-offs related to the transfer of $720 restructured residential mortgage loans from the portfolio to loans held for sale during the fourth quarter of 2014. 

Home Equity Portfolio 
The  Bancorp’s  home  equity  portfolio  is  primarily  comprised  of 
home  equity  lines  of  credit.  Beginning  in  the  first  quarter  of  2013, 
the  Bancorp’s  newly  originated  home  equity  lines  of  credit  have  a 
10-year interest only draw period followed by a 20-year amortization 
period.  The  home  equity  line  of  credit  previously  offered  by  the 
Bancorp  was  a  revolving  facility  with  a  20-year  term,  minimum 
payments  of  interest  only  and  a  balloon  payment  of  principal  at 
maturity.  

The ALLL provides coverage for probable and estimable losses 
in  the  home  equity  portfolio.  The  allowance  attributable  to  the 
portion of the home equity portfolio that has not been restructured 
in a TDR is calculated on a pooled basis with senior lien and junior 
lien  categories  segmented  in  the  determination  of  the  probable 
credit losses in the home equity portfolio. The modeled loss factor 

for the home equity portfolio is based on the trailing twelve month 
historical  loss  rate  for  each  category,  as  adjusted  for  certain 
prescriptive  loss  rate  factors  and  certain  qualitative  adjustment 
factors to reflect risks associated with current conditions and trends. 
for 
The  prescriptive 
delinquency  trends,  LTV  trends  and  refreshed  FICO  score  trends. 
The qualitative factors include adjustments for credit administration 
and  portfolio  management,  credit  policy  and  underwriting  and  the 
national  and  local  economy.  The  Bancorp  considers  home  price 
index  trends  when  determining  the  national  and  local  economy 
qualitative factor. 

include  adjustments 

loss  rate 

factors 

The home equity portfolio is managed in two primary groups: 
loans  outstanding  with  a  combined  LTV  greater  than  80%  and 
those  loans  with  a  LTV  80%  or  less  based  upon  appraisals  at 
origination. The carrying value of the greater than 80% LTV home 

63  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
     
  
  
           
  
  
  
  
 
     
  
 
  
  
       
  
 
 
 
  
           
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
    
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

equity  loans  and  80%  or  less  LTV  home  equity  loans  were  $2.7 
billion  and  $5.6  billion,  respectively,  as  of  December  31,  2015.  Of 
the total $8.3 billion of outstanding home equity loans:  

 

 

85%  reside  within  the  Bancorp’s  Midwest  footprint  of 
Ohio,  Michigan,  Kentucky,  Indiana  and  Illinois  as  of 
December 31, 2015; 
35% are in senior lien positions and 65% are in junior lien 
positions at December 31, 2015; 

  Over 80% of non-delinquent borrowers made at least one 
payment  greater  than  the  minimum  payment  during  the 
year ended December 31, 2015; and 

  The portfolio had an average refreshed FICO score of 742 
and 740 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.   

The  Bancorp  actively  manages  lines  of  credit  and  makes 
reductions in lending limits when it believes it is necessary based on 
FICO  score  deterioration  and  property  devaluation.    The  Bancorp 
does not routinely obtain appraisals on performing loans to update 

LTV  ratios  after  origination.  However,  the  Bancorp  monitors  the 
local housing markets by reviewing various home price indices and 
incorporates the impact of the changing market conditions in its on-
going credit monitoring processes. For junior lien home equity loans 
which  become  60  days  or  more  past  due,  the  Bancorp  tracks  the 
performance  of  the  senior  lien  loans  in  which  the  Bancorp  is  the 
servicer  and  utilizes  consumer  credit  bureau  attributes  to  monitor 
the status of the senior lien loans that the Bancorp does not service. 
If the senior lien loan is found to be 120 days or more past due, the 
junior  lien  home  equity  loan  is  placed  on  nonaccrual  status  unless 
both  loans  are  well-secured  and  in  the  process  of  collection. 
Additionally, if the junior lien home equity loan becomes 120 days 
or more past due and the senior lien loan is also 120 days or more 
past due, the junior lien home equity loan is assessed for charge-off, 
unless it is well-secured and in the process of collection. Refer to the 
Analysis  of  Nonperforming  Assets  subsection  of 
the  Risk 
Management section of MD&A for more information. 

The following table provides an analysis of home equity portfolio loans outstanding disaggregated based upon refreshed FICO score as of: 

TABLE 44: HOME EQUITY PORTFOLIO LOANS OUTSTANDING BY REFRESHED FICO SCORE

($ in millions) 
Senior Liens:  
FICO < 620 
FICO 621-719 
FICO > 720  
        Total senior liens  
Junior Liens:  
FICO < 620 
FICO 621-719 
FICO > 720  
       Total junior liens  
Total  

December 31, 2015

% of 
Total  

December 31, 2014

$ 

$ 

 159 
 563 
 2,210 
 2,932 

 389 
 1,399 
 3,581 
 5,369 
 8,301 

 2 % 
 7   
 26   
 35   

 5   
 17 
 43   
 65   
 100 % 

$

$

 178 
 613 
 2,257 
 3,048 

 471 
 1,542 
 3,825 
 5,838 
 8,886 

% of  
Total 

 2 %
 7   
 25   
 34   

 6   
 17   
 43   
 66   
 100 %

64  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

The Bancorp believes that home equity portfolio loans with a greater than 80% combined LTV ratio present a higher level of risk. The following 
table provides an analysis of the home equity portfolio loans outstanding in a senior and junior lien position by LTV at origination: 

TABLE 45: HOME EQUITY PORTFOLIO LOANS OUTSTANDING BY LTV AT ORIGINATION 

As of December 31 ($ in millions) 
Senior Liens:  
LTV ≤ 80% 
LTV > 80% 
    Total senior liens  
Junior Liens: 
LTV ≤ 80% 
LTV > 80% 
    Total junior liens  
Total  

2015  

2014  

Outstanding  

Weighted-
Average LTV

         Outstanding 

Weighted-
Average LTV

$

$

 2,557 
 375 
 2,932 

 3,088   
 2,281   
 5,369   
 8,301   

 55.1 %    $
 89.1         
 59.7         

 67.6         
 90.9         
 79.2         
 71.8 %    $

 2,635 
 413 
 3,048 

 3,281   
 2,557   
 5,838   
 8,886   

 55.2 %
 89.1  
 60.0  

 67.4  
 91.1  
79.6  
72.4 %

The following tables provide an analysis of home equity portfolio loans by state with a combined LTV greater than 80%: 

TABLE 46: HOME EQUITY PORTFOLIO LOANS OUTSTANDING WITH A LTV GREATER THAN 80% 

As of December 31, 2015 ($ in millions) 
By State: 

Ohio 
   Michigan 

Illinois 
Indiana 
Kentucky 
Florida 
All other states 

Total 

  Outstanding

Exposure 

90 Days 
Past Due  Nonaccrual

Net Charge-offs 

For the Year Ended 
December 31, 2015 

$

$

 1,081
 519
 305
 220
 208
 95
 228
 2,656

 1,830
 773
 457
 352
 344
 129
 320
 4,205

 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

 10 
 5 
 3 
 3 
 2 
 2 
 5 
 30 

 6 
 5 
 3 
 3 
 1 
 1 
 2 
 21 

TABLE 47: HOME EQUITY PORTFOLIO LOANS OUTSTANDING WITH A LTV GREATER THAN 80% 

As of December 31, 2014 ($ in millions) 
By State: 

Ohio 
   Michigan 

Illinois 
Indiana 
Kentucky 
Florida 
All other states 

Total 

For the Year Ended 
December 31, 2014 

  Outstanding 

Exposure 

90 Days 
Past Due  Nonaccrual

Net Charge-offs 

$

$

 1,123
 613
 346
 260
 246
 107
 275
 2,970

 1,838
 882
 507
 404
 390
 143
 376
 4,540

 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

 9 
 7 
 6 
 4 
 3 
 2 
 5 
 36 

 9 
 8 
 6 
 3 
 3 
 2 
 4 
 35 

65  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
     
  
  
           
  
  
  
           
  
  
 
  
     
  
 
  
  
           
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
        
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
        
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
           
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

Automobile Portfolio 
The  automobile  portfolio  is  characterized  by  direct  and  indirect 
lending products to consumers. As of December 31, 2015, 50% of 
the automobile loan portfolio is comprised of loans collateralized by 

new automobiles. It is a common practice to advance on automobile 
loans  an  amount  in  excess  of  the  automobile  value  due  to  the 
inclusion of taxes, title and other fees paid at closing. The Bancorp 
monitors its exposure to these higher risk loans.  

The following table provides an analysis of automobile portfolio loans outstanding by LTV at origination:  

TABLE 48: AUTOMOBILE PORTFOLIO LOANS OUTSTANDING BY LTV AT ORIGINATION 

As of December 31 ($ in millions) 
LTV ≤ 100% 
LTV > 100% 
Total  

2015  

Outstanding  
 7,740   
 3,753   
 11,493   

$

$

Weighted-
Average LTV 

2014  

  Weighted-

         Outstanding  

Average LTV

 81.7 %    $ 
 111.3         
 91.7 %    $ 

 8,212   
 3,825   
 12,037   

81.6 %
111.0  
91.3 %

The following table provides an analysis of the Bancorp’s automobile portfolio loans with a LTV at origination greater than 100%:

TABLE 49: AUTOMOBILE PORTFOLIO LOANS OUTSTANDING WITH A LTV GREATER THAN 100%  

As of ($ in millions) 
December 31, 2015 
December 31, 2014 

$ 

Outstanding 

 3,753 
 3,825 

90 Days Past 
Due and Accruing   
 5 
 5 

   Net Charge-offs for the

Nonaccrual 

Year Ended 

 1 
 1 

 20 
 16 

European Exposure  
The  Bancorp  has  no  direct  sovereign  exposure  to  any  European 
government as of December 31, 2015. In providing services to our 
customers,  the  Bancorp  routinely  enters  into  financial  transactions 
with foreign domiciled and U.S. subsidiaries of foreign businesses as 
well as foreign financial institutions. These financial transactions are 
in  the  form  of 
letters  of  credit, 
derivatives,  guarantees,  bankers  acceptances  and  securities.  The 

loan  commitments, 

loans, 

Bancorp’s risk appetite for foreign country exposure is managed by 
having  established  country  exposure  limits.  The  Bancorp’s  total 
exposure  to  European  domiciled  or  owned  businesses  and 
European  financial 
institutions  was  $3.7  billion  and  funded 
exposure  was  $1.9  billion  as  of  December  31,  2015.    Additionally, 
the  Bancorp  was  within  its  established  country  exposure  limits  for 
all European countries.  

The following table provides detail about the Bancorp’s exposure to all European domiciled and owned businesses and financial institutions as of 
December 31, 2015: 

TABLE 50: EUROPEAN EXPOSURE  

Sovereigns  

Total   

($ in millions)   
Peripheral Europe(b) 
Other Eurozone(c)  
      Total Eurozone   
Other Europe(d)  
       Total Europe   
(a)  Total exposure includes funded exposure and unfunded commitments.  
(b)  Peripheral Europe includes Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain.  
(c)  Eurozone includes countries participating in the European common currency (Euro).  
(d)  Other Europe includes European countries not part of the Eurozone (primarily the United Kingdom and Switzerland). 

Funded  
   Exposure(a) Exposure 
 - 
$
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

 270 
 294 
 564 
 145 
 709 

 -  
 -  
 -  
 -  
 -  

$

$

Non-Financial 
Institutions  

Total  

Financial Institutions 
Funded  

Total   

Total   

Total   

Funded  

Funded  
  Exposure(a) Exposure    Exposure(a)  Exposure     Exposure(a) Exposure 
 252
 43 
 1,127
 1,850 
 1,379
 1,893 
 509
 1,058 
 1,888
 2,951 

 24   
 994   
 1,018   
 417   
 1,435   

 313 
 2,144 
 2,457 
 1,203 
 3,660 

 228  
 133  
 361  
 92  
 453  

Analysis of Nonperforming Assets 
Nonperforming  assets  include  nonaccrual  loans  and  leases  for 
which  ultimate  collectability  of  the  full  amount  of  the  principal 
and/or interest is uncertain; restructured commercial and credit card 
loans which have not yet met the requirements to be classified as a 
performing  asset;  restructured  consumer  loans  which  are  90  days 
past  due  based  on  the  restructured  terms  unless  the  loan  is  both 
well-secured  and  in  the  process  of  collection;  and  certain  other 
including  OREO  and  other  repossessed  property.  A 
assets, 
summary  of  nonperforming  assets  is  included  in  Table  51.  For 
further information on the Bancorp’s policies related to accounting 
for  delinquent  and  nonperforming  loans  and  leases  refer  to  the 
Nonaccrual  Loans  and  Leases  section  of  Note  1  of  the  Notes  to 
Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Nonperforming assets were $659 million at December 31 2015 
compared to $783 million at December 31, 2014. At December 31, 
2015, $12 million of nonaccrual loans were held for sale, compared 
to  $39  million  at  December  31,  2014.  The  decrease  in  nonaccrual 
loans  held  for  sale  from  December  31,  2014  was  primarily  due  to 
the sale in 2015 of $10 million of held for sale residential mortgage 
loans  classified  as  TDRs.  The  remaining  decrease  was  due  to 
paydowns and additional sales of nonaccrual loans held for sale. 

Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total loans and leases 
and  OREO,  as  of  December  31,  2015  were  0.70%,  compared  to 
0.86% as of December 31, 2014. Nonperforming portfolio assets as 
a percent of portfolio loans and leases and OREO were 0.70% as of 
December 31, 2015, compared to 0.82% as of December 31, 2014. 
Nonaccrual loans and leases secured by real estate were 43% of total 

66  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
           
  
     
  
  
           
  
  
  
           
  
  
 
  
     
  
 
  
  
           
 
 
 
 
  
           
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
   
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
   
  
 
 
  
   
  
 
 
  
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

nonaccrual loans and leases as of December 31, 2015 compared to 
50% as of December 31, 2014.  

Commercial  portfolio  nonaccrual  loans  and  leases  were  $341 
million  at  December  31,  2015,  a  decrease  of  $26  million  from 
December  31,  2014  as  charge-offs,  loan  paydowns/payoffs,  loan 
transfers to OREO and loans sold outpaced new nonaccruals.  

Consumer  portfolio  nonaccrual  loans  and  leases  were  $165 
million  at  December  31,  2015,  a  decrease  of  $47  million  from 
December 31, 2014. The decrease was primarily due to charge-offs, 
loan  paydowns/payoffs  and  transfers  to  accrual  status  and  OREO 
which  outpaced  new  nonaccrual 
loans.  Geographical  market 
conditions  continue  to  be  a  large  driver  of  nonaccrual  activity  as 
Florida  properties  represent  approximately  11%  of  residential 
mortgage  balances,  but  represent  27%  of  nonaccrual  loans  at 
December  31,  2015.  Refer  to  Table  52  for  a  rollforward  of  the 
nonaccrual loans and leases. 

OREO  and  other  repossessed  property  was  $141  million  at 
December  31,  2015,  compared  to  $165  million  at  December  31, 
2014. The Bancorp recognized $24 million and $26 million in losses 
on  the  sale  or  write-down  of  OREO  properties  during  the  years 
ended  December  31,  2015  and  2014,  respectively.  The  decrease 
from the prior year was primarily due to a modest improvement in 
general economic conditions.  

During  the  years  ended  December  31,  2015  and  2014, 
approximately $35 million and  $49 million, respectively, of interest 
income  would  have  been  recognized 
if  the  nonaccrual  and 
renegotiated loans and leases on nonaccrual status had been current 
in accordance with their original terms. Although these values help 
demonstrate  the  costs  of  carrying  nonaccrual  credits,  the  Bancorp 
does not expect to recover the full amount of interest as nonaccrual 
loans and leases are generally carried below their principal balance. 

$

2015  

82   
56   
-   
-   
28   
62   
-   

TABLE 51: SUMMARY OF NONPERFORMING ASSETS AND DELINQUENT LOANS 
As of December 31 ($ in millions)  
Nonaccrual portfolio loans and leases:  
   Commercial and industrial loans  
   Commercial mortgage loans  
   Commercial construction loans  
   Commercial leases  
   Residential mortgage loans  
   Home equity   
   Other consumer loans and leases  
Nonaccrual portfolio restructured loans and leases:  
   Commercial and industrial loans   
   Commercial mortgage loans(c) 
   Commercial construction loans  
   Commercial leases  
   Residential mortgage loans  
   Home equity  
   Automobile loans  
   Credit card  
Total nonaccrual portfolio loans and leases(b) 
OREO and other repossessed property(d) 
Total nonperforming portfolio assets  
Nonaccrual loans held for sale  
Nonaccrual restructured loans held for sale  
Total nonperforming assets  
Loans and leases 90 days past due and accruing:  
   Commercial and industrial loans  
   Commercial mortgage loans  
   Commercial construction loans  
   Residential mortgage loans(a) 
   Home equity  
   Automobile loans  
   Credit card  
Total loans and leases 90 days past due and accruing  
Nonperforming portfolio assets as a percent of portfolio loans and leases  
and OREO  
ALLL as a percent of nonperforming portfolio assets  
(a) 

177   
25   
-   
1   
23   
17   
2   
33   
506   
141   
647   
1   
11   
659   

 7   
 -   
 -   
 40   
 -   
 10   
 18   
 75   

 0.70 %  
 197   

$

$

$

2014  

2013  

2012  

2011  

86   
64   
-   
3   
44   
72   
-   

142   
71   
-   
1   
33   
21   
1   
41   
579   
165   
744   
24   
15   
783   

 -   
 -   
 -   
 56   
 -   
 8   
 23   
 87   

 0.82   
 178   

127   
90   
10   
3   
83   
74   
-   

154   
53   
19   
2   
83   
19   
1   
33   
751   
229   
980   
6   
-   
986   

 -   
 -   
 -   
 66   
 -   
 8   
 29   
 103   

 1.10   
 161   

234   
215   
70   
1   
114   
30   
1   

96   
67   
6   
8   
123   
23   
2   
39   
1,029   
257   
1,286   
25   
4   
1,315   

 1   
 22   
 1   
 75   
 58   
 8   
 30   
 195   

 1.49   
 144   

408   
358   
123   
9   
134   
25   
1   

79   
63   
15   
3   
141   
29   
2   
48   
1,438   
378   
1,816   
131   
7   
1,954   

 4   
 3   
 1   
 79   
 74   
 9   
 30   
 200   

 2.23   
 124   

Information for all periods presented excludes loans whose repayments are insured by the FHA or guaranteed by the VA. These loans were $335, $373, $378, $414 and $309 as of December 
31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. The Bancorp recognized losses of $8, $13, $5, $2 and immaterial for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 
2011, respectively, due to claim denials and curtailments associated with these advances.  
Includes $6, $9, $10, $10 and $17 of nonaccrual government insured commercial loans whose repayments are insured by the SBA at December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, 
respectively, and $2, $4, $2, $1, and $2 of restructured nonaccrual government insured commercial loans at December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. 

(b) 

(c)  Excludes $20 of  restructured  nonaccrual  loans  at December 31, 2015  and  $21  at  both  December  31,  2014  and  2013  associated  with  a  consolidated  VIE  in  which  the  Bancorp  has  no 

continuing credit risk due to the risk being assumed by a third party. 

(d)  Excludes $14,  $71,  $77,  $72  and  $64  of  OREO  related  to  government  insured  loans  at December 31, 2015,  2014,  2013,  2012  and  2011,  respectively.  The  Bancorp  has  historically 
excluded government guaranteed loans classified in OREO from its nonperforming asset disclosures. Upon the prospective adoption on January 1, 2015 of ASU 2014-14, “Classification of Certain 
Government-Guaranteed Mortgage Loans Upon Foreclosure,” government guaranteed loans meeting certain criteria will be reclassified to other receivables rather than OREO upon foreclosure. As of 
December 31, 2015,  the  Bancorp  had $44  of  government  guaranteed  loans  classified  as  other  receivables.  Refer  to  Note  1  of  the  Notes  to  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  for  further 
information on the adoption of this amended guidance. 

67  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
     
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

The following table provides a rollforward of portfolio nonaccrual loans and leases, by portfolio segment: 

TABLE 52: ROLLFORWARD OF PORTFOLIO NONACCRUAL LOANS AND LEASES 

For the year ended December 31, 2015 ($ in millions) 
Balance, beginning of period 
Transfers to nonaccrual 
Transfers to accrual status 
Transfers from held for sale  
Transfers to held for sale 
Loans sold from portfolio 
Loan paydowns/payoffs 
Transfers to OREO 

   Charge-offs 
   Draws/other extensions of credit 
Balance, end of period 
For the year ended December 31, 2014 ($ in millions) 
Balance, beginning of period 
Transfers to nonaccrual 
Transfers to accrual status 
Transfers to held for sale 
Loans sold from portfolio 
Loan paydowns/payoffs 
Transfers to OREO 

   Charge-offs 
   Draws/other extensions of credit 
Balance, end of period 

Commercial 

Residential 
Mortgage 

$

$

$

$

 367  
 515  
 (9) 
 -  
 (12) 
 (11) 
 (189) 
 (32) 
 (298) 
 10  
 341  

 458  
 520  
 (71) 
 (4) 
 (43) 
 (181) 
 (41) 
 (279) 
 8  
 367  

 77   
 65   
 (39)  
 5 
 -   
 -   
 (15)  
 (29)  
 (13)  
 -   
 51   

 166   
 135   
 (79)  
 (24)  
 -   
 (41)  
 (67)  
 (13)  
 -   
 77   

Consumer  
 135 
 155 
 (68)
 - 
 (1)
 - 
 (28)
 (18)
 (61)
 - 
 114 

 127 
 219   
 (88)  
 -   
 -   
 (9)  
 (22)  
 (92)  
 -   
 135 

Total  
 579   
 735   
 (116)  
 5   
 (13)  
 (11)  
 (232)  
 (79)  
 (372)  
 10   
 506   

 751   
 874   
 (238)  
 (28)  
 (43)  
 (231)  
 (130)  
 (384)  
 8   
 579   

Troubled Debt Restructurings 
If  a  borrower  is  experiencing  financial  difficulty,  the  Bancorp  may 
consider, in certain circumstances, modifying the terms of their loan 
to  maximize  collection  of  amounts  due.  Typically, 
these 
modifications  reduce  the  loan  interest  rate,  extend  the  loan  term, 
reduce  the  accrued  interest  or  in  limited  circumstances,  reduce  the 
principal  balance  of  the  loan.  These  modifications  are  classified  as 
TDRs. 

At  the  time  of  modification,  the  Bancorp  maintains  certain 
consumer  loan  TDRs  (including  residential  mortgage  loans,  home 
equity loans, and other consumer loans) on accrual status, provided 
there  is  reasonable  assurance  of  repayment  and  performance 
according  to  the  modified  terms  based  upon  a  current,  well-
documented  credit  evaluation.  Commercial  loans  modified  as  part 

of  a  TDR  are  maintained  on  accrual  status  provided  there  is  a 
sustained  payment  history  of  six  months  or  greater  prior  to  the 
modification  in  accordance  with  the  modified  terms  and  all 
remaining  contractual  payments  under  the  modified  terms  are 
reasonably  assured  of  collection.  TDRs  of  commercial  loans  and 
credit card loans that do not have a sustained payment history of six 
months or greater in accordance with the modified terms remain on 
nonaccrual status until a six month payment history is sustained.  

Consumer  restructured  loans  on  accrual  status  totaled  $979 
million  and  $905  million  at  December  31,  2015  and  2014, 
respectively.  As  of  December  31,  2015,  the  percentage  of 
restructured  residential  mortgage  loans,  home  equity  loans,  and 
credit card loans that are past due 30 days or more were 30%, 11% 
and 31%, respectively. 

The following tables summarize TDRs by loan type and delinquency status:

TABLE 53: ACCRUING AND NONACCRUING PORTFOLIO TDRs 

As of December 31, 2015 ($ in millions)  
Commercial loans(b)(c) 
Residential mortgage loans(a) 
Home equity  
Automobile loans  
Credit card  
Total  
(a) 

Current 

 487  
 443  
 307  
 17  
 24  
 1,278  

$

$

Accruing 
30-89 Days  
Past Due 
 4   
54   
20   
-   
 4   
82   

90 Days or 
More Past Due 

Nonaccruing 

Total  

 -   
 110   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 110   

203   
23   
17   
2   
33   
278   

 694  
 630  
 344  
 19  
 61  
 1,748  

Information includes advances made pursuant to servicing agreements for GNMA mortgage pools whose repayments are insured by the FHA or guaranteed by the VA. As of December 31, 
2015, these advances represented $202 of current loans, $42 of 30-89 days past due loans and $99 of 90 days or more past due loans.  

(b)  As of December 31, 2015, excludes $7 of restructured accruing loans and $20 of restructured nonaccrual loans associated with a consolidated VIE in which the Bancorp has no continuing credit 

risk due to the risk being assumed by a third party. 

(c)  Excludes restructured nonaccrual loans held for sale.  

68  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
  
 
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
   
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

TABLE 54: ACCRUING AND NONACCRUING PORTFOLIO TDRs 

As of December 31, 2014 ($ in millions)  
Commercial loans(b) 
Residential mortgage loans(a)(c) 
Home equity  
Automobile loans  
Credit card  
Total  
(a) 

Current 

 867  
 312  
 337  
 22  
 31  
 1,569  

$ 

$ 

Accruing 
30-89 Days  
Past Due 
 2   
54   
23   
1   
 6   
86   

90 Days or 
More Past Due 

Nonaccruing 

 -   
 119   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 119   

214   
33   
21   
1   
41   
310   

Total  
 1,083  
 518  
 381  
 24  
 78  
 2,084  

Information includes advances made pursuant to servicing agreements for GNMA mortgage pools whose repayments are insured by the FHA or guaranteed by the VA. As of December 31, 2014, 
these advances represented $165 of current loans, $42 of 30-89 days past due loans and $102 of 90 days or more past due loans.  

(b)  As of December 31, 2014, excludes $7 of restructured accruing loans and $21 of restructured nonaccrual loans associated with a consolidated VIE in which the Bancorp has no continuing credit 

risk due to the risk being assumed by a third party. 

(c)  Excludes restructured nonaccrual loans held for sale.  

Analysis of Net Loan Charge-offs 
Net charge-offs were 48 bps and 64 bps of average portfolio loans 
and  leases  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2015  and  2014, 
respectively. Table 55 provides a summary of credit loss experience 
and  net  charge-offs  as  a  percentage  of  average  portfolio  loans  and 
leases outstanding by loan category. 

The  ratio  of  commercial  loan  and  lease  net  charge-offs  to 
average portfolio commercial loans and leases decreased to 46  bps 
during  the  year  ended  December  31,  2015  compared  to  48  bps  in 
the same period in the prior year, primarily as a result of an increase 
in  average  commercial  loan  and  lease  balances  of  $2.3  billion. 
Commercial net charge-offs were flat for the year ended December 
31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 31, 2014.  

The  ratio  of  consumer  loan  and  lease  net  charge-offs  to 
average consumer loans and leases decreased to 51 bps for the year 
ended December 31, 2015 compared to 86 bps for the year ended 
December  31,  2014.  Residential  mortgage  loan  net  charge-offs, 
which  typically  involve  partial  charge-offs  based  upon  appraised 
values  of  underlying  collateral,  decreased  $109  million  from 

December 31, 2014. The decrease in net charge-offs on residential 
mortgage  loans  was  primarily  due  to  an  $87  million  charge-off 
related  to  the  transfer  of  certain  residential  mortgage  loans  from 
portfolio  to  held  for  sale  in  the  fourth  quarter  of  2014.  The 
remaining decrease was due to improvements in delinquencies and 
loss  severities.  The  Bancorp  expects  the  composition  of  the 
residential  mortgage  portfolio  to  improve  as  it  continues  to  retain 
high quality residential mortgage loans. 

Home  equity  net  charge-offs  decreased  $20  million  compared 
to 
to 
the  year  ended  December  31,  2014,  primarily  due 
improvements  in  loss  severities.  In  addition,  management  actively 
manages lines of credit and makes reductions in lending limits when 
it  believes  it  is  necessary  based  on  FICO  score  deterioration  and 
property devaluation.  

Automobile  loans,  credit  card  and  other  consumer  loans  and 
leases net charge-offs remained relatively flat compared to the prior 
year.  The  Bancorp  utilizes  a  risk-adjusted  pricing  methodology  to 
ensure  adequate  compensation  is  received  for  those  products  that 
have higher credit costs. 

69  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
   
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
   
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

TABLE 55: SUMMARY OF CREDIT LOSS EXPERIENCE
For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 
Losses charged-off: 
   Commercial and industrial loans  
   Commercial mortgage loans 
   Commercial construction loans 
   Commercial leases 
   Residential mortgage loans 
   Home equity  
   Automobile loans  
   Credit card 
   Other consumer loans and leases 
Total losses charged-off 
Recoveries of losses previously charged-off: 
   Commercial and industrial loans  
   Commercial mortgage loans 
   Commercial construction loans 
   Commercial leases 
   Residential mortgage loans 
   Home equity  
   Automobile loans  
   Credit card 
   Other consumer loans and leases 
Total recoveries of losses previously charged-off 
Net losses charged-off: 
   Commercial and industrial loans  
   Commercial mortgage loans 
   Commercial construction loans 
   Commercial leases 
   Residential mortgage loans 
   Home equity  
   Automobile loans  
   Credit card 
   Other consumer loans and leases 
Total net losses charged-off 
Net losses charged-off as a percent of average portfolio loans and leases: 
   Commercial and industrial loans  
   Commercial mortgage loans 
   Commercial construction loans 
   Commercial leases 
Total commercial loans and leases 
   Residential mortgage loans 
   Home equity  
   Automobile loans  
   Credit card 
   Other consumer loans and leases 
Total consumer loans and leases 
Total net losses charged-off as a percent of average portfolio loans and leases 

Allowance for Credit Losses 
The  allowance  for  credit  losses is  comprised  of  the  ALLL  and  the 
reserve  for  unfunded  commitments.  The  ALLL  provides  coverage 
for  probable  and  estimable  losses  in  the  loan  and  lease  portfolio. 
The  Bancorp  evaluates  the  ALLL  each  quarter  to  determine  its 
adequacy  to  cover  inherent  losses.  Several  factors  are  taken  into 
consideration  in  the  determination  of  the  overall  ALLL,  including 
an  unallocated  component.  These  factors  include,  but  are  not 
limited  to,  the  overall  risk  profile  of  the  loan  and  lease  portfolios, 
net  charge-off  experience,  the  extent  of  impaired  loans  and  leases, 
the  level  of  nonaccrual  loans  and  leases,  the  level  of  90  days  past 
due loans and leases and the overall level of the ALLL as a percent 
of  portfolio  loans  and  leases.  The  Bancorp  also  considers  overall 
asset quality trends, credit administration and portfolio management 
practices, risk identification practices, credit policy and underwriting 
practices,  overall  portfolio  growth,  portfolio  concentrations  and 

70  Fifth Third Bancorp 

2015  

2014  

2013  

2012  

2011  

$

$

(253)  
(39)  
(4)  
(2)  
(28)  
(55)  
(46)  
(94)  
(21)  
(542)  

24   
12   
1   
-   
11   
16   
18   
12   
2   
96   

(229)  
(27)  
(3)  
(2)  
(17)  
(39)  
(28)  
(82)  
(19)  
(446)  

0.54 %
0.38   
0.11   
0.04   
0.46   
0.13   
0.46   
0.24   
3.60   
3.26   
0.51   
0.48 %

(248)  
(37)  
(13)  
(1)  
(139)  
(75)  
(44)  
(95)  
(27)  
(679)  

26   
11   
1   
-   
13   
16   
17   
13   
7   
104   

(222)  
(26)  
(12)  
(1)  
(126)  
(59)  
(27)  
(82)  
(20)  
(575)  

0.54   
0.34   
0.79   
0.01   
0.48   
0.99   
0.65   
0.22   
3.60   
5.80   
0.86   
0.64   

(207)  
(66)  
(9)  
(2)  
(70)  
(114)  
(44)  
(92)  
(33)  
(637)  

39   
19   
5   
1   
10   
17   
22   
14   
9   
136   

(168)  
(47)  
(4)  
(1)  
(60)  
(97)  
(22)  
(78)  
(24)  
(501)  

0.44   
0.56   
0.51   
0.04   
0.44   
0.48   
1.02   
0.18   
3.67   
6.71   
0.77   
0.58   

(194)  
(120)  
(34)  
(10)  
(129)  
(172)  
(55)  
(90)  
(33)  
(837)  

29   
21   
9   
2   
7   
15   
24   
16   
10   
133   

(165)  
(99)  
(25)  
(8)  
(122)  
(157)  
(31)  
(74)  
(23)  
(704)  

0.50   
1.02   
3.08   
0.22   
0.63   
1.07   
1.51   
0.26   
3.79   
7.02   
1.13   
0.85   

(314)  
(211)  
(89)  
(1)  
(180)  
(234)  
(85)  
(114)  
(86)  
(1,314)  

38   
16   
4   
3   
7   
14   
32   
16   
12   
142   

(276)  
(195)  
(85)  
2   
(173)  
(220)  
(53)  
(98)  
(74)  
(1,172)  

0.97   
1.89   
4.96   
(0.08)  
1.26   
1.75   
1.97   
0.47   
5.19   
15.29   
1.79   
1.49   

current  national  and  local  economic  conditions  that  might  impact 
the  portfolio.  Refer  to  the  Critical  Accounting  Policies  section  of 
MD&A for more information. 

During  the  year  ended  December  31,  2015,  the  Bancorp  did 
not substantively change any material aspect of its overall approach 
in the determination of the ALLL and there have been no material 
changes  in  assumptions  or  estimation  techniques  as  compared  to 
prior periods that impacted the determination of the current period 
allowance.  In  addition  to  the  ALLL,  the  Bancorp  maintains  a 
reserve  for  unfunded  commitments  recorded  in  other  liabilities  in 
the  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets.  The  methodology  used  to 
determine  the  adequacy  of  this  reserve  is  similar  to  the  Bancorp’s 
methodology  for  determining  the  ALLL.  The  provision  for 
unfunded commitments is included in other noninterest expense in 
the Consolidated Statements of Income. 

 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

The  ALLL  attributable  to  the  portion  of  the  residential 
mortgage and consumer loan and lease portfolio that has not been 
restructured is determined on a pooled basis with the segmentation 
based on the similarity of credit risk characteristics. Loss factors for 
real  estate  backed  consumer  loans  are  developed  for  each  pool 
based  on  the  trailing  twelve  month  historical  loss  rate,  as  adjusted 
for  certain  prescriptive  loss  rate  factors  and  certain  qualitative 
adjustment factors. The prescriptive loss rate factors and qualitative 
adjustments  are  designed  to  reflect  risks  associated  with  current 
conditions and trends which are not believed to be fully reflected in 
the trailing twelve month historical loss rate. For real estate backed 
include 
consumer 
adjustments  for  delinquency  trends,  LTV  trends,  refreshed  FICO 
score  trends  and  product  mix,  and  the  qualitative  factors  include 
adjustments  for  credit  administration  and  portfolio  management 
practices,  credit  policy  and  underwriting  practices  and  the  national 
and local economy. The Bancorp considers home price index trends 
in  its  footprint  when  determining  the  national  and  local  economy 
qualitative  factor.  The  Bancorp  also  considers  the  volatility  of 
collateral  valuation  trends  when  determining  the  unallocated 
component of the ALLL. 

the  prescriptive 

loss  rate 

factors 

loans, 

TABLE 56: CHANGES IN ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES
For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 
ALLL: 
Balance, beginning of period 
   Losses charged-off 
   Recoveries of losses previously charged-off 
   Provision for loan and lease losses 
Balance, end of period 
Reserve for unfunded commitments: 
Balance, beginning of period 
   Provision for (benefit from) unfunded commitments 
   Charge-offs 
Balance, end of period 

Certain  inherent,  but  unconfirmed  losses  are  probable  within  the 
loan  and  lease  portfolio.  The  Bancorp’s  current  methodology  for 
determining  the  level  of  losses  is  based  on  historical  loss  rates, 
current  credit  grades,  specific  allocation  on  impaired  commercial 
credits above specified thresholds and restructured loans and other 
qualitative  adjustments.  Due  to  the  heavy  reliance  on  realized 
historical  losses  and  the  credit  grade  rating  process,  the  model-
derived  estimate  of  ALLL  tends  to  slightly  lag  behind  the 
deterioration  in  the  portfolio  in  a  stable  or  deteriorating  credit 
environment,  and  tends  not  to  be  as  responsive  when  improved 
conditions  have  presented 
these  model 
limitations, the qualitative adjustment factors may be incremental or 
detrimental to the quantitative model results.  

themselves.  Given 

The  Bancorp’s  determination  of  the  ALLL  for  commercial 
loans is sensitive to the risk grades it assigns to these loans. In the 
event  that  10%  of  commercial  loans  in  each  risk  category  would 
experience  a  downgrade  of  one  risk  category,  the  allowance  for 
commercial  loans  would  increase  by  approximately  $149  million  at 
December 31, 2015. In addition, the Bancorp’s determination of the 
ALLL  for  residential  mortgage  and  consumer  loans  and  leases  is 
sensitive  to  changes  in  estimated  loss  rates.  In  the  event  that 
estimated  loss  rates  would  increase  by  10%,  the  ALLL  for 
residential mortgage and consumer loans and leases would increase 
by  approximately  $32  million  at  December  31,  2015.  As  several 
qualitative and quantitative factors are considered in determining the 
ALLL, these sensitivity analyses do not necessarily reflect the nature 
and  extent  of  future  changes  in  the  ALLL.  They  are  intended  to 
provide  insights  into  the  impact  of  adverse  changes  to  risk  grades 
and estimated loss rates and do not imply any expectation of future 
deterioration  in  the  risk  ratings  or  loss  rates.  Given  current 
processes employed by the Bancorp, management believes the risk 
grades and estimated loss rates currently assigned are appropriate. 

2015  

2014  

2013  

2012  

2011  

$

$

$

$

 1,322 
 (542)
 96 
 396 
 1,272 

 135 
 4 
 (1)
 138 

 1,582 
 (679)
 104 
 315 
 1,322 

 162 
 (27)
   - 
 135 

 1,854 
 (637)
 136 
 229 
 1,582 

 179 
 (17)
 - 
 162 

 2,255 
 (837)
 133 
 303 
 1,854 

 181 
 (2)
 - 
 179 

 3,004 
 (1,314)
 142 
 423 
 2,255 

 227 
 (46)
 - 
 181 

An  unallocated  component  to  the  ALLL  is  maintained  to 
recognize  the  imprecision  in  estimating  and  measuring  loss.  The 
unallocated allowance as a percent of total portfolio loans and leases 
at  both  December  31,  2015  and  2014  was  0.12%.  The  unallocated 
allowance was 9% of the total allowance as of December 31, 2015 
compared to 8% as of December 31, 2014.  

As  shown  in  Table  57,  the  ALLL  as  a  percent  of  portfolio 
loans  and  leases  was  1.37%  at  December  31,  2015,  compared  to 
1.47%  at  December  31,  2014.  The  ALLL  was  $1.3  billion  at  both 
December 31, 2015 and 2014.  

71  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

$

$

2015  

2014  

2013  

 652   
 117   
 24   
 47   
 100   
 67   
 40   
 99   
 11   
 115   
 1,272   

 767   
 212   
 26   
 53   
 189   
 94   
 23   
 92   
 16   
 110   
 1,582   

 673   
 140   
 17   
 45   
 104   
 87   
 33   
 104   
 13   
 106   
 1,322   

TABLE 57: ATTRIBUTION OF ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES TO PORTFOLIO LOANS AND LEASES
As of December 31 ($ in millions) 
Attributed ALLL: 
   Commercial and industrial loans  
   Commercial mortgage loans 
   Commercial construction loans 
   Commercial leases 
   Residential mortgage loans 
   Home equity  
   Automobile loans  
   Credit card 
   Other consumer loans and leases 
   Unallocated 
Total attributed ALLL 
Portfolio loans and leases: 
   Commercial and industrial loans  
   Commercial mortgage loans 
   Commercial construction loans 
   Commercial leases 
   Residential mortgage loans 
   Home equity  
   Automobile loans  
   Credit card 
   Other consumer loans and leases 
Total portfolio loans and leases 
Attributed ALLL as a percent of respective portfolio loans and leases: 
   Commercial and industrial loans  
   Commercial mortgage loans 
   Commercial construction loans 
   Commercial leases 
   Residential mortgage loans 
   Home equity  
   Automobile loans  
   Credit card 
   Other consumer loans and leases 
   Unallocated (as a percent of portfolio loans and leases) 
Attributed ALLL as a percent of portfolio loans and leases 

 42,131   
 6,957   
 3,214   
 3,854   
 13,716   
 8,301   
 11,493   
 2,259   
 657   
 92,582   

 39,316   
 8,066   
 1,039   
 3,625   
 12,680   
 9,246   
 11,984   
 2,294   
 364   
 88,614   

 40,765   
 7,399   
 2,069   
 3,720   
 12,389   
 8,886   
 12,037   
 2,401   
 418   
 90,084   

 1.55 %
 1.68   
 0.75   
 1.22   
 0.73   
 0.81   
 0.35   
 4.38   
 1.67   
 0.12   
 1.37 %

 1.65   
 1.89   
 0.82   
 1.21   
 0.84   
 0.98   
 0.27   
 4.33   
 3.11   
 0.12   
 1.47   

 1.95   
 2.63   
 2.50   
 1.46   
 1.49   
 1.02   
 0.19   
 4.01   
 4.40   
 0.12   
 1.79   

$

$

2012  

802   
333   
33   
68   
229   
 143   
 28   
 87   
 20   
111   
1,854   

 36,038   
 9,103   
 698   
 3,549   
 12,017   
 10,018   
 11,972   
 2,097   
 290   
 85,782   

 2.23   
 3.66   
 4.73   
 1.92   
 1.91   
 1.43   
 0.23   
 4.15   
 6.90   
 0.13   
 2.16   

2011  

929   
441   
77   
80   
227   
 195   
 43   
 106   
 21   
136   
2,255   

 30,783   
 10,138   
 1,020   
 3,531   
 10,672   
 10,719   
 11,827   
 1,978   
 350   
 81,018   

 3.02   
 4.35   
 7.55   
 2.27   
 2.13   
 1.82   
 0.36   
 5.36   
 6.00   
 0.17   
 2.78   

MARKET RISK MANAGEMENT 
Market  risk  arises  from  the  potential  for  market  fluctuations  in 
interest  rates,  foreign  exchange  rates  and  equity  prices  that  may 
result  in  potential  reductions  in  net  income.  Interest  rate  risk,  a 
component of market risk, is the exposure to adverse changes in net 
interest income or financial position due to changes in interest rates. 
Management considers interest rate risk a prominent market risk in 
terms of its potential impact on earnings. Interest rate risk can occur 
for any one or more of the following reasons: 

  Assets and liabilities may mature or reprice at different times; 
  Short-term  and  long-term  market  interest  rates  may  change 

by different amounts; or  

  The  expected  maturity  of  various  assets  or  liabilities  may 

shorten or lengthen as interest rates change. 

In addition to the direct impact of interest rate changes on net 
interest income, interest rates can indirectly impact earnings through 
their effect on loan demand, credit losses, mortgage originations, the 
value  of  servicing  rights  and  other  sources  of  the  Bancorp’s 
earnings. Stability of the Bancorp’s net income is largely dependent 
upon  the  effective  management  of  interest  rate  risk.  Management 
continually  reviews  the  Bancorp’s  balance  sheet  composition  and 
earnings flows and models the interest rate risk, and possible actions 
to  reduce  this  risk,  given  numerous  possible  future  interest  rate 
scenarios. 

72  Fifth Third Bancorp 

Interest Rate Risk Management Oversight 
includes  senior  management 
The  Bancorp’s  ALCO,  which 
representatives  and  is  accountable  to  the  ERMC,  monitors  and 
manages  interest  rate  risk  within  Board  approved  policy  limits.  In 
addition  to  the  risk  management  activities  of  ALCO,  the  Bancorp 
has  a  Market  Risk  Management  function  as  part  of  ERM  that 
provides independent oversight of market risk activities. 

Net Interest Income Sensitivity 
The  Bancorp  employs  a  variety  of  measurement  techniques  to 
identify and manage its interest rate risk, including the use of an NII 
simulation model to analyze the sensitivity of net interest income to 
changing  interest  rates.  The  model  is  based  on  contractual  and 
assumed  cash  flows  and  repricing  characteristics  for  all  of  the 
Bancorp’s  assets,  liabilities  and  off-balance  sheet  exposures  and 
incorporates  market-based  assumptions  regarding  the  effect  of 
changing interest rates on the prepayment rates of certain assets and 
attrition  rates  of  certain  liabilities.  The  model  also  includes  senior 
management’s projections of the future volume and pricing of each 
of  the  product  lines  offered  by  the  Bancorp  as  well  as  other 
pertinent  assumptions.  Actual  results  may  differ  from  simulated 
results  due  to  timing,  magnitude  and  frequency  of  interest  rate 
changes  as  well  as  changes  in  market  conditions  and  management 
strategies. 

 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

The  Bancorp’s  interest  rate  risk  exposure  is  evaluated  by 
measuring  the  anticipated  change  in  net  interest  income  over  12-
month  and  24-month  horizons  assuming  100  bps  and  200  bps 
parallel  ramped  increases  and  a  25  bps  parallel  rate  decrease  in 
interest  rates.  In  accordance  with  policy,  the  100  bps  and  200  bps 
parallel  ramped  increased  rate  movements  are  assumed  to  occur 
over one year and are sustained thereafter. The 25 bps parallel rate 
decrease  is  an  immediate  change.  The  analysis  would  typically 
include  100  bps  and  200  bps  parallel  ramped  decreases  in  interest 
rates; however, this analysis is currently omitted due to the current 
low levels of certain interest rates. Applying the ramps would result 
in  certain  interest  rates  becoming  negative  in  the  parallel  ramped 
decrease scenarios.  

In  this  economic  cycle,  banks  have  experienced  significant 
growth  in  deposit  balances,  particularly  in  noninterest-bearing 
demand  deposits.  The  Bancorp,  like  other  banks,  is  exposed  to 
deposit  balance  run-off  in  a  rising  interest  rate  environment.  In 
consideration  of  this  risk,  the  Bancorp’s  NII  sensitivity  modeling 
assumes  that  approximately  $2.5  billion  of  noninterest-bearing 

demand deposit balances run-off for each 100 bps increase in short-
term  market  interest  rates.  These  lost  noninterest-bearing  demand 
deposit  balances  are  modeled  to  flow  into  funding  products  that 
reprice in conjunction with market rate increases. 

Another important deposit modeling assumption is the amount 
by  which  interest-bearing  deposit  rates  will  increase  when  market 
rates increase. This deposit repricing sensitivity is known as the beta 
and  it  represents  the  expected  amount  by  which  the  Bancorp 
deposit rates will increase for a given increase in short-term market 
rates. The Bancorp’s NII sensitivity modeling assumes a weighted-
average  interest-bearing  deposit  beta  of  approximately  70%,  which 
is approximately 20 percentage points higher than the 50% beta that 
the Bancorp experienced in the last FRB tightening cycle from June 
2004 to June 2006.  

risk  measures 

The Bancorp continually evaluates the sensitivity of its interest 
rate 
important  deposit  modeling 
assumptions.  The  Bancorp  also  evaluates  the  sensitivity  of  other 
important  modeling  assumptions,  such  as 
loan  and  security 
prepayments and early withdrawals on fixed-rate customer liabilities. 

these 

to 

The following table shows the Bancorp’s estimated NII sensitivity profile and ALCO policy limits as of December 31: 

TABLE 58: ESTIMATED NII SENSITIVITY PROFILE 

2015  

2014  

Change in Interest Rates (bps) 

+200  
+100  
-25  

% Change in NII (FTE)
13-24 
Months 

12 Months 

ALCO Policy Limits 
13-24 
Months 

12 Months

 2.05  %
 1.12   
 (1.39)  

 5.93 
 3.87 
 (2.49)

 (4.00)  
 - 
 - 

 (6.00)
 - 
 - 

% Change in NII (FTE) 

12 Months 

 2.19   
 1.16   
 (1.43)  

13-24 
Months 

 6.49 
 4.18 
 (2.41)

ALCO Policy Limits 
13-24 
Months 

12 Months

 (4.00)
 - 
 - 

 (6.00)
 - 
 - 

At  December  31,  2015,  the  Bancorp’s  net  interest  income  would 
benefit in year one and year two under parallel ramp increases and 
suffer from a parallel rate curve decline. The benefit to rising rates 
was attributable to the combination of floating-rate assets, including 
the  predominantly  floating-rate  commercial  loan  portfolio,  and 
certain  intermediate-term  fixed-rate  liabilities.  The  rising  rates 
benefit  was  down  modestly  compared  to  December  31,  2014.  The 
decline in the NII benefit was primarily attributable to growth in the 

investment portfolio, with a partial offset from core deposit growth. 
The  year  two  benefit  was  also  impacted  by  changes  to  wholesale 
funding  assumptions,  which  include  a  greater  reliance  on  floating-
rate debt. 

Tables  59  and  60  provide  information  on  the  Bancorp’s 
estimated  net  interest  income  sensitivity  profile  given  changes  to 
balances or certain key assumptions. 

The following table shows the Bancorp's estimated net interest income sensitivity profile with a $1 billion decrease and a $1 billion increase in 
demand deposit balances as of December 31, 2015:  

TABLE 59:  ESTIMATED NII SENSITIVITY ASSUMING A $1 BILLION CHANGE IN DEMAND DEPOSIT BALANCES

Change in Interest Rates (bps) 

+200  
+100  

% Change in NII (FTE) 

$1 Billion Balance Decrease 
13-24 
12  
Months 
Months 

$1 Billion Balance Increase 
13-24 
Months 

12  
Months 

1.77  %
0.98 

5.37 
3.59 

2.33 
1.26 

6.49   
4.14 

The following table shows the Bancorp's estimated net interest income sensitivity profile with a 25% increase and a 25% decrease to the deposit 
beta assumption as of December 31, 2015. The resulting weighted-average interest-bearing deposit beta included in this analysis is approximately 
88% and 52%, respectively, as of December 31, 2015: 

73  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
     
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
    
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

TABLE 60:  ESTIMATED NII SENSITIVITY WITH DEPOSIT BETA ASSUMPTION CHANGES

Change in Interest Rates (bps) 

+200  
+100  

% Change in NII (FTE) 

Betas 25% Higher 

Betas 25% Lower 

12  
Months 

13-24 
Months 

12  
Months 

13-24 
Months 

(1.07) %
(0.44)

(0.30)
0.75 

5.16 
2.68 

12.16   
6.98 

Economic Value of Equity Sensitivity 
The  Bancorp  also  uses  EVE  as  a  measurement  tool  in  managing 
interest rate risk. Whereas the net interest income sensitivity analysis 
highlights the impact on forecasted NII over one and two year time 
horizons, the EVE analysis is a point in time analysis of the current 
positions  that  incorporates  all  cash  flows  over  their  estimated 
remaining  lives.  The  EVE  of  the  balance  sheet  is  defined  as  the 
discounted  present  value  of  all  asset  and  net  derivative  cash  flows 
less  the  discounted  value  of  all  liability  cash  flows.  Due  to  this 

longer  horizon,  the  sensitivity  of  EVE  to  changes  in  the  level  of 
interest  rates  is  a  measure  of  longer-term  interest  rate  risk.    EVE 
values only the current balance sheet and does not incorporate the 
growth assumptions used in the NII sensitivity analysis. As with the 
NII simulation model, assumptions about the timing and variability 
of existing balance sheet cash flows are critical in the EVE analysis. 
Particularly  important  are  assumptions  driving  loan  and  security 
prepayments  and  the  expected  balance  attrition  and  pricing  of 
transaction deposits. 

The following table shows the Bancorp’s estimated EVE sensitivity profile as of December 31: 

TABLE 61: ESTIMATED EVE SENSITIVITY PROFILE

Change in Interest Rates (bps) 

Change in EVE 

2015  
   ALCO Policy Limit
 (12.00)
 -   
 -   
 -   

 (5.21) %
 (2.30)  
 (0.44)  
 0.32   

Change in EVE 

2014  
   ALCO Policy Limit
 (12.00)
 - 
 - 
 - 

 (2.21)
 (0.62)  
 (0.06)  
 (0.05)  

interest  rate  swaps,  interest  rate  floors,  interest  rate  caps,  forward 
contracts,  forward  starting  interest  rate  swaps,  options,  swaptions 
and TBA securities.  

As  part  of  its  overall  risk  management  strategy  relative  to  its 
mortgage  banking  activity,  the  Bancorp  enters 
into  forward 
contracts accounted for as free-standing derivatives to economically 
hedge  IRLCs  that  are  also  considered  free-standing  derivatives. 
Additionally,  the  Bancorp  economically  hedges  its  exposure  to 
mortgage  loans  held  for  sale  through  the  use  of  forward  contracts 
and mortgage options.  

The  Bancorp  also  establishes  derivative  contracts  with  major 
financial  institutions  to  economically  hedge  significant  exposures 
assumed 
in  commercial  customer  accommodation  derivative 
contracts. Generally, these contracts have similar terms in order to 
protect  the  Bancorp  from  market  volatility.  Credit  risk  arises  from 
the  possible  inability  of  counterparties  to  meet  the  terms  of  their 
contracts,  which 
through  collateral 
the  Bancorp  minimizes 
arrangements,  approvals,  limits  and  monitoring  procedures.  For 
further information including the notional amount and fair values of 
these  derivatives,  refer  to  Note  13  of  the  Notes  to  Consolidated 
Financial Statements. 

Portfolio Loans and Leases and Interest Rate Risk 
Although  the  Bancorp’s  portfolio  loans  and  leases  contain  both 
fixed  and  floating/adjustable-rate  products,  the  rates  of  interest 
earned  by  the  Bancorp  on  the  outstanding  balances  are  generally 
established for a period of time. The interest rate sensitivity of loans 
and leases is directly related to the length of time the rate earned is 
established.  The  following  table  summarizes  the  carrying  value  of 
the  Bancorp’s  portfolio  loans  and  leases  expected  cash  flows  as  of 
December 31, 2015: 

+200  
+100  
+25  
-25  

The  EVE  sensitivity  to  rising  rates  was  modestly  negative  at 
December 31, 2015 and exposure to rising rates has increased from 
the EVE sensitivity at December 31, 2014. The higher level of EVE 
risk  since  December  31,  2014  was  attributable  to  growth  in  the 
investment portfolio and certain fixed-rate consumer loans. 

While  an  instantaneous  shift  in  interest  rates  was  used  in  this 
analysis  to  provide  an  estimate  of  exposure,  the  Bancorp  believes 
that a gradual shift in interest rates would have a much more modest 
impact.  Since  EVE  measures  the  discounted  present  value  of  cash 
flows  over  the  estimated  lives  of  instruments,  the  change  in  EVE 
does  not  directly  correlate  to  the  degree  that  earnings  would  be 
impacted over a shorter time horizon (e.g., the current fiscal year). 
Further,  EVE  does  not  take  into  account  factors  such  as  future 
balance  sheet  growth,  changes  in  product  mix,  changes  in  yield 
curve  relationships  and  changing  product  spreads  that  could 
mitigate  or  exacerbate  the  impact  of  changes  in  interest  rates.  The 
NII simulations and EVE analyses do not necessarily include certain 
actions that management may undertake to manage risk in response 
to anticipated changes in interest rates. 

The  Bancorp  regularly  evaluates  its  exposures  to  a  static 
balance  sheet  forecast,  LIBOR,  Prime  Rate  and  other  basis  risks, 
yield curve twist risks and embedded options risks. In addition, the 
impact  on  NII  on  an  FTE  basis  and  EVE  of  extreme  changes  in 
interest  rates  is  modeled,  wherein  the  Bancorp  employs  the  use  of 
yield curve shocks and environment-specific scenarios. 

Use of Derivatives to Manage Interest Rate Risk 
An 
interest  rate  risk 
integral  component  of  the  Bancorp’s 
management strategy is its use of derivative instruments to minimize 
significant  fluctuations  in  earnings  caused  by  changes  in  market 
interest rates. Examples of derivative instruments that the Bancorp 
may use as part of its interest rate risk management strategy include 

74  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

Less than 1 year 

$

TABLE 62: PORTFOLIO LOANS AND LEASES EXPECTED CASH FLOWS
($ in millions) 
     Commercial and industrial loans 
     Commercial mortgage loans 
     Commercial construction loans 
     Commercial leases 
Total commercial loans and leases 
     Residential mortgage loans 
     Home equity 
     Automobile loans 
     Credit card 
     Other consumer loans and leases 
Total consumer loans and leases 
Total portfolio loans and leases 

 21,699   
 2,728   
 1,301   
 751   
 26,479   
 2,446   
 1,050   
 5,159   
 452   
 482   
 9,589   
 36,068   

$

1-5 years 

 18,933   
 3,781   
 1,881   
 1,756   
 26,351   
 6,229   
 1,654   
 6,203   
 1,807   
 135   
 16,028   
 42,379   

Over 5 years 
 1,499 
 448 
 32 
 1,347 
 3,326 
 5,041 
 5,597 
 131 
 - 
 40 
 10,809 
 14,135 

Total 
 42,131   
 6,957   
 3,214   
 3,854   
 56,156   
 13,716   
 8,301   
 11,493   
 2,259   
 657   
 36,426   
 92,582   

Additionally, the following table displays a summary of expected cash flows, excluding interest receivable, occurring after one year for both fixed 
and floating/adjustable-rate loans and leases as of December 31, 2015:

TABLE 63: PORTFOLIO LOANS AND LEASES EXPECTED CASH FLOWS OCCURRING AFTER 1 YEAR 

($ in millions) 
     Commercial and industrial loans 
     Commercial mortgage loans 
     Commercial construction loans 
     Commercial leases 
Total commercial loans and leases 
     Residential mortgage loans 
     Home equity 
     Automobile loans 
     Credit card 
     Other consumer loans and leases 
Total consumer loans and leases 
Total portfolio loans and leases 

Residential Mortgage Servicing Rights and Interest Rate Risk 
The net carrying amount of the residential MSR portfolio was $784 
million  and  $856  million  as  of  December  31,  2015  and  2014, 
respectively.  The  value  of  servicing  rights  can  fluctuate  sharply 
depending on changes in interest rates and other factors. Generally, 
as interest rates decline and loans are prepaid to take advantage of 
refinancing,  the  total  value  of  existing  servicing  rights  declines 
because no further servicing fees are collected on repaid loans. The 
Bancorp  maintains  a  non-qualifying  hedging  strategy  relative  to  its 
mortgage banking activity in order to manage a portion of the risk 
associated with changes in the value of its MSR portfolio as a result 
of changing interest rates. 

Mortgage rates increased during the year ended December 31, 
2015 which caused actual prepayments on the servicing portfolio to 
decrease.  The  decrease  in  actual  prepayments  on  the  servicing 
portfolio caused the modeled prepayment speeds to decrease, which 
led  to  a  recovery  of  temporary  impairment  of  $4  million  on 
servicing rights during the year ended December 31, 2015. Mortgage 
rates  decreased  during  the  year  ended  December  31,  2014  which 
caused  actual  prepayments  on  the  servicing  portfolio  to  increase. 
The increase in actual prepayments on the servicing portfolio caused 
the  modeled  prepayment  speeds  to  increase,  which  led  to  a 
temporary impairment of $65 million on servicing rights during the 
year ended December 31, 2014. 

Servicing  rights  are  deemed  temporarily  impaired  when  a 
borrower’s  loan  rate  is  distinctly  higher  than  prevailing  rates. 
Temporary  impairment  on  servicing  rights  is  reversed  when  the 
prevailing rates return to a level commensurate with the borrower’s 

$

$

Fixed 
 2,729 
 958 
 4 
 3,103 
 6,794 
 8,113 
 624 
 6,280 
 535 
 20 
 15,572 
 22,366 

Interest Rate 

Floating or Adjustable 

 17,703   
 3,271   
 1,909   
 -   
 22,883 
 3,157   
 6,627   
 54   
 1,272   
 155   
 11,265 
 34,148 

loan rate. In addition to the MSR valuation, the Bancorp recognized 
net  gains  of  $90  million  and  $95  million  on  derivatives  associated 
with  its  non-qualifying  hedging  strategy  during  the  years  ended 
December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Bancorp may adjust 
its hedging strategy to reflect its assessment of the composition of 
its  MSR  portfolio,  the  cost  of  hedging  and  the  anticipated 
effectiveness of the hedges given the economic environment. Refer 
to  Note  12  of  the  Notes  to  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  for 
further  discussion  on  servicing  rights  and  the  instruments  used  to 
hedge interest rate risk on MSRs. 

Foreign Currency Risk 
The  Bancorp  may  enter  into  foreign  exchange  derivative  contracts 
to  economically  hedge  certain  foreign  denominated  loans.  The 
derivatives  are  classified  as  free-standing  instruments  with  the 
revaluation gain or loss being recorded in other noninterest income 
in  the  Consolidated  Statements  of  Income.  The  balance  of  the 
Bancorp’s  foreign  denominated  loans  at  December  31,  2015  and 
December 31, 2014 was $812 million and $720 million, respectively. 
The  Bancorp  also  enters  into  foreign  exchange  contracts  for  the 
benefit  of  commercial  customers  involved  in  international  trade  to 
hedge their exposure to foreign currency fluctuations. The Bancorp 
has  internal  controls  in  place  to  help  ensure  excessive  risk  is  not 
being  taken  in  providing  this  service  to  customers.  These  controls 
include  an  independent  determination  of  currency  volatility  and 
credit  equivalent  exposure  on  these  contracts,  counterparty  credit 
approvals and country limits. 

75  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
     
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT 
The  goal  of  liquidity  management  is  to  provide  adequate  funds  to 
meet  changes  in  loan  and  lease  demand,  unexpected  levels  of 
deposit  withdrawals  and  other  contractual  obligations.  Mitigating 
liquidity  risk  is  accomplished  by  maintaining  liquid  assets  in  the 
form  of  cash,  investment  securities,  maintaining  sufficient  unused 
borrowing  capacity  in  the  debt  markets  and  delivering  consistent 
growth  in  core  deposits.  A  summary  of  certain  obligations  and 
commitments to make future payments under contracts is included 
in Note 17 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  

The  Bancorp  maintains  a  contingency  funding  plan  that 
assesses  the  liquidity  needs  under  various  scenarios  of  market 
conditions,  asset  growth  and  credit  rating  downgrades.  The  plan 
includes liquidity stress testing which measures various sources and 
uses  of  funds  under  the  different  scenarios.  The  contingency  plan 
provides for ongoing monitoring of unused borrowing capacity and 
available  sources  of  contingent  liquidity  to  prepare  for  unexpected 
liquidity  needs  and  to  cover  unanticipated  events  that  could  affect 
liquidity. 

Sources of Funds 
The  Bancorp’s  primary  sources  of  funds  relate  to  cash  flows  from 
loan and lease repayments, payments from securities related to sales 
and  maturities,  the  sale  or  securitization  of  loans  and  leases  and 
funds  generated  by  core  deposits,  in  addition  to  the  use  of  public 
and private debt offerings. 

Table  62  of  the  Market  Risk  Management  subsection  of  the 
Risk  Management  section  of  MD&A  illustrates  the  expected 
maturities  from  loan  and  lease  repayments.  Of  the  $29.0  billion  of 
securities  in  the  Bancorp’s  available-for-sale  and  other  portfolio  at 
December 31, 2015, $3.9 billion in principal and interest is expected 
to be received in the next 12 months and an additional $3.7 billion is 
expected  to  be  received  in  the  next  13  to  24  months.  For  further 
information  on  the  Bancorp’s  securities  portfolio,  refer  to  the 
Investment  Securities  subsection  of  the  Balance  Sheet  Analysis 
section of MD&A. 

Asset-driven  liquidity  is  provided  by  the  Bancorp’s  ability  to 
sell or securitize loans and leases. In order to reduce the exposure to 
interest  rate  fluctuations  and  to  manage  liquidity,  the  Bancorp  has 
developed  securitization  and  sale  procedures  for  several  types  of 
interest-sensitive  assets.  A  majority  of  the  long-term,  fixed-rate 
single-family  residential  mortgage  loans  underwritten  according  to 
FHLMC  or  FNMA  guidelines  are  sold  for  cash  upon  origination. 
Additional assets such as certain other residential mortgages, certain 
commercial  loans,  home  equity  loans,  automobile  loans  and  other 
consumer loans are also capable of being securitized or sold. For the 
years  ended  December  31,  2015  and  2014,  the  Bancorp  sold  or 
securitized  loans  totaling  $6.4  billion  and  $9.4  billion,  respectively. 
For further information on the transfer of financial assets, refer to 
Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Core  deposits  have  historically  provided  the  Bancorp  with  a 
sizeable  source  of  relatively  stable  and  low  cost  funds.  The 
Bancorp’s  average  core  deposits  and  average  shareholders’  equity 
funded  82%  of  its  average  total  assets  during  the  years  ended 
December 31, 2015 and 2014. In addition to core deposit funding, 
the  Bancorp  also  accesses  a  variety  of  other  short-term  and  long-
term  funding  sources,  which  include  the  use  of  the  FHLB  system. 
Certificates $100,000 and over and deposits in the Bancorp’s foreign 
branch  located  in  the  Cayman  Islands  are  wholesale  funding  tools 
utilized to fund asset growth. Management does not rely on any one 
source of liquidity and manages availability in response to changing 
balance sheet needs. 

As  of  December  31,  2015,  $8.9  billion  of  debt  or  other 
securities  were  available  for  issuance  under  the  current  Bancorp’s 
Board of Directors’ authorizations and the Bancorp is authorized to 

76  Fifth Third Bancorp 

file  any  necessary  registration  statements  with  the  SEC  to  permit 
ready  access  to  the  public  securities  markets;  however,  access  to 
these markets may depend on market conditions. On July 27, 2015, 
the Bancorp issued and sold $1.1 billion of senior fixed-rate notes. 
At December 31, 2015, the Bancorp has approximately $38.6 billion 
of borrowing capacity available through secured borrowing sources 
including the FHLB and FRB. 

The Bancorp’s banking subsidiary’s global bank note program 
has  a  borrowing  capacity  of  $25  billion.  On  August  20,  2015,  the 
Bank issued and sold $1.0 billion of senior fixed-rate notes and $250 
million of senior floating-rate notes. The Bank has $18.4 billion of 
borrowing  capacity  under  the  bank  note  program  as  of  December 
31, 2015. 

For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2015,  the  Bancorp 
transferred  approximately  $750  million  in  consumer  automobile 
loans to a bankruptcy remote trust which was deemed to be a VIE. 
The  Bancorp  concluded  that  it  is  the  primary  beneficiary  of  this 
VIE  and,  therefore,  has  consolidated  this  VIE.  The  assets  of  this 
VIE  are  restricted  to  the  settlement  of  the  notes  and  other 
obligations  of  the  VIE.  Third-party  holders  of  the  notes  do  not 
have recourse to the general assets of the Bancorp. 

Liquidity Coverage Ratio and Net Stable Funding Ratio  
A  key  reform  within  the  Basel  III  framework  to  strengthen 
international liquidity standards was the BCBS’ introduction of the 
LCR  and  NSFR.  On  January 7,  2013,  the  BCBS  issued  a  final 
standard  for  the  LCR  applicable  to  large  internationally  active 
banking  organizations.  The  BCBS  issued  a  final  NSFR  standard  in 
the  fourth  quarter  of  2014  and  disclosure  requirements  in  the 
second quarter of 2015 which are applicable to internationally active 
banks.  The  NSFR  will  become  a  minimum  standard  by  January  1, 
2018.  The  Bancorp  is  currently  evaluating  the  BCBS’  standard  for 
NSFR  and  will  begin  to  conform  to  a  domestic  version  of  the 
NSFR once adopted by the U.S. banking regulators. 

large 

Section  165  of  the  DFA  requires  the  FRB  to  establish 
enhanced liquidity standards in the U.S. for BHCs with total assets 
of  $50  billion  or  greater.  On  October  10,  2014,  the  U.S.  banking 
agencies  published  final  rules  implementing  a  quantitative  liquidity 
requirement  consistent  with  the  LCR  standard  established  by  the 
internationally  active  banking  organizations, 
BCBS  for 
generally those with $250 billion or more in total consolidated assets 
or  $10  billion  or  more  in  on-balance  sheet  foreign  exposure.  In 
addition, a Modified LCR requirement was finalized for BHCs with 
$50  billion  or  more  in  total  consolidated  assets  that  are  not 
internationally  active,  such  as  the  Bancorp.  The  Modified  LCR 
requires  BHCs  to  maintain  HQLA  equal  to  its  calculated  net  cash 
outflows over a 30 calendar-day stress period multiplied by a factor 
of 0.7. The Modified LCR is effective January 1, 2016 and requires 
BHCs  to  calculate  its  LCR  on  a  monthly  basis.  The  final  rule 
includes  a  transition  period  for  the  modified  LCR  in  which  BHCs 
must maintain HQLA of 90% of its calculated net cash outflows for 
2016 and then 100% beginning in 2017. The Bancorp estimates its 
Modified  LCR  was  116%  at  December  31,  2015  calculated  under 
the Modified LCR final rule. For more information on LCR, refer to 
the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of MD&A.  

Credit Ratings 
The cost and  availability of financing to the Bancorp are impacted 
by  its  credit  ratings.  A  downgrade  to  the  Bancorp’s  credit  ratings 
could  affect  its  ability  to  access  the  credit  markets  and  increase  its 
borrowing  costs,  thereby  adversely 
impacting  the  Bancorp’s 
financial  condition  and  liquidity.  Key  factors  in  maintaining  high 
credit  ratings  include  a  stable  and  diverse  earnings  stream,  strong 
credit  quality,  strong  capital  ratios  and  diverse  funding  sources,  in 
addition to disciplined liquidity monitoring procedures. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

The Bancorp’s credit ratings are summarized in Table 64. The 
ratings reflect the ratings agency’s view on the Bancorp’s capacity to 
meet financial commitments. *  

*  As  an  investor,  you  should  be  aware  that  a  security  rating  is  not  a 
recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities, that it may be subject to revision 

or  withdrawal  at  any  time  by  the  assigning  rating  organization  and  that  each 
rating  should  be  evaluated  independently  of  any  other  rating.  Additional 
information on the credit rating ranking within the overall classification system is 
located on the website of each credit rating agency. 

TABLE 64: AGENCY RATINGS 
As of February 25, 2016 
Fifth Third Bancorp: 
    Short-term 
    Senior debt 
    Subordinated debt 
Fifth Third Bank: 
    Short-term 
    Long-term deposit 
    Senior debt 
    Subordinated debt 

OPERATIONAL RISK MANAGEMENT 
Operational  risk  is  the  risk  of  loss  resulting  from  inadequate  or 
failed processes or systems or due to external events that are neither 
market  nor  credit-related.  Operational  risk  is  inherent  in  the 
Bancorp’s activities and can manifest itself in various ways including 
fraudulent  acts,  business  interruptions,  inappropriate  behavior  of 
employees, unintentional failure to comply with applicable laws and 
regulations, cyber-security incidents and privacy breaches, or failure 
of vendors to perform in accordance with their arrangements. These 
events could result in financial losses, litigation and regulatory fines, 
as  well  as  other  damage  to  the  Bancorp.  The  Bancorp’s  risk 
management  goal  is  to  keep  operational  risk  at  appropriate  levels 
consistent  with  the  Bancorp’s  risk  appetite,  financial  strength,  the 
characteristics  of  its  businesses,  the  markets  in  which  it  operates, 
and  the  competitive  and  regulatory  environment  to  which  it  is 
subject. 

To control, monitor, and govern operational risk, the Bancorp 
maintains an overall Risk Management Framework which comprises 
governance  oversight,  risk  assessment,  capital  measurement, 
monitoring, and reporting as well as a formal three lines of defense 
approach. ERM is responsible for prescribing the framework to the 
lines  of  business  and  corporate  functions,  and  to  provide 
independent  oversight  of  its  implementation  (second  line  of 
defense).  In  2015,  Business  Controls  Directors  were  appointed  in 
each  of  the  lines  of  business  to  ensure  consistent  implementation 

COMPLIANCE RISK MANAGEMENT 
Regulatory  Compliance  Risk  is  defined  as  the  risk  of  legal  or 
regulatory  sanctions,  financial  loss,  or  damage  to  reputation  as  a 
result  of  noncompliance  with  (i)  applicable  laws,  regulations,  rules 
and other regulatory requirements (including but not limited to the 
risk of consumers experiencing economic loss or other legal harm as 
a  result  of  noncompliance  with  consumer  protection 
laws, 
regulations  and  requirements);  (ii)  internal  policies  and  procedures, 
standards of best practice or codes of conduct; and (iii) principles of 
integrity  and  fair  dealing  applicable  to  Fifth  Third’s  activities  and 
functions.  Fifth Third focuses on managing regulatory compliance 
risk  in  accordance  with  the  Bancorp’s  integrated  risk  management 
framework,  which  ensures  consistent  processes  for  identifying, 
assessing,  managing,  monitoring,  and  reporting  risks. 
  The 
Bancorp’s  risk  management  goal  is  to  keep  compliance  risk  at 
appropriate levels consistent with the Bancorp’s risk appetite.  

The  current  regulatory  environment,  including  heightened 
laws  and 
regulatory  expectations  and  material  changes 
regulations, increases compliance risk.  To mitigate compliance risk, 

in 

Moody's 

Standard and Poor's 

Fitch 

DBRS 

No rating 
Baa1 
Baa1 

P-1 
Aa3 
A3 
Baa1 

A-2 
BBB+ 
BBB 

A-2 
No rating 
A- 
BBB+ 

F1 
A 
A- 

F1 
A+ 
A 
A- 

R-1L 
AL 
BBBH 

R-1L 
A 
A 
AL 

and execution of managing day to day operational risk (first line of 
defense).   

is 

relate 

responsible 

and  overseeing 

The  Bancorp’s  risk  management  framework  consists  of  five 
integrated  components,  including  identifying,  assessing,  managing, 
monitoring  and  independent  governance  reporting  of  risk.  The 
corporate Operational Risk Management function within Enterprise 
the 
for  developing 
Risk 
implementation of the Bancorp’s approach to managing operational 
risk.  This  includes  providing  governance,  awareness  and  training, 
tools, guidance and oversight to support implementation of key risk 
risk 
they 
programs  and  systems  as 
management,  such  as  risk  and  control  self-assessments,  new 
product/initiative  risk  reviews,  key  risk  indicators,  Vendor  Risk 
Management,  and  operational 
is  also 
responsible  for  developing  reports  that  support  the  proactive 
management  of  operational  risk  across  the  enterprise.  The  lines  of 
business  and  corporate  functions  are  responsible  for  managing the 
operational risks associated with their areas in accordance with the 
risk management framework. The framework is intended to enable 
the  Bancorp  to  function  with  a  sound  and  well-controlled 
operational  environment.  These  processes  support  the  Bancorp’s 
goals  to  minimize  future  operational  losses  and  strengthen  the 
Bancorp’s  performance  by  maintaining  sufficient  capital  to  absorb 
operational losses that are incurred.  

losses.  The  function 

to  operational 

Compliance  Risk  Management  provides  independent  oversight  to 
ensure  consistency  and  sufficiency,  and  ensures  that  lines  of 
business,  regions  and  support  functions  are  adequately  identifying, 
assessing  and  monitoring  compliance  risks  and  adopting  proper 
mitigation strategies.  The lines of business and enterprise functions 
are  responsible  for  managing  the  compliance  risks  associated  with 
their areas.  Additionally, Compliance Risk Management implements 
key  compliance  programs  and  processes  including  but  not  limited 
to,  risk  assessments,  key  risk  indicators  program,  issues  tracking, 
regulatory  compliance 
anti-money 
laundering, privacy, and oversees the Bancorp’s compliance with the 
Community Reinvestment Act. 

and  monitoring, 

testing 

Fifth  Third  also  focuses  on  reporting  and  escalation  of 
compliance  issues  to  senior  management  and  the  Board.    The 
Management  Compliance  Committee  is  the  key  committee  that 
in  the  management  of 
oversees  and  supports  Fifth  Third 
compliance 
  The  Management 
risk  across 
Compliance  Committee  addresses  Fifth  Third-wide  compliance 
issues,  industry  best  practices,  legislative  developments,  regulatory 

the  enterprise. 

77  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

concerns,  and  other  leading  indicators  of  compliance  risk.    The 
Management Compliance Committee reports to the Enterprise Risk 

Management  Committee,  which  reports  to  Risk  and  Compliance 
Committee of the Board of Directors. 

CAPITAL MANAGEMENT  
Management  regularly  reviews  the  Bancorp’s  capital  levels  to  help 
ensure  it  is  appropriately  positioned  under  various  operating 
environments.  The  Bancorp  has  established  a  Capital  Committee 
which  is  responsible  for  making  capital  plan  recommendations  to 
management.  These  recommendations  are  reviewed  by  the  ERMC 
and the annual capital plan is approved by the Board of Directors. 
The Capital Committee is responsible for execution oversight of the 
capital actions of the capital plan. 

Regulatory Capital Ratios 
The Basel III Final Rule was effective for the Bancorp on January 1, 
2015, subject to phase-in periods for certain of its components and 
other provisions. It established quantitative measures that assign risk 
weightings  to  assets  and  off-balance  sheet  items  and  also  defined 
and set minimum regulatory capital requirements. Prior to January 1, 
2015,  the  Bancorp  was  subject  to  the  General  Risk-Based  Capital 
Rules  (Basel  I).  The  minimum  capital  ratios  established  under  the 
Basel III Final Rule are 4.5% for the CET1 capital ratio, 6% for the 
Tier  I  risk-based  capital  ratio,  8%  for  the  Total  risk-based  capital 

ratio and 4% for the Tier I Leverage ratio (Tier I capital to average 
consolidated  assets).  The  PCA  provisions  adopted  by  the  U.S. 
banking  agencies  define  “well-capitalized”  ratios  for  CET1  capital, 
Tier I risk-based capital, Total risk-based capital and Tier I Leverage 
greater  than  or  equal  to  6.5%,  8%,  10%  and  5%,  respectively. 
Additionally, the Basel III Final Rule includes a capital conservation 
buffer of CET1 capital of 2.5% in additional to the 4.5% minimum 
requirement,  or  7%,  in  order  to  avoid  limitations  on  capital 
distributions  and  discretionary  bonus  payments  to  executive 
officers. The Bancorp exceeded these “well-capitalized” and “capital 
conservation buffer” ratios for all periods presented. 

The  Bancorp  made  a  one-time  permanent  election  to  not 
include  AOCI  in  regulatory  capital  in  the  March  31,  2015  FFIEC 
031  and  FR  Y-9C  filings.  The  Basel  III  Final  Rule  phases  out  the 
inclusion of certain TruPS as a component of Tier I capital. Under 
these provisions, these TruPS would qualify as a component of Tier 
II  capital.  At  December  31,  2015,  the  Bancorp’s  Tier  I  capital 
included  $13  million  of  TruPS  representing  approximately  1  bp  of 
risk-weighted assets under the transition provisions of the Basel III 
Final Rule. 

The following table summarizes the Bancorp's capital ratios as of December 31:  

TABLE 65: CAPITAL RATIOS  
($ in millions)  
Average total Bancorp shareholders' equity as a percent of average assets  
Tangible equity as a percent of tangible assets(a)(d) 
Tangible common equity as a percent of tangible assets(a)(d) 

2015   

2014  

2013  

2012  

2011   

 11.32  %
 9.55   
 8.59   

 11.59  
 9.41  
 8.43  

 11.56   
 9.44   
 8.63   

 11.65  
 9.17  
 8.83  

 11.41 
 9.03 
 8.68 

CET1 capital  
Tier I capital  
Total regulatory capital  
Risk-weighted assets  

Regulatory capital ratios:  
CET1 capital  
Tier I risk-based capital  
Total risk-based capital  
Tier I leverage  
Tier I common equity(a) 

Basel III  

   Transitional(b) 
$   

 11,917   
 13,260  
 17,134   
 121,290   

 9.82  %
 10.93 
 14.13   
 9.54   
N/A  

Basel III  
   Fully Phased-In   

N/A 
 12,764  
 16,895  
 117,878  

N/A 
 10.83  
 14.33  
 9.66  
 9.65  

Basel I(c) 

N/A  
 12,094   
 16,431   
 115,969   

N/A 
 11,685  
 15,811  
 109,301  

N/A  
 10.43   
 14.17   
 9.73   
 9.45   

N/A 
 10.69  
 14.47  
 10.15  
 9.54  

N/A
 12,503 
 16,876 
 104,219 

N/A
 12.00 
 16.19 
 11.25 
 9.41 

CET1 capital(a) 
(a)  These are non-GAAP measures. For further information, refer to the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of MD&A. 
(b)  Under the U.S. banking agencies’ Basel III Final Rule, assets and credit equivalent amounts of off-balance sheet exposures are calculated according to the standardized approach for risk-weighted 

 9.72  %

N/A  

N/A 

N/A 

N/A

assets. The resulting weighted values are added together resulting in the total risk-weighted assets. 

(c)  These capital amounts and ratios were calculated under the Supervisory Agencies general risk-based capital rules (Basel I) which were in effect prior to January 1, 2015. 
(d)  Excludes unrealized gains and losses. 

Preferred Stock Offering 
As contemplated by the 2014 capital plan part of the FRB’s CCAR, 
on June 5, 2014, the Bancorp issued in a registered public offering 
300,000  depositary  shares,  representing  12,000  shares  of  4.90% 
fixed-to-floating  rate  non-cumulative  Series  J  perpetual  preferred 
stock, for net proceeds of $297 million. Each preferred share has a 
$25,000 
liquidation  preference.  The  preferred  stock  accrues 
dividends, on a non-cumulative semi-annual basis, at an annual rate 
of 4.90% through but excluding September 30, 2019, at which time 
it  converts  to  a  quarterly  floating  rate  dividend  of  three-month 

78  Fifth Third Bancorp 

LIBOR  plus  3.129%.  Subject  to  any  required  regulatory  approval, 
the Bancorp may redeem the Series J preferred shares at its option 
in whole or in part, at any time on or after September 30, 2019, or at 
any time following a regulatory capital event. The Series J preferred 
shares  are  not  convertible  into  Bancorp  common  shares  or  any 
other securities.  

 
 
 
 
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

Stress Tests and CCAR 
In 2011 the FRB adopted the capital plan rule, which requires BHCs 
with  consolidated  assets  of  $50  billion  or  more  to  submit  annual 
capital  plans  to  the  FRB  for  review.  Under  the  rule,  these  capital 
plans must include detailed descriptions of the following: the BHC’s 
internal  processes  for  assessing  capital  adequacy;  the  policies 
issuances, 
governing  capital  actions  such  as  common  stock 
dividends and share repurchases; and all planned capital actions over 
a  nine-quarter  planning  horizon.  Further,  each  BHC  must  also 
report to the FRB the results of stress tests conducted by the BHC 
under  a  number  of  scenarios  that  assess  the  sources  and  uses  of 
capital  under  baseline  and  stressed  economic  scenarios.  The  FRB 
launched the 2015 stress testing program and CCAR on October 23, 
2014, with firm submissions of stress test results and capital plans to 
the  FRB  due  to  the  FRB  on  January  5,  2015,  which  the  Bancorp 
submitted as required. Refer to Note 3 and Note 23 of the Notes to 
Consolidated  Financial  Statements  for  a  discussion  on  the  FRB’s 
review of the capital plan, the FRB’s non-objection to the Bancorp’s 
proposed capital actions and the Bancorp’s capital actions taken in 
2015. 

The FRB launched the 2016 stress testing program and CCAR 
on  January  28,  2016.  The  stress  testing  results  and  capital  plan  are 
required  to  be  submitted  by  the  Bancorp  to  the  FRB  by  April  5, 
2016.  

The FRB expects to release summary results of the 2016 stress 
testing program and CCAR in June of 2016. The results will include 

supervisory projections of capital ratios, losses and revenues under 
the supervisory adverse and supervisory severely adverse scenarios. 
The  FRB  will  also  issue  an  objection  or  non-objection  to  each 
participating  institution’s  capital  plan  submitted  under  CCAR.  The 
FRB’s  summary  results  will  also 
include  an  overview  of 
methodologies used for supervisory tests. Additionally, as  a  CCAR 
institution, the Bancorp will be required to disclose the results of its 
company-run stress test as required by the DFA, within 15 days of 
the date the FRB discloses the results of its DFA supervisory stress 
test.  

Dividend Policy and Stock Repurchase Program  
The Bancorp’s common stock dividend policy and stock repurchase 
program reflect its earnings outlook, desired payout ratios, the need 
to  maintain  adequate  capital  levels,  the  ability  of  its  subsidiaries  to 
pay  dividends,  the  need  to  comply  with  safe  and  sound  banking 
practices as well as meet regulatory requirements and expectations. 
The  Bancorp  declared  dividends  per  common  share  of  $0.52  and 
$0.51  during  the  years  ended  December  31,  2015  and  2014, 
respectively.  The  Bancorp  entered  into  or  settled  a  number  of 
accelerated  share  repurchase  transactions  during  the  years  ended 
December  31,  2015  and  2014.  Refer  to  Note  23  of  the  Notes  to 
Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the 
accelerated share repurchases. 

The following table summarizes shares authorized for repurchase for the years ended December 31: 

TABLE 66: SHARE REPURCHASES 

2015  

2014  

Shares authorized for repurchase at January 1  
Additional authorizations(a) 
Share repurchases(b) 
Shares authorized for repurchase at December 31   
Average price paid per share(b) 
(a) 

 43,071,613 
 64,908,628 
 (34,799,873)
 73,180,368 
 20.87 
In March 2014, the Bancorp announced that its Board of Directors had authorized management to purchase 100 million shares of the Bancorp’s common stock through the open market or in any 
private transaction. The authorization does not include specific price targets or an expiration date. This share repurchase authorization replaces the Board’s previous authorization pursuant to which 
approximately 35 million shares remained available for repurchase by the Bancorp. 

 73,180,368 
 - 
 (42,607,855)
 30,572,513 
 19.60 

$

(b)  Excludes 1,930,233  and 2,116,370 shares repurchased during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively,  in connection with various employee compensation plans. These 
purchases are not included in the calculation for average price paid per share and do not count against the maximum number of shares that may yet be repurchased under the Board of Directors’ 
authorization. 

79  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS  
In the ordinary course of business, the Bancorp enters into financial 
transactions  that  are  considered  off-balance  sheet  arrangements  as 
they involve varying elements of market, credit and liquidity risk in 
excess  of  the  amounts  recognized  in  the  Consolidated  Balance 
Sheets.  The  Bancorp’s  off-balance  sheet  arrangements  include 
commitments,  contingent  liabilities,  guarantees  and  transactions 
with  non-consolidated  VIEs.  A  brief  discussion  of 
these 
transactions is as follows: 

Commitments 
The  Bancorp  has  certain  commitments  to  make  future  payments 
under contracts, including commitments to extend credit, letters of 
credit, forward contracts related to held for sale residential mortgage 
loans,  noncancelable  operating 
lease  obligations,  purchase 
obligations, capital commitments for private equity investments and 
capital expenditures. Refer to Note 17 of the Notes to Consolidated 
Financial Statements for additional information on commitments.  

Guarantees and Contingent Liabilities 
The  Bancorp  has  performance  obligations  upon  the  occurrence  of 
certain  events  provided 
in  certain  contractual  arrangements, 
including  residential  mortgage  loans  sold  with  representation  and 
warranty  provisions  or  credit  recourse.  Refer  to  Note  17  of  the 
Notes 
for  additional 
to  Consolidated  Financial  Statements 
information on guarantees and contingent liabilities. 

Transactions with Non-consolidated VIEs 
The  Bancorp  engages  in  a  variety  of  activities  that  involve  VIEs, 
which  are  legal  entities  that  lack  sufficient  equity  to  finance  their 
activities, or the equity investors of the entities as a group lack any 
of  the  characteristics  of  a  controlling  interest.  The  investments  in 
those  entities  in  which  the  Bancorp  was  determined  not  to  be  the 
primary  beneficiary  but  holds  a  variable  interest  in  the  entity  are 
accounted  for  under  the  equity  method  of  accounting  or  other 
accounting standards as appropriate and not consolidated. Refer to 
Note  11  of  the  Notes  to  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  for 
additional information on non-consolidated VIEs. 

80  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND OTHER COMMITMENTS 
The  Bancorp  has  certain  obligations  and  commitments  to  make 
future  payments  under  contracts.  The  aggregate  contractual 
obligations  and  commitments  at  December  31,  2015  are  shown  in 
Table 67. As of December 31, 2015, the Bancorp has unrecognized 
tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax  rate 

in  future  periods.  Due  to  the  uncertainty  of  the  amounts  to  be 
ultimately paid as well as the timing of such payments, all uncertain 
tax liabilities that have not been paid have been excluded from the 
following  table.  For  further  detail  on  the  impact  of  income  taxes, 
refer to Note 20 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

TABLE 67: CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND OTHER COMMITMENTS

As of December 31, 2015 ($ in millions)  

Contractually obligated payments due by period:  
     Deposits with a stated maturity of less than one year(a) 
     Time deposits(c) 
     Short-term borrowings(e) 
     Long-term debt(b) 
     Forward contracts related to held for sale residential mortgage loans(d) 
     Noncancelable operating lease obligations(f) 
     Partnership investment commitments(g) 
     Pension benefit payments(i) 
     Purchase obligations and capital expenditures(h) 
     Capital lease obligations  
Total contractually obligated payments due by period  
Other commitments by expiration period:  
     Commitments to extend credit(j) 
     Letters of credit(k) 
Total other commitments by expiration period  
(a) 
(b) 

Less than 1 
year 

1-3 years 

3-5 years 

Greater than 
5 years 

Total 

$ 

$ 

96,594
 2,425
1,658
 3,844
1,330
91
212
19
47
7
106,227

 - 
 2,207 
 - 
4,813 
 - 
166 
 86 
35 
31 
12 
7,350 

 - 
 1,955 
 - 
3,484 
 - 
 136 
 37 
 32 
 12 
 6 
5,662 

 - 
 24 
 - 
3,703 
 - 
 242 
 32 
 79 
 - 
 2 
4,082 

96,594
6,611
1,658
15,844
1,330
635
367
165
90
27
123,321

$ 

28,469
1,700
30,169

66,944
3,055
69,999
Includes demand, interest checking, savings, money market and foreign office deposits. For additional information, refer to the Deposits subsection of the Balance Sheet Analysis section of MD&A. 
Interest-bearing obligations are principally used to fund interest-earning assets. As such, interest charges on contractual obligations were excluded from reported amounts, as the potential cash outflows 
would have corresponding cash inflows from interest-earning assets. Refer to Note 16 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on these debt instruments. 
Includes other time and certificates $100,000 and over. For additional information, refer to the Deposits subsection of the Balance Sheet Analysis section of MD&A. 

(c) 
(d)  Refer to Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on forward contracts to sell residential mortgage loans. 
(e) 
Includes federal funds purchased and borrowings with an original maturity of less than one year. For additional information, refer to Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 
(f) 
Includes rental commitments. 
(g) 
Includes low-income housing and historic tax investments. For additional information, refer to Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 
(h)  Represents agreements to purchase goods or services and includes commitments to various general contractors for work related to banking center construction. 
(i)  Refer to Note 21 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on pension obligations. 
(j)  Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend, typically having fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses that may require payment of a fee. Many of the commitments to extend credit 
may expire without being drawn upon. The total commitment amounts include capital commitments for private equity investments and do not necessarily represent future cash flow requirements. For 
additional information, refer to Note 17 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

13,095 
771 
13,866 

17,774 
530 
18,304 

7,606 
54 
7,660 

$ 

(k)  Letters of credit are conditional commitments issued to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. For additional information, refer to Note 17 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial 

Statements. 

81  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S ASSESSMENT AS TO THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING 

The Bancorp conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Bancorp’s management, including the Bancorp’s 
Chief Executive Officer and  Chief Financial  Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Bancorp’s disclosure controls and 
procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act). Based on the foregoing, as of the end of the period 
covered by this report, the Bancorp’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Bancorp’s disclosure controls and 
procedures were effective, in all material respects, to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports the Bancorp files and submits 
under  the  Exchange  Act  is  recorded,  processed,  summarized  and  reported  as  and  when  required  and  information  is  accumulated  and 
communicated to management on a timely basis. 

The  management  of  Fifth  Third  Bancorp  is  responsible  for  establishing  and  maintaining  adequate  internal  control,  designed  to  provide 
reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance 
with  accounting  principles  generally  accepted  in  the  United  States  of  America.  The  Bancorp’s  management  assessed  the  effectiveness  of  the 
Bancorp’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015. Management’s assessment is based on the criteria established in the 
Internal  Control  —  Integrated  Framework  (2013)  issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission  and  was 
designed to provide reasonable assurance that the Bancorp maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015. 
Based on this assessment, management believes that the Bancorp maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 
2015. The Bancorp’s independent registered public accounting firm, that audited the Bancorp’s consolidated financial statements included in this 
annual report, has issued an audit report on our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015. This report appears on page 83 
of the annual report. 

The  Bancorp’s  management  also  conducted  an  evaluation  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  to  determine  whether  any  changes 
occurred during the year covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Bancorp’s internal 
control over financial reporting. Based on this evaluation, there has been no such change during the year covered by this report. 

Greg D. Carmichael 
President and Chief Executive Officer                                          Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 
February 25, 2016   

           February 25, 2016 

          Tayfun Tuzun 

82  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
                             
                
 
 
 
             
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Fifth Third Bancorp: 

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Fifth Third Bancorp and subsidiaries (the “Bancorp”) as of December 31, 2015, 
based  on  criteria  established  in  Internal  Control  —  Integrated  Framework  (2013)  issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the 
Treadway  Commission. The Bancorp's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its 
assessment  of  the  effectiveness  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  included  in  the  accompanying  Management’s  Assessment  as  to  the 
Effectiveness  of  Internal  Control  over  Financial  Reporting.  Our  responsibility  is  to  express  an  opinion  on  the  Bancorp’s  internal  control  over 
financial reporting based on our audit. 

We  conducted  our  audit  in  accordance  with  the  standards  of  the  Public  Company  Accounting  Oversight  Board  (United  States).  Those 
standards  require  that  we  plan  and  perform  the  audit  to  obtain  reasonable  assurance  about  whether  effective  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting  was  maintained  in  all  material  respects.  Our  audit  included  obtaining  an  understanding  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting, 
assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the 
assessed  risk,  and  performing  such  other  procedures  as  we  considered  necessary  in  the  circumstances.  We  believe  that  our  audit  provides  a 
reasonable basis for our opinion. 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive 
and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other 
personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external 
purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies 
and  procedures  that  (1)  pertain  to  the  maintenance  of  records  that,  in  reasonable  detail,  accurately  and  fairly  reflect  the  transactions  and 
dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of 
financial  statements  in  accordance  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles,  and  that  receipts  and  expenditures  of  the  company  are  being 
made  only  in  accordance  with  authorizations  of  management  and  directors  of  the  company;  and  (3)  provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding 
prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the 
financial statements.  

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management 
override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any 
evaluation  of  the  effectiveness  of  the  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  to  future  periods  are  subject  to  the  risk  that  the  controls  may 
become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. 

In our opinion, the Bancorp maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, 
based  on  the  criteria  established  in  Internal  Control—  Integrated  Framework  (2013)  issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the 
Treadway Commission.  

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated 
financial  statements  as  of  and  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2015  of  the  Bancorp  and  our  report  dated  February  25,  2016  expressed  an 
unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. 

Cincinnati, Ohio 
February 25, 2016 

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Fifth Third Bancorp: 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Fifth Third Bancorp and subsidiaries (the “Bancorp”) as of December 31, 2015 
and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows  for each of the three years in the 
period ended December 31, 2015. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Bancorp’s management. Our responsibility 
is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.  

We  conducted  our  audits  in  accordance  with  the  standards  of  the  Public  Company  Accounting  Oversight  Board  (United  States).  Those 
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material 
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit 
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates  made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial 
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.  

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Fifth Third Bancorp and 
subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period 
ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Bancorp’s 
internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) 
issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission  and  our  report  dated  February  25,  2016  expressed  an 
unqualified opinion on the Bancorp’s internal control over financial reporting. 

Cincinnati, Ohio 
February 25, 2016 

83  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 

2015 

2014 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

 2,540 
 29,044 
 70 
 386 
 2,671 
 903 
 92,582 
 (1,272)
 91,310 
 2,239 
 707 
 2,416 
 12 
 785 
 7,999 
 141,082 

 36,267 
 66,938 
 103,205 
 151 
 1,507 
 2,164 
 2,341 
 15,844 
 125,212 

 3,091 
 22,408 
 187 
 360 
 7,914 
 1,261 
 90,084 
 (1,322)
 88,762 
 2,465 
 728 
 2,416 
 15 
 858 
 8,241 
 138,706 

 34,809 
 66,903 
 101,712 
 144 
 1,556 
 2,020 
 2,642 
 14,967 
 123,041 

As of December 31 ($ in millions, except share data)  
Assets  
Cash and due from banks(a) 
Available-for-sale and other securities(b) 
Held-to-maturity securities(c) 
Trading securities  
Other short-term investments  
Loans held for sale(d) 
Portfolio loans and leases(a)(e) 
Allowance for loan and lease losses(a) 
Portfolio loans and leases, net  
Bank premises and equipment(f) 
Operating lease equipment  
Goodwill  
Intangible assets  
Servicing rights  
Other assets(a) 
Total Assets  
Liabilities  
Deposits:  
    Noninterest-bearing deposits  
    Interest-bearing deposits  
Total deposits(g) 
Federal funds purchased  
Other short-term borrowings  
Accrued taxes, interest and expenses  
Other liabilities(a) 
Long-term debt(a) 
Total Liabilities  
Equity  
Common stock(h) 
Preferred stock(i) 
Capital surplus  
Retained earnings  
Accumulated other comprehensive income  
Treasury stock(h) 
Total Bancorp shareholders’ equity  
Noncontrolling interests  
Total Equity  
Total Liabilities and Equity  
(a) 

 2,051 
 1,331 
 2,646 
 11,141 
 429 
 (1,972)
 15,626 
 39 
 15,665 
 138,706 
Includes $152 and $179 of cash and due from banks, $2,537 and $3,378 of portfolio loans and leases, $(28) and $(22) of ALLL, $20 and $25 of other assets, $3 and $5 of other liabilities 
and $2,493 and $3,434 of long-term debt from consolidated VIEs that are included in their respective captions above at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. For further information, 
refer to Note 11. 

 2,051 
 1,331 
 2,666 
 12,358 
 197 
 (2,764)
 15,839 
 31 
 15,870 
 141,082 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(b)  Amortized cost of $28,678 and $21,677 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 
(c) 
(d) 
(e) 
(f) 
(g) 
(h)  Common shares: Stated value $2.22 per share; authorized 2,000,000; outstanding at December 31, 2015 – 785,080,314 (excludes 138,812,267 treasury shares), 2014 – 824,046,952 

Fair value of $70 and $187 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  
Includes $519 and $561 of residential mortgage loans held for sale measured at fair value at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 
Includes $167 and $108 of residential mortgage loans measured at fair value at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 
Includes $81 and $26 of bank premises and equipment held for sale at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. For further information refer to Note 7. 
Includes $628 and $0 of deposits held for sale at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. For further information refer to Note 7. 

(excludes 99,845,629 treasury shares). 

(i)  446,000 shares of undesignated no par value preferred stock are authorized and unissued at December 31, 2015 and 2014; fixed-to-floating rate non-cumulative Series H perpetual preferred 
stock  with  a  $25,000  liquidation  preference: 24,000 authorized  shares, issued  and  outstanding  at December 31, 2015 and  2014;  fixed-to-floating  rate  non-cumulative  Series  I  perpetual 
preferred stock with a $25,000 liquidation preference: 18,000 authorized shares, issued and outstanding at December 31, 2015 and 2014; and fixed-to-floating rate non-cumulative Series J 
perpetual preferred stock with a $25,000 liquidation preference: 12,000 authorized shares, issued and outstanding at December 31, 2015 and 2014.  

Refer to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

84  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME 

For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions, except share data) 
Interest Income  
Interest and fees on loans and leases  
Interest on securities  
Interest on other short-term investments  
Total interest income  
Interest Expense  
Interest on deposits  
Interest on federal funds purchased  
Interest on other short-term borrowings  
Interest on long-term debt  
Total interest expense  
Net Interest Income  
Provision for loan and lease losses  
Net Interest Income After Provision for Loan and Lease Losses  
Noninterest Income  
Service charges on deposits  
Investment advisory revenue  
Corporate banking revenue  
Mortgage banking net revenue  
Card and processing revenue  
Other noninterest income  
Securities gains, net  
Securities gains, net - non-qualifying hedges on mortgage servicing rights  
Total noninterest income  
Noninterest Expense  
Salaries, wages and incentives  
Employee benefits  
Net occupancy expense  
Technology and communications  
Card and processing expense  
Equipment expense  
Other noninterest expense  
Total noninterest expense  
Income Before Income Taxes   
Applicable income tax expense   
Net Income   
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests  
Net Income Attributable to Bancorp  
Dividends on preferred stock   
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders   
Earnings per share - basic  
Earnings per share - diluted  
Average common shares outstanding - basic   
Average common shares outstanding - diluted   
Cash dividends declared per common share   

Refer to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  

2015 

 3,151 
 869 
 8 
 4,028 

 186 
 1 
 2 
 306 
 495 
 3,533 
 396 
 3,137 

 563 
 418 
 384 
 348 
 302 
 979 
 9 
 - 
 3,003 

2014 

 3,298 
 724 
 8 
 4,030 

 202 
 - 
 2 
 247 
 451 
 3,579 
 315 
 3,264 

 560 
 407 
 430 
 310 
 295 
 450 
 21 
 - 
 2,473 

2013 

 3,447 
 520 
 6 
 3,973 

 202 
 - 
 6 
 204 
 412 
 3,561 
 229 
 3,332 

 549 
 393 
 400 
 700 
 272 
 879 
 21 
 13 
 3,227 

 1,525 
 323 
 321 
 224 
 153 
 124 
 1,105 
 3,775 
 2,365 
 659 
 1,706 
 (6)
 1,712 
 75 
 1,637 
 2.03 
 2.01 
 798,628,173 
 807,658,669 
 0.52 

 1,449 
 334 
 313 
 212 
 141 
 121 
 1,139 
 3,709 
 2,028 
 545 
 1,483 
 2 
 1,481 
 67 
 1,414 
 1.68 
 1.66 
 833,116,349 
 842,967,356 
 0.51 

 1,581 
 357 
 307 
 204 
 134 
 114 
 1,264 
 3,961 
 2,598 
 772 
 1,826 
 (10)
 1,836 
 37 
 1,799 
 2.05 
 2.02 
 869,462,977 
 894,736,445 
 0.47 

$

$
$
$

$

85  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
   
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 

For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 
Net Income 
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net of Tax: 
   Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities: 

   Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the year 
   Reclassification adjustment for net (gains) losses included in net income 

   Unrealized gains on cash flow hedge derivatives: 

   Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the year 
   Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income 

   Defined benefit pension plans, net: 

   Net actuarial (loss) gain arising during the year 
   Reclassification of amounts to net periodic benefit costs 

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax 
Comprehensive Income 
   Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests 
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Bancorp 

Refer to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  

$

$

2015 
 1,706 

 (227)
 (10)

 48 
 (49)

 (5)
 11 
 (232)
 1,474 
 (6)
 1,480 

2014 
 1,483 

2013
 1,826

 378 
 (24)

 39 
 (29)

 (25)
 8 
 347 
 1,830 
 2 
 1,828 

 (295)
 4

 (8)
 (29)

 25
 10
 (293)
 1,533
 (10)
 1,543

86  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 

Bancorp Shareholders’ Equity 
Accumulated 
Other 

Total 
Bancorp 

Non- 

$ 

 (78)

 398 

 540 

 375 

 (142)

 (634)

 (293)

Stock 

Stock 

Stock 

 1,034 

 2,051 

 2,051 

 2,758 

Equity 

 (1,242)

 Income  

 (407)
 (37)

 1,034 
 (398)

Total 
Equity 

 22 
 1 
 2,561 

 13,716 
 1,836 
 (293)

 13,764 
 1,826 
 (293)

 (407)
 (37)
 (1,320)
 1,034 
 - 

 (407)
 (37)
 (1,320)
 1,034 
 - 

Surplus  Earnings
 8,768 
 1,836 

   Common  Preferred Capital  Retained Comprehensive Treasury  Shareholders’  Controlling
Interests 
 48
 (10)

($ in millions, except per share data)  
Balance at December 31, 2012  
Net income  
Other comprehensive loss  
Cash dividends declared:  
    Common stock at $0.47 per share  
    Preferred stock(a) 
Shares acquired for treasury  
Issuance of preferred stock  
Redemption of preferred stock, Series G  
Impact of stock transactions under  
    stock compensation plans, net  
Other  
Balance at December 31, 2013  
Net income  
Other comprehensive income  
Cash dividends declared:  
    Common stock at $0.51 per share  
    Preferred stock(b) 
Shares acquired for treasury  
Issuance of preferred stock  
Impact of stock transactions under  
    stock compensation plans, net  
Other  
Balance at December 31, 2014  
Net income  
Other comprehensive loss  
Cash dividends declared:  
    Common stock at $0.52 per share  
    Preferred stock(c) 
Shares acquired for treasury  
Impact of stock transactions under  
 75 
    stock compensation plans, net  
 (2)
Other  
Balance at December 31, 2015  
 15,870 
(a)  For the year ended December 31, 2013, dividends were $1,074.31 per preferred share for Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series G and $796.88 per preferred share for Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series 

 60 
 - 
 15,626 
 1,712 
 (232)

 60 
 - 
 15,665 
 1,706 
 (232)

 60 
 (1)
 14,626 
 1,483 
 347 

 60 
 - 
 14,589 
 1,481 
 347 

 52 
 3 
 (2,764)

 75 
 - 
 15,839 

 (2)
 11,141 
 1,712 

 (4)
 10,156 
 1,481 

 (427)
 (67)
 (654)
 297 

 (427)
 (67)
 (654)
 297 

 47 
 2 
 (1,972)

 38 
 3 
 (1,295)

 (417)
 (75)
 (850)

 (417)
 (75)
 (850)

 (3)
 12,358 

 (1)
 37
 2

 (417)
 (75)

 (427)
 (67)

 (2)
 31

 39
 (6)

 2,666 

 2,646 

 2,051 

 1,331 

 2,051 

 1,331 

 (847)

 (232)

 (726)

 429 

 297 

 347 

 197 

 23 

 13 

 72 

 82 

 (3)

$ 

H. 

(b)  For the year ended December 31, 2014, dividends were $1,275.00 per preferred share for Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series H, $1,757.46 per preferred share for Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series I 

(c) 

and $391.32 per preferred share for Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series J. 
For the year ended December 31, 2015, dividends were $1,275.00 per preferred share for Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series H, $1,656.24 per preferred share for Perpetual Preferred Stock, 
Series I and $1,225.00 per preferred share for Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series J. 

Refer to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  

87  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
   
  
  
  
   
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
     
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 

For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 
Operating Activities 
Net income  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: 

Provision for loan and lease losses 
Depreciation, amortization and accretion 
Stock-based compensation expense 
(Benefit from) provision for deferred income taxes 
Securities gains, net 
Securities gains, net - non-qualifying hedges on mortgage servicing rights 
(Recovery of) provision for MSR impairment 
Net gains on sales of loans and fair value adjustments on loans held for sale 
Net losses on disposition and impairment of bank premises and equipment 
Net losses on disposition and impairment of operating lease equipment 
Loss on extinguishment of debt 
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale 
Loans originated for sale, net of repayments 
Dividends representing return on equity method investments 
Gain on sale of Vantiv, Inc. shares 
Gain on the TRA associated with Vantiv, Inc. 
Net change in: 

Trading securities 
Other assets 
Accrued taxes, interest and expenses 
Other liabilities 

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities 
Investing Activities 
Proceeds from sales: 

Available-for-sale and other securities 
Loans 
Bank premises and equipment 
Proceeds from repayments / maturities: 

Available-for-sale and other securities 
Held-to-maturity securities 

Purchases: 

Available-for-sale and other securities 
Bank premises and equipment 

Proceeds from sales and dividends representing return of equity method investments 
Net change in: 

Other short-term investments 
Loans and leases 
Operating lease equipment 

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities 
Financing Activities 
Net change in: 
Deposits 
Federal funds purchased 
Other short-term borrowings 
Dividends paid on common stock 
Dividends paid on preferred stock 
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 
Repayment of long-term debt 
Repurchases of treasury shares and related forward contracts 
Issuance of preferred stock 
Other 
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities 
(Decrease) Increase in Cash and Due from Banks 
Cash and Due from Banks at Beginning of Period 
Cash and Due from Banks at End of Period 

2015 

 1,706 

 396 
 441 
 100 
 (71)
 (5)
 -   
 (4)
 (98)
 101 
 33 
 -   
 5,102 
 (5,142)
 25 
 (331)
 (31)

 (34)
94 
 327 
 (191)
 2,418 

 16,828 
 741 
 37 

 2,865 
 117 

 (26,733)
 (164)
 458 

 5,243 
 (3,238)
 (85)
 (3,931)

 1,493 
 7 
 (49)
 (422)
 (75)
 3,091 
 (2,205)
 (850)
 -   
 (28)
 962 
 (551)
 3,091 
 2,540 

2014 

 1,483 

 315 
 414 
 83 
 79 
 (21)
 -   
 65 
 (67)
 19 
 -   
 -   
 5,477 
 (4,874)
 42 
 (125)
 (23)

 (16)
(221)
 1 
 (555)
 2,076 

 5,234 
 147 
 24 

 2,265 
 20 

 (10,691)
 (216)
 279 

 (2,798)
 (3,136)
 (66)
 (8,938)

 2,437 
 (140)
 176 
 (423)
 (67)
 6,570 
 (1,399)
 (654)
 297 
 (22)
 6,775 
 (87)
 3,178 
 3,091 

2013 

1,826 

229 
507 
78 
253 
(21)
(13)
(192)
(622)
 6 
 -   
 8 
22,047 
(19,003)
54 
 (327)
 (9)

(131)
(672)
8 
569 
4,595 

9,328 
657 
33 

3,191 
74 

(16,216)
(274)
674 

(2,695)
(4,750)
(206)
(10,184)

9,758 
(618)
(4,900)
(393)
(37)
5,044 
(2,225)
 (1,320)
 1,034 
(17)
6,326 
 737 
 2,441 
3,178 

$

$

Refer to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Note 2 contains cash payments related to interest and income taxes in addition to non-cash investing and financing activities.  

88  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING POLICIES 
Nature of Operations 
Fifth  Third  Bancorp,  an  Ohio  corporation,  conducts  its  principal 
lending,  deposit  gathering,  transaction  processing  and  service 
advisory activities through its banking and non-banking subsidiaries 
from  banking  centers  located  throughout  the  Midwestern  and 
Southeastern regions of the United States. 

Basis of Presentation 
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the 
Bancorp and its majority-owned subsidiaries and VIEs in which the 
Bancorp has been determined to be the primary beneficiary. Other 
entities,  including  certain  joint  ventures,  in  which  the  Bancorp  has 
the  ability  to  exercise  significant  influence  over  operating  and 
financial policies of the investee, but upon which the Bancorp does 
not  possess  control,  are  accounted  for  by  the  equity  method  of 
accounting and not consolidated. The investments in those entities 
in  which  the  Bancorp  does  not  have  the  ability  to  exercise 
significant influence are generally carried at the lower of cost or fair 
value. 
transactions  and  balances  have  been 
eliminated. 

Intercompany 

Use of Estimates 
The  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  U.S. 
GAAP  requires  management  to  make  estimates  and  assumptions 
that  affect  the  amounts  reported  in  the  financial  statements  and 
accompanying  notes.  Actual  results  could  differ  from  those 
estimates. 

Cash and Due From Banks 
Cash and due from banks consist of currency and coin, cash items 
in the process of collection and due from banks. Currency and coin 
includes  both  U.S.  and  foreign  currency  owned  and  held  at  Fifth 
Third  offices  and  that  is  in-transit  to  the  FRB.  Cash  items  in  the 
process  of  collection  include  checks  and  drafts  that  are  drawn  on 
another  depository 
institution  or  the  FRB  that  are  payable 
immediately upon presentation in the U.S. Balances due from banks 
include  noninterest-bearing  balances  that  are  funds  on  deposit  at 
other depository institutions or the FRB. 

Securities 
Securities  are  classified  as  held-to-maturity,  available-for-sale  or 
trading  on  the  date  of  purchase.  Only  those  securities  which 
management  has  the  intent  and  ability  to  hold  to  maturity  are 
classified  as  held-to-maturity  and  reported  at  amortized  cost. 
Securities are classified as available-for-sale when, in management’s 
judgment,  they  may  be  sold  in  response  to,  or  in  anticipation  of, 
changes  in  market  conditions.  Securities  are  classified  as  trading 
when bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in 
the near term. Available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value 
with  unrealized  gains  and  losses,  net  of  related  deferred  income 
taxes, included in OCI. Trading securities are reported at fair value 
with  unrealized  gains  and  losses  included  in  noninterest  income. 
The  fair  value  of  a  security  is  determined  based  on  quoted  market 
prices.  If  quoted  market  prices  are  not  available,  fair  value  is 
determined  based  on  quoted  prices  of  similar  instruments  or  DCF 
models  that  incorporate  market  inputs  and  assumptions  including 
discount rates, prepayment speeds and loss rates. Realized securities 
gains  or  losses  are  reported  within  noninterest  income  in  the 
Consolidated  Statements  of  Income.  The  cost  of  securities  sold  is 
based on the specific identification method. 

Available-for-sale 

securities  with 
unrealized losses are reviewed quarterly for possible OTTI. For debt 
securities,  if  the  Bancorp  intends  to  sell  the  debt  security  or  will 

and  held-to-maturity 

more  likely  than  not  be  required  to  sell  the  debt  security  before 
recovery  of  the  entire  amortized  cost  basis,  then  an  OTTI  has 
occurred. However, even if the Bancorp does not intend to sell the 
debt security and will not likely be required to sell the debt security 
before recovery of its entire amortized cost basis, the Bancorp must 
evaluate expected cash flows to be received and determine if a credit 
loss  has  occurred.  In  the  event  of  a  credit  loss,  the  credit 
component  of  the  impairment  is  recognized  within  noninterest 
income and the non-credit component is recognized through OCI. 
For  equity  securities,  the  Bancorp’s  management  evaluates  the 
securities  in  an  unrealized  loss  position  in  the  available-for-sale 
portfolio  for  OTTI  on  the  basis  of  the  duration  of  the  decline  in 
value  of  the  security  and  severity  of  that  decline  as  well  as  the 
Bancorp’s intent and ability to hold these securities for a period of 
time  sufficient  to  allow  for  any  anticipated  recovery  in  the  market 
value. If it is determined that the impairment on an equity security is 
other-than-temporary,  an  impairment  loss  equal  to  the  difference 
between  the  amortized  cost  of  the  security  and  its  fair  value  is 
recognized within noninterest income. 

Portfolio Loans and Leases 
Basis of Accounting 
Portfolio  loans  and  leases  are  generally  reported  at  the  principal 
amount  outstanding,  net  of  unearned  income,  deferred  loan  fees 
loan 
and  costs  and  any  direct  principal  charge-offs.  Direct 
origination  fees  and  costs  are  deferred  and  the  net  amount  is 
amortized  over  the  estimated  life  of  the  related  loans  as  a  yield 
adjustment.  Interest  income  is  recognized  based  on  the  principal 
balance outstanding computed using the effective interest method. 

Loans  acquired  by  the  Bancorp  through  a  purchase  business 
combination  are  recorded  at  fair  value  as  of  the  acquisition  date. 
The  Bancorp  does  not  carry  over  the  acquired  company’s  ALLL, 
nor does the Bancorp add to its existing ALLL as part of purchase 
accounting. 

Purchased 

loans  are  evaluated 

for  evidence  of  credit 
deterioration  at  acquisition  and  recorded  at  their  initial  fair  value. 
For loans acquired with no evidence of credit deterioration, the fair 
value discount or premium is amortized over the contractual life of 
the loan as an adjustment to yield. For loans acquired with evidence 
of  credit  deterioration,  the  Bancorp  determines  at  the  acquisition 
date the excess of the loan’s contractually required payments over all 
cash flows expected to be collected as an amount that should not be 
accreted  into  interest  income  (nonaccretable  difference).  The 
remaining amount representing the difference in the expected cash 
flows  of  acquired  loans  and  the  initial  investment  in  the  acquired 
loans is accreted into interest income over the remaining life of the 
loan  or  pool  of  loans  (accretable  yield).  Subsequent  to  the 
acquisition  date,  increases  in  expected  cash  flows  over  those 
expected  at  the  acquisition  date  are  recognized  prospectively  as 
interest  income  over  the  remaining  life  of  the  loan.  The  present 
value of any decreases in expected cash flows resulting directly from 
a change in the contractual interest rate are recognized prospectively 
as  a  reduction  of  the  accretable  yield.  The  present  value  of  any 
decreases in expected cash flows after the acquisition date as a result 
of  credit  deterioration  is  recognized  by  recording  an  ALLL  or  a 
direct  charge-off.  Subsequent  to  the  purchase  date,  the  methods 
utilized  to  estimate  the  required  ALLL  are  similar  to  originated 
loans. Loans carried at fair value, residential mortgage loans held for 
sale and loans under revolving credit agreements are excluded from 
the scope of this guidance on loans acquired with deteriorated credit 
quality. 

The Bancorp’s lease portfolio consists of both direct financing 
and  leveraged  leases.  Direct  financing  leases  are  carried  at  the 

89  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

aggregate  of  lease  payments  plus  estimated  residual  value  of  the 
leased  property,  less  unearned  income.  Interest  income  on  direct 
financing leases is recognized over the term of the lease to achieve a 
constant periodic rate of return on the outstanding investment. 

Leveraged leases are carried at the aggregate of lease payments 
(less  nonrecourse  debt  payments)  plus  estimated  residual  value  of 
the  leased  property,  less  unearned  income.  Interest  income  on 
leveraged leases is recognized over the term of the lease to achieve a 
constant rate of return on the  outstanding investment in the lease, 
net of the related deferred income tax liability, in the years in which 
the net investment is positive. 

Nonaccrual Loans and Leases 
When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, the accrual of interest, 
amortization  of  loan  premium,  accretion  of  loan  discount  and 
amortization/accretion  of  deferred  net  loan  fees  are  discontinued 
and  all  previously  accrued  and  unpaid  interest  is  charged  against 
income.  Commercial  loans  are  placed  on  nonaccrual  status  when 
there is a clear indication that the borrower’s cash flows may not be 
sufficient to meet payments as they become due. Such loans are also 
placed  on  nonaccrual  status  when  the  principal  or  interest  is  past 
due 90 days or more, unless the loan is both well-secured and in the 
process  of  collection.  The  Bancorp  classifies  residential  mortgage 
loans  that  have  principal  and  interest  payments  that  have  become 
past due 150 days as nonaccrual unless the loan is both well-secured 
and  in  the  process  of  collection.  Residential  mortgage  loans  may 
stay  on  nonperforming  status  for  an  extended  time  as  the 
foreclosure  process  typically  lasts  longer  than  180  days.  Home 
equity loans and lines of credit are reported on nonaccrual status if 
principal or interest has been in default for 90 days or more unless 
the loan is both well-secured and in the process of collection. Home 
equity loans and lines of credit that have been in default for 60 days 
or more are also reported on nonaccrual status if the senior lien has 
been  in  default  120  days  or  more,  unless  the  loan  is  both  well 
secured  and  in  the  process  of  collection.  Residential  mortgage, 
home equity, automobile and other consumer loans and leases that 
have been modified in a TDR and subsequently become past due 90 
days  are  placed  on  nonaccrual  status  unless  the  loan  is  both  well-
secured and in the process of collection. Commercial and credit card 
loans that have been modified in a TDR are classified as nonaccrual 
unless  such  loans  have  sustained  repayment  performance  of  six 
months  or  more  and  are  reasonably  assured  of  repayment  in 
accordance  with  the  restructured  terms.  Well-secured  loans  are 
collateralized by perfected security interests in real and/or personal 
property  for  which  the  Bancorp  estimates  proceeds  from  the  sale 
would be sufficient to recover the outstanding principal and accrued 
interest  balance  of  the  loan  and  pay  all  costs  to  sell  the  collateral. 
The  Bancorp  considers  a  loan  in  the  process  of  collection  if 
collection  efforts  or  legal  action  is  proceeding  and  the  Bancorp 
expects  to  collect  funds  sufficient  to  bring  the  loan  current  or 
recover  the  entire  outstanding  principal  and  accrued  interest 
balance. 

Nonaccrual commercial loans and nonaccrual credit card loans 
are  generally  accounted  for  on  the  cost  recovery  method.  The 
Bancorp  believes  the  cost  recovery  method  is  appropriate  for 
nonaccrual  commercial  loans  and  nonaccrual  credit  card  loans 
because  the  assessment  of  collectability  of  the  remaining  recorded 
investment of these loans involves a high degree of subjectivity and 
uncertainty  due  to  the  nature  or  absence  of  underlying  collateral. 
Under the cost recovery method, any payments received are applied 
to  reduce  principal.  Once  the  entire  recorded  investment  is 
collected,  additional  payments  received  are  treated  as  recoveries  of 
amounts  previously  charged-off  until  recovered  in  full,  and  any 
subsequent  payments  are  treated  as  interest  income.  Nonaccrual 
residential mortgage loans and other nonaccrual consumer loans are 

90  Fifth Third Bancorp 

generally  accounted  for  on  the  cash  basis  method.  The  Bancorp 
believes  the  cash  basis  method  is  appropriate  for  nonaccrual 
residential mortgage and other nonaccrual consumer loans because 
such loans have generally been written down to estimated collateral 
values  and  the  collectability  of  the  remaining  investment  involves 
only  an  assessment  of  the  fair  value  of  the  underlying  collateral, 
which  can  be  measured  more  objectively  with  a  lesser  degree  of 
uncertainty  than  assessments  of  typical  commercial  loan  collateral. 
Under  the  cash  basis  method,  interest  income  is  recognized  upon 
cash receipt to the extent to which it would have been accrued on 
the  loan’s  remaining  balance  at  the  contractual  rate.  Nonaccrual 
loans may be returned to accrual status when all delinquent interest 
and principal payments become current in accordance with the loan 
agreement  and  are  reasonably  assured  of  repayment  in  accordance 
with the contractual terms of the loan agreement, or when the loan 
is both well-secured and in the process of collection. 

Commercial 

including  those 
loans  on  nonaccrual  status, 
modified  in  a  TDR,  as  well  as  criticized  commercial  loans  with 
aggregate borrower relationships exceeding $1 million, are subject to 
an individual review to identify charge-offs. The Bancorp does not 
have  an  established  delinquency  threshold  for  partially  or  fully 
charging  off  commercial  loans.  Residential  mortgage  loans,  home 
equity  loans  and  lines  of  credit  and  credit  card  loans  that  have 
principal and interest payments that have become past due 180 days 
are  assessed  for  a  charge-off  to  the  ALLL,  unless  such  loans  are 
both  well-secured  and  in  the  process  of  collection.  Home  equity 
loans  and  lines  of  credit  are  also  assessed  for  charge-off  to  the 
ALLL when such loans or lines of credit have become past due 120 
days if the senior lien is also 120 days past due, unless such loans are 
both well-secured and in the process of collection. Automobile and 
other  consumer  loans  and  leases  that  have  principal  and  interest 
payments  that  have  become  past  due  120  days  are  assessed  for  a 
charge-off to the ALLL, unless such loans are both well-secured and 
in the process of collection. 

Restructured Loans and Leases 
A loan is accounted for as a TDR if the Bancorp, for economic or 
legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulties, grants a 
concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider. A 
TDR typically involves a modification of terms such as a reduction 
of the stated interest rate or remaining principal amount of the loan, 
a reduction of accrued interest or an extension of the maturity date 
at a stated interest rate lower than the current market rate for a new 
loan with similar risk. In 2012, the OCC, a national bank regulatory 
agency,  issued  interpretive  guidance  that  requires  non-reaffirmed 
loans included in Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings to be accounted for 
as  nonperforming  TDRs  and  collateral  dependent  loans  regardless 
of  their  payment  history  and  capacity  to  pay  in  the  future.  The 
Bancorp’s  banking  subsidiary  is  a  state  chartered  bank  which 
therefore is not subject to guidance of the OCC. The Bancorp does 
not  consider  the  bankruptcy  court’s  discharge  of  the  borrower’s 
debt a concession when the discharged debt is not reaffirmed and as 
such, these loans are classified as TDRs only if one or more of the 
previously mentioned concessions are granted. 

The Bancorp measures the impairment loss of a TDR based on 
the difference between the original loan’s carrying amount and  the 
present  value  of  expected  future  cash  flows  discounted  at  the 
original,  effective  yield  of  the  loan.  Residential  mortgage  loans, 
home  equity  loans,  automobile  loans  and  other  consumer  loans 
modified  as  part  of  a  TDR  are  maintained  on  accrual  status, 
provided  there  is  reasonable  assurance  of  repayment  and  of 
performance according to the modified terms based upon a current, 
well-documented  credit  evaluation.  Commercial  loans  and  credit 
card  loans  modified  as  part  of  a  TDR  are  maintained  on  accrual 
status provided  there is a sustained payment history of six months 

 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

remaining  contractual  payments  under 

or more prior to the modification in accordance with the modified 
terms  and  all 
the 
modified terms  are  reasonably  assured  of  collection.  TDRs  of 
commercial  loans  and  credit  cards  that  do  not  have  a  sustained 
payment  history  of  six  months  or  more  in  accordance  with  their 
modified  terms  remain  on  nonaccrual  status  until  a  six  month 
payment history is sustained. In certain cases, commercial TDRs on 
nonaccrual status may be accounted for using the cash basis method 
for  income  recognition,  provided  that  full  repayment  of  principal 
under the modified terms of the loan is reasonably assured. 

Impaired Loans and Leases 
A  loan  is  considered  to  be  impaired  when,  based  on  current 
information  and  events,  it  is  probable  that  the  Bancorp  will  be 
unable  to  collect  all  amounts  due  (including  both  principal  and 
interest)  according  to  the  contractual  terms  of  the  loan  agreement. 
Impaired  loans  generally  consist  of  nonaccrual  loans  and  leases, 
loans  modified  in  a  TDR  and  loans  over  $1  million  that  are 
currently on accrual status and not yet modified in a TDR, but for 
which  the  Bancorp  has  determined  that  it  is  probable  that  it  will 
grant a payment concession in the near term due to the borrower’s 
financial  difficulties.  For  loans  modified  in  a  TDR,  the  contractual 
terms  of  the  loan  agreement  refer  to  the  terms  specified  in  the 
original loan agreement. A loan restructured in a TDR is no longer 
considered 
if  the 
restructuring agreement specifies a rate equal to or greater than the 
rate  the  Bancorp  was  willing  to  accept  at  the  time  of  the 
restructuring  for  a  new  loan  with  comparable  risk  and  the  loan  is 
not  impaired  based  on  the  terms  specified  by  the  restructuring 
agreement. Refer to the ALLL section for discussion regarding the 
loans  and 
identifying 
Bancorp’s  methodology 
determination of the need for a loss accrual. 

in  years  after  the  restructuring 

impaired 

impaired 

for 

Loans Held for Sale 
Loans  held  for  sale  primarily  represent  conforming  fixed-rate 
residential mortgage loans originated or acquired with the intent to 
sell in the secondary market and jumbo residential mortgage loans, 
commercial  loans,  other  residential  mortgage  loans  and  other 
consumer loans that management has the intent to sell. Loans held 
for sale may be carried at the lower of cost or fair value, or carried at 
fair  value  where  the  Bancorp  has  elected  the  fair  value  option  of 
accounting under U.S. GAAP. The Bancorp has elected to measure 
certain  residential  mortgage  loans  originated  as  held  for  sale  under 
the  fair  value  option.  For  loans  in  which  the  Bancorp  has  not 
elected  the  fair  value  option,  the  lower  of  cost  or  fair  value  is 
determined at the individual loan level. 

The  fair  value  of  residential  mortgage  loans  held  for  sale  for 
which the fair value election has been made is estimated based upon 
mortgage-backed securities prices and spreads to those prices or, for 
incorporate  the 
loans,  DCF  models  that  may 
certain  ARM 
anticipated  portfolio  composition,  credit  spreads  of  asset-backed 
securities  with  similar  collateral,  and  market  conditions.  The 
anticipated  portfolio  composition  includes  the  effects  of  interest 
rate  spreads  and  discount  rates  due  to  loan  characteristics  such  as 
the state in which the loan was originated, the loan amount and the 
ARM margin. These fair value marks are recorded as a component 
of  noninterest  income  in  mortgage  banking  net  revenue.  The 
Bancorp  generally  has  commitments  to  sell  residential  mortgage 
loans held for sale in the secondary market. Gains or losses on sales 
are recognized in mortgage banking net revenue. 
intent 

loans 
classified as held for sale may change over time due to such factors 
as  changes  in  the  overall  liquidity  in  markets  or  changes  in 
characteristics  specific  to  certain  loans  held  for  sale.  Consequently, 

to  sell  residential  mortgage 

Management’s 

these  loans  may  be  reclassified  to  loans  held  for  investment  and, 
thereafter, reported within the Bancorp’s residential mortgage class 
of portfolio loans and leases. In such cases, the residential mortgage 
loans will continue to be measured at fair value, which is based on 
mortgage-backed securities prices, interest rate risk and an internally 
developed credit component. 

Loans held for sale are placed on nonaccrual status consistent 
with the Bancorp’s nonaccrual policy for portfolio loans and leases. 

Other Real Estate Owned 
OREO,  which  is  included  in  other  assets,  represents  property 
acquired through foreclosure or other proceedings and is carried at 
the lower of cost or fair value, less costs to sell. All OREO property 
is  periodically  evaluated  for  impairment  and  decreases  in  carrying 
value  are  recognized  as  reductions  in  other  noninterest  income  in 
the  Consolidated  Statements  of  Income.  For  government-
guaranteed  mortgage  loans,  upon  foreclosure,  a  separate  other 
receivable is recognized if certain conditions are met for the amount 
of the loan balance (principal and interest) expected to be recovered 
from the guarantor. This receivable is also included in other assets, 
separate from OREO, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. 

ALLL 
The  Bancorp  disaggregates  its  portfolio  loans  and  leases  into 
portfolio  segments  for  purposes  of  determining  the  ALLL.  The 
include  commercial,  residential 
Bancorp’s  portfolio  segments 
mortgage  and  consumer.  The  Bancorp  further  disaggregates  its 
portfolio  segments  into  classes  for  purposes  of  monitoring  and 
assessing credit quality based on certain risk characteristics. Classes 
within  the  commercial  portfolio  segment  include  commercial  and 
industrial,  commercial  mortgage  owner-occupied,  commercial 
mortgage  nonowner-occupied,  commercial  construction  and 
commercial  leasing.  The  residential  mortgage  portfolio  segment  is 
also  considered  a  class.  Classes  within  the  consumer  portfolio 
segment  include  home  equity,  automobile,  credit  card  and  other 
consumer loans and leases. For an analysis of the Bancorp’s ALLL 
by portfolio segment and credit quality information by class, refer to 
Note 6. 

The Bancorp maintains the ALLL to absorb probable loan and 
lease  losses  inherent  in  its  portfolio  segments.  The  ALLL  is 
maintained  at  a  level  the  Bancorp  considers  to  be  adequate  and  is 
based  on  ongoing  quarterly  assessments  and  evaluations  of  the 
collectability  and  historical  loss  experience  of  loans  and  leases. 
Credit losses are charged and recoveries are credited to the ALLL. 
Provisions  for  loan  and  lease  losses  are  based  on  the  Bancorp’s 
review of the historical credit loss experience and such factors that, 
in  management’s  judgment,  deserve  consideration  under  existing 
economic  conditions  in  estimating  probable  credit  losses.  The 
Bancorp’s  strategy 
includes  a 
combination  of  conservative  exposure  limits  significantly  below 
legal  lending  limits  and  conservative  underwriting,  documentation 
and 
emphasizes 
diversification on a geographic, industry and customer level, regular 
credit  examinations  and  quarterly  management  reviews  of  large 
credit  exposures  and  loans  experiencing  deterioration  of  credit 
quality. 

risk  management 

standards.  The 

for  credit 

collections 

strategy 

also 

The  Bancorp’s  methodology  for  determining  the  ALLL  is 
based  on  historical  loss  rates,  current  credit  grades,  specific 
allocation  on  loans  modified  in  a  TDR  and  impaired  commercial 
credits above specified thresholds and other qualitative adjustments. 
Allowances  on  individual  commercial  loans,  TDRs  and  historical 
loss rates are reviewed quarterly and adjusted as necessary based on 
changing  borrower  and/or  collateral  conditions  and  actual 
collection  and  charge-off  experience.  An  unallocated  allowance  is 

91  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

to  recognize 

maintained 
in  estimating  and 
measuring losses when evaluating allowances for individual loans or 
pools of loans. 

imprecision 

the 

Larger  commercial  loans  included  within  aggregate  borrower 
relationship  balances  exceeding  $1  million  that  exhibit  probable  or 
observed  credit  weaknesses,  as  well  as  loans  that  have  been 
modified in a TDR, are subject to individual review for impairment. 
The Bancorp considers the current value of collateral, credit quality 
of  any  guarantees,  the  guarantor’s  liquidity  and  willingness  to 
cooperate,  the  loan  structure  and  other  factors  when  evaluating 
whether  an  individual  loan  is  impaired.  Other  factors  may  include 
the  industry  and  geographic  region  of  the  borrower,  size  and 
financial  condition  of  the  borrower,  cash  flow  and  leverage  of  the 
borrower  and 
the  borrower’s 
the  Bancorp’s  evaluation  of 
management.  When  individual  loans  are  impaired,  allowances  are 
determined  based  on  management’s  estimate  of  the  borrower’s 
ability to repay the loan given the availability of collateral and other 
sources  of  cash  flow,  as  well  as  an  evaluation  of  legal  options 
available  to  the  Bancorp.  Allowances  for  impaired  loans  are 
measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows 
discounted  at  the  loan’s  effective  interest  rate,  fair  value  of  the 
underlying collateral or readily observable secondary market values. 
The  Bancorp  evaluates  the  collectability  of  both  principal  and 
interest when assessing the need for a loss accrual. 

Historical credit loss rates are applied to commercial loans that 
are  not  impaired  or  are  impaired,  but  smaller  than  the  established 
threshold  of  $1  million  and  thus  not  subject  to  specific  allowance 
allocations.  The  loss  rates  are  derived  from  a  migration  analysis, 
which  tracks  the  historical  net  charge-off  experience  sustained  on 
loans according to their internal risk grade. The risk grading system 
utilized for allowance analysis purposes encompasses ten categories. 
Homogenous loans and leases in the residential mortgage and 
consumer  portfolio  segments  are  not  individually  risk  graded. 
Rather, standard credit scoring systems and delinquency monitoring 
are used to assess credit risks and allowances are established based 
on the expected net charge-offs. Loss rates are based on the trailing  
twelve month net charge-off history by loan category. Historical loss 
rates may be adjusted for certain prescriptive and qualitative factors 
that,  in  management’s  judgment,  are  necessary  to  reflect  losses 
inherent in the portfolio. Factors that management considers in the 
analysis  include  the  effects  of  the  national  and  local  economies; 
trends  in  the  nature  and  volume  of  delinquencies,  charge-offs  and 
nonaccrual  loans;  changes  in  loan  mix;  credit  score  migration 
comparisons;  asset  quality  trends;  risk  management  and  loan 
administration;  changes  in  the  internal  lending  policies  and  credit 
standards;  collection  practices;  and  examination  results  from  bank 
regulatory agencies and the Bancorp’s internal credit reviewers. 

The  Bancorp’s  primary  market  areas  for  lending  are  the 
Midwestern  and  Southeastern  regions  of  the  United  States.  When 
evaluating  the  adequacy  of  allowances,  consideration  is  given  to 
these regional geographic concentrations and the closely associated 
effect  changing  economic  conditions  have  on  the  Bancorp’s 
customers. 

In the current year, the Bancorp has not substantively changed 
any material aspect to its overall approach to determining its ALLL 
for  any  of  its  portfolio  segments.  There  have  been  no  material 
changes  in  criteria  or  estimation  techniques  as  compared  to  prior 
periods  that  impacted  the  determination  of  the  current  period 
ALLL for any of the Bancorp’s portfolio segments. 

Reserve for Unfunded Commitments 
The  reserve  for  unfunded  commitments  is  maintained  at  a  level 
believed  by  management  to  be  sufficient  to  absorb  estimated 
probable losses related to unfunded credit facilities and is included 
in  the  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets.  The 
in  other 

liabilities 

92  Fifth Third Bancorp 

determination  of  the  adequacy  of  the  reserve  is  based  upon  an 
evaluation of the unfunded credit facilities, including an assessment 
of  historical  commitment  utilization  experience,  credit  risk  grading 
and  historical  loss  rates  based  on  credit  grade  migration.  This 
process  takes  into  consideration  the  same  risk  elements  that  are 
analyzed  in  the  determination  of  the  adequacy  of  the  Bancorp’s 
ALLL,  as  previously  discussed.  Net  adjustments  to  the  reserve  for 
unfunded  commitments  are  included  in  other  noninterest  expense 
in the Consolidated Statements of Income. 

Loan Sales and Securitizations 
The  Bancorp  periodically  sells  loans  through  either  securitizations 
or  individual  loan  sales  in  accordance  with  its  investment  policies. 
The sold loans are removed from the balance sheet and a net gain or 
loss  is  recognized  in  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  at  the 
time  of  sale.  The  Bancorp  typically  isolates  the  loans  through  the 
use  of  a  VIE  and  thus  is  required  to  assess  whether  the  entity 
holding  the  sold  or  securitized  loans  is  a  VIE  and  whether  the 
Bancorp  is  the  primary  beneficiary  and  therefore  consolidator  of 
that  VIE.  If  the  Bancorp  holds  the  power  to  direct  activities  most 
significant  to  the  economic  performance  of  the  VIE  and  has  the 
obligation  to  absorb  losses  or  right  to  receive  benefits  that  could 
potentially be significant to the VIE, then the Bancorp will generally 
be  deemed  the  primary  beneficiary  of  the  VIE.  If  the  Bancorp  is 
determined not to be the primary beneficiary of a VIE but holds a 
variable  interest  in  the  entity,  such  variable  interests  are  accounted 
for  under  the  equity  method  of  accounting  or  other  accounting 
standards as appropriate. Refer to Note 11 for further information 
on consolidated and non-consolidated VIEs. 

temporary 

The  Bancorp’s  loan  sales  and  securitizations  are  generally 
structured  with  servicing  retained.  As  a  result,  servicing  rights 
resulting  from  residential  mortgage  loan  sales  are  initially  recorded 
at fair value and subsequently amortized in proportion to and over 
the period of estimated net servicing revenues and are reported as a 
component  of  mortgage  banking  net  revenue  in  the  Consolidated 
Statements of Income. Servicing rights are assessed for impairment 
monthly,  based  on  fair  value,  with 
impairment 
recognized through a valuation allowance and other-than-temporary 
impairment  recognized  through  a  write-off  of  the  servicing  asset 
and related valuation allowance. Key economic assumptions used in 
measuring  any  potential  impairment  of  the  servicing  rights  include 
the  prepayment  speeds  of  the  underlying  loans,  the  weighted-
average life, the discount rate and the weighted-average coupon, as 
applicable. The primary risk of material changes to the value of the 
servicing  rights  resides  in  the  potential  volatility  in  the  economic 
assumptions used, particularly the prepayment speeds. The Bancorp 
monitors  risk  and  adjusts  its  valuation  allowance  as  necessary  to 
adequately  reserve  for  impairment  in  the  servicing  portfolio.  For 
purposes  of  measuring  impairment,  the  mortgage  servicing  rights 
are stratified into classes based on the financial asset type (fixed-rate 
vs.  adjustable-rate)  and  interest  rates.  Fees  received  for  servicing 
loans  owned  by  investors  are  based  on  a  percentage  of  the 
outstanding  monthly  principal  balance  of  such  loans  and  are 
included  in  noninterest  income  in  the  Consolidated  Statements  of 
Income as loan payments are received. Costs of servicing loans are 
charged to expense as incurred. 

Reserve for Representation and Warranty Provisions 
Conforming  residential  mortgage  loans  sold  to  unrelated  third 
parties  are  generally  sold  with  representation  and  warranty 
provisions. A contractual liability arises only in the event of a breach 
of these representations and warranties and, in general, only when a 
loss  results  from  the  breach.  The  Bancorp  may  be  required  to 
repurchase any previously sold loan or indemnify (make whole) the 
investor or insurer for which the representation or warranty of the 

 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Bancorp  proves  to  be  inaccurate,  incomplete  or  misleading.  The 
Bancorp  establishes  a  residential  mortgage  repurchase  reserve 
related  to  various  representations  and  warranties  that  reflects 
management’s estimate of losses based on a combination of factors. 
The  Bancorp’s  estimation  process  requires  management  to 
make  subjective  and  complex  judgments  about  matters  that  are 
inherently uncertain, such as future demand expectations, economic 
factors  and  the  specific  characteristics  of  the  loans  subject  to 
repurchase.  Such  factors  incorporate  historical  investor  audit  and 
repurchase  demand  rates,  appeals  success  rates,  historical  loss 
severity  and  any  additional  information  obtained  from  the  GSEs 
regarding future mortgage repurchase and file request criteria. At the 
time  of  a  loan  sale,  the  Bancorp  records  a  representation  and 
warranty  reserve  at  the  estimated  fair  value  of  the  Bancorp’s 
guarantee and continually updates the reserve during the life of the 
loan  as  losses  in  excess  of  the  reserve  become  probable  and 
reasonably  estimable.  The  provision  for  the  estimated  fair  value  of 
the  representation  and  warranty  guarantee  arising  from  the  loan 
sales  is  recorded  as  an  adjustment  to  the  gain  on  sale,  which  is 
included in other noninterest income at the time of sale. Updates to 
the reserve are recorded in other noninterest expense. 

Legal Contingencies 
The Bancorp and its subsidiaries are parties to numerous claims and 
lawsuits  as  well  as  threatened  or  potential  actions  or  claims 
concerning  matters  arising  from  the  conduct  of  its  business 
activities.  The  outcome  of  claims  or  litigation  and  the  timing  of 
ultimate resolution are inherently difficult to predict and significant 
judgment  may  be  required  in  the  determination  of  both  the 
probability of loss and whether the amount of the loss is reasonably 
estimable. The Bancorp’s estimates are subjective and are based on 
the  status  of  legal  and  regulatory  proceedings,  the  merit  of  the 
Bancorp’s defenses and consultation with internal and external legal 
counsel. An accrual for a potential litigation loss is established when 
information related to the loss contingency indicates both that a loss 
is probable and that the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. 
This  accrual  is  included  in  other  liabilities  in  the  Consolidated 
Balance Sheets and is adjusted from time to time as appropriate to 
reflect  changes  in  circumstances.  Legal  expenses  are  recorded  in 
other  noninterest  expense  in  the  Consolidated  Statements  of 
Income. 

income 

Bank Premises and Equipment and Other Long-Lived 
Assets 
Bank  premises  and  equipment,  including  leasehold  improvements, 
are  carried  at  cost  less  accumulated  depreciation  and  amortization. 
Depreciation  is  calculated  using  the  straight-line  method  based  on 
estimated  useful  lives  of  the  assets  for  book  purposes,  while 
accelerated  depreciation 
tax  purposes. 
is  used  for 
Amortization  of  leasehold  improvements  is  computed  using  the 
straight-line  method  over  the  lives  of  the  related  leases  or  useful 
lives of the related assets, whichever is shorter. Whenever events or 
changes  in  circumstances  dictate,  the  Bancorp  tests  its  long-lived 
assets  for  impairment  by  determining  whether  the  sum  of  the 
estimated undiscounted future cash flows attributable to a long-lived 
asset  or  asset  group  is  less  than  the  carrying  amount  of  the  long-
lived  asset  or  asset  group 
through  a  probability-weighted 
approach. In  the  event  the  carrying  amount  of  the  long-lived  asset 
or asset group is not recoverable, an impairment loss is measured as 
the amount by which the carrying amount of the long-lived asset or 
asset  group  exceeds  its  fair  value.  Maintenance,  repairs  and  minor 
improvements  are  charged 
the 
Consolidated Statements of Income as incurred. 

to  noninterest  expense 

in 

the  Bancorp  designates 

Derivative Financial Instruments 
The Bancorp accounts for its derivatives as either assets or liabilities 
measured at fair value through adjustments to AOCI and/or current 
earnings,  as  appropriate.  On  the  date  the  Bancorp  enters  into  a 
derivative  contract, 
the  derivative 
instrument as either a fair value hedge, cash flow hedge or as a free-
standing  derivative  instrument.  For  a  fair  value  hedge,  changes  in 
the  fair  value  of  the  derivative  instrument  and  changes  in  the  fair 
value of the hedged asset or liability attributable to the hedged risk 
are  recorded  in current  period net  income.  For  a  cash  flow  hedge, 
changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument, to the extent 
that  it  is  effective,  are  recorded  in  AOCI  and  subsequently 
reclassified  to  net  income  in  the  same  period(s)  that  the  hedged 
transaction 
income.  For  free-standing  derivative 
instruments, changes in fair values are reported in current period net 
income. 

impacts  net 

the 

relationship  between 

Prior  to  entering  into  a  hedge  transaction,  the  Bancorp 
formally  documents 
the  hedging 
instrument  and  the  hedged  item,  as  well  as  the  risk  management 
objective  and  strategy  for  undertaking  the  hedge  transaction.  This 
process  includes  linking  the  derivative  instrument  designated  as  a 
fair  value  or  cash  flow  hedge  to  a  specific  asset  or  liability  on  the 
balance  sheet  or  to  specific  forecasted  transactions  and  the  risk 
being hedged, along with a formal assessment at both inception of 
the  hedge  and  on  an  ongoing  basis  as  to  the  effectiveness  of  the 
derivative  instrument  in  offsetting  changes  in  fair  values  or  cash 
flows  of  the  hedged  item.  If  it  is  determined  that  the  derivative 
instrument  is  not  highly  effective  as  a  hedge,  hedge  accounting  is 
discontinued. 

Income Taxes 
The  Bancorp  estimates  income  tax  expense  based  on  amounts 
expected  to  be  owed  to  the  various  tax  jurisdictions  in  which  the 
Bancorp  conducts  business.  On  a  quarterly  basis,  management 
assesses  the  reasonableness  of  its  effective  tax  rate  based  upon  its 
current estimate of the amount and components of net income, tax 
credits  and  the  applicable  statutory  tax  rates  expected  for  the  full 
year.  The  estimated  income  tax  expense  is  recorded  in  the 
Consolidated Statements of Income. 

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined using 
the balance sheet method and the net deferred tax asset or liability 
by  taxing  jurisdiction  is  reported  in  other  assets  or  accrued  taxes, 
interest  and  expenses  in  the  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets.  Under 
this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is based on the tax 
effects of the differences between the book and tax basis of assets 
and  liabilities  and  reflects  enacted  changes  in  tax  rates  and  laws. 
Deferred  tax  assets  are  recognized  to  the  extent  they  exist  and  are 
subject  to  a  valuation  allowance  based  on  management’s  judgment 
that realization is more likely than not. This analysis is performed on 
a  quarterly  basis  and  includes  an  evaluation  of  all  positive  and 
negative  evidence,  such  as  the  limitation  on  the  use  of  any  net 
operating  losses,  to  determine  whether  realization  is  more  likely 
than not. 

Accrued  taxes  represent  the  net  estimated  amount  due  to 
taxing  jurisdictions  and  are  reported  in  accrued  taxes,  interest  and 
expenses 
in  the  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets.  The  Bancorp 
evaluates  and  assesses  the  relative  risks  and  appropriate  tax 
treatment  of  transactions  and  filing  positions  after  considering 
statutes,  regulations,  judicial  precedent  and  other  information  and 
maintains tax accruals consistent with its evaluation of these relative 
risks  and  merits.  Changes  to  the  estimate  of  accrued  taxes  occur 
periodically due to changes in tax rates, interpretations of tax laws, 
the  status  of  examinations  being  conducted  by  taxing  authorities 
and  changes  to  statutory,  judicial  and  regulatory  guidance  that 

93  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

impact the relative risks of tax positions. These changes, when they 
occur,  can  affect  deferred  taxes  and  accrued  taxes  as  well  as  the 
current  period’s  income  tax  expense  and  can  be  significant  to  the 
operating results of the Bancorp. Any interest and penalties incurred 
in  connection  with  income  taxes  are  recorded  as  a  component  of 
income  tax  expense  in  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements.  For 
additional information on income taxes, refer to Note 20. 

Earnings Per Share 
Basic  earnings  per  share  is  computed  by  dividing  net  income 
available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number 
of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Earnings 
per  diluted  share  is  computed  by  dividing  adjusted  net  income 
available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number 
of  shares  of  common  stock  and  common  stock  equivalents 
outstanding  during  the  period.  Dilutive  common  stock  equivalents 
represent  the  assumed  conversion  of  dilutive  convertible  preferred 
stock, the exercise of dilutive stock-based awards and warrants and 
the  dilutive  effect  of  the  settlement  of  outstanding  forward 
contracts. 

The Bancorp calculates earnings per share pursuant to the two-
class  method.  The  two-class  method  is  an  earnings  allocation 
formula that determines earnings per share separately for common 
stock  and  participating  securities  according  to  dividends  declared 
and  participation  rights  in  undistributed  earnings.  For  purposes  of 
calculating earnings per share under the two-class method, restricted 
shares that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends are considered 
participating securities until vested. While the dividends declared per 
share  on  such  restricted  shares  are  the  same  as  dividends  declared 
per  common  share  outstanding,  the  dividends  recognized  on  such 
restricted  shares  may  be  less  because  dividends  paid  on  restricted 
shares  that  are  expected  to  be  forfeited  are  reclassified  to 
compensation  expense  during  the  period  when  forfeiture 
is 
expected. 

Goodwill 
Business combinations entered into by the Bancorp typically include 
the  acquisition  of  goodwill.  Goodwill  is  required  to  be  tested  for 
impairment at the Bancorp’s reporting unit level on an annual basis, 
which  for  the  Bancorp  is  September 30,  and  more  frequently  if 
events or circumstances indicate that there may be impairment. The 
Bancorp has determined that its segments qualify as reporting units 
under U.S. GAAP. 

Impairment  exists  when  a  reporting  unit’s  carrying  amount  of 
goodwill  exceeds  its  implied  fair  value.  In  testing  goodwill  for 
impairment,  U.S.  GAAP  permits  the  Bancorp  to  first  assess 
qualitative  factors  to  determine  whether  it  is  more  likely  than  not 
that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. 
In  this  qualitative  assessment,  the  Bancorp  evaluates  events  and 
circumstances which may include, but are not limited to, the general 
economic  environment,  banking  industry  and  market  conditions, 
the overall financial performance of the Bancorp, the performance 
of  the  Bancorp’s  common  stock,  the  key  financial  performance 
metrics  of  the  Bancorp’s  reporting  units  and  events  affecting  the 
reporting  units.  If,  after  assessing  the  totality  of  events  and 
circumstances, the Bancorp determines it is not more likely than not 
that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, 
then  performing 
test  would  be 
unnecessary. However, if the Bancorp concludes otherwise or elects 
to  bypass  the  qualitative  assessment,  it  would  then  be  required  to 
perform the first step (Step 1) of the goodwill impairment test, and 
continue  to  the  second  step  (Step  2),  if  necessary.  Step  1  of  the 
goodwill impairment test compares the fair value of a reporting unit 
with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount 
of  the  reporting  unit  exceeds  its  fair  value,  Step  2  of  the  goodwill 

impairment 

two-step 

the 

94  Fifth Third Bancorp 

impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment 
loss, if any. 

The  fair  value  of  a  reporting  unit  is  the  price  that  would  be 
received to sell the unit as a whole in an orderly transaction between 
market  participants  at  the  measurement  date.  As  none  of  the 
Bancorp’s  reporting  units  are  publicly  traded,  individual  reporting 
unit  fair  value  determinations  cannot  be  directly  correlated  to  the 
Bancorp’s  stock  price.  To  determine  the  fair  value  of  a  reporting 
unit, the Bancorp employs an income-based approach, utilizing the 
reporting  unit’s  forecasted  cash  flows  (including  a  terminal  value 
approach  to  estimate  cash  flows  beyond  the  final  year  of  the 
forecast)  and  the  reporting  unit’s  estimated  cost  of  equity  as  the 
discount  rate.  Additionally,  the  Bancorp  determines  its  market 
capitalization  based  on  the  average  of  the  closing  price  of  the 
Bancorp’s stock during the month including the measurement date, 
incorporating  an  additional  control  premium,  and  compares  this 
market-based fair value measurement to the aggregate fair value of 
the Bancorp’s reporting units in order to corroborate the results of 
the income approach. 

When  required  to  perform  Step  2,  the  Bancorp  compares  the 
implied  fair  value  of  a  reporting  unit’s  goodwill  with  the  carrying 
amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount exceeds the implied 
fair  value,  an  impairment  loss  equal  to  that  excess  amount  is 
recognized.  A  recognized  impairment  loss  cannot  exceed  the 
carrying amount of that goodwill and cannot be reversed in future 
periods  even  if  the  fair  value  of  the  reporting  unit  subsequently 
recovers. 

During  Step  2,  the  Bancorp  determines  the  implied  fair  value 
of  goodwill  for  a  reporting  unit  by  assigning  the  fair  value  of  the 
reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit (including 
any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been 
acquired in a business combination. The excess of the fair value of 
the  reporting  unit  over  the  amounts  assigned  to  its  assets  and 
liabilities  is  the  implied  fair  value  of  goodwill.  This  assignment 
process  is  only  performed  for  purposes  of  testing  goodwill  for 
impairment.  The  Bancorp  does  not  adjust  the  carrying  values  of 
recognized assets or liabilities (other than goodwill, if appropriate), 
nor  does  it  recognize  previously  unrecognized  intangible  assets  in 
the Consolidated Financial Statements as a result of this assignment 
process.  Refer  to  Note  9  for  further  information  regarding  the 
Bancorp’s goodwill. 

Fair Value Measurements 
The  Bancorp  measures  certain  financial  assets  and  liabilities  at  fair 
value in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which defines fair value as the 
price  that  would  be  received  to  sell  an  asset  or  paid  to  transfer  a 
liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the 
measurement  date.  Valuation  techniques  the  Bancorp  uses  to 
measure  fair  value  include  the  market  approach,  income  approach 
and  cost  approach.  The  market  approach  uses  prices  or  relevant 
information generated by market transactions involving identical or 
comparable  assets  or  liabilities.  The  income  approach  involves 
discounting future amounts to a single present amount and is based 
on  current  market  expectations  about  those  future  amounts.  The 
cost  approach  is  based  on  the  amount  that  currently  would  be 
required to replace the service capacity of the asset. 

U.S. GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes 
the  inputs  to  valuation  techniques  used  to  measure  fair  value  into 
three broad levels. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority 
to  quoted  prices  in  active  markets  for  identical  assets  or  liabilities 
(Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). A 
financial  instrument’s  categorization  within  the  fair  value  hierarchy 
is  based  upon  the  lowest  level  of  input  that  is  significant  to  the 
instrument’s fair value measurement. The three levels within the fair 
value hierarchy are described as follows: 

 
 
 
 
  
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Level  1  –  Quoted  prices  (unadjusted)  in  active  markets  for 
identical assets or liabilities that the Bancorp has the ability 
to access at the measurement date. 

Level  2  –  Inputs  other  than  quoted  prices  included  within 
Level  1  that  are  observable  for  the  asset  or  liability,  either 
directly  or  indirectly.  Level  2  inputs  include:  quoted  prices 
for  similar  assets  or  liabilities  in  active  markets;  quoted 
prices  for  identical  or  similar  assets  or  liabilities  in  markets 
that are not active; inputs other than quoted prices that are 
observable  for  the  asset  or  liability;  and  inputs  that  are 
derived  principally  from  or  corroborated  by  observable 
market data by correlation or other means. 

is 

little, 

reflect 

Level  3  –  Unobservable  inputs  for  the  asset  or  liability  for 
if  any,  market  activity  at  the 
which  there 
the 
inputs 
measurement  date.  Unobservable 
Bancorp’s own assumptions about what market participants 
would  use  to  price  the  asset  or  liability.  The  inputs  are 
developed  based  on  the  best  information  available  in  the 
circumstances,  which  might  include  the  Bancorp’s  own 
financial  data  such  as  internally  developed  pricing  models 
and  DCF  methodologies,  as  well  as  instruments  for  which 
the fair value determination requires significant management 
judgment. 

The  Bancorp’s  fair  value  measurements 

involve  various 
valuation  techniques  and  models,  which  involve  inputs  that  are 
observable,  when  available.  Valuation  techniques  and  parameters 
used  for  measuring  assets  and  liabilities  are  reviewed  and  validated 
by  the  Bancorp  on  a  quarterly  basis.  Additionally,  the  Bancorp 
monitors  the  fair  values  of  significant  assets  and  liabilities  using  a 
variety  of  methods  including  the  evaluation  of  pricing  runs  and 
exception reports based on certain analytical criteria, comparison to 
for 
previous 
reasonableness.  Refer  to  Note  27  for  further  information  on  fair 
value measurements. 

review  and  assessments 

trades  and  overall 

projected  benefit  obligation  and  the  market-related  value  of  plan 
assets,  the  amortization  is  that  excess  divided  by  the  average 
remaining  service  period  of  participating  employees  expected  to 
receive  benefits  under  the  plan.  The  Bancorp  uses  a  third-party 
actuary  to  compute  the  remaining  service  period  of  participating 
employees.  This  period  reflects  expected  turnover,  pre-retirement 
mortality and other applicable employee demographics. 

Other 
Securities  and  other  property  held  by  Fifth  Third  Investment 
Advisors,  a  division  of  the  Bancorp’s  banking  subsidiary,  in  a 
fiduciary  or  agency  capacity  are  not  included  in  the  Consolidated 
Balance Sheets because such items are not assets of the subsidiaries. 
Investment  advisory  revenue  in  the  Consolidated  Statements  of 
Income  is  recognized  on  the  accrual  basis.  Investment  advisory 
service revenues are recognized monthly based on a fee charged per 
transaction processed and/or a fee charged on the market value of 
average account balances associated with individual contracts. 

The Bancorp recognizes revenue from its card and processing 
services  on  an  accrual  basis  as  such  services  are  performed, 
recording  revenues  net  of  certain  costs  (primarily  interchange  fees 
charged by credit card associations) not controlled by the Bancorp. 

The  Bancorp  purchases  life  insurance  policies  on  the  lives  of 
certain  directors,  officers  and  employees  and  is  the  owner  and 
beneficiary  of  the  policies.  The  Bancorp  invests  in  these  policies, 
known as BOLI, to provide an efficient form of funding for long-
term  retirement  and  other  employee  benefits  costs.  The  Bancorp 
records these BOLI policies within other assets in the Consolidated 
Balance Sheets at each policy’s respective cash surrender value, with 
changes  recorded  in  other  noninterest  income  in  the  Consolidated 
Statements of Income. 

lists,  non-compete 

Other  intangible  assets  consist  of  core  deposit  intangibles, 
customer 
cardholder 
relationships.  Other  intangible  assets  are  amortized  on  either  a 
straight-line or an accelerated basis over their estimated useful lives. 
The  Bancorp  reviews  other  intangible  assets  for  impairment 
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that carrying 
amounts may not be recoverable. 

agreements 

and 

Stock-Based Compensation 
The  Bancorp  recognizes  compensation  expense  for  the  grant-date 
fair value of stock-based awards that are expected to vest over the 
requisite service period. All awards, both those with cliff vesting and 
graded  vesting,  are  expensed  on  a  straight-line  basis.  Awards  to 
employees  that  meet  eligible  retirement  status  are  expensed 
immediately. As compensation expense is recognized, a deferred tax 
asset  is  recorded  that  represents  an  estimate  of  the  future  tax 
deduction  from  exercise  or  release  of  restrictions.  At  the  time 
awards  are  exercised,  cancelled,  expire  or  restrictions  are  released, 
the Bancorp may be required to recognize an adjustment to income 
tax expense for the difference between the previously estimated tax 
deduction  and  the  actual  tax  deduction  realized.  For  further 
information  on  the  Bancorp’s  stock-based  compensation  plans, 
refer to Note 24. 

Pension Plans 
The  Bancorp  uses  an  expected  long-term  rate  of  return  applied  to 
the  fair  market  value  of  assets  as  of  the  beginning  of  the  year  and 
the expected cash flow during the year for calculating the expected 
investment  return  on  all  pension  plan  assets.  Amortization  of  the 
net  gain  or  loss  resulting  from  experience  different  from  that 
assumed  and  from  changes  in  assumptions  (excluding  asset  gains 
and losses not yet reflected in market-related value) is included as a 
component  of  net  periodic  benefit  cost.  If,  as  of  the  beginning  of 
the  year,  that  net  gain  or  loss  exceeds  10%  of  the  greater  of  the 

Securities sold under repurchase agreements are accounted for 
as secured borrowings and included in other short-term borrowings 
in  the  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets  at  the  amounts  at  which  the 
securities were sold plus accrued interest. 

Acquisitions of treasury stock are carried at cost. Reissuance of 
shares  in  treasury  for  acquisitions,  exercises  of  stock-based  awards 
or  other  corporate  purposes  is  recorded  based  on  the  specific 
identification method. 

Advertising costs are generally expensed as incurred. 

Accounting and Reporting Developments 
Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects 
In January 2014, the FASB issued amended guidance which would 
permit  the  Bancorp  to  make  an  accounting  policy  election  to 
account for its investments in qualified affordable housing projects 
using  a  proportional  amortization  method  if  certain  conditions  are 
met and to present the amortization as a component of income tax 
expense. The amended guidance would be applied retrospectively to 
all  periods  presented  and  is  effective  for  fiscal  years,  and  interim 
periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014, with 
early  adoption  permitted.  Regardless  of  the  policy  election,  the 
amended  guidance  requires  disclosures  to  enable  the  users  of  the 
financial  statements  to  understand  the  nature  of  the  Bancorp’s 
investments  in  qualified  affordable  housing  projects  and  the  effect 
of  the  measurement  of  the  investments  in  qualified  affordable 

95  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

housing  projects  and  the  related  tax  credits  on  the  Bancorp’s 
financial position and results of operation. 
       The  Bancorp  adopted  the  amended  guidance  on  January  1, 
2015  and  did  not  make  an  accounting  policy  election  to  apply  the 
proportional  amortization  method  for  its  investments  in  qualified 
affordable  housing  projects.  Therefore,  the  adoption  of  the 
amended  guidance  did  not  have  a  material 
impact  on  the 
Consolidated  Financial  Statements.  The  required  disclosures  are 
included in Note 11.  

Reclassification  of  Residential  Real  Estate  Collateralized  Consumer  Mortgage 
Loans upon Foreclosure 
In  January  2014,  the  FASB  issued  amended  guidance  that  clarifies 
when  a  creditor  should  be  considered  to  have  received  physical 
possession  of  residential  real  estate  property  collateralizing  a 
consumer  mortgage  loan  such  that  the  loan  receivable  should  be 
derecognized and the real estate property recognized. The amended 
guidance  clarifies  that  an  in  substance  repossession  or  foreclosure 
occurs  and  a  creditor  is  considered  to  have  received  physical 
possession  of  residential  real  estate  property  collateralizing  a 
consumer mortgage loan, upon either 1) the creditor obtaining legal 
title  to  the  residential  real  estate  property  upon  completion  of  a 
foreclosure  or  2) the  borrower  conveying  all  interest  in  the 
residential  real  estate  property  to  the  creditor  to  satisfy  that  loan 
through  completion  of  a  deed  in  lieu  of  foreclosure  or  through  a 
similar legal agreement. In addition, the amended guidance requires 
interim and annual disclosures of both 1) the amount of foreclosed 
residential  real  estate  property  held  by  the  creditor  and  2) the 
recorded  investment  in  consumer  mortgage  loans  collateralized  by 
residential real estate property that are in the process of foreclosure 
according  to  local  requirements  of  the  applicable  jurisdiction.  The 
amended  guidance  may  be  applied  prospectively  or  through  a 
modified retrospective approach and is effective for fiscal years, and 
interim  periods  within  those  years,  beginning  after  December 15, 
2014,  with  early  adoption  permitted.  The  Bancorp  adopted  the 
amended  guidance  on  January 1,  2015  and  the  adoption  of  the 
amended  guidance  did  not  have  a  material 
impact  on  the 
Consolidated  Financial  Statements.  The  required  disclosures  are 
included in Note 6. 

Reporting  Discontinued  Operations  and  Disclosures  of  Disposals  of 
Components of an Entity 
In April 2014, the FASB issued amended guidance that changes the 
criteria  for  reporting  discontinued  operations.  The  amended 
guidance requires a disposal of a component of an entity or a group 
of  components  of  an  entity  to  be  reported  in  discontinued 
operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will 
have)  a  major  effect  on  an  entity’s  operations  and  financial  results 
when any of the following occurs: 1) the component of an entity or 
group of components of an entity meets the criteria to be classified 
as  held  for  sale;  2)  the  component  of  an  entity  or  group  of 
components of an entity is disposed of by sale; or 3) the component 
of  an  entity  or  group  of  components  of  an  entity  is  disposed  of 
other than by sale (for example, by abandonment or in a distribution 
to owners in a spinoff). The amended guidance requires an entity to 
present,  for  each  comparative  period,  the  assets  and  liabilities  of  a 
disposal  group  that  includes  a  discontinued  operation  separately  in 
the  asset  and  liability  sections,  respectively,  of  the  statement  of 
financial  position,  as  well  as  additional  disclosures  about 
discontinued  operations.  The  amended  guidance  is  to  be  applied 
prospectively for 1) all disposals (or classifications as held for sale) 
of  components  of  an  entity  that  occur  within  annual  periods 
beginning  on  or  after  December 15,  2014,  and  interim  periods 
within those years; and 2) all businesses or nonprofit activities that, 
on acquisition, are classified as held for sale that occur within annual 

96  Fifth Third Bancorp 

periods  beginning  on  or  after  December 15,  2014,  and  interim 
periods  within  those  years.  The  Bancorp  adopted  the  amended 
guidance  on  January 1,  2015  and  the  adoption  of  the  amended 
guidance  did  not  have  a  material  impact  on  the  Consolidated 
Financial Statements. 

Revenue from Contracts with Customers 
In  May  2014,  the  FASB  issued  amended  guidance  on  revenue 
recognition from contracts with customers. The standard outlines a 
single  comprehensive  model  for  entities  to  use  in  accounting  for 
revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most 
contract  revenue  recognition  guidance,  including  industry-specific 
guidance.  The  core  principle  of  the  amended  guidance  is  that  an 
entity  should  recognize  revenue  to  depict  the  transfer  of  promised 
goods  or  services  to  customers  in  an  amount  that  reflects  the 
consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange 
for those goods or services. The amended guidance is effective for 
annual  reporting  periods  beginning  after  December 15,  2017,  and 
interim  periods  within  the  reporting  period,  and  should  be  applied 
either  retrospectively  to  each  prior  reporting  period  presented  or 
retrospectively  with  the  cumulative  effect  of  initially  applying  the 
amendments  recognized  at  the  date  of  initial  application.  Early 
adoption is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning 
after December 15, 2016 and interim reporting periods within those 
fiscal  years.  The  Bancorp  is  currently  in  the  process  of  evaluating 
the  impact  of  the  amended  guidance  on  its  Consolidated  Financial 
Statements. 

for  a 

transfer  of  a 

transactions  and 

Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings and Disclosures 
In June 2014, the FASB issued amended guidance that changes the 
accounting  for  repurchase-to-maturity  transactions  to  secured 
borrowing accounting. The amended guidance also requires separate 
accounting 
financial  asset  executed 
contemporaneously  with  a  repurchase  agreement  with  the  same 
counterparty, which will result in secured borrowing accounting for 
the  repurchase  agreement.  The  amended  guidance  requires 
disclosures  for  certain  transactions  comprising:  1)  a  transfer  of  a 
financial asset accounted for as a sale and 2) an agreement with the 
same transferee entered into in contemplation of the initial transfer 
that  results  in  the  transferor  retaining  substantially  all  of  the 
exposure  to  the  economic  return  on  the  transferred  financial  asset 
throughout the term of the transaction. The amended guidance also 
requires  new  disclosures  for  repurchase  agreements,  securities 
lending 
transactions 
accounted  for  as  secured  borrowings.  The  amended  guidance  is 
effective  for  fiscal  years,  and  interim  periods  within  those  years, 
beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption prohibited. 
Changes in accounting for transactions outstanding on the effective 
date  should  be  presented  as  a  cumulative-effect  adjustment  to 
retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The 
disclosures  for  certain  transactions  accounted  for  as  a  sale  are 
required  to  be  presented  for  interim  and  annual  periods  beginning 
after  December 15,  2014,  and  the  disclosures  for  repurchase 
agreements,  securities 
lending  transactions  and  repurchase-to-
maturity  transactions  accounted  for  as  secured  borrowings  are 
required  to  be  presented  for  annual  periods  beginning  after 
December 15, 2014, and interim periods beginning after March 15, 
2015.  The  Bancorp  adopted  the  amended  guidance  on  January 1, 
2015  and  the  adoption  of  the  amended  guidance  did  not  have  a 
material  impact  on  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements.  The 
required disclosures are included in Note 15.  

repurchase-to-maturity 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of the Award Provide 
That  a  Performance  Target  Could  be  Achieved  after  the  Requisite  Service 
Period 
In  June  2014,  the  FASB  issued  amended  guidance  which  clarifies 
that  a  performance  target  that  affects  vesting  and  can  be  achieved 
after  the  requisite  service  period  be  treated  as  a  performance 
condition.  The  amended  guidance  provides  that  an  entity  should 
apply  existing  guidance  as  it  relates  to  awards  with  performance 
conditions that affect vesting to account for such awards. As such, 
the  performance  target  should  not  be  reflected  in  estimating  the 
grant-date  fair  value  of  the  award.  Compensation  cost  should  be 
recognized  in  the  period  in  which  it  becomes  probable  that  the 
performance  target  will  be  achieved  and  should  represent  the 
compensation  cost  attributable  to  the  period(s)  for  which  the 
requisite  service  has  already  been  rendered.  If  the  performance 
target  becomes  probable  of  being  achieved  before  the  end  of  the 
requisite  service  period,  the  remaining  unrecognized  compensation 
cost should be recognized prospectively over the remaining requisite 
service  period.  The  total  amount  of  compensation  cost  recognized 
during  and  after  the  requisite  service  period  should  reflect  the 
number of awards that are expected to vest and should be adjusted 
to  reflect  those  awards  that  ultimately  vest.  The  requisite  service 
period ends when the employee can cease rendering service and still 
be eligible to vest in the award if the performance target is achieved. 
The  amended  guidance  is  effective  for  annual  periods,  and  interim 
periods  within  those  annual  periods,  beginning after  December 15, 
2015, with early adoption permitted. The amended guidance may be 
adopted either prospectively to all awards granted or modified after 
the effective date or retrospectively to all awards with performance 
targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual 
period  presented  in  the  financial  statements  and  to  all  new  or 
modified  awards  thereafter.  If  retrospective  transition  is  adopted, 
the  cumulative  effect  of  applying  the  amended  guidance  as  of  the 
beginning  of  the  earliest  annual  period  presented  in  the  financial 
statements  should  be  recognized  as  an  adjustment  to  the  opening 
retained  earnings  balance  at  that  date.  The  Bancorp  adopted  the 
amended  guidance  prospectively  on  January  1,  2016  and  the 
adoption  of  the  amended  guidance  did  not  have  a  material  impact 
on the Consolidated Financial Statements.  

Measuring  the  Financial  Assets  and  Financial  Liabilities  of  a  Consolidated 
Collateralized Financing Entity 
In August 2014, the FASB issued amended guidance that provides 
an  alternative  to  ASC  Topic  820:  Fair  Value  Measurement  for 
measuring the financial assets and financial liabilities of a CFE, such 
as a collateralized debt obligation or a collateralized loan obligation 
entity consolidated as a VIE when a) all of the financial assets and 
the financial liabilities of that CFE are measured at fair value in the 
consolidated  financial  statements  and  b)  the  changes  in  the  fair 
values  of  those  financial  assets  and  financial  liabilities  are  reflected 
in earnings. If elected, the measurement alternative would allow the 
Bancorp  to  measure  both  the  financial  assets  and  the  financial 
liabilities of the CFE by using the more observable of the fair value 
of the financial assets or the fair value of the financial liabilities and 
to  eliminate  any  measurement  difference.  When  the  measurement 
alternative is not elected for a consolidated CFE within the scope of 
this amended guidance, the amendments clarify that 1) the fair value 
of the financial assets and the fair value of the financial liabilities of 
the  consolidated  CFE  should  be  measured  using  the  requirements 
of Topic 820 and 2) any difference in the fair value of the financial 
assets  and  the  fair  value  of  the  financial  liabilities  of  that 
consolidated CFE should be reflected in earnings and attributed to 
the  Bancorp  in  the  Consolidated  Statements  of  Income.  The 
amended  guidance  may  be  applied  retrospectively  or  through  a 

modified retrospective approach and is effective for fiscal years, and 
interim  periods  within 
fiscal  years,  beginning  after 
December 15,  2015.  The  Bancorp  adopted  the  amended  guidance 
on January 1, 2016 and the adoption did not have a material impact 
on the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

those 

Classification  of  Certain  Government-Guaranteed  Mortgage  Loans  upon 
Foreclosure 
In  August  2014,  the  FASB  issued  amended  guidance  clarifying  the 
classification of certain foreclosed mortgage loans that are either full 
or  partially  guaranteed  under  government  programs.  The  amended 
guidance requires that a mortgage loan be derecognized and that a 
separate  other  receivable  be  recognized  upon  foreclosure  if  the 
following  conditions  are  met:  1)  the  loan  has  a  government 
guarantee that is not separable from the loan before foreclosure; 2) 
at the time of foreclosure, the creditor has the intent to convey the 
real  estate  property  to  the  guarantor  and  make  a  claim  on  the 
guarantee,  and  the  creditor  has  the  ability  to  recover  under  that 
claim;  and  3)  at  the  time  of  foreclosure,  any  amount  of  the  claim 
that is determined on the basis of the fair value of the real estate is 
fixed.  Upon  foreclosure,  the  separate  other  receivable  would  be 
measured  based  on  the  amount  of  the  loan  balance  (principal  and 
interest)  expected  to  be  recovered  from  the  guarantor.  The 
amended  guidance  may  be  applied  prospectively  or  through  a 
modified retrospective approach and is effective for fiscal years, and 
interim  periods  within  those  years,  beginning  after  December 15, 
2014,  with  early  adoption  permitted.  The  Bancorp  adopted  the 
amended  guidance  prospectively  on  January 1,  2015  and  the 
adoption  of  the  amended  guidance  did  not  have  a  material  impact 
on the Consolidated Financial Statements. The required disclosures 
are included in Note 6.  

Determining  Whether  the  Host  Contract  in  a  Hybrid  Financial  Instrument 
Issued in the Form of a Share is More Akin to Debt or Equity 
In  November  2014,  the  FASB  issued  amended  guidance  that 
clarifies how current U.S. GAAP should be interpreted in evaluating 
the economic characteristics and risks of a host contract in a hybrid 
financial  instrument  that  is  issued  in  the  form  of  a  share. 
Specifically,  the  amendments  clarify  that  an  entity  should  consider 
all  relevant  terms  and  features,  including  the  embedded  derivative 
features being evaluated for bifurcation, in evaluating the nature of 
the  host  contract.  Furthermore,  the  amendments  clarify  that  no 
single  term  or  feature  would  necessarily  determine  the  economic 
characteristics and risks of the  host contract. Rather, the nature of 
the  host  contract  depends  upon  the  economic  characteristics  and 
risks  of  the  entire  hybrid  financial  instrument.  The  amended 
guidance  is  effective  for  fiscal  years,  and  interim  periods  within 
those  fiscal  years,  beginning  after  December  15,  2015,  with  early 
adoption  permitted.  The  effects  of  initially  adopting  the  amended 
guidance  should  be  applied  on  a  modified  retrospective  basis  to 
existing hybrid financial instruments issued in the form of a share as 
of  the  beginning  of  the  fiscal  year  for  which  the  amendments  are 
effective  and  shall  be  reported  as  a  cumulative-effect  adjustment 
directly  to  retained  earnings  as  of  the  beginning  of  the  year  of 
adoption. The Bancorp adopted the amended  guidance on January 
1, 2016 and the adoption of the amended guidance did not have a 
material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Simplifying  Income  Statement  Presentation  by  Eliminating  the  Concept  of 
Extraordinary Items 
In January 2015, the FASB issued amended guidance that eliminates 
the concept of extraordinary items from U.S. GAAP. Presently, an 
event or transaction is presumed to be an ordinary and usual activity 
its 
of  a  reporting  entity  unless  evidence  clearly  supports 

97  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

classification as an extraordinary item, which must be both unusual 
in  nature  and  infrequent  in  occurrence.  An  entity  was  required  to 
segregate  the  extraordinary  item  from  the  results  of  ordinary 
operations  and  show  the  item  separately  in  the  income  statement, 
net of tax, after income from continuing operations. An entity was 
also required to disclose applicable income taxes and either present 
or  disclose  earnings-per-share  data  applicable  to  the  extraordinary 
item.  The  presentation  and  disclosure  guidance  for  items  that  are 
unusual in nature or occur infrequently will be retained and will be 
expanded  to  include  items  that  are  both  unusual  in  nature  and 
infrequently occurring. The amended guidance is effective for fiscal 
years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after 
December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted provided that the 
guidance  is  applied  from  the  beginning  of  the  fiscal  year  of 
adoption.  The  amended  guidance  may  be  applied  prospectively  or 
retrospectively  to  all  periods  presented  in  the  financial  statements. 
The  Bancorp  adopted  the  amended  guidance  prospectively  on 
January 1, 2016 and the adoption of the amended guidance did not 
have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.  

Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis 
In February 2015, the FASB issued amended guidance that changes 
the analysis a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it 
should  consolidate  certain  types  of  legal  entities.  The  amended 
guidance 1) modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships 
and  similar  legal  entities  are  VIEs  or  voting  interest  entities;  2) 
eliminates the presumption that a general partner should consolidate 
a  limited  partnership;  3)  affects  the  consolidation  analysis  of 
reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that 
have  fee  arrangements  and  related  party  relationships;  and  4) 
provides  a  scope  exception  from  consolidation  guidance  for 
reporting  entities  that  are  required  to  comply  with  or  operate  in 
accordance with requirements that are similar to those in Rule 2a-7 
of  the  Investment  Company  Act  of  1940  for  registered  money 
market  funds.  The  amended  guidance  is  effective  for  fiscal  years, 
those  years,  beginning  after 
and 
December 15,  2015,  with  early  adoption  permitted.  The  amended 
guidance may be applied using either a retrospective approach or a 
modified 
cumulative-effect 
adjustment  to  equity  as  of  the  beginning  of  the  fiscal  year  of 
adoption. The Bancorp adopted the amended  guidance on January 
1, 2016 and the adoption of the amended guidance did not have a 
material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.  

interim  periods  within 

approach  with 

retrospective 

a 

Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs 
In  April  2015,  the  FASB  issued  amended  guidance  to  address  the 
different balance sheet presentation requirements for debt issuance 
costs  and  debt  discounts  and  premiums.  The  amended  guidance 
requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability 
be  presented  in  the  balance  sheet  as  a  direct  deduction  from  the 
carrying  amount  of  that  debt 
liability,  consistent  with  debt 
discounts.  The  recognition  and  measurement  guidance  for  debt 
issuance  costs  are  not  affected  by  the  amended  guidance.  The 
amended  guidance  is  effective  for  fiscal  years,  and  interim  periods 
within  those  fiscal  years,  beginning  after  December 15,  2015,  with 
early adoption permitted for financial statements that have not been 
previously  issued.  The  amended  guidance  should  be  applied 
retrospectively, wherein the balance sheet of each individual period 
presented should be adjusted to reflect the period-specific effects of 
applying  the  amended  guidance.  As  of  December  31,  2015  and 
2014, the Bancorp had approximately $34 million and $36 million of 
debt issuance costs, respectively, recorded within other assets in the 
Consolidated  Balance  Sheets  that  were  required  to  be  reclassified 
and presented as a direct deduction from the debt liability upon the 
adoption of the amended guidance on January 1, 2016.  

98  Fifth Third Bancorp 

Practical  Expedient  for  the  Measurement  Date  of  an  Employer’s  Defined 
Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets 
In  April  2015,  the  FASB  issued  amended  guidance  intended  to 
simplify an entity’s measurement of the fair value of plan assets of a 
defined  benefit  pension  or  other  postretirement  benefit  plan  when 
the  fiscal  year-end  does  not  coincide  with  a  month  end.  For  an 
entity  with  a  fiscal  year-end  that  does  not  coincide  with  a  month-
end,  the  amended  guidance  provides  a  practical  expedient  that 
permits  the  entity  to  measure  defined  benefit  plan  assets  and 
obligations using the month-end that is closest to the entity’s fiscal 
year-end and apply that practical expedient consistently from year to 
year. The amended guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim 
periods  within  those  fiscal  years,  beginning  after  December  15, 
2015, with early adoption permitted. The amended guidance should 
be  applied  prospectively.  The  adoption  of  the  amended  guidance 
did not have an impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements as 
the Bancorp’s fiscal year-end coincides with a month end.  

Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement 
In April 2015, the FASB issued amended guidance on a customer’s 
accounting for fees paid in a cloud computing arrangement. Under 
the amended guidance, if a cloud computing arrangement includes a 
software license, then the customer should account for the software 
license  element  of  the  arrangement  consistent  with  the  acquisition 
of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does 
not include a software license, the customer should account for the 
arrangement  as  a  service  contract.  The  amended  guidance  is 
effective  for  fiscal  years,  and  interim  periods  within  those  fiscal 
years,  beginning  after  December  15,  2015,  with  early  adoption 
permitted.  The  amended  guidance  may  be  applied  either 
prospectively to all arrangements entered into or materially modified 
after the effective date, or retrospectively. The Bancorp adopted the 
amended  guidance  prospectively  on  January  1,  2016  and  the 
adoption  did  not  have  material  impact  on  the  Consolidated 
Financial Statements. 

Disclosures  for  Investments  in  Certain  Entities  That  Calculate  Net  Asset 
Value per Share 
In  May  2015,  the  FASB  issued  amended  guidance  to  remove  the 
requirement  to  categorize  within  the  fair  value  hierarchy  all 
investments  for  which  fair  value  is  measured  using  the  net  asset 
value  per  share  practical  expedient.  The  amended  guidance  also 
removes  the  requirement  to  make  certain  disclosures  for  all 
investments that are eligible to  be measured at  fair value  using  the 
net  asset  value  per  share  practical  expedient.  Rather,  those 
disclosures  are  limited  to  investments  for  which  the  entity  has 
elected to measure the fair value using that practical expedient. The 
amended  guidance  is  effective  for  fiscal  years,  and  interim  periods 
within  those  fiscal  years,  beginning  after  December  15,  2015.  The 
amended  guidance  should  be  applied  retrospectively  to  all  periods 
presented.  The  retrospective  approach  requires  that  an  investment 
for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share 
practical  expedient  be  removed  from  the  fair  value  hierarchy  in  all 
periods  presented 
in  an  entity’s  financial  statements.  Earlier 
application  is  permitted.  The  Bancorp  adopted  the  amended 
guidance  on  January  1,  2016  and  the  adoption  did  not  have  a 
material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated 
with Line-Of-Credit Agreements 
In  August  2015,  the  FASB  issued  amended  guidance  about  the 
presentation  and  subsequent  measurement  of  debt  issuance  costs 
associated  with  line  of  credit  arrangements.  Given  the  absence  of 
authoritative  guidance  for  debt  issuance  costs  related  to  line  of 
credit  arrangements  within  ASU  2015-03,  the  amended  guidance 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

amendments  require  an  entity  to  present  separately  in  other 
comprehensive income the portion of the change in fair value that 
results from a change in instrument-specific credit risk.  For public 
business  entities,  the  amendments  1)  eliminate  the  requirement  to 
disclose the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate 
fair value for financial instruments measured at amortized cost and 
2) require, for disclosure purposes, the use of an exit price notion in 
the  determination  of  the  fair  value  of  financial  instruments.  The 
amended  guidance  is  effective  for  fiscal  years  and  interim  periods 
within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Upon 
adoption, the Bancorp will be required to make a cumulative-effect 
adjustment to the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of the beginning 
of  the  fiscal  year  of  adoption.  The  guidance  on  equity  securities 
without readily determinable fair value will be applied prospectively 
to all equity investments that exist as of the date of adoption of the 
standard. Early adoption of the amendments is not permitted with 
the  exception  of  the  presentation  of  certain  fair  value  changes  for 
financial liabilities measured at fair value for which early application 
is permitted. The Bancorp is currently in the process of evaluating 
the  impact  of  the  amended  guidance  on  its  Consolidated  Financial 
Statements. 

provides that the SEC staff would not object to an entity deferring 
and  presenting  debt  issuance  costs  as  an  asset  and  subsequently 
amortizing the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of 
the line of credit arrangement, regardless of whether there were any 
outstanding  borrowings  on  the  line  of  credit  arrangement.  The 
amended  guidance  is  effective  for  fiscal  years,  and  interim  periods 
within  those  fiscal  years,  beginning  after  December  15,  2015.  The 
amended  guidance  should  be  applied  retrospectively,  where  in  the 
balance sheet of each individual period presented should be adjusted 
to  reflect  the  period-specific  effects  of  applying  the  amendments. 
Early  adoption  is  permitted  for  financial  statements  that  have  not 
issued.  The  Bancorp  adopted  the  amended 
been  previously 
guidance  on  January  1,  2016  and  the  adoption  did  not  have  a 
material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments 
In September 2015, the FASB issued amended guidance to simplify 
the  accounting  for  adjustments  made  to  provisional  amounts 
recognized  in  a  business  combination.  The  amended  guidance 
eliminates  the  requirement  to  retrospectively  account  for  those 
adjustments and requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to 
provisional  amounts  that  are  identified  during  the  measurement 
period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are 
determined. The acquirer shall record, in the same period’s financial 
statements,  the  effect  on  earnings  of  changes  in  depreciation, 
amortization  or  other  income  effects,  if  any,  as  a  result  of  the 
change  to  the  provisional  amounts,  calculated  as  if  the  accounting 
had been completed at the acquisition date. The amended guidance 
requires  an  entity  to  present  separately  on  the  face  of  the  income 
statement  or  disclose  in  the  notes  the  portion  of  the  amount 
recorded  in  current-period  earnings  by  line  item  that  would  have 
been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the 
provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. 
The  amended  guidance  is  effective  for  fiscal  years,  and  interim 
periods  within  those  fiscal  years,  beginning  after  December  15, 
2015, with earlier application permitted for financial statements that 
have  not  been  issued.  The  amended  guidance  should  be  applied 
prospectively to adjustments to provisional amounts that occur after 
the effective date of the amended guidance.  The Bancorp adopted 
the amended guidance on January 1, 2016 and the adoption did not 
have an impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities 
In  January  2016,  the  FASB  issued  amended  guidance  to  improve 
certain  aspects  of  recognition,  measurement,  presentation  and 
disclosure  of  financial  instruments.  Specifically,  the  amendments 
significantly  revise  an  entity’s  accounting  related  to  1)  the 
classification  and  measurement  of  investments  in  equity  securities, 
2)  the  presentation  of  certain  fair  value  changes  for  financial 
liabilities  measured  at  fair  value,  and  3)  certain  disclosure 
requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. 
The  amendments  require  equity 
those 
accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that 
result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value 
with  changes  in  fair  value  recognized  in  net  income.  However,  an 
entity may choose to measure equity investments that do not have 
readily  determinable  fair  values  at  cost  minus  impairment,  if  any, 
plus or minus changes as a result of an observable price change. The 
amendments  also  simplify  the  impairment  assessment  of  equity 
investments  for  which  fair  value  is  not  readily  determinable  by 
requiring  an  entity  to  perform  a  qualitative  assessment  to  identify 
impairment. If qualitative indicators are identified, the entity will be 
required  to  measure  the  investment  at  fair  value.  For  financial 
liabilities  that  an  entity  has  elected  to  measure  at  fair  value,  the 

investments 

(except 

99  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

2.  SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION   
Cash payments related to interest and income taxes in addition to non-cash investing and financing activities are presented in the following table
for the years ended December 31: 

($ in millions) 
Cash Payments: 
Interest 
Income taxes 

Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities: 
Portfolio loans to loans held for sale 
Loans held for sale to portfolio loans 
Portfolio loans to OREO 
Loans held for sale to OREO 
Capital lease obligation 

$

2015 

475 
400 

 487 
 288 
 105 
 - 
 4 

2014

429
550

 855
 31
 145
 2
 15

2013 

406 
535 

 641 
 44 
 204 
 4 
 - 

3. RESTRICTIONS ON CASH, DIVIDENDS AND OTHER CAPITAL ACTIONS 
The  FRB,  under  Regulation  D,  requires  that  banks  hold  cash  in 
reserve against deposit liabilities, known as the reserve requirement. 
The reserve requirement is calculated based on a two-week average 
of daily net transaction account deposits as defined by the FRB and 
may  be  satisfied  with  average  vault  cash  during  the  following  two-
week maintenance period. When vault cash is not sufficient to meet 
the  reserve  requirement,  the  remaining  amount  must  be  satisfied 
with  average  funds  held  at  the  FRB.  At  December  31,  2015  and 
2014,  the  Bancorp’s  banking  subsidiary  reserve  requirement  was 
$1.9  billion  and  $1.8  billion,  respectively.  The  Bancorp’s  banking 
subsidiary  satisfied  its  reserve  requirement  during  the  two-week 
maintenance  periods  covering  December  31,  2015  and  2014.  The 
noninterest-bearing portion of the Bancorp’s deposit at the FRB is 
held in cash and due from banks in the Consolidated Balance Sheets 
while  the  interest-bearing  portion  is  held  in  other  short-term 
investments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. 
The  dividends  paid  by  the  Bancorp’s 

strategies for addressing proposed revisions to the regulatory capital 
framework agreed upon by the BCBS and requirements arising from 
the DFA.  

On March 11, 2015, the Bancorp announced the results of its 
capital  plan  submitted  to  the  FRB  as  part  of  the  2015  CCAR.  For 
BHCs  that  proposed  capital  distributions  in  their  plans,  the  FRB 
either objected to the plan or provided a non-objection whereby the 
FRB  permitted  the  proposed  2015  capital  distributions.  The  FRB 
indicated  to  the  Bancorp  that  it  did  not  object  to  the  following 
capital  actions  for  the  period  beginning  April  1,  2015  and  ending 
June 30, 2016: 

  The  potential  increase  in  the  quarterly  common  stock 

  The potential repurchase of common shares in an amount 

dividend to $0.14 per share in 2016;  

up to $765 million; and 

  The additional ability to repurchase shares in the amount 
of  any  after-tax  gains  from  the  sale  of  Vantiv,  Inc. 
common stock. 

indirect  banking 
subsidiary  are  subject  to  regulations  and  limitations  prescribed  by 
state  and  federal  supervisory  agencies.  The  Bancorp’s  indirect 
banking  subsidiary  paid  the  Bancorp’s  direct  nonbank  subsidiary 
holding company, which in turn paid  the Bancorp $1.0 billion  and 
$1.1 billion in dividends during the years ended December 31, 2015 
and 2014, respectively. 

In 2011, the FRB adopted the capital plan rule, which requires 
BHCs  with  consolidated  assets  of  $50  billion  or  more  to  submit 
annual  capital  plans  to  the  FRB  for  review.  Under  the  rule,  these 
capital plans must include detailed descriptions of the following: the 
BHC’s internal processes for assessing capital adequacy; the policies 
governing  capital  actions  such  as  common  stock 
issuances, 
dividends,  and  share  repurchases;  and  all  planned  capital  actions 
over a nine-quarter planning horizon.  Further, each BHC must also 
report to the FRB the results of stress tests conducted by the BHC 
under  a  number  of  scenarios  that  assess  the  sources  and  uses  of 
capital  under  baseline  and  stressed  economic  scenarios.  The  FRB 
launched the 2015 stress testing program and CCAR on October 23, 
2014,  with  firm  submissions  of  stress  test  results  and  capital  plans 
due to the FRB on January 5, 2015, which the Bancorp submitted as 
required. 

review  of 

The  FRB’s 

the  capital  plan  assessed 

the 
comprehensiveness  of  the  capital  plan,  the  reasonableness  of  the 
the  capital  plan. 
the  analysis  underlying 
assumptions  and 
Additionally,  the  FRB  reviewed  the  robustness  of  the  capital 
adequacy  process,  the  capital  policy  and  the  Bancorp’s  ability  to 
maintain  capital  above  the  minimum  regulatory  capital  ratios  and 
above a Tier I common ratio (changed to CET1 on January 1, 2015) 
of 5% on a pro forma basis under expected and stressful conditions 
throughout the planning horizon. The FRB assessed the Bancorp’s 

100  Fifth Third Bancorp 

As  contemplated  by  the  2014  capital  plan  part  of  the  FRB’s 
CCAR, during the first quarter of 2015, the Bancorp entered into a 
transaction.  As 
share 
$180  million  accelerated 
contemplated by the 2015 capital plan part of the FRB’s CCAR, the 
Bancorp entered into $155 million, $300 million and $215 million of 
accelerated  share  repurchase  transactions  during  the  second,  third 
and fourth quarters of 2015, respectively. 

repurchase 

Additionally, as a CCAR institution, the Bancorp is required to 
disclose  the  results  of  its  company-run  stress  test  under  the 
supervisory  severely  adverse  scenario,  and  to  provide  information 
related  to  the  types  of  risk  included  in  its  stress  testing;  a  general 
description of the methodologies used; estimates of certain financial 
results and pro forma capital ratios; and an explanation of the most 
significant causes of changes in regulatory capital ratios. On March 
5,  2015  the  Bancorp  publicly  disclosed  the  results  of  its  company-
run stress test as required by the DFA stress testing rules, in a press 
release. 

The  BHCs  that  participated  in  the  2015  CCAR,  including  the 
Bancorp,  were  required  to  also  conduct  mid-cycle  company-run 
stress tests using data as of March 31, 2015. The stress tests must be 
based  on  three  BHC  defined  scenarios  –  baseline,  adverse  and 
severely adverse. The Bancorp submitted the results of its mid-cycle 
stress test to the FRB by the required July 6, 2015 submission date. 
In  addition,  the  Bancorp  published  a  Form  8-K  providing  a 
summary of the results under the severely adverse scenario on July 
27,  2015.  These  results  represented  estimates  of  the  Bancorp’s 
results from the second quarter of 2015 through the second quarter 
of 2017 under the severely adverse scenario.  

 
 
 
  
    
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

4. INVESTMENT SECURITIES 
The following table provides the amortized cost, fair value and unrealized gains and losses for the major categories of the available-for-sale and 
other and held-to-maturity investment securities portfolios as of December 31:

2015  

2014  

($ in millions)  
Available-for-sale and other securities:  
   U.S. Treasury and federal agencies securities  
   Obligations of states and political subdivisions securities  
   Mortgage-backed securities:  

   Agency residential mortgage-backed securities(a) 
   Agency commercial mortgage-backed securities  
   Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities  

   Asset-backed securities and other debt securities  
   Equity securities(b) 
Total available-for-sale and other securities  
Held-to-maturity securities:  
   Obligations of states and political subdivisions securities   $
   Asset-backed securities and other debt securities  
Total held-to-maturity securities  
(a) 

$

 1,155 
 50 

 14,811 
 7,795 
 2,801 
 1,363 
 703 
$  28,678 

Amortized Unrealized Unrealized
Gains 

Losses 

Cost 

Fair  
Value 

 1,187 
 52 

 15,081 
 7,862 
 2,804 
 1,355 
 703 
 29,044 

Amortized  Unrealized  Unrealized
Gains 

Losses 

Cost 

1,545 
185 

11,968 
 4,465 
1,489 
1,324 
701 
21,677 

 87 
 7 

 437 
 101 
 61 
 40 
 3 
736 

 - 
 - 

 (1)
 (1)
 - 
 (2)
 (1)
(5)

Fair  
Value 

1,632 
192 

12,404 
 4,565 
1,550 
1,362 
703 
22,408 

 32 
 2 

 283 
 100  
 35 
 13 
 2 
 467 

 - 
 - 

 (13)
 (33)
 (32)
 (21)
 (2)
 (101)

 - 
 - 
 - 
Includes interest-only mortgage-backed securities of $50 and $175 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, recorded at fair value with fair value changes recorded in securities gains, net, 
in the Consolidated Statements of Income. 

186 
1 
187 

186 
1 
187 

 68 
 2 
 70 

 68 
 2 
 70 

 - 
 - 
 - 

 - 
 - 
 - 

 - 
 - 
 - 

$

(b)  Equity securities consist of FHLB, FRB and DTCC restricted stock holdings of $248, $355, and $1, respectively, at December 31, 2015 and $248, $352 and $0, respectively, at December 

31, 2014, that are carried at cost, and certain mutual fund and equity security holdings. 

The  following  table  presents  realized  gains  and  losses  that  were  recognized  in  income  from  available-for-sale  securities  for  the  years  ended
December 31: 

($ in millions) 
Realized gains  
Realized losses  
OTTI  
Net realized gains (losses)(a) 
(a)  Excludes net losses on interest-only mortgage-backed securities of $4 and $17 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and net gains on interest-only mortgage-backed 

97   
(76)  
 (5)  
16 

70   
(9)  
(24)  
37   

77   
 (102)  
(74)  
(99)  

2013  

2014  

2015  

$

$

securities of $129 for the year ended December 31, 2013. 

Trading securities were $386 million as of December 31, 2015, compared to $360 million at December 31, 2014. The following table presents total 
gains and losses that were recognized in income from trading securities for the years ended December 31: 

($ in millions) 
Realized gains(a) 
Realized losses(b) 
Net unrealized (losses) gains(c) 
Total trading securities losses  
(a) 

2015  

2014  

2013  

$

$

 6   
 (10)  
 (3)  
 (7)

 8   
 (7)  
 (3)  
 (2)  

 5   
 (8)  
 3   
 -   

Includes realized gains of $6, $4 and $4 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, recorded in corporate banking revenue and investment advisory revenue in the 
Consolidated Statements of Income. 
Includes realized losses of $10, $7 and $8 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, recorded in corporate banking revenue and investment advisory revenue in the 
Consolidated Statements of Income. 
Includes an immaterial amount of net unrealized gains for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 recorded in corporate banking revenue and investment advisory revenue in the 
Consolidated Statements of Income. 

(b) 

(c) 

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, securities with a fair value of $11.0 
billion  and  $14.2  billion,  respectively,  were  pledged  to  secure 

borrowings, public deposits, trust funds, derivative contracts and for 
other purposes as required or permitted by law. 

101  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
The expected maturity distribution of the Bancorp’s mortgage-backed securities and the contractual maturity distribution of the remainder of the
Bancorp’s available-for-sale and other and held-to-maturity investment securities as of December 31, 2015 are shown in the following table: 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Available-for-Sale and Other 

Held-to-Maturity 

($ in millions)  
Debt securities:(a) 
   Less than 1 year  
   1-5 years  
   5-10 years  
   Over 10 years  
Equity securities  
Total  
(a)  Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities when there exists a right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. 

707   
7,441   
18,372   
1,821   
703   
29,044   

695   
7,277   
18,191   
1,812   
703   
28,678   

Amortized Cost 

Fair Value 

$

$

43   
12   
13   
2   
 -   
70   

   Amortized Cost 

Fair Value 

43   
12   
13   
2   
 - 
70   

The  following  table  provides  the  fair  value  and  gross  unrealized  losses  on  available-for-sale  and  other  securities  in  an  unrealized  loss  position, 
aggregated by investment category and length of time the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of December 
31: 

($ in millions) 
2015  
Agency residential mortgage-backed securities 
Agency commercial mortgage-backed securities 
Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities 
Asset-backed securities and other debt securities 
Equity securities 
Total 
2014  
Agency residential mortgage-backed securities 
Agency commercial mortgage-backed securities 
Asset-backed securities and other debt securities 
Equity securities 
Total 

Less than 12 months 

12 months or more 

Total 

Fair Value 

Unrealized 
Losses 

Fair Value 

Unrealized 
Losses 

Fair Value 

Unrealized 
Losses 

$

$

$

$

 2,903 
 3,111 
 1,610 
 623 
 1 
 8,248 

 73 
 355 
 286 
 - 
 714 

 (13)
 (33)
 (32)
 (11)
 (1)
 (90)

 (1)
 (1)
 (1)
 -
 (3)

 - 
 - 
 - 
 226 
 37 
 263 

 - 
 - 
 74 
 30 
 104 

 - 
 - 
 - 
 (10)
 (1)
 (11)

 - 
 - 
 (1)
 (1)
 (2)

 2,903 
 3,111 
 1,610 
 849 
 38 
 8,511 

 73 
 355 
 360 
 30 
 818 

 (13)
 (33)
 (32)
 (21)
 (2)
 (101)

 (1)
 (1)
 (2)
 (1)
 (5)

Other-Than-Temporary Impairments 
The Bancorp recognized $5 million, $24 million and $74 million of 
OTTI on its available-for-sale and other debt securities, included in 
securities gains, net and securities gains, net – non-qualifying hedges 
on  mortgage  servicing  rights  in  the  Consolidated  Statements  of 
Income during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, 
respectively.  The  Bancorp  did  not  recognize  OTTI  on  any  of  its 
available-for-sale equity securities or held-to-maturity debt securities 
during  the  years  ended  December  31,  2015,  2014  and  2013.  At 
December 31, 2015, 1% of unrealized losses in the available-for-sale 
and  other  securities  portfolio  were  represented  by  non-rated 
securities, compared to less than 1% at December 31, 2014. 

102  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
   
     
 
 
   
  
  
  
  
  
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

5. LOANS AND LEASES 
The  Bancorp  diversifies  its  loan  and  lease  portfolio  by  offering  a 
variety of loan and lease products with various payment terms and 
rate  structures.  Lending  activities  are  generally  concentrated  within 
those  states  in  which  the  Bancorp  has  banking  centers  and  are 
primarily located in the Midwestern and Southeastern regions of the 
United States. The Bancorp’s commercial loan portfolio consists of 
lending to various industry types. Management periodically reviews 

the performance of its loan and lease products to evaluate whether 
they  are  performing  within  acceptable  interest  rate  and  credit  risk 
levels and changes are made to underwriting policies and procedures 
as needed. The Bancorp maintains an allowance to absorb loan and 
lease  losses  inherent  in  the  portfolio.  For  further  information  on 
credit quality and the ALLL, refer to Note 6. 

The following table provides a summary of commercial loans and leases classified by primary purpose and consumer loans and leases classified 
based upon product or collateral as of December 31: 

($ in millions) 
Loans and leases held for sale: 
   Commercial and industrial loans  
   Commercial mortgage loans 
   Commercial construction loans 
   Commercial leases 
   Residential mortgage loans 
   Home equity 
   Automobile loans 
   Credit card 
   Other consumer loans and leases 
Total loans and leases held for sale 
Portfolio loans and leases: 
   Commercial and industrial loans  
   Commercial mortgage loans 
   Commercial construction loans 
   Commercial leases 
Total commercial loans and leases 
   Residential mortgage loans 
   Home equity 
   Automobile loans 
   Credit card 
   Other consumer loans and leases  
Total consumer loans and leases 
Total portfolio loans and leases 

Total  portfolio  loans  and  leases  are  recorded  net  of  unearned 
income,  which  totaled  $624  million  as  of  December  31,  2015  and 
$665 million as of December 31, 2014. Additionally, portfolio loans 
and 
leases  are  recorded  net  of  unamortized  premiums  and 
discounts,  deferred  loan  fees  and  costs  and  fair  value  adjustments 
(associated  with  acquired  loans  or  loans  designated  as  fair  value 
upon origination) which totaled a net premium of $220 million and 
$169 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 

The Bancorp’s FHLB and FRB advances are generally secured 
by loans. The Bancorp had loans of $11.9 billion and $11.1 billion at 
December  31,  2015  and  2014,  respectively,  pledged  at  the  FHLB, 
and  loans  of  $33.7  billion  and  $33.9  billion  at  December  31,  2015 
and 2014, respectively, pledged at the FRB.  

2015  

2014  

$

$

$

$

20   
34   
-   
-   
708   
35   
4   
101   
1   
903   

42,131   
6,957   
3,214   
3,854   
56,156   
13,716   
8,301   
11,493   
2,259   
657   
36,426   
92,582   

36   
11   
2   
1   
1,193   
-   
-   
-   
18   
1,261   

40,765   
7,399   
2,069   
3,720   
53,953   
12,389   
8,886   
12,037   
2,401   
418   
36,131   
90,084   

103  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table presents a summary of the total loans and leases owned by the Bancorp and net charge-offs as of and for the years ended
December 31: 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Balance 

90 Days Past Due 
and Still Accruing 

Net 
Charge-Offs 

($ in millions) 
Commercial and industrial loans 
Commercial mortgage loans 
Commercial construction loans 
Commercial leases 
Residential mortgage loans 
Home equity 
Automobile loans 
Credit card 
Other consumer loans and leases 
Total loans and leases 
Less: Loans and leases held for sale 
Total portfolio loans and leases 

2015  
42,151 
6,991 
3,214 
3,854 
14,424 
8,336 
11,497 
2,360 
658 
93,485 
903 
92,582 

$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

2014  
40,801 
7,410 
2,071 
3,721 
13,582 
8,886 
12,037 
2,401 
436 
91,345 
1,261 
90,084 

2015  
 7 
 - 
 - 
 - 
40 
 - 
10 
18 
 - 
75 

2014  
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
56 
 - 
8 
23 
 - 
87 

2015  
229 
27 
3 
2 
17 
39 
28 
82 
19 
446 

2014  
222 
26 
12 
1 
126 
59 
27 
82 
20 
575 

The Bancorp engages in commercial lease products primarily related 
to  the  financing  of  commercial  equipment.  The  Bancorp  had  $3.1 
billion  and  $2.8  billion  of  direct  financing  leases,  net  of  unearned 
income,  at  December  31,  2015  and  2014,  respectively,  and  $801 
million  and  $874  million  of  leveraged  leases,  net  of  unearned 
income, at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 

Pre-tax  income  from  leveraged  leases  was  $27  million  during 
the year ended December 31, 2015 and $25 million during both the 
years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 and the tax effect of this 
income was an expense of $1 million for the year ended December 
31, 2015 and $9 million during both the years ended December 31, 
2014 and 2013.   

The following table provides the components of the commercial lease financing portfolio as of December 31: 

($ in millions)  
Rentals receivable, net of principal and interest on nonrecourse debt  
Estimated residual value of leased assets  
Initial direct cost, net of amortization  
Gross investment in lease financing  
Unearned income  
Net investment in commercial lease financing(a) 
(a)  The accumulated allowance for uncollectible minimum lease payments was $47 and $45 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 

2015  
3,550 
906 
22 
4,478 
(624)
3,854 

$ 

$ 

2014  
3,589 
779 
17 
4,385 
(665)
3,720 

The Bancorp periodically reviews residual values associated with its 
leasing portfolio. Declines in residual values that are deemed to be 
other-than-temporary  are  recognized  as  a  loss.  The  Bancorp 
recognized $8 million and $4 million of residual value write-downs 
related to commercial leases for the years ended December 31, 2015 
and  2014,  respectively.  The  residual  value  write-downs  related  to 
commercial leases are recorded in corporate banking revenue in the 
Consolidated  Statements  of  Income.  At  December  31,  2015,  the 
minimum  future  lease  payments  receivable  for  each  of  the  years 
2016  through  2020  was  $715  million,  $632  million,  $532  million, 
$449 million and $333 million, respectively. 

104  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

6. CREDIT QUALITY AND THE ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES 
The  Bancorp  disaggregates  ALLL  balances  and  transactions  in  the  ALLL  by  portfolio  segment.  Credit  quality  related  disclosures  for  loans  and 
leases are further disaggregated by class.  

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses   
The following tables summarize transactions in the ALLL by portfolio segment for the years ended December 31: 

2015 ($ in millions) 
Balance, beginning of period 
   Losses charged-off 
   Recoveries of losses previously charged-off 
   Provision for loan and lease losses 
Balance, end of period 

2014 ($ in millions) 
Balance, beginning of period 
   Losses charged-off 
   Recoveries of losses previously charged-off 
   Provision for loan and lease losses 
Balance, end of period 

2013 ($ in millions) 
Balance, beginning of period 
   Losses charged-off 
   Recoveries of losses previously charged-off 
   Provision for loan and lease losses 
Balance, end of period 

Commercial 
 875
 (298)
 37
 226
 840

Commercial 
 1,058
 (299)
 38
 78
 875

Commercial 
 1,236
 (284)
 64
 42
 1,058

$

$

$

$

$

$

Residential 
Mortgage 
 104 
 (28)
 11 
 13 
 100 

Residential 
Mortgage 
 189 
 (139)
 13 
 41 
 104 

Residential 
Mortgage 
 229 
 (70)
 10 
 20 
 189 

Consumer 
 237 
 (216)
 48 
 148 
 217 

Consumer 
 225 
 (241)
 53 
 200 
 237 

Consumer 
 278 
 (283)
 62 
 168 
 225 

Unallocated 

 106   
 - 
 - 
 9 
 115 

Unallocated 

 110   
 - 
 - 
 (4)
 106 

Unallocated 

 111   
 - 
 - 
 (1)
 110 

Total 
 1,322   
 (542)
 96
 396
 1,272

Total 
 1,582   
 (679)
 104
 315
 1,322

Total 
 1,854   
 (637)
 136
 229
 1,582

The following tables provide a summary of the ALLL and related loans and leases classified by portfolio segment: 

As of December 31, 2015 ($ in millions)  
ALLL:(a) 

Individually evaluated for impairment  
   Collectively evaluated for impairment  
   Unallocated  
Total ALLL  
Portfolio loans and leases:(b) 

Commercial 

Residential 
Mortgage 

Consumer 

Unallocated 

Total 

$

$

(c)

 119 a
 721    
 -    
 840    

 67   
 33   
 -   
 100   

 49   
 168   
 -   
 217   

 -   
 -   
 115   
 115   

 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   

 235   
 922   
 115   
 1,272   

 1,869   
 90,544   
 2   
 92,415   

Individually evaluated for impairment  
   Collectively evaluated for impairment  
   Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality  
Total portfolio loans and leases  
(a) 
(b)  Excludes $167 of residential mortgage loans measured at fair value and includes $801 of leveraged leases, net of unearned income, at December 31, 2015. 
(c) 

Includes $5 related to leveraged leases at December 31, 2015. 

 815 a
 55,341    
 -    
 56,156    

 424   
 22,286   
 -   
 22,710   

 630   
 12,917   
 2   
 13,549   

$

$

(c)

Includes five restructured loans at December 31, 2015 associated with a consolidated VIE in which the Bancorp has no continuing credit risk due to the risk being assumed by a third party, with 
a recorded investment of $27 and an ALLL of $15. 

105  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Commercial  

Residential 
Mortgage 

Consumer 

Unallocated 

Total  

As of December 31, 2014 ($ in millions)  
ALLL:(a) 

Individually evaluated for impairment  
   Collectively evaluated for impairment  
   Unallocated  
Total ALLL  
Portfolio loans and leases:(b) 

$ 

$ 

(c)

 179 a
 696    
 -    
 875    

 65 
 39 
 - 
 104 

 61 
 176 
 - 
 237 

 - 
 - 
 106 
 106 

 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

 305
 911
 106
 1,322

 2,261
 87,713
 2
 89,976

Individually evaluated for impairment  
   Collectively evaluated for impairment  
   Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality  
Total portfolio loans and leases  
(a) 
(b)  Excludes $108 of residential mortgage loans measured at fair value and includes $874 of leveraged leases, net of unearned income, at December 31, 2014.  
(c) 

Includes $6 related to leveraged leases at December 31, 2014. 

 1,260 a
 52,693
 -
 53,953

 483 
 23,259 
 - 
 23,742 

 518 
 11,761 
 2 
 12,281 

$ 

$ 

(c)

Includes five restructured loans at December 31, 2014 associated with a consolidated VIE in which the Bancorp has no continuing credit risk due to the risk being assumed by a third party, with a 
recorded investment of $28 and an ALLL of $10. 

CREDIT RISK PROFILE 
Commercial Portfolio Segment 
For  purposes  of  monitoring 
risk 
characteristics  of  its  commercial  portfolio  segment,  the  Bancorp 
disaggregates  the  segment  into  the  following  classes:  commercial 
and  industrial,  commercial  mortgage  owner-occupied,  commercial 
mortgage  nonowner-occupied,  commercial  construction  and 
commercial leases.  

the  credit  quality  and 

To  facilitate  the  monitoring  of  credit  quality  within  the 
commercial  portfolio  segment,  and  for  purposes  of  analyzing 
historical loss rates used in the determination of the ALLL for the 
commercial  portfolio  segment,  the  Bancorp  utilizes  the  following 
categories  of  credit  grades:  pass,  special  mention,  substandard, 
doubtful  and  loss.  The  five  categories,  which  are  derived  from 
standard  regulatory  rating  definitions,  are  assigned  upon  initial 
approval of credit to borrowers and updated periodically thereafter.  
Pass ratings, which are assigned to those borrowers that do not 
have identified potential or well defined weaknesses and for which 
there is a high likelihood of orderly repayment, are updated at least 
annually based on the size and credit characteristics of the borrower. 
All  other  categories  are  updated  on  a  quarterly  basis  during  the 
month preceding the end of the calendar quarter.  

The  Bancorp  assigns  a  special  mention  rating  to  loans  and 
leases  that  have  potential  weaknesses  that  deserve  management’s 
close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may, 
at  some  future  date,  result  in  the  deterioration  of  the  repayment 

prospects for the loan or lease or the Bancorp’s credit position.  

The  Bancorp  assigns  a  substandard  rating  to  loans  and  leases 
that  are  inadequately  protected  by  the  current  sound  worth  and 
paying  capacity  of  the  borrower  or  of  the  collateral  pledged. 
Substandard  loans  and  leases  have  well  defined  weaknesses  or 
weaknesses that could jeopardize the orderly repayment of the debt. 
Loans and leases in this grade also are characterized by the distinct 
possibility that the Bancorp will sustain some loss if the deficiencies 
noted are not addressed and corrected. 

The Bancorp assigns a doubtful rating to loans and leases that 
have  all  the  attributes  of  a  substandard  rating  with  the  added 
characteristic  that  the  weaknesses  make  collection  or  liquidation  in 
full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, 
highly  questionable  and  improbable.  The  possibility  of  loss  is 
extremely  high,  but  because  of  certain  important  and  reasonable 
specific  pending  factors  that  may  work  to  the  advantage  of  and 
strengthen the credit quality of the loan or lease, its classification as 
an  estimated  loss  is  deferred  until  its  more  exact  status  may  be 
determined.  Pending  factors  may  include  a  proposed  merger  or 
acquisition, liquidation proceeding, capital injection, perfecting liens 
on additional collateral or refinancing plans. 

Loans and leases classified as loss are considered uncollectible 
and are charged-off in the period in which they are determined to be 
uncollectible.  Because  loans  and  leases  in  this  category  are  fully 
charged-off, they are not included in the following tables. 

106  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
 
 
The following tables summarize the credit risk profile of the Bancorp’s commercial portfolio segment, by class: 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

As of December 31, 2015 ($ in millions)  
Commercial and industrial loans  
Commercial mortgage owner-occupied loans  
Commercial mortgage nonowner-occupied loans   
Commercial construction loans  
Commercial leases  
Total commercial loans and leases  

As of December 31, 2014 ($ in millions)  
Commercial and industrial loans  
Commercial mortgage owner-occupied loans  
Commercial mortgage nonowner-occupied loans   
Commercial construction loans  
Commercial leases  
Total commercial loans and leases  

Pass 
 38,756 
 3,344 
 3,105 
 3,201 
 3,724 
 52,130 

Pass 
 38,013 
 3,430 
 3,198 
 1,966 
 3,678 
 50,285 

$

$

$

$

Special 
Mention 
 1,633 
 124 
 63 
 4 
 93 
 1,917 

Special 
Mention 
 1,352 
 137 
 76 
 65 
 9 
 1,639 

Substandard 
 1,742 
 191 
 130 
 9 
 37 
 2,109 

Substandard 
 1,400 
 267 
 284 
 38 
 33 
 2,022 

Doubtful 
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   

Doubtful 
 -   
 -   
 7   
 -   
 -   
 7   

Total 
 42,131  
 3,659  
 3,298  
 3,214  
 3,854  
 56,156 

Total 
 40,765  
 3,834  
 3,565  
 2,069  
 3,720  
 53,953 

Residential Mortgage and Consumer Portfolio Segments 
For  purposes  of  monitoring 
risk 
the  credit  quality  and 
characteristics  of  its  consumer  portfolio  segment,  the  Bancorp 
disaggregates  the  segment  into  the  following  classes:  home  equity, 
automobile loans, credit card and other consumer loans and leases. 
The  Bancorp’s  residential  mortgage  portfolio  segment  is  also  a 
separate class. 

The  Bancorp  considers  repayment  performance  as  the  best 
indicator  of  credit  quality  for  residential  mortgage  and  consumer 

loans,  which  includes  both  the  delinquency  status  and  performing 
versus nonperforming status of the loans. The delinquency status of 
all residential mortgage and consumer loans is presented by class in 
the age analysis section while the performing versus nonperforming 
status  is  presented  in  the  following  table.  Refer  to  the  nonaccrual 
loans  and  leases  section  of  Note  1  for  additional  delinquency  and 
nonperforming information.  

The  following  table  presents  a  summary  of  the  Bancorp’s  residential  mortgage  and  consumer  portfolio  segments,  by  class,  disaggregated  into 
performing versus nonperforming status as of December 31: 

Performing 
($ in millions)  
 13,498 
Residential mortgage loans(a) 
 8,222 
Home equity  
 11,491 
Automobile loans  
 2,226 
Credit card  
 657 
Other consumer loans and leases  
Total residential mortgage and consumer loans and leases(a) 
 36,094 
(a)  Excludes $167 and $108 of loans measured at fair value at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 

$

$

2015  

Nonperforming 

 51 
 79 
 2 
 33 
 - 
 165 

Performing 
 12,204 
 8,793 
 12,036 
 2,360 
 418 
 35,811 

2014  

Nonperforming 

 77   
 93   
 1   
 41   
 -   
 212 

107  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
Age Analysis of Past Due Loans and Leases   
The following tables summarize the Bancorp’s recorded investment in portfolio loans and leases, by age and class: 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Current  
Loans and   
Leases(c) 

$

As of December 31, 2015 ($ in millions)  
Commercial loans and leases:  
   Commercial and industrial loans   
   Commercial mortgage owner-occupied loans  
   Commercial mortgage nonowner-occupied loans  
   Commercial construction loans  
   Commercial leases  
Residential mortgage loans(a)(b) 
Consumer loans and leases:  
   Home equity  
   Automobile loans  
   Credit card  
   Other consumer loans and leases   
Total portfolio loans and leases(a) 
(a)  Excludes $167 of residential mortgage loans measured at fair value at December 31, 2015. 
(b) 

 41,996    
 3,610    
 3,262    
 3,214    
 3,850    
 13,420    

 8,158    
 11,407    
 2,207    
 656    
 91,780    

$

30-89   
Days(c) 

Past Due 
90 Days   
or More(c) 

Total  
Past Due 

Total Loans 
and Leases 

90 Days Past 
Due and Still 
Accruing 

 55    
 15    
 9    
 -    
 3    
 37    

 82    
 75    
 29    
 1    
 306    

 80    
 34    
 27    
 -    
 1    
 92    

 61    
 11    
 23    
 -    
 329    

 135   
 49   
 36   
 -   
 4   
 129   

 143   
 86   
 52   
 1   
 635   

 42,131   
 3,659   
 3,298   
 3,214   
 3,854   
 13,549   

 8,301   
 11,493   
 2,259   
 657   
 92,415   

 7   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 40   

 -   
 10   
 18   
 -   
 75   

Information includes advances made pursuant to servicing agreements for GNMA mortgage pools whose repayments are insured by the FHA or guaranteed by the VA. As of December 31, 
2015, $102 of these loans were 30-89 days past due and $335 were 90 days or more past due. The Bancorp recognized $8 of losses during the year ended December 31, 2015 due to claim 
denials and curtailments associated with these insured or guaranteed loans.  
Includes accrual and nonaccrual loans and leases. 

(c) 

Current  
Loans and   
Leases(c) 

$

As of December 31, 2014 ($ in millions)  
Commercial loans and leases:  
   Commercial and industrial loans   
   Commercial mortgage owner-occupied loans  
   Commercial mortgage nonowner-occupied loans  
   Commercial construction loans  
   Commercial leases  
Residential mortgage loans(a)(b) 
Consumer loans and leases:  
   Home equity  
   Automobile loans  
   Credit card  
   Other consumer loans and leases   
Total portfolio loans and leases(a) 
(a)  Excludes $108 of residential mortgage loans measured at fair value at December 31, 2014. 
(b) 

8,710 
11,953 
2,335 
417 
89,272    

40,651 
3,774 
3,537 
2,069 
3,717 
12,109 

$

30-89  
Days(c) 

Past Due 
90 Days   
or More(c) 

Total  
Past Due 

Total Loans 
and Leases 

90 Days Past 
Due and Still 
Accruing 

29    
7    
11    
 -    
3    
38    

100    
74    
34    
1    
297    

85 
53 
17 
 - 
 - 
134 

76 
10 
32 
 - 
407    

114   
60   
28   
 -   
3   
172   

176   
84   
66   
1   
704   

40,765   
3,834   
3,565   
2,069   
3,720   
12,281   

8,886   
12,037   
2,401   
418   
89,976   

 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
56   

 -   
8   
23   
 -   
87   

Information includes advances made pursuant to servicing agreements for GNMA mortgage pools whose repayments are insured by the FHA or guaranteed by the VA. As of December 31, 2014, 
$99 of these loans were 30-89 days past due and $373 were 90 days or more past due. The Bancorp recognized $14 of losses during the year ended December 31, 2014 due to claim denials and 
curtailments associated with these insured or guaranteed loans.  
Includes accrual and nonaccrual loans and leases. 

(c) 

108  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
   
 
  
  
  
   
  
 
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
 
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Impaired Portfolio Loans and Leases 
Larger  commercial  loans  and  leases  included  within  aggregate 
borrower  relationship  balances  exceeding  $1  million  that  exhibit 
probable  or  observed  credit  weaknesses  are  subject  to  individual 
review for impairment. The Bancorp also performs an individual 
review  on  loans  and  leases  that  are  restructured  in  a  TDR.  The 
Bancorp considers the current value of collateral, credit quality of 
any  guarantees,  the  loan  structure  and  other  factors  when 

evaluating whether an individual loan or lease is impaired. Other 
factors may include the geography and industry of the borrower, 
size  and  financial  condition  of  the  borrower,  cash  flow  and 
leverage  of  the  borrower  and  the  Bancorp’s  evaluation  of  the 
borrower’s  management.  Smaller-balance  homogenous  loans  or 
leases  that  are  collectively  evaluated  for  impairment  are  not 
included in the following tables.  

The following tables summarize the Bancorp’s impaired portfolio loans and leases, by class, that were subject to individual review, which includes
all portfolio loans and leases restructured in a TDR as of December 31: 

2015 ($ in millions)  
With a related ALLL:  
Commercial loans and leases:  
   Commercial and industrial loans   
   Commercial mortgage owner-occupied loans(b) 
   Commercial mortgage nonowner-occupied loans  
   Commercial construction loans  
   Commercial leases  
Restructured residential mortgage loans  
Restructured consumer loans and leases:  
   Home equity  
   Automobile loans  
   Credit card  
Total impaired portfolio loans and leases with a related ALLL  
With no related ALLL:  
Commercial loans and leases:  
   Commercial and industrial loans   
   Commercial mortgage owner-occupied loans  
   Commercial mortgage nonowner-occupied loans  
   Commercial construction loans  
   Commercial leases  
Restructured residential mortgage loans  
Restructured consumer loans and leases:  
   Home equity  
   Automobile loans  
Total impaired portfolio loans and leases with no related ALLL  
Total impaired portfolio loans and leases  
(a) 

Unpaid 
Principal 
Balance 

Recorded   
Investment  

ALLL 

$

$

$

$

412   
28   
75   
4   
3   
450   

226   
17   
61   
1,276   

228   
54   
126   
9   
1   
210   

122   
3   
753   
2,029   

346 
21 
64    
4    
3    

444 

225 
16 
61 
1,184    

182    
51    
111    
5    
1    
186   

119    
3    
658    
(a)

1,842 a

84   
5   
12   
2   
1   
67   

32   
2   
15   
220   

 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   

 -   
 -   
 -   
220   

Includes $491, $607 and $372, respectively, of commercial, residential mortgage and consumer portfolio TDRs on accrual status and $203, $23 and $52, respectively, of commercial, residential 
mortgage and consumer portfolio TDRs on nonaccrual status at December 31, 2015.  

(b)  Excludes five restructured loans at December 31, 2015 associated with a consolidated VIE in which the Bancorp has no continuing credit risk due to the risk being assumed by a third party, 

with an unpaid principal balance of $27, a recorded investment of $27 and an ALLL of $15.  

109  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

2014 ($ in millions)  
With a related ALLL:  
Commercial loans and leases:  
   Commercial and industrial loans   
   Commercial mortgage owner-occupied loans(b) 
   Commercial mortgage nonowner-occupied loans  
   Commercial construction loans  
   Commercial leases  
Restructured residential mortgage loans  
Restructured consumer loans and leases:  
   Home equity  
   Automobile loans  
   Credit card  
Total impaired portfolio loans and leases with a related ALLL  
With no related ALLL:  
Commercial loans and leases:  
   Commercial and industrial loans   
   Commercial mortgage owner-occupied loans  
   Commercial mortgage nonowner-occupied loans  
   Commercial construction loans  
   Commercial leases  
Restructured residential mortgage loans  
Restructured consumer loans and leases:  
   Home equity  
   Automobile loans  
Total impaired portfolio loans and leases with no related ALLL  
Total impaired portfolio loans and leases  
(a) 

Unpaid 
Principal 
Balance 

Recorded   
Investment  

ALLL 

$

$

$

$

598   
54   
69   
18   
3   
388   

203   
19   
78   
1,430   

311   
72   
251   
48   
2   
155   

183   
5   
1,027   
2,457   

486 
46 
57 
15 
3 
383 

201 
19 
78 
1,288    

276    
68    
231    
48    
2    
135   

180    
5    
945    
(a)

2,233 a

149   
14   
4   
 -   
2   
65   

42   
3   
16   
295   

 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   

 -   
 -   
 -   
295   

Includes $869, $485 and $420, respectively, of commercial, residential mortgage and consumer portfolio TDRs on accrual status and $214, $33 and $63, respectively, of commercial, residential 
mortgage and consumer portfolio TDRs on nonaccrual status at December 31, 2014.   

(b)  Excludes five restructured loans at December 31, 2014 associated with a consolidated VIE in which the Bancorp has no continuing credit risk due to the risk being assumed by a third party, with 

an unpaid principal balance of $28, a recorded investment of $28 and an ALLL of $10. 

The following table summarizes the Bancorp’s average impaired portfolio loans and leases, by class, and interest income, by class, for the years 
ended December 31: 

2015  

2014  

2013  

Average 
Recorded 
Investment 

Interest 
Income 
Recognized 

Average 
Recorded 
Investment 

Interest 
Income 
Recognized 

Average 
   Recorded 
Investment 

Interest 
Income 
Recognized

$

($ in millions)  
Commercial loans and leases:  
   Commercial and industrial loans   
   Commercial mortgage owner-occupied loans(a) 
   Commercial mortgage nonowner-occupied loans  
   Commercial construction loans  
   Commercial leases  
Restructured residential mortgage loans  
Restructured consumer loans and leases:  
   Home equity  
   Automobile loans  
   Credit card  
   Other consumer loans and leases   
Total average impaired portfolio loans and leases  
(a)  Excludes five restructured loans associated with a consolidated VIE in which the Bancorp has no continuing credit risk due to the risk being assumed by a third party, with an average recorded 
investment of $27 for the year ended December 31, 2015 and $28 for both of the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. An immaterial amount of interest income was recognized during the 
years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.  

 786   
 149   
 268   
 92   
 13   
 1,273   

 517   
 146   
 321   
 108   
 11   
 1,311   

 361   
 22   
 68   
 -   
 2,062   

 394   
 24   
 62   
 -   
 3,061   

 429   
 29   
 68   
 2   
 2,942   

 663   
 92   
 224   
 41   
 5   
 586   

 20   
 1   
 5   
 -   
 119   

 23   
 1   
 4   
 -   
 113   

 16   
 4   
 8   
 4   
 -   
 53   

 25   
 4   
 8   
 2   
 -   
 54   

 21   
 2   
 7   
 1   
 -   
 23   

 13   
 1   
 6   
 -   
 74   

$

110  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
 
  
 
  
   
  
  
 
  
 
  
   
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Nonperforming Assets 
Nonperforming assets include nonaccrual loans and leases for which ultimate collectability of the full amount of the principal and/or interest is
uncertain;  restructured  commercial  and  credit  card  loans  which  have  not  yet  met  the  requirements  to  be  classified  as  a  performing  asset; 
restructured consumer loans which are 90 days past due based on the restructured terms unless the loan is both well-secured and in the process of 
collection; and certain other assets, including OREO and other repossessed property. The following table presents the Bancorp’s nonperforming 
loans and leases, by class, and OREO and other repossessed property as of December 31:

2015  

2014  

($ in millions)  
Commercial loans and leases:  
   Commercial and industrial loans   
   Commercial mortgage owner-occupied loans(a)  
   Commercial mortgage nonowner-occupied loans  
   Commercial leases  
Total nonaccrual portfolio commercial loans and leases  
Residential mortgage loans  
Consumer loans and leases:  
   Home equity  
   Automobile loans  
   Credit card  
Total nonaccrual portfolio consumer loans and leases  
Total nonaccrual portfolio loans and leases(b)(c) 
OREO and other repossessed property(d) 
Total nonperforming portfolio assets(b)(c)(d) 
(a)  Excludes $20 and $21 of restructured nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, associated with a consolidated VIE in which the Bancorp has no continuing credit risk 

 79   
 2   
 33   
 114   
 506   
 141   
 647   

 93 
 1 
 41 
 135   
 579   
 165   
 744   

 259   
 46   
 35   
 1   
 341   
 51   

 228 
 78 
 57 
 4 
 367   
 77 

$

$

$

due the risk being assumed by a third party.  

(b)  Excludes $12 and $39 of nonaccrual loans held for sale at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 
(c) 

Includes $6 and $9 of nonaccrual government insured commercial loans whose repayments are insured by the SBA at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $2 and $4 of restructured 
nonaccrual government insured commercial loans at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  

(d)  Excludes $14  and  $71  of  OREO  related  to  government  insured  loans  at December 31, 2015  and  2014,  respectively.  The  Bancorp  has  historically  excluded  government  guaranteed  loans 
classified in OREO from its nonperforming asset disclosures. Upon the prospective adoption on January 1, 2015 of ASU 2014-14 “Classification of Certain Government-Guaranteed Mortgage 
Loans Upon Foreclosure”, government guaranteed loans meeting certain criteria were reclassified to other receivables rather than OREO upon foreclosure. At December 31, 2015, the Bancorp 
had $44 of government guaranteed loans classified as other receivables. Refer to Note 1 for further information on the adoption of this amended guidance.    

The  Bancorp’s  recorded  investment  of  consumer  mortgage  loans 
secured  by  residential  real  estate  properties  for  which  formal 
local 
foreclosure  proceedings  are 
requirements  of  the  applicable  jurisdiction  was  $303  million  as  of 
December 31, 2015. 

in  process  according 

to 

Troubled Debt Restructurings  
If  a  borrower  is  experiencing  financial  difficulty,  the  Bancorp  may 
consider, in certain circumstances, modifying the terms of their loan 
to  maximize  collection  of  amounts  due.  Within  each  of  the 
Bancorp’s loan classes, TDRs typically involve either a reduction of 
the  stated  interest  rate  of  the  loan,  an  extension  of  the  loan’s 
maturity date  with a stated rate  lower than the  current market  rate 
for  a  new  loan  with  similar  risk,  or  in  limited  circumstances,  a 
reduction of the principal balance of the loan or the loan’s accrued 
interest. Modifying the terms of a loan may result in an increase or 
decrease  to  the  ALLL  depending  upon  the  terms  modified,  the 
method used to measure the ALLL for a loan prior to modification, 
and whether any charge-offs were recorded on the loan before or at 
the time of modification. Refer to the ALLL section of Note 1 for 
the  Bancorp’s  ALLL  methodology.  Upon 
information  on 

modification  of  a 
loan,  the  Bancorp  measures  the  related 
impairment  as  the  difference  between  the  estimated  future  cash 
flows expected to be collected on the modified loan, discounted at 
the original effective yield of the loan, and the carrying value of the 
loan. The resulting measurement may result in the need for minimal 
or no valuation allowance because it is probable that all cash flows 
will be collected under the modified terms of the loan. In addition, 
if the stated interest rate was increased in a TDR, the cash flows on 
the  modified  loan,  using  the  pre-modification  interest  rate  as  the 
discount  rate,  often  exceed  the  recorded  investment  of  the  loan.  
Conversely, upon a modification that reduces the stated interest rate 
on a loan, the Bancorp recognizes an impairment loss as an increase 
to the ALLL. If a TDR involves a reduction of the principal balance 
of the loan or the loan’s accrued interest, that amount is charged-off 
to the ALLL. 

As  of  December  31,  2015,  the  Bancorp  had  $39  million  and 
$23  million  in  line  of  credit  and  letter  of  credit  commitments, 
respectively,  compared  to  $63  million  and  $26  million  in  line  of 
credit  and  letter  of  credit  commitments  as  of  December  31,  2014, 
respectively,  to  lend  additional  funds  to  borrowers  whose  terms 
have been modified in a TDR.   

111  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
The following tables provide a summary of loans by class modified in a TDR by the Bancorp during the years ended December 31: 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Number of loans  
modified in a TDR  
during the year(b) 

Recorded investment 
in loans modified 
in a TDR  
during the year 

Increase 
(Decrease) 
to ALLL upon
modification 

Charge-offs 
recognized upon  
modification 

2015 ($ in millions)(a) 
Commercial loans and leases:  
   Commercial and industrial loans   
   Commercial mortgage owner-occupied loans  
   Commercial mortgage nonowner-occupied loans  
Residential mortgage loans  
Consumer loans and leases:  
   Home equity  
   Automobile loans  
   Credit card  
Total portfolio loans and leases  
(a)  Excludes all loans and leases held for sale and loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality which were accounted for within a pool. 
(b)  Represents number of loans post-modification and excludes loans previously modified in a TDR. 

 267    
 440    
 12,569    
 14,472    

 77    
 18    
 12    
 1,089    

$

$

 146   
 16   
 7   
 155   

 16   
 7   
 62   
 409   

 7   
 (2)  
 (1)  
 8   

 (1)  
 1   
 11   
 23   

 3   
 -   
 -   
 -   

 -   
 -   
 7   
 10   

Number of loans  
modified in a TDR  
during the year(b) 

Recorded investment 
in loans modified 
in a TDR  
during the year 

Increase 
(Decrease) 
to ALLL upon
modification 

Charge-offs 
recognized upon  
modification 

2014 ($ in millions)(a) 
Commercial loans and leases:  
   Commercial and industrial loans   
   Commercial mortgage owner-occupied loans  
   Commercial mortgage nonowner-occupied loans  
Residential mortgage loans  
Consumer loans and leases:  
   Home equity  
   Automobile loans  
   Credit card  
Total portfolio loans and leases  
(a)  Excludes all loans and leases held for sale and loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality which were accounted for within a pool. 
(b)  Represents number of loans post-modification and excludes loans previously modified in a TDR. 

 284    
 608    
 8,929    
 11,102    

 128    
 32    
 28    
 1,093    

$

$

 230   
 54   
 30   
 160   

 12   
 10   
 52   
 548   

 12   
 (1)  
 (3)  
 8   

 -   
 1   
 10   
 27   

 6   
 -   
 2   
 -   

 -   
 -   
 -   
 8   

Number of loans  
modified in a TDR  
during the year(b) 

Recorded investment 
in loans modified 
in a TDR  
during the year 

Increase 
(Decrease) 
to ALLL upon
modification 

Charge-offs 
recognized upon  
modification 

$

2013 ($ in millions)(a) 
Commercial loans and leases:  
   Commercial and industrial loans   
   Commercial mortgage owner-occupied loans(c) 
   Commercial mortgage nonowner-occupied loans  
   Commercial construction loans  
   Commercial leases  
Residential mortgage loans  
Consumer loans and leases:  
   Home equity  
   Automobile loans  
   Credit card  
Total portfolio loans and leases  
(a)  Excludes all loans and leases held for sale and loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality which were accounted for within a pool. 
(b)  Represents number of loans post-modification and excludes loans previously modified in a TDR. 
(c)  Excludes five loans modified in a TDR during the year ended December 31, 2013 associated with a consolidated VIE in which the Bancorp has no continuing credit risk due to the risk being 
assumed by a third party. The TDR had a recorded investment of $29 at modification, the ALLL increased $7 upon modification and a charge-off of $2 was recognized upon modification. 

 146    
 65    
 59    
 4    
 1    
 1,620    

 695    
 499    
 8,202    
 11,291    

 604   
 19   
 72   
 34   
 2   
 249   

 37   
 14   
 50   
 1,081   

 39   
 (2)  
 (7)  
 (2)  
 (5)  
 28   

 44   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   

 (1)  
 1   
 7   
 58   

 -   
 -   
 -   
 44   

$

The  Bancorp  considers  TDRs  that  become  90  days  or  more  past 
due  under  the  modified  terms  as  subsequently  defaulted.  For 
commercial  loans  not  subject  to  individual  review  for  impairment, 
loss  rates  that  are  applied  for  purposes  of  determining  the  ALLL 
include  historical  losses  associated  with  subsequent  defaults  on 
loans  previously  modified  in  a  TDR.  For  consumer  loans,  the 
Bancorp  performs  a  qualitative  assessment  of  the  adequacy  of  the 
consumer  ALLL  by  comparing  the  consumer  ALLL  to  forecasted 

consumer  losses  over  the  projected  loss  emergence  period  (the 
forecasted  losses  include  the  impact  of  subsequent  defaults  of 
consumer  TDRs).  When  a  residential  mortgage,  home  equity, 
automobile  or  other  consumer  loan  that  has  been  modified  in  a 
TDR  subsequently  defaults,  the  present  value  of  expected  cash 
flows  used  in  the  measurement  of  the  potential  impairment  loss  is 
generally limited to the expected net proceeds from the sale of the 
loan’s  underlying  collateral  and  any  resulting  impairment  loss  is 

112  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

reflected  as  a  charge-off  or  an  increase  in  ALLL.  The  Bancorp 
recognizes  ALLL  for  the  entire  balance  of  the  credit  card  loans 

modified in a TDR that subsequently default. 

The following tables provide a summary of TDRs that subsequently defaulted during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 that was
within twelve months of the restructuring date: 

December 31, 2015 ($ in millions)(a) 
Commercial loans and leases:  
   Commercial and industrial loans   
   Commercial mortgage owner-occupied loans  
Residential mortgage loans  
Consumer loans and leases:  
   Home equity  
   Automobile loans  
   Credit card  
Total portfolio loans and leases  
(a)  Excludes all loans and leases held for sale and loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality. 

December 31, 2014 ($ in millions)(a) 
Commercial loans and leases:  
   Commercial and industrial loans   
   Commercial mortgage owner-occupied loans  
   Commercial mortgage nonowner-occupied loans  
Residential mortgage loans  
Consumer loans and leases:  
   Home equity  
   Automobile loans  
   Credit card  
Total portfolio loans and leases  
(a)  Excludes all loans and leases held for sale and loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality. 

December 31, 2013 ($ in millions)(a) 
Commercial loans and leases:  
   Commercial and industrial loans   
   Commercial mortgage owner-occupied loans  
Residential mortgage loans  
Consumer loans and leases:  
   Home equity  
   Automobile loans  
   Credit card  
Total portfolio loans and leases  
(a)  Excludes all loans and leases held for sale and loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality. 

Number of 
Contracts 

Recorded 
Investment 

 7   
 3   
 156   

 15   
 8   
 1,935   
 2,124   

Number of 
Contracts 

 11   
 3   
 2   
 235   

 30   
 6   
 2,059   
 2,346   

Number of 
Contracts 

 6   
 7   
 375   

 65   
 4   
 1,768   
 2,225   

$

$

$

$

$

$

 11   
 1   
 21   

 1   
 -   
 8   
 42   

Recorded 
Investment 

 36   
 4   
 1   
 32   

 2   
 -   
 12   
 87   

Recorded 
Investment 

 11   
 1   
 58   

 4   
 -   
 11   
 85   

113  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
7. BANK PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT 
The following table provides a summary of bank premises and equipment as of December 31:

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

 ($ in millions) 

Estimated Useful Life 

2015 

Land and improvements(a) 
Buildings  
Equipment  
Leasehold improvements  
Construction in progress  
Bank premises and equipment held for sale:  
     Land and improvements  
     Buildings  
     Equipment  
     Leasehold improvements  
Accumulated depreciation and amortization  
Total bank premises and equipment  
(a)  At December 31, 2015 and 2014, land and improvements included $102 and $165, respectively, associated with parcels of undeveloped land intended for future branch expansion. 

55 
20 
3 
3 
(2,466)
2,239 

685 
1,755 
1,696 
403 
85 

2 - 30 yrs. 
2 - 30 yrs. 
5 - 30 yrs. 

$

$

2014

793
1,807
1,682
416
98

23
3
 -
 -
(2,357)
2,465

relationships  in  the  Pittsburgh  MSA  to  First  National  Bank  of 
Pennsylvania. On September 30, 2015, the Bancorp announced the 
decision  to  enter  into  an  agreement  to  sell  its  retail  operations, 
including  retail  accounts,  certain  private  banking  deposits  and 
related  loan  relationships  in  the  St.  Louis  MSA  to  Great  Southern 
Bank.  Both  transactions  are  part  of  the  Branch  Consolidation  and 
Sales Plan and are expected to close in the first half of 2016. As of 
December  31,  2015,  the  Bancorp  intended  to  consolidate  and/or 
sell  107  operating  branch  locations  and  to  sell  an  additional  32 
parcels of undeveloped land that had been acquired by the Bancorp 
for  future  branch  expansion.  For  further 
information  on  a 
subsequent  event  related  to  the  Branch  Consolidation  and  Sales 
Plan, refer to Note 31. 

The  Bancorp  performs  assessments  of  the  recoverability  of 
long-lived  assets  when  events  or  changes  in  circumstances  indicate 
that their carrying values may not be recoverable. Impairment losses 
associated  with  such  assessments  and  lower  of  cost  or  market 
adjustments  were  $109  million,  $20  million  and  $6  million  for  the 
years  ended  December  31,  2015,  2014  and  2013,  respectively.  The 
recognized  impairment  losses  were  recorded  in  other  noninterest 
income in the Consolidated Statements of Income. 

Depreciation  and  amortization  expense  related  to  bank  premises 
and equipment was $256 million, $254 million and $245 million for 
the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  

The  Bancorp  monitors  changing  customer  preferences 
associated  with  the  channels  it  uses  for  banking  transactions  to 
evaluate the efficiency, competitiveness and quality of the customer 
service experience in its consumer distribution network. As part of 
this  ongoing  assessment,  the  Bancorp  may  determine  that  it  is  no 
longer  fully  committed  to  maintaining  full-service  branches  at 
certain  of  its  existing  banking  center  locations.  Similarly,  the 
Bancorp may also determine that it is no longer fully committed to 
building  banking  centers  on  certain  parcels  of  land  which  had 
previously  been  held  for  future  branch  expansion.  On  June  16, 
2015, the Bancorp’s Board of Directors authorized management to 
pursue a plan to further develop its distribution strategy, including a 
plan  to  consolidate  and/or  sell  certain  operating  branch  locations 
and certain parcels of undeveloped land that had been acquired by 
the  Bancorp 
(the  “Branch 
Consolidation and Sales Plan”). 

future  branch  expansion 

for 

On September 3, 2015, the Bancorp announced the decision to 
enter  into  an  agreement  to  sell  branch  banking  locations,  retail 
loan 
accounts,  certain  private  banking  deposits  and  related 

114  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
   
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities classified as held for sale as a result of the Branch Consolidation and Sales Plan as of: 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

 ($ in millions) 

Assets:  
  Loans held for sale: 

Commercial and industrial loans 
Commercial mortgage loans 
Residential mortgage loans 
Home equity 
Automobile loans 

Total loans held for sale(a) 
   Bank premises and equipment held for sale (included in the preceding table):  

Land and improvements(b)
Buildings(b)
Equipment(b)
Leasehold improvements(b)

Total bank premises and equipment held for sale (included in the preceding table)  
Total assets held for sale  
Liabilities:  
  Deposits held for sale: 

Noninterest-bearing deposits 
Interest-bearing deposits 

Total deposits held for sale(c) 
Total liabilities held for sale  
(a) 
(b) 
(c) 
(d) 

Included in loans held for sale in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. 
Included in bank premises and equipment in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. 
Included in noninterest-bearing deposits and interest-bearing deposits in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. 
Included in the Branch Banking, Consumer Lending and Investment Advisors business segments.  

December 31, 2015(d)

20   
22   
188   
35   
4   
269   

25   
14   
3   
3   
45   
314   

117   
511   
628   
628   

$

$

$
$

$

$
$

Gross  occupancy  expense  for  cancelable  and  noncancelable  leases, 
which  is  included  in  net  occupancy  expense  in  the  Consolidated 
Statements  of  Income,  was  $110  million,  $100  million  and  $98 
million  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2015,  2014  and  2013, 
respectively,  which  was  reduced  by  rental  income  from  leased 

premises  of  $18  million,  $17  million  and  $16  million  during  the 
years  ended  December  31,  2015,  2014  and  2013,  respectively.  The 
Bancorp’s subsidiaries have entered into a number of noncancelable 
operating  and  capital  lease  agreements  with  respect  to  bank 
premises and equipment. 

The following table provides the annual future minimum payments under noncancelable operating leases and capital leases for the years ending 
December 31: 

($ in millions) 
2016 
2017 
2018 
2019 
2020 
Thereafter 
Total minimum lease payments 
Less: Amounts representing interest 
Present value of net minimum lease payments 

Noncancelable 
Operating Leases

Capital Leases 

$

$

91  
84  
82  
74  
62  
242  
635  
 -  
 - 

7 
6 
6 
 5 
 1 
 2 
27 
3 
24 

8. OPERATING LEASE EQUIPMENT 
As  part  of  a  periodic  review  of  long-lived  assets  for  impairment 
associated  with  operating  lease  assets,  during  the  first  quarter  of 
2015,  the  Bancorp  identified  an  impairment  regarding  certain 
medium and large cabin corporate aircraft subject to leases expiring 
in 2017 and later. After applying the appropriate tests under current 
accounting guidance, it was determined that such recoverability was 
in doubt and the assets had, in fact, been impaired. The impact of 
the  impairment  was  $30  million  which  was  recognized  as  a 
reduction  to  corporate  banking  revenue  in  the  Consolidated 
Statements  of  Income  during  the  first  quarter  of  2015  as  such 

diminution in value of the assets was associated with both the first 
quarter  of  2015  and  prior  periods.  The  Bancorp  assessed  the 
materiality  of  this  impairment  and  concluded  it  was  immaterial  to 
interim  amounts  during  the  first  quarter  of  2015  and  previously 
reported annual and interim amounts. During the second and third 
quarters  of  2015,  the  Bancorp  recorded  $4  million  and  $2  million, 
respectively,  of  impairment  associated  with  operating  lease  assets. 
The  impact  of  the  impairments  was  recognized  as  a  reduction  to 
corporate  banking  revenue  in  the  Consolidated  Statements  of 
Income.

115  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
     
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
   
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
   
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
   
  
 
 
  
   
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

9. GOODWILL 
Business combinations entered into by the Bancorp typically include 
the acquisition of goodwill. Acquisition activity includes acquisitions 
in  the  respective  period  in  addition  to  purchase  accounting 
adjustments  related  to  previous  acquisitions.  During  the  fourth 
quarter  of  2008,  the  Bancorp  determined  that  the  Commercial 
Banking  and  Consumer  Lending  reporting  units’  goodwill  carrying 

amounts  exceeded  their  associated  implied  fair  values  by  $750 
million  and  $215  million,  respectively.  The  resulting  $965  million 
goodwill  impairment  charge  was  recorded  in  the  fourth  quarter  of 
2008  and  represents  the  total  amount  of  accumulated  impairment 
losses as of December 31, 2015. 

Changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill, by reporting unit, for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows: 

($ in millions) 
Net carrying value as of December 31, 2013 
Acquisition activity 
Net carrying value as of December 31, 2014 
Acquisition activity 

Net carrying value as of December 31, 2015 

Commercial 
Banking 

Branch 
Banking 

Consumer 
Lending 

Investment 
Advisors 

Total 

$

$

$

613
-
613
 -

613

1,655 
 - 
1,655 
 - 

1,655 

             -
             -
             -
             -

             -

148 
             -
148 
           -

148 

2,416
 -
2,416
 -

2,416

The  Bancorp  completed  its  annual  goodwill  impairment  test  as  of 
September 30, 2015 and the estimated fair values of the Commercial 

Banking, Branch Banking and Investment Advisors reporting units 
substantially exceeded their carrying values, including goodwill. 

10. INTANGIBLE ASSETS 
Intangible assets consist of core deposit intangibles, customer lists, 
non-compete  agreements  and  cardholder  relationships.  Intangible 
assets are amortized on either a straight-line or an accelerated basis 

over their estimated useful lives. Intangible assets have an estimated 
remaining weighted-average life at December 31, 2015 of 4.3 years.   

The details of the Bancorp’s intangible assets are shown in the following table: 

($ in millions)  
As of December 31, 2015 
   Core deposit intangibles 
   Other 
Total intangible assets 
As of December 31, 2014 
   Core deposit intangibles 
   Other 
Total intangible assets 

Gross Carrying 
Amount 

Accumulated  
Amortization 

Net Carrying 
 Amount 

$

$

$

$

34
33
67

122
45
167

(26)
(29)
(55)

(112)
(40)
(152)

8
4
12

10
5
15

As  of  December  31,  2015,  all  of  the  Bancorp’s  intangible  assets 
were  being  amortized.  Amortization  expense  recognized  on 

intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 
2013 was $2 million, $4 million and $8 million, respectively. 

The  Bancorp's  projections  of  amortization  expense  shown  below  are  based  on  existing  asset  balances  as  of  December  31,  2015.  Future
amortization expense may vary from these projections. Estimated amortization expense for the years ending December 31, 2016 through 2020 is 
as follows: 

($ in millions) 
2016  
2017  
2018  
2019  
2020  

116  Fifth Third Bancorp 

$

Total 

2   
2   
2   
1   
1   

 
 
 
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

11. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES 
The Bancorp, in the normal course of business, engages in a variety 
of  activities  that  involve  VIEs,  which  are  legal  entities  that  lack 
sufficient equity to finance their activities or the equity investors of 
the entities as a group lack any of the characteristics of a controlling 
interest. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is generally the enterprise 
that  has  both  the  power  to  direct  the  activities  most  significant  to 
the economic performance of the VIE and the obligation to absorb 
losses or receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the 
VIE.  For  certain  investment  funds,  the  primary  beneficiary  is  the 
enterprise that will absorb a majority of the fund’s expected losses 
or  receive  a  majority  of  the  fund’s  expected  residual  returns.  The 

Bancorp evaluates its interest in certain entities to determine if these 
entities meet the definition of a VIE and whether the Bancorp is the 
primary beneficiary and should consolidate the entity based on the 
variable  interests  it  held  both  at  inception  and  when  there  is  a 
change  in  circumstances  that  requires  a  reconsideration.  If  the 
Bancorp  is  determined  to  be  the  primary  beneficiary  of  a  VIE,  it 
must  account  for  the  VIE  as  a  consolidated  subsidiary.  If  the 
Bancorp is determined not to be the primary beneficiary of a  VIE 
but holds a variable interest in the entity, such variable interests are 
accounted  for  under  the  equity  method  of  accounting  or  other 
accounting standards as appropriate.  

Consolidated VIEs 
The following tables provide a summary of the classifications of consolidated VIE assets, liabilities and noncontrolling interests included in the 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of: 

December 31, 2015 ($ in millions) 
Assets: 
Cash and due from banks 
Commercial mortgage loans 
Automobile loans 
ALLL 
Other assets 
Total assets 
Liabilities: 
Other liabilities 
Long-term debt 
Total liabilities 
Noncontrolling interests 

December 31, 2014 ($ in millions)  
Assets:  
Cash and due from banks  
Commercial mortgage loans  
Automobile loans  
ALLL  
Other assets  
Total assets  
Liabilities:  
Other liabilities  
Long-term debt  
Total liabilities  
Noncontrolling interests  

Automobile Loan Securitizations 
In  securitization  transactions  that  occurred  during  the  years  ended 
December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Bancorp transferred an aggregate 
amount of approximately $750 million and $3.8 billion, respectively, 
in  consumer  automobile  loans  to  bankruptcy  remote  trusts  which 
were deemed to be VIEs. The primary purposes of the VIEs were 
to  issue  asset-backed  securities  with  varying  levels  of  credit 
subordination and payment priority, as well as residual interests, and 
to  provide  the  Bancorp  with  access  to  liquidity  for  its  originated 
loans.  The  Bancorp  retained  residual  interests  in  the  VIEs  and, 
therefore, has  an  obligation  to absorb  losses  and  a  right  to receive 
benefits  from  the  VIEs  that  could  potentially  be  significant  to  the 
VIEs.  In  addition,  the  Bancorp  retained  servicing  rights  for  the 
underlying  loans  and,  therefore,  holds  the  power  to  direct  the 
activities  of  the  VIEs  that  most  significantly  impact  the  economic 
performance of the VIEs. As a result, the Bancorp concluded that it 
is  the  primary  beneficiary  of  the  VIEs  and,  therefore,  has 

Automobile Loan 
Securitizations 

CDC 
Investments 

 151   
 - 
 2,490   
(11)  
 20   
 2,650   

 3   
 2,493   
 2,496   
 -   

 1 
 47 
 - 
(17)  
 - 
31   

 - 
 - 
 - 
 31 

Automobile Loan 
Securitizations 

CDC 
Investments 

 178   
 -   
 3,331   
 (11)  
 23   
 3,521   

 5   
 3,434   
 3,439   
 -   

 1 
 47 
 - 
 (11)  
 2 
 39   

 - 
 - 
 -   
 39 

$

$

$

$
$

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

Total 

 152   
47   
 2,490   
(28)  
20   
2,681   

 3   
 2,493   
 2,496   
31   

Total 

 179   
 47   
 3,331   
 (22)  
 25   
 3,560   

 5   
 3,434   
 3,439   
 39   

consolidated  these  VIEs.  The  assets  of  the  VIEs  are  restricted  to 
the  settlement  of  the  notes  and  other  obligations  of  the  VIEs. 
Third-party holders of the notes do not have recourse to the general 
assets of the Bancorp. 

The  economic  performance  of  the  VIEs  is  most  significantly 
impacted by the performance of the underlying loans. The principal 
risks  to  which  the  VIEs  are  exposed  include  credit  risk  and 
prepayment  risk.  The  credit  and  prepayment  risks  are  managed 
through  credit  enhancements  in  the  form  of  reserve  accounts, 
overcollateralization,  excess 
the 
subordination  of  certain  classes  of  asset-backed  securities  to  other 
classes. 

interest  on 

loans  and 

the 

CDC Investments 
CDC,  a  wholly-owned  indirect  subsidiary  of  the  Bancorp,  was 
created to invest in projects to create affordable housing, revitalize 

117  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

business and residential areas and preserve historic landmarks. CDC 
generally  co-invests  with  other  unrelated  companies  and/or 
individuals and typically makes investments in a separate legal entity 
that owns the property under development. The entities are usually 
formed as limited partnerships and LLCs and CDC typically invests 
as  a  limited  partner/investor  member  in  the  form  of  equity 
contributions. The economic performance of the VIEs is driven by 
the  performance  of  their  underlying  investment  projects  as  well  as 
the  VIEs’  ability  to  operate  in  compliance  with  the  rules  and 
regulations necessary for the qualification of tax credits generated by 
equity  investments.  Typically,  the  general  partner  or  managing 
member will be the party that has the right to make decisions that 
will  most  significantly  impact  the  economic  performance  of  the 
entity. The Bancorp’s subsidiaries serve as the managing member of 
certain  LLCs  invested  in  business  revitalization  projects.  The 
Bancorp has provided an indemnification guarantee to the investor 
member  of  these  LLCs  related  to  the  qualification  of  tax  credits 

the  equity  attributable 

generated  by  the  investor  members’  investment.  Accordingly,  the 
Bancorp concluded that it is the primary beneficiary and, therefore, 
has  consolidated  these  VIEs.  As  a  result,  the  investor  members’ 
interests in these VIEs are presented as noncontrolling interests in 
the Bancorp’s Consolidated Financial Statements. This presentation 
includes  reporting  separately 
the 
noncontrolling  interests  in  the  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets  and 
Consolidated  Statements  of  Changes  in  Equity  and  reporting 
separately 
the 
noncontrolling 
the  Consolidated  Statements  of 
Comprehensive  Income  and  the  net  income  attributable  to  the 
noncontrolling interests in the Consolidated Statements of Income. 
The Bancorp’s maximum exposure related to these indemnifications 
at  December  31,  2015  and  2014  was  $27  million  and  $24  million, 
respectively,  which  is  based  on  an  amount  required  to  meet  the 
investor members’ defined target rate of return. 

the  comprehensive 

attributable 

interests 

income 

to 

to 

in 

Non-consolidated VIEs 
The following tables provide a summary of assets and liabilities carried on the Consolidated Balance Sheets related to non-consolidated VIEs for 
which  the  Bancorp  holds  an  interest,  but  is  not  the  primary  beneficiary  of  the  VIE,  as  well  as  the  Bancorp’s  maximum  exposure  to  losses 
associated with its interests in the entities as of:  

December 31, 2015 ($ in millions) 
CDC investments 
Private equity investments 
Loans provided to VIEs 
Automobile loan securitization 

December 31, 2014 ($ in millions) 
CDC investments 
Private equity investments 
Loans provided to VIEs 
Automobile loan securitization 

$

$

Total  
Assets 

1,455   
211   
1,630   
 1   

Total  
Assets 

1,432   
189   
1,900   
2   

Total  
Liabilities 
367   
 - 
 - 
 - 

Total  
Liabilities 
364   
 - 
 - 
 - 

Maximum  
Exposure  
1,455   
271   
2,599   
 1   

Maximum  
Exposure  
1,432   
267   
2,759   
2   

CDC Investments 
As  noted  previously,  CDC  typically  invests  in  VIEs  as  a  limited 
partner or investor member in the form of equity contributions. The 
Bancorp  has  determined  that  it  is  not  the  primary  beneficiary  of 
these  VIEs  because  it  lacks  the  power  to  direct  the  activities  that 
most  significantly 
impact  the  economic  performance  of  the 
underlying project or the VIEs’ ability to operate in compliance with 
the  rules  and  regulations  necessary  for  the  qualification  of  tax 
credits  generated  by  equity  investments.  This  power  is  held  by  the 
general partners/managing members who exercise full and exclusive 
control  of  the  operations  of  the  VIEs.  Accordingly,  the  Bancorp 
accounts  for  these  investments  under  the  equity  method  of 
accounting.  

The Bancorp’s funding requirements are limited to its invested 
capital and any additional unfunded commitments for future equity 
contributions. The Bancorp’s maximum exposure to loss as a result 
of its involvement with the VIEs is limited to the carrying amounts 
of  the  investments,  including  the  unfunded  commitments.  The 

carrying amounts of these investments, which are included in other 
assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and the liabilities related 
to the unfunded commitments, which are included in other liabilities 
in  the  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets,  are  included  in  the  previous 
tables for all periods presented. The Bancorp has no other liquidity 
arrangements  or  obligations  to  purchase  assets  of  the  VIEs  that 
would  expose  the  Bancorp  to  a  loss.  In  certain  arrangements,  the 
general  partner/managing  member  of  the  VIE  has  guaranteed  a 
level  of  projected  tax  credits  to  be  received  by  the  limited 
partners/investor  members,  thereby  minimizing  a  portion  of  the 
Bancorp’s risk. 

At  both  December  31,  2015  and  2014,  the  Bancorp’s  CDC 
investments  included  $1.3  billion  of  investments  in  affordable 
housing  tax  credits  recognized  in  other  assets  in  the  Consolidated 
Balance  Sheets.  The  unfunded  commitments  related  to  these 
investments were $356 million and $357 million as of December 31, 
2015  and  2014,  respectively.  The  unfunded  commitments  as  of 
December 31, 2015 are expected to be funded from 2016 to 2033. 

118  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

The  Bancorp  has  accounted  for  all  of  its  investments  in  qualified  affordable  housing  tax  credits  using  the  equity  method  of  accounting.  The 
following  table  summarizes  the  impact  to  the  Consolidated  Statements  of  Income  relating  to  investments  in  qualified  affordable  housing 
investments: 

For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions)  
Pre-tax equity method and impairment losses(a) 
Tax credits and other benefits  
(a)  The Bancorp did not recognize impairment losses resulting from the forfeiture or ineligibility of tax credits or other circumstances during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. 

126   
 (205)  

118  
 (185)

2013  

2014  

2015  

90  
 (164) 

  $

   Affected Line Item in the 
   Consolidated Statements of Income 
   Other noninterest expense 
   Applicable income tax expense 

Private Equity Investments 
The  Bancorp,  through  Fifth  Third  Capital  Holdings,  a  wholly-
owned  indirect  subsidiary  of  the  Bancorp,  invests  as  a  limited 
partner  in  private  equity  funds  which  provide  the  Bancorp  an 
opportunity  to  obtain  higher  rates  of  return  on  invested  capital, 
while  also  creating  cross-selling  opportunities  for  the  Bancorp’s 
commercial  products.  Each  of  the  limited  partnerships  has  an 
unrelated third-party general partner responsible for appointing the 
fund manager. The Bancorp has not been appointed fund manager 
for any of these private equity funds. The funds finance primarily all 
of  their  activities  from  the  partners’  capital  contributions  and 
investment  returns.  Under  the  VIE  consolidation  guidance  still 
applicable  to  the  funds,  the  Bancorp  has  determined  that  it  is  not 
the  primary  beneficiary  of  the  funds  because  it  does  not  absorb  a 
majority  of  the  funds’  expected  losses  or  receive  a  majority  of  the 
funds’  expected  residual  returns.  Therefore,  the  Bancorp  accounts 
for  its  investments  in  these  limited  partnerships  under  the  equity 
method of accounting. 

amounts  of 

The  Bancorp  is  exposed  to  losses  arising  from  negative 
performance  of  the  underlying  investments  in  the  private  equity 
funds.  As  a  limited  partner,  the  Bancorp’s  maximum  exposure  to 
loss  is  limited  to  the  carrying  amounts  of  the  investments  plus 
unfunded  commitments.  The  carrying 
these 
investments, which are included in other assets in the Consolidated 
Balance  Sheets,  are  included  in  the  previous  tables.  Also,  as  of 
December 31, 2015 and 2014, the unfunded commitment amounts 
to  the  funds  were  $60  million  and  $78  million,  respectively.  The 
Bancorp made capital contributions of $30 million and $27 million 
to private equity funds during the years ended December 31, 2015 
and 2014, respectively. The Bancorp recognized $1 million, zero and 
$4  million  of  OTTI  on  its  investments  in  private  equity  funds 
during  the  years  ended  December  31,  2015,  2014  and  2013, 
respectively. Refer to Note 27 for further information. 

Loans Provided to VIEs 
The Bancorp has provided funding to certain unconsolidated VIEs 
sponsored by third parties. These VIEs are generally established to 
finance  certain  consumer  and  small  business  loans  originated  by 
third parties. The entities are primarily funded through the issuance 
of  a  loan  from  the  Bancorp  or  syndication  through  which  the 
Bancorp  is  involved.  The  sponsor/administrator  of  the  entities  is 
responsible for servicing the underlying assets in the VIEs. Because 
the  sponsor/administrator,  not  the  Bancorp,  holds  the  servicing 
responsibilities, which include the establishment and employment of 
default  mitigation  policies  and  procedures,  the  Bancorp  does  not 
hold the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact 
the  economic  performance  of  the  entity  and,  therefore,  is  not  the 
primary beneficiary. 

The principal risk to which these entities are exposed is credit 
risk  related  to  the  underlying  assets.  The  Bancorp’s  maximum 
exposure to loss is equal to the carrying amounts of the loans and 
unfunded  commitments  to  the  VIEs.  The  Bancorp’s  outstanding 
loans to these VIEs are included in commercial loans in Note 5. As 
of  December  31,  2015  and  2014,  the  Bancorp’s  unfunded 

commitments to these entities were $969 million and $859 million, 
respectively.  The  loans  and  unfunded  commitments  to  these  VIEs 
are  included  in  the  Bancorp’s  overall  analysis  of  the  ALLL  and 
reserve for unfunded commitments, respectively. The Bancorp does 
not provide any implicit or explicit liquidity guarantees or principal 
value guarantees to these VIEs. 

Automobile Loan Securitization 
The  Bancorp  previously  securitized  and  sold  certain  automobile 
loans  with  a  carrying  amount  of  approximately  $509  million  in  a 
transaction  that  qualified  for  sale  accounting.  The  Bancorp  has 
concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary of the trust because 
it has neither the obligation to absorb losses of the entity that could 
potentially be significant to the VIE nor the right to receive benefits 
from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The 
Bancorp  is  not  required  and  does  not  currently  intend  to  provide 
any additional financial support to the trust. Investors and creditors 
only have recourse to the assets held by the trust. The interest the 
Bancorp  holds  in  the  VIE  relates  to  servicing  rights  which  are 
included  in  the  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets.  The  maximum 
exposure to loss is equal to the carrying value of the servicing asset. 

119  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

in  other  noninterest 

12. SALES OF RECEIVABLES AND SERVICING RIGHTS 
Residential Mortgage TDR Loan Sale 
In  March  of  2015,  the  Bancorp  recognized  a  $37  million  gain, 
included 
the  Consolidated 
Statements  of  Income,  on  the  sale  of  certain  HFS  residential 
mortgage  loans  with  a  carrying  value  of  $568  million  that  were 
previously  modified  in  a  TDR.  As  part  of  this  sale,  the  Bancorp 
provided 
and  warranties. 
Additionally,  the  Bancorp  did  not  obtain  servicing  responsibilities 
on the sales of these loans and the investors have no credit recourse 
to the Bancorp’s other assets for failure of debtors to pay when due.  

representations 

standard 

income 

certain 

in 

Residential Mortgage Loan Sales 
The  Bancorp  sold  fixed  and  adjustable-rate  residential  mortgage 
loans during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. In 
those  sales,  the  Bancorp  obtained  servicing  responsibilities  and 
provided  certain  standard  representations  and  warranties,  however 
the  investors  have  no  recourse  to  the  Bancorp’s  other  assets  for 
failure  of  debtors  to  pay  when  due.  The  Bancorp  receives  annual 
servicing fees based on a percentage of the outstanding balance. The 
Bancorp identifies classes of servicing assets based on financial asset 
type and interest rates. 

Information related to residential mortgage loan sales and the  Bancorp’s mortgage banking activity, which  is included in mortgage banking net
revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Income, for the years ended December 31 is as follows:

($ in millions)  

Residential mortgage loan sales(a) 

Origination fees and gains on loan sales  
Gross mortgage servicing fees  
(a)  Represents the unpaid principal balance at the time of the sale. 
(b)  Excludes $568 of HFS residential mortgage loans previously modified in a TDR that were sold during the first quarter of 2015.  

2015   

2014  

2013  

$

 5,078 

(b) 

5,467 

21,529 

 171 
 222 

153 
246 

453 
251 

Servicing Rights 
The following table presents changes in the servicing rights related to residential mortgage and automobile loans for the years ended December 31:

($ in millions) 
Carrying amount before valuation allowance: 
   Balance, beginning of period 
     Servicing rights that result from the transfer of residential mortgage loans 
     Amortization 
     Other-than-temporary impairment 
   Balance, end of period 
Valuation allowance for servicing rights: 
   Balance, beginning of period 
     Recovery of (provision for) MSR impairment 
     Other-than-temporary impairment 
   Balance, end of period 
Carrying amount after valuation allowance 

2015  

2014  

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

 1,392 
63 
(140)
(111)
 1,204 

(534)
4 
111 
(419)
785 

1,440 
73 
(121)
- 
1,392 

(469)
(65)
- 
(534)
858 

Amortization  expense  recognized  on  servicing  rights  for  the  years 
ended  December  31,  2015,  2014  and  2013  was  $140  million,  $121 
million and $168 million, respectively. The Bancorp's projections of 

amortization  expense  shown  below  are  based  on  existing  asset 
balances and static key economic assumptions as of December 31, 
2015. Future amortization expense may vary from these projections. 

Estimated amortization expense for the years ending December 31, 2016 through 2020 is as follows: 

($ in millions) 
2016  
2017  
2018  
2019  
2020  

$

Total 
114   
103   
93   
85   
77   

Temporary impairment or impairment recovery, affected through a 
change in the MSR valuation allowance, is captured as a component 
of mortgage banking net revenue in the Consolidated Statements of 
Income.  Other-than-temporary  impairment  recognized  through  a 
write-off  of  the  servicing  right  and  related  valuation  allowance  is 
captured  as  a  component  of  servicing  rights  on  the  Consolidated 
Balance  Sheets.  The  Bancorp  maintains  a  non-qualifying  hedging 
strategy to manage a portion of the risk associated with changes in 

the value of the MSR portfolio. This strategy includes the purchase 
of free-standing derivatives and various available-for-sale securities. 
The  interest  income,  mark-to-market  adjustments  and  gain  or  loss 
from sale activities associated with these portfolios are expected to 
economically  hedge  a  portion  of  the  change  in  value  of  the  MSR 
portfolio  caused  by  fluctuating  discount  rates,  earnings  rates  and 
prepayment speeds. The fair value of the servicing asset is based on 
the present value of expected future cash flows.    

120  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
 
   
  
  
  
  
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
The following table displays the beginning and ending fair value of the servicing rights for the years ended December 31: 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

($ in millions) 
Fixed-rate residential mortgage loans: 
    Balance, beginning of period 
    Balance, end of period 
Adjustable-rate residential mortgage loans: 
    Balance, beginning of period 
    Balance, end of period 
Fixed-rate automobile loans: 
    Balance, beginning of period 
    Balance, end of period 

2015  

2014  

$ 

823 
757 

33 
27 

2 
1   

929
823

38
33

4
2  

The following table presents activity related to valuations of the MSR portfolio and the impact of the non-qualifying hedging strategy, which is
included in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31:

($ in millions) 
Securities gains, net - non-qualifying hedges on MSRs 
Changes in fair value and settlement of free-standing derivatives purchased 
    to economically hedge the MSR portfolio (mortgage banking net revenue) 
Recovery of (provision for) MSR impairment (mortgage banking net revenue) 

2015  
 - 

$

90 
4 

2014  
 - 

95 
(65)

2013  
 13 

(30)
192 

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the key economic assumptions used in measuring the interests in residential mortgage loans that continued to 
be held by the Bancorp at the date of sale or securitization resulting from transactions completed during the years ended December 31 were as 
follows: 

2015  

2014  

Weighted- 
Average 
Life  
(in years) 

Rate 

Prepayment 
Speed 
(annual) 

OAS Spread
(bps) 

Weighted-  
Average 
Default Rate

  Weighted-
Average 
Life  
(in years) 

Prepayment 
Speed 
(annual) 

Weighted- 
Discount Rate Average 

(annual)  Default Rate

Residential mortgage loans: 
    Servicing rights 
    Servicing rights 

Fixed 
Adjustable 

6.9 
3.4 

11.0 %
25.2 

534   
303 

N/A
N/A

6.6
3.7

11.3 % 
22.3 

10.0 % 
11.7 

N/A
N/A

During  the  first  quarter  of  2015,  the  Bancorp  adopted  an  OAS 
valuation  approach  for  valuing  its  MSRs.  This  approach  projects 
servicing cash flows over multiple interest rate scenarios, which are 
then discounted at risk-adjusted rates. 

Based on historical credit experience, expected credit losses for 
residential  mortgage  loan  servicing  assets  have  been  deemed 

immaterial, as the Bancorp sold the majority of the underlying loans 
without  recourse.  At  December  31,  2015  and  2014,  the  Bancorp 
serviced  $59.0  billion  and  $65.4  billion,  respectively,  of  residential 
mortgage  loans  for  other  investors.  The  value  of  MSRs  that 
continue to be held by the Bancorp is subject to credit, prepayment 
and interest rate risks on the sold financial assets.   

At  December  31,  2015,  the  sensitivity  of  the  current  fair  value  of  residual  cash  flows  to  immediate  10%,  20%  and  50%  adverse  changes  in 
prepayment speed assumptions and immediate 10% and 20% adverse changes in other assumptions are as follows: 

Prepayment  
Speed Assumption 

Residual Servicing  
Cash Flows 

Fair 
   Value 

Weighted-
Average Life 
(in years) 

Impact of Adverse Change 
on Fair Value 
20% 

50% 

10% 

Impact of Adverse 
Change on Fair 
Value 

10% 

20% 

OAS Spread
(bps) 

($ in millions)(a) 
Residential mortgage loans:  
    Servicing rights  
    Servicing rights  
(a)  The impact of the weighted-average default rate on the current fair value of residual cash flows for all scenarios is immaterial.  

Fixed 
Adjustable 

11.8 % $
27.0 

757 
27 

5.9
3.0

Rate 

Rate 

$ 

(32)
(2)

(61)
(3)

(134)
(7)

618 
703 

$

(18)
(1)

(34)
(1)

These sensitivities are hypothetical and should be used with caution. 
As  the  figures  indicate,  changes  in  fair  value  based  on  these 
variations  in  the  assumptions  typically  cannot  be  extrapolated 
because the relationship of the change in assumption to the change 
in fair value may not be linear. The Bancorp believes variations of 
these levels are reasonably possible; however, there is the potential 
that  adverse  changes  in  key  assumptions  could  be  even  greater. 

the  Bancorp 

Also,  in  the  previous  table,  the  effect  of  a  variation  in  a  particular 
assumption on the fair value of the interests that continue to be held 
by 
is  calculated  without  changing  any  other 
assumption; in reality, changes in one factor may result in changes in 
another (for example, increases in market interest rates may result in 
lower  prepayments),  which  might  magnify  or  counteract  these 
sensitivities. 

121  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
     
     
  
  
  
     
  
   
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
     
     
  
  
  
     
  
   
  
  
  
    
  
  
   
  
  
  
    
  
  
   
  
  
  
 
  
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

than  the  notional,  principal  or  contract  amounts.  Credit  risk  is 
minimized  through  credit  approvals,  limits,  counterparty  collateral 
and monitoring procedures.  

The  Bancorp’s  derivative  assets  include  certain  contractual 
features in which the Bancorp requires the counterparties to provide 
collateral in the form of cash and securities to offset changes in the 
fair value of the derivatives, including changes in the fair value due 
to  credit  risk  of  the  counterparty.  As  of  December  31,  2015  and 
2014,  the  balance  of  collateral  held  by  the  Bancorp  for  derivative 
assets  was  $821  million  and  $830  million,  respectively.  The  credit 
component  negatively  impacting  the  fair  value  of  derivative  assets 
associated with customer accommodation contracts as of December 
31, 2015 and 2014 was $9 million and $16 million, respectively. 

In measuring the fair value of derivative liabilities, the Bancorp 
considers  its  own  credit  risk,  taking  into  consideration  collateral 
maintenance  requirements  of  certain  derivative  counterparties  and 
the duration of instruments with counterparties that do not require 
collateral  maintenance.  When  necessary, 
the  Bancorp  posts 
collateral  primarily  in  the  form  of  cash  and  securities  to  offset 
changes  in  fair  value  of  the  derivatives,  including  changes  in  fair 
value due to the Bancorp’s credit risk. As of December 31, 2015 and 
2014, the balance of collateral posted by the Bancorp for derivative 
liabilities was $504 million and $574 million, respectively. Certain of 
the  Bancorp’s  derivative 
liabilities  contain  credit-risk  related 
contingent  features  that  could  result  in  the  requirement  to  post 
additional collateral upon the occurrence of specified events. As of 
December  31,  2015  and  2014,  the  fair  value  of  the  additional 
collateral  that  could  be  required  to  be  posted  as  a  result  of  the 
credit-risk related contingent features being triggered was immaterial 
to the Bancorp’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The posting of 
collateral  has  been  determined  to  remove  the  need  for  further 
consideration  of  credit  risk.  As  a  result,  the  Bancorp  determined 
that  the  impact  of  the  Bancorp’s  credit  risk  to  the  valuation  of  its 
derivative  liabilities  was  immaterial  to  the  Bancorp’s  Consolidated 
Financial Statements. 

The  Bancorp  holds  certain  derivative  instruments  that  qualify 
for  hedge  accounting  treatment  and  are  designated  as  either  fair 
value  hedges  or  cash  flow  hedges.  Derivative  instruments  that  do 
not  qualify  for  hedge  accounting  treatment,  or  for  which  hedge 
accounting  is  not  established,  are  held  as  free-standing  derivatives. 
All  customer  accommodation  derivatives  are  held  as  free-standing 
derivatives. 

The fair value of derivative instruments is presented on a gross 
basis,  even  when  the  derivative  instruments  are  subject  to  master 
netting  arrangements.  Derivative  instruments  with  a  positive  fair 
value  are  reported  in  other  assets  in  the  Consolidated  Balance 
Sheets  while  derivative  instruments  with  a  negative  fair  value  are 
reported in other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Cash 
collateral  payables  and  receivables  associated  with  the  derivative 
instruments  are  not  added  to  or  netted  against  the  fair  value 
amounts. 

13. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 
The  Bancorp  maintains  an  overall  risk  management  strategy  that 
incorporates the use of derivative instruments to reduce certain risks 
related  to  interest  rate,  prepayment  and  foreign  currency  volatility. 
Additionally,  the  Bancorp  holds  derivative  instruments  for  the 
benefit  of  its  commercial  customers  and  for  other  business 
purposes.  The  Bancorp  does  not  enter  into  unhedged  speculative 
derivative positions. 

the 

The Bancorp’s interest rate risk management strategy involves 
modifying 
financial 
repricing  characteristics  of  certain 
instruments so that changes in interest rates do not adversely affect 
the  Bancorp’s  net  interest  margin  and  cash  flows.  Derivative 
instruments that the Bancorp may use as part of its interest rate risk 
management strategy include interest rate swaps, interest rate floors, 
interest  rate  caps,  forward  contracts,  forward  starting  interest  rate 
swaps,  options  and  swaptions.  Interest  rate  swap  contracts  are 
exchanges  of  interest  payments,  such  as  fixed-rate  payments  for 
floating-rate  payments,  based  on  a  stated  notional  amount  and 
maturity  date.  Interest  rate  floors  protect  against  declining  rates, 
while interest rate caps protect against rising interest rates. Forward 
contracts  are  contracts  in  which  the  buyer  agrees  to  purchase,  and 
the seller agrees to make delivery of, a specific financial instrument 
at  a  predetermined  price  or  yield.  Options  provide  the  purchaser 
with  the  right,  but  not  the  obligation,  to  purchase  or  sell  a 
contracted  item  during  a  specified  period  at  an  agreed  upon  price. 
Swaptions  are  financial  instruments  granting  the  owner  the  right, 
but not the obligation, to enter into or cancel a swap. 

interest 

(principal-only  swaps, 

Prepayment  volatility  arises  mostly  from  changes  in  fair  value 
of  the  largely  fixed-rate  MSR  portfolio,  mortgage  loans  and 
mortgage-backed  securities.  The  Bancorp  may  enter  into  various 
rate 
free-standing  derivatives 
swaptions, interest rate floors, mortgage options, TBAs and interest 
rate  swaps)  to  economically  hedge  prepayment  volatility.  Principal-
only swaps are total return swaps based on changes in the value of 
the  underlying  mortgage  principal-only  trust.  TBAs  are  a  forward 
purchase agreement for a mortgage-backed securities trade whereby 
the terms of the security are undefined at the time the trade is made. 
Foreign  currency  volatility  occurs  as  the  Bancorp  enters  into 
certain 
in  foreign  currencies.  Derivative 
instruments that the Bancorp may use to economically hedge these 
foreign  denominated  loans  include  foreign  exchange  swaps  and 
forward contracts. 

loans  denominated 

The  Bancorp  also  enters  into  derivative  contracts  (including 
foreign  exchange  contracts,  commodity  contracts  and  interest  rate 
contracts)  for  the  benefit  of  commercial  customers  and  other 
business  purposes.  The  Bancorp  economically  hedges  significant 
exposures related to these free-standing derivatives by entering into 
offsetting  third-party  contracts  with  approved,  reputable  and 
independent  counterparties  with  substantially  matching  terms  and 
inability  of 
currencies.  Credit  risk  arises  from  the  possible 
counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts. The Bancorp’s 
exposure is limited to the replacement value of the contracts rather 

122  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following tables reflect the notional amounts and fair values for all derivative instruments included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of:

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

December 31, 2015 ($ in millions) 
Qualifying Hedging Instruments 
   Fair value hedges: 
     Interest rate swaps related to long-term debt 
   Total fair value hedges 
   Cash flow hedges: 
     Interest rate swaps related to C&I loans 
   Total cash flow hedges 
Total derivatives designated as qualifying hedging instruments 
Derivatives Not Designated as Qualifying Hedging Instruments 
   Free-standing derivatives - risk management and other business purposes: 
     Interest rate contracts related to MSRs 
     Forward contracts related to held for sale residential mortgage loans 
     Stock warrant associated with Vantiv Holding, LLC 
     Swap associated with the sale of Visa, Inc. Class B shares 
   Total free-standing derivatives - risk management and other business purposes 
   Free-standing derivatives - customer accommodation: 
     Interest rate contracts for customers 
     Interest rate lock commitments 
     Commodity contracts 
     Foreign exchange contracts 
   Total free-standing derivatives - customer accommodation 
Total derivatives not designated as qualifying hedging instruments 
Total 

December 31, 2014 ($ in millions) 
Qualifying Hedging Instruments 
   Fair value hedges: 
     Interest rate swaps related to long-term debt 
   Total fair value hedges 
   Cash flow hedges: 
     Interest rate swaps related to C&I loans 
   Total cash flow hedges 
Total derivatives designated as qualifying hedging instruments 
Derivatives Not Designated as Qualifying Hedging Instruments 
   Free-standing derivatives - risk management and other business purposes: 
     Interest rate contracts related to MSRs 
     Forward contracts related to held for sale residential mortgage loans 
     Stock warrant associated with Vantiv Holding, LLC 
     Swap associated with the sale of Visa, Inc. Class B shares 
   Total free-standing derivatives - risk management and other business purposes 
   Free-standing derivatives - customer accommodation: 
     Interest rate contracts for customers 
     Interest rate lock commitments 
     Commodity contracts 
     Foreign exchange contracts 
   Total free-standing derivatives - customer accommodation 
Total derivatives not designated as qualifying hedging instruments 
Total 

Fair Value 

Notional 
Amount 

   Derivative 

Assets 

Derivative 
Liabilities 

$

 2,705 

 5,475 

 11,657 
 1,330 
 369 
 1,292 

 29,889 
 721 
 2,464 
 16,243 

$

 372 
 372 

 39 
 39 
 411 

 239 
 3 
 262 
 - 
 504 

 242 
 15 
 294 
 386 
 937 
 1,441 
 1,852 

 2 
 2 

 - 
 - 
 2 

 9 
 1 
 - 
 61 
 71 

 249 
 - 
 276 
 340 
 865 
 936 
 938 

Fair Value 

Notional 
Amount 

Derivative 
Assets 

Derivative 
Liabilities 

$

 2,205 

 3,150 

 4,487 
 999 
 691 
 1,092 

 29,558 
 613 
 3,558 
 16,475 

$

 399 
 399 

 36 
 36 
 435 

 181 
 - 
 415 
 - 
 596 

 272 
 12 
 348 
 417 
 1,049 
 1,645 
 2,080 

 - 
 - 

 - 
 - 
 - 

 - 
 6 
 - 
 49 
 55 

 278 
 - 
 338 
 372 
 988 
 1,043 
 1,043 

123  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
     
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Fair Value Hedges 
The Bancorp may enter into interest rate swaps to convert its fixed-
rate funding to floating-rate. Decisions to convert fixed-rate funding 
to  floating  are  made  primarily  through  consideration  of  the 
asset/liability  mix  of  the  Bancorp,  the  desired  asset/liability 
sensitivity  and  interest  rate  levels.  For  all  interest  rate  swaps  as  of 
December  31,  2015,  an  assessment  of  hedge  effectiveness  using 
regression  analysis  was  performed  and  such  swaps  were  accounted 
for using the “long-haul” method. The long-haul method requires a 

quarterly  assessment  of  hedge  effectiveness  and  measurement  of 
ineffectiveness. For interest rate swaps accounted for as a fair value 
hedge using the long-haul method, ineffectiveness is the difference 
between the changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap and 
changes in fair  value of the related hedged item attributable to the 
risk  being  hedged.  The  ineffectiveness  on  interest  rate  swaps 
hedging fixed-rate funding is reported within interest expense in the 
Consolidated Statements of Income.   

The following table reflects the change in fair value of interest rate contracts, designated as fair value hedges, as well as the change in fair value of 
the related hedged items attributable to the risk being hedged, included in the Consolidated Statements of Income: 

For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 
Interest rate contracts: 
  Interest on long-term debt 
     Change in fair value of interest rate swaps hedging long-term debt 
     Change in fair value of hedged long-term debt attributable to the risk being hedged   Interest on long-term debt 

Consolidated Statements of  
Income Caption 

2015  

2014  

2013  

$ 

 (29)
 25 

 120 
 (126)

 (279)
 276 

liabilities  may  be  grouped 

Cash Flow Hedges 
The Bancorp may enter into interest rate swaps to convert floating-
rate assets and liabilities to fixed rates or to hedge certain forecasted 
transactions.  The  assets  or 
in 
circumstances  where  they  share  the  same  risk  exposure  that  the 
Bancorp desires to hedge. The Bancorp may also enter into interest 
rate  caps  and  floors  to  limit  cash  flow  variability  of  floating-rate 
assets and liabilities. As of December 31, 2015, all hedges designated 
as cash flow hedges were assessed for effectiveness using regression 
analysis.  Ineffectiveness  is  generally  measured  as  the  amount  by 
which  the  cumulative  change  in  the  fair  value  of  the  hedging 
instrument  exceeds  the  present  value  of  the  cumulative  change  in 
the hedged item’s expected cash flows attributable to the risk being 
hedged. Ineffectiveness is reported within other noninterest income 
in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The effective portion of 
the  cumulative  gains  or  losses  on  cash  flow  hedges  are  reported 
within  AOCI  and  are  reclassified  from  AOCI  to  current  period 
earnings  when  the  forecasted  transaction  affects  earnings.  As  of 
December  31,  2015,  the  maximum  length  of  time  over  which  the 

Bancorp  is  hedging  its  exposure  to  the  variability  in  future  cash 
flows is 48 months. 

Reclassified  gains  and  losses  on  interest  rate  contracts  related 
to  commercial  and  industrial  loans  are  recorded  within  interest 
income in the Consolidated Statements of Income. As of December 
31, 2015 and 2014, $22 million and $23 million, respectively, of net 
deferred  gains,  net  of  tax,  on  cash  flow  hedges  were  recorded  in 
AOCI  in  the  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets.  As  of  December  31, 
2015,  $25  million  in  net  deferred  gains,  net  of  tax,  recorded  in 
AOCI are expected to be reclassified into earnings during the next 
twelve  months.  This  amount  could  differ  from  amounts  actually 
recognized  due  to  changes  in  interest  rates,  hedge  de-designations, 
and the addition of other hedges subsequent to December 31, 2015. 
During the years ended 2015 and 2014, there were no gains or 
losses  reclassified  from  AOCI  into  earnings  associated  with  the 
discontinuance of cash flow hedges because it was probable that the 
original forecasted transaction would no longer occur by the end of 
the originally specified time period or within the additional period of 
time as defined by U.S. GAAP. 

The following table presents the pretax net gains (losses) recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income and the Consolidated Statements of 
Comprehensive Income relating to derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges: 

For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 
Amount of pretax net gains (losses) recognized in OCI 
Amount of pretax net gains reclassified from OCI into net income 

Free-Standing Derivative Instruments – Risk Management 
and Other Business Purposes 
As  part  of  its  overall  risk  management  strategy  relative  to  its 
mortgage banking activity, the Bancorp may enter into various free-
standing  derivatives  (principal-only  swaps,  interest  rate  swaptions, 
interest rate floors, mortgage options, TBAs and interest rate swaps) 
to economically hedge changes in fair value of its largely fixed-rate 
MSR  portfolio.  Principal-only  swaps  hedge  the  mortgage-LIBOR 
spread  because  these  swaps  appreciate  in  value  as  a  result  of 
tightening  spreads.  Principal-only  swaps  also  provide  prepayment 
protection by increasing in value when prepayment speeds increase, 
as  opposed  to  MSRs  that  lose  value  in  a  faster  prepayment 
environment.  Receive  fixed/pay  floating  interest  rate  swaps  and 
swaptions  increase  in  value  when  interest  rates  do  not  increase  as 
quickly as expected. 

The  Bancorp  enters  into  forward  contracts  and  mortgage 
options  to  economically  hedge  the  change  in  fair  value  of  certain 
residential  mortgage  loans  held  for  sale  due  to  changes  in  interest 

124  Fifth Third Bancorp 

$

2015  
 74 
 75 

2014  
 60 
 44 

2013  
 (13)
 44 

rates. IRLCs issued on residential mortgage loan commitments that 
will  be  held  for  sale  are  also  considered  free-standing  derivative 
instruments and the interest rate exposure on these commitments is 
economically  hedged  primarily  with  forward  contracts.  Revaluation 
gains and losses from free-standing derivatives related to mortgage 
banking activity are recorded as a component of mortgage banking 
net revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Income. 

In  conjunction  with  the  initial  sale  of  the  Bancorp’s  51% 
interest  in  Vantiv  Holding,  LLC,  the  Bancorp  received  a  warrant 
which is accounted for as a free-standing derivative. Refer to Note 
27 for further discussion of significant inputs and assumptions used 
in  the  valuation  of  the  warrant.  During  the  year  ended  December 
31, 2015, the Bancorp both sold and exercised part of the warrant. 
For more information, refer to Note 19. 

In  conjunction  with  the  sale  of  Visa,  Inc.  Class  B  shares  in 
2009,  the  Bancorp  entered  into  a  total  return  swap  in  which  the 
Bancorp  will  make  or  receive  payments  based  on  subsequent 
changes  in  the  conversion  rate  of  the  Class  B  shares  into  Class  A 

 
 
 
     
  
  
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
     
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

shares.  This  total  return  swap  is  accounted  for  as  a  free-standing 
derivative.  Refer  to  Note  27  for  further  discussion  of  significant 

inputs and assumptions used in the valuation of this instrument.  

The  net  gains  (losses)  recorded  in  the  Consolidated  Statements  of  Income  relating  to  free-standing  derivative  instruments  used  for  risk 
management and other business purposes are summarized in the following table:

Consolidated Statements of 
Income Caption 

For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 
Interest rate contracts: 
     Forward contracts related to residential mortgage loans held for sale 
     Interest rate contracts related to MSR portfolio 
Foreign exchange contracts: 
     Foreign exchange contracts for risk management purposes 
Equity contracts: 
     Stock warrant associated with Vantiv Holding, LLC 
     Swap associated with sale of Visa, Inc. Class B shares 
(a)  The Bancorp recognized a net gain of $89 million on both the sale and exercise of the warrant during the fourth quarter of 2015. 

  Other noninterest income 

  Other noninterest income 
  Other noninterest income 

  Mortgage banking net revenue 
  Mortgage banking net revenue 

2015   

2014  

2013  

$ 

 8 
 90 

 23 

 325  (a)
 (37)

 (18)
 95 

 14 

 31 
 (38)

 24 
 (30)

 5 

 206 
 (31)

Free-Standing  Derivative  Instruments  –  Customer 
Accommodation 
The  majority  of  the  free-standing  derivative  instruments  the 
Bancorp enters into are for the benefit of its commercial customers. 
These derivative contracts are not designated against specific assets 
or  liabilities  on  the  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets  or  to  forecasted 
transactions  and,  therefore,  do  not  qualify  for  hedge  accounting. 
These  instruments  include  foreign  exchange  derivative  contracts 
entered  into  for  the  benefit  of  commercial  customers  involved  in 
international  trade  to  hedge  their  exposure  to  foreign  currency 
fluctuations  and  commodity  contracts  to  hedge  such  items  as 
natural gas and various other derivative contracts. The Bancorp may 
economically hedge significant exposures related to these derivative 
contracts entered into for the benefit of customers by entering into 
offsetting  contracts  with  approved, 
independent 
counterparties  with  substantially  matching  terms.  The  Bancorp 
interest  rate  exposure  on  commercial  customer 
hedges 
transactions  by  executing  offsetting  swap  agreements  with  primary 
dealers.  Revaluation  gains  and  losses  on  interest  rate,  foreign 
exchange,  commodity  and  other  commercial  customer  derivative 
contracts  are  recorded  as  a  component  of  corporate  banking 
revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Income.  

reputable, 

its 

The  Bancorp  enters  into  risk  participation  agreements,  under 
which  the  Bancorp  assumes  credit  exposure  relating  to  certain 
underlying  interest  rate  derivative  contracts.  The  Bancorp  only 
enters into these risk participation agreements in instances in which 
the Bancorp has participated in the loan that the underlying interest 
rate  derivative  contract  was  designed  to  hedge.  The  Bancorp  will 
make payments under these agreements if a customer defaults on its 
obligation to perform under the terms of the underlying interest rate 
derivative  contract.  As  of  December  31,  2015  and  2014,  the  total 
notional  amount  of  the  risk  participation  agreements  was  $1.7 
billion and $1.1 billion, respectively, and the fair value was a liability 
of $3 million at December 31, 2015 and $2 million at December 31, 
2014,  which  is  included  in  other  liabilities  in  the  Consolidated 
Balance  Sheets.  As  of  December  31,  2015,  the  risk  participation 
agreements had a weighted-average remaining life of 3.2 years. 

The  Bancorp’s  maximum  exposure  in  the  risk  participation 
agreements is contingent on the fair value of the underlying interest 
rate derivative contracts in an asset position at the time of default. 
The Bancorp monitors the credit risk associated with the underlying 
customers in the risk participation agreements through the same risk 
grading system currently utilized for establishing loss reserves in its 
loan and lease portfolio. 

Risk ratings of the notional amount of risk participation agreements under this risk rating system are summarized in the following table: 

At December 31 ($ in millions) 
Pass 
Special mention 
Substandard 
Total 

2015  

2014  

$ 

$ 

 1,650 
 7 
 7 
 1,664 

 1,052
 59
 2
 1,113

125  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
  
     
   
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
    
  
  
    
  
  
  
 
 
     
  
     
  
  
  
 
The  net  gains  (losses)  recorded  in  the  Consolidated  Statements  of  Income  relating  to  free-standing  derivative  instruments  used  for  customer 
accommodation are summarized in the following table: 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 
Interest rate contracts: 
     Interest rate contracts for customers (contract revenue) 
     Interest rate contracts for customers (credit losses) 
     Interest rate contracts for customers (credit portion of fair value adjustment) 
     Interest rate lock commitments 
Commodity contracts: 
     Commodity contracts for customers (contract revenue) 
     Commodity contracts for customers (credit losses) 
     Commodity contracts for customers (credit portion of fair value adjustment) 
Foreign exchange contracts: 
     Foreign exchange contracts for customers (contract revenue) 
     Foreign exchange contracts for customers (credit portion of fair value adjustment) 

Consolidated Statements of 
Income Caption 

   2015  

2014  

2013 

Corporate banking revenue 
Other noninterest expense 
Other noninterest expense 
Mortgage banking net revenue 

$ 

Corporate banking revenue 
Other noninterest expense 
Other noninterest expense 

Corporate banking revenue 
Other noninterest expense 

 23
 (1)
 1
 111

 5
 (2)
 6

 70
 -

 19 
 (3)
 3 
 124 

 6 
 - 
 (7)

 72 
 - 

 29 
 (3)
 7 
 58 

 7 
 - 
 - 

 69 
 (2)

Offsetting Derivative Financial Instruments 
The  Bancorp’s  derivative  transactions  are  generally  governed  by 
ISDA Master Agreements and similar arrangements, which include 
provisions governing the setoff of assets and liabilities between the 
parties.  When  the  Bancorp  has  more  than  one  outstanding 
derivative  transaction  with  a  single  counterparty,  the  setoff 
provisions  contained  within  these  agreements  generally  allow  the 
non-defaulting party the right to reduce its liability to the defaulting 

party by amounts eligible for setoff, including the collateral received 
as  well  as  eligible  offsetting  transactions  with  that  counterparty, 
irrespective  of  the  currency,  place  of  payment  or  booking  office. 
The Bancorp’s policy is to present its derivative assets and derivative 
liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets on a gross basis, even 
when provisions allowing for setoff are in place. 

Collateral  amounts  included  in  the  tables  below  consist 

primarily of cash and highly-rated government-backed securities. 

As of  December 31, 2015  ($ in millions) 

Assets  
Derivatives 
Total assets 

Gross Amount    
 Recognized in the   
Consolidated Balance Sheets(a)

Gross Amounts Not Offset in the 
Consolidated Balance Sheets 

Derivatives  

Collateral(b)  

  Net Amount 

$

 1,575    
 1,575    

 (512)   
 (512)   

 (627)  
 (627)  

 436
 436

Liabilities  
Derivatives 
Total liabilities  
(a)  Amount does not include the stock warrant associated with Vantiv Holding, LLC and IRLCs because these instruments are not subject to master netting or similar arrangements. 
(b)  Amount of collateral received as an offset to asset positions or pledged as an offset to liability positions. Collateral values in excess of related derivative amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance 

 (512)   
 (512)   

 (173)  
 (173)  

 938    
 938    

 253
 253

$

Sheets were excluded from this table. 

As of December 31, 2014 ($ in millions) 

Assets  
Derivatives 
Total assets 

Gross Amount    
 Recognized in the   
Consolidated Balance Sheets(a)

Gross Amounts Not Offset in the 
Consolidated Balance Sheets  

Derivatives  

Collateral(b)  

  Net Amount 

$

 1,653    
 1,653    

 (440)   
 (440)   

 (684)  
 (684)  

 529
 529

Liabilities  
Derivatives 
Total liabilities  
(a)  Amount does not include the stock warrant associated with Vantiv Holding, LLC and IRLCs because these instruments are not subject to master netting or similar arrangements. 
(b)  Amount of collateral received as an offset to asset positions or pledged as an offset to liability positions. Collateral values in excess of related derivative amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance 

 1,043    
 1,043    

 (440)   
 (440)   

 (293)  
 (293)  

 310
 310

$

Sheets were excluded from this table. 

126  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
    
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
 
    
  
  
 
    
 
  
 
 
  
   
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
 
    
  
  
 
    
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
   
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

14. OTHER ASSETS 
The following table provides the components of other assets included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31:

 ($ in millions) 
Derivative instruments 
Partnership investments 
Accounts receivable and drafts-in-process 
Bank owned life insurance 
Investment in Vantiv Holding, LLC 
Accrued interest and fees receivable 
OREO and other repossessed personal property 
Prepaid expenses 
Income tax receivable 
Other 
Total other assets 

The Bancorp utilizes derivative instruments as part of its overall risk 
management strategy to reduce certain risks related to interest rate, 
prepayment and foreign currency volatility. The Bancorp also holds 
derivatives instruments for the benefit of its commercial customers 
and  for  other  business  purposes.  For  further  information  on 
derivative instruments, refer to Note 13.  
       CDC,  a  wholly-owned  indirect  subsidiary  of  the  Bancorp,  was 
created to invest in projects to create affordable housing, revitalize 
business  and  residential  areas  and  preserve  historic  landmarks, 
which  are  included  above  in  partnership  investments. In  addition, 
Fifth Third Capital Holdings, a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of 
the  Bancorp,  invests  as  a  direct  private  equity  investor  and  as  a 
limited partner in private equity funds, which are included above as 
partnership  investments.  The  Bancorp  has  determined  that  these 
partnership  investments  are  VIEs  and  the  Bancorp’s  investments 
represent  variable 
to  Note  11  for  further 
information.  The  Bancorp  recognized  $1  million,  zero  and  $4 
million  of  OTTI  on  its  investments  in  private  equity  funds  during 
the  years  ended  December  31,  2015,  2014  and  2013,  respectively. 
Refer to Note 27 for further information. 

interests.  Refer 

The  Bancorp  purchases  life  insurance  policies  on  the  lives  of 
certain  directors,  officers  and  employees  and  is  the  owner  and 
beneficiary of the policies. Certain BOLI policies have a stable value 
agreement  through  either  a  large,  well-rated  bank  or  multi-national 
insurance  carrier  that  provides 
limited  cash  surrender  value 
protection  from  declines  in  the  value  of  each  policy’s  underlying 
investments. Refer to Note 1 for further information. 

In  2009,  the  Bancorp  sold  an  approximate  51%  interest  in  its 
processing business, Vantiv Holding, LLC. As a result of additional 
share  sales  completed  by  the  Bancorp,  its  current  ownership  share 
in  Vantiv  Holding,  LLC  is  approximately  18%.  The  Bancorp’s 
ownership in Vantiv Holding, LLC is currently accounted for under 
the  equity  method  of  accounting.  Refer  to  Note  19  for  further 
information. 

OREO  represents  property  acquired  through  foreclosure  or 
other  proceedings  and  is  carried  at  the  lower  of  cost  or  fair  value, 
less costs to sell. Refer to Note 1 for further information.  

2015 
1,852 
1,756 
1,653 
1,651 
360 
329 
155 
101 
- 
142 
7,999 

2014 
2,080 
1,685 
1,452 
1,623 
394 
312 
236 
97 
107 
255 
8,241 

$

$

127  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

15. SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS 
Borrowings with original maturities of one year or less are classified 
as short-term and include federal funds purchased and other short-
term  borrowings.  Federal  funds  purchased  are  excess  balances  in 
reserve accounts held at the FRB that the Bancorp purchased from 

other  member  banks  on  an  overnight  basis.  Other  short-term 
borrowings  include  securities  sold  under  repurchase  agreements, 
derivative  collateral,  FHLB  advances  and  other  borrowings  with 
original maturities of one year or less.   

The following table summarizes short-term borrowings and weighted-average rates:

 ($ in millions) 
As of December 31: 
     Federal funds purchased 
     Other short-term borrowings 
Average for the years ended December 31: 
     Federal funds purchased 
     Other short-term borrowings 
Maximum month-end balance for the years ended December 31: 
     Federal funds purchased 
     Other short-term borrowings 

2015  
Amount   Rate 

2014  

  Amount

Rate 

$

$

$

151 
1,507 

0.30 % $
0.11      

920 
1,721 

0.13 % $
0.12      

144 
1,556 

458 
1,873 

0.08 %
0.08   

0.09 %
0.10  

200   
4,904   

$

286   
3,756   

The following table presents a summary of the Bancorp's other short-term borrowings as of December 31: 

($ in millions) 
Securities sold under repurchase agreements 
Derivative collateral 
Total other short-term borrowings 

$ 

$ 

2015  

2014  

925 
582 
 1,507 

995   
561   
 1,556   

The  Bancorp’s  securities  sold  under  repurchase  agreements  are 
accounted  for  as  secured  borrowings  and  are  collateralized  by 
securities  included  in  available-for-sale  and  other  securities  in  the 
Consolidated Balance Sheets. These securities are subject to changes 

in  market  value  and,  therefore,  the  Bancorp  may  increase  or 
decrease  the  level  of  securities  pledged  as  collateral  based  upon 
these movements in market value.   

The following table summarizes the Bancorp's securities sold under repurchase agreements by the type of collateral securing the borrowing and 
remaining contractual maturity as of December 31: 

($ in millions) 

Collateral type: 
   Agency residential mortgage-backed securities 
   U.S. Treasury and federal agencies securities 
Total securities sold under repurchase agreements 

2015  

2014  

Amount 

Remaining Contractual 
Maturity 

Amount 

Remaining Contractual 
Maturity 

$ 

$ 

646 
279 
925   

Overnight 
Overnight 

$ 

$ 

896 
99 
995   

Overnight 
Overnight 

128  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
  
  
  
     
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
     
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
     
  
 
  
  
  
  
     
  
  
 
  
 
  
     
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

16. LONG-TERM DEBT 
The following table is a summary of the Bancorp’s long-term borrowings at December 31:

$

2015  

2014  

Maturity 

Interest Rate 

2016  
2019  
2020  
2022  

1,000 
500 
1,099 
498 

 1,000 
 499 
 - 
 497 

2016  
2017  
2018  
2024  
2038  

250 
520 
532 
748 
1,327 

3.625% 
2.30% 
2.875% 
3.50% 

0.99% 
5.45% 
4.50% 
4.30% 
8.25% 

 ($ in millions) 
Parent Company  
Senior:  
     Fixed-rate notes  
     Fixed-rate notes  
     Fixed-rate notes  
     Fixed-rate notes  
Subordinated:(a) 
     Floating-rate notes(c) 
     Fixed-rate notes  
     Fixed-rate notes  
     Fixed-rate notes  
     Fixed-rate notes  
Subsidiaries  
Senior:  
     Fixed-rate notes  
     Fixed-rate notes  
     Floating-rate notes(c) 
     Floating-rate notes(c) 
     Fixed-rate notes  
     Fixed-rate notes  
     Fixed-rate notes  
     Floating-rate notes(c) 
     Fixed-rate notes  
     Fixed-rate notes  
Subordinated:(a) 
     Fixed-rate bank notes  
Junior subordinated:(b) 
     Floating-rate debentures(c) 
FHLB advances  
Notes associated with consolidated VIEs:  
     Automobile loan securitizations:  
          Fixed-rate and floating-rate notes(c) 
Other  
Total  
(a)  Qualifies as Tier II capital for regulatory capital purposes. 
(b)  Under the Basel III Final Rule transition provisions, $13 million qualifies as Tier I capital as of December 31, 2015 while the remaining amount qualifies as Tier II capital. The entire amount 

1.15% 
0.90% 
0.87% 
0.82% 
1.35% 
2.15% 
1.45% 
1.28% 
2.375% 
2.875% 

 1,000 
 400 
 750 
 300 
 654 
 - 
 597 
 - 
 850 
 846 

 1,000 
400 
750 
300 
652 
998 
598 
250 
850 
846 

2016 - 2022  0.43% - 1.79% 
2016 - 2039 

1.93% - 2.20% 
2016 - 2041  0.05% - 6.87% 

2016 
2016 
2016 
2016 
2017 
2018 
2018 
2018 
2019 
2021 

250 
539 
544 
 748 
1,317 

 3,434 
 148 
14,967 

 2,493 
 144 
15,844 

52 
 37 

4.75% 

Varies 

51 
41 

2035  

2015  

502 

 - 

$

qualified as Tier I capital as of December 31, 2014. Refer to Note 28 for further information. 

(c)  These rates reflect the floating rates as of December 31, 2015.  

The Bancorp pays down long-term debt in accordance with contractual terms over maturity periods summarized in the above table. The aggregate 
annual maturities of long-term debt obligations (based on final maturity dates) as of December 31, 2015 are presented in the following table: 

 ($ in millions) 
2016 
2017 
2018 
2019 
2020 
Thereafter 
Total  

Parent 

Subsidiaries 

Total 

 1,250 
 520 
 532 
 500 
 1,099 
 2,573 
 6,474 

 2,594 
 954 
 2,807 
 1,221 
 664 
 1,130 
 9,370 

 3,844 
 1,474 
 3,339 
 1,721 
 1,763 
 3,703 
 15,844 

$

$

129  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
   
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
    
  
  
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

At  December  31,  2015,  the  Bancorp  had  outstanding  principal 
balances of $15.5 billion, net discounts of $24 million and additions 
for mark-to-market adjustments on its hedged debt of $382 million. 
At  December  31,  2014,  the  Bancorp  had  outstanding  principal 
balances of $14.6 billion, net discounts of $25 million and additions 
for mark-to-market adjustments on its hedged debt of $407 million. 
The  Bancorp  was  in  compliance  with  all  debt  covenants  at 
December 31, 2015. 

Parent Company Long-Term Borrowings 
Senior Notes 
On  January  25,  2011,  the  Bancorp  issued  and  sold  $1.0  billion  of 
senior notes to third-party investors. The senior notes bear a fixed-
rate  of  interest  of  3.625%  per  annum.  The  notes  are  unsecured, 
senior  obligations  of  the  Bancorp.  Payment  of  the  full  principal 
amounts of the notes is due upon maturity on January 25, 2016. The 
notes are not subject to redemption at the Bancorp’s option at any 
time prior to maturity. 

to 

third-party 

investors  and  entered 

On March 7, 2012, the Bancorp issued and sold $500 million of 
senior  notes 
into  a 
Supplemental  Indenture  dated  March  7,  2012  with  the  Trustee, 
which  modified  the  existing  Indenture  for  Senior  Debt  Securities 
dated  April  30,  2008.  The  Supplemental  Indenture  and  the 
Indenture define the rights of the senior notes, which senior notes 
are represented by a Global Security dated as of March 7, 2012. The 
senior notes bear a fixed-rate of interest of 3.50% per annum. The 
notes are unsecured, senior obligations of the Bancorp. Payment of 
the full principal amounts of the notes will be due upon maturity on 
March  15,  2022.  The  notes  are  not  subject  to  redemption  at  the 
Bancorp’s option at any time until 30 days prior to maturity. 

On  February  28,  2014,  the  Bancorp  issued  and  sold  $500 
million  of  senior  notes  to  third-party  investors.  The  senior  notes 
bear  a  fixed-rate  of  interest  of  2.30%  per  annum.  The  notes  are 
unsecured,  senior  obligations  of  the  Bancorp.  Payment  of  the  full 
principal  amounts  of  the  notes  is  due  upon  maturity  on  March  1, 
2019.  The  notes  are  not  subject  to  redemption  at  the  Bancorp’s 
option at any time until 30 days prior to maturity. 

On July  27, 2015, the Bancorp issued and sold  $1.1 billion of 
senior notes to third-party investors. The senior notes bear a fixed-
rate  of  interest  of  2.875%  per  annum.  The  notes  are  unsecured, 
senior  obligations  of  the  Bancorp.  Payment  of  the  full  principal 
amounts  of  the  notes  is  due  upon  maturity  on  July  27,  2020.  The 
notes are not subject to redemption at the Bancorp’s option at any 
time until 30 days prior to maturity. 

Subordinated Debt 
The  subordinated  floating-rate  notes  due  in  2016  pay  interest  at 
three-month  LIBOR  plus  42  bps.  The  Bancorp  has  entered  into 
interest rate swaps to convert its subordinated fixed-rate notes due 
in 2017 and 2018 to floating-rate, which pay interest at three-month 
LIBOR plus 42 bps and 25 bps, respectively, at December 31, 2015. 
The rates paid on the swaps hedging the subordinated floating-rate 
notes due in 2017 and 2018 were 0.78% and 0.66%, respectively, at 
December  31,  2015.  Of  the  $1.0  billion  in  8.25%  subordinated 
fixed-rate notes due in 2038, $705 million were subsequently hedged 
to floating and paid a rate of 3.46% at December 31, 2015.   

On  November  20,  2013,  the  Bancorp  issued  and  sold  $750 
million  of  4.30%  unsecured  subordinated  fixed-rate  notes  with  a 
maturity  date  of  January  16,  2024.  These  fixed-rate  notes  will  be 
redeemable by the Bancorp, in whole or in part, on or after the date 
that is 30 days prior to the maturity date at a redemption price equal 
to  100%  of  the  principal  amount  plus  accrued  and  unpaid  interest 
up to, but excluding, the redemption date. 

130  Fifth Third Bancorp 

Subsidiary Long-Term Borrowings 
Senior and Subordinated Debt 
Medium-term  senior  notes  and  subordinated  bank  notes  with 
maturities  ranging  from  one  year  to  30  years  can  be  issued  by  the 
Bancorp’s banking subsidiary. On February 25, 2013, the Bancorp’s 
banking  subsidiary  updated  and  amended  its  existing  global  bank 
note  program.  The  amended  global  bank  note  program  increased 
the  Bank’s  capacity  to  issue  its  senior  and  subordinated  unsecured 
bank  notes  from  $20  billion  to  $25  billion.  As  of  December  31, 
2015, $18.4 billion was available for future issuance under the global 
bank note program.  

On  February  28,  2013,  the  Bank  issued  and  sold,  under  its 
amended  bank  notes  program,  $1.3  billion  in  aggregate  principal 
amount of unsecured senior bank notes. The bank notes consisted 
of:  $600  million  of  1.45%  senior  fixed-rate  notes  due  on 
February 28,  2018;  $400  million  of  0.90%  senior  fixed-rate  notes 
due  on  February 26,  2016;  and  $300  million  of  senior  floating-rate 
notes due on February 26, 2016. Interest on the floating-rate notes 
is  three-month  LIBOR  plus  41  bps.  These  bank  notes  will  be 
redeemable  by  the  Bank,  in  whole  or  in  part,  on  or  after  the  date 
that is 30 days prior to the maturity date at a redemption price equal 
to  100%  of  the  principal  amount  plus  accrued  and  unpaid  interest 
through the redemption date.  

On  November  20,  2013,  the  Bank  issued  and  sold,  under  its 
amended  bank  notes  program,  $1.8  billion  in  aggregate  principal 
amount of unsecured senior bank notes. The bank notes consisted 
of  $1.0  billion  of  1.15%  senior  fixed-rate  notes  due  on 
November 18,  2016  and  $750  million  of  senior  floating-rate  notes 
due  on  November 18,  2016.  Interest  on  the  floating-rate  notes  is 
three-month  LIBOR  plus  51  bps.  These  bank  notes  will  be 
redeemable  by  the  Bank,  in  whole  or  in  part,  on  or  after  the  date 
that is 30 days prior to the maturity date at a redemption price equal 
to  100%  of  the  principal  amount  plus  accrued  and  unpaid  interest 
up to, but excluding, the redemption date. 

On  April  25,  2014,  the  Bank  issued  and  sold,  under  its 
amended  bank  notes  program,  $1.5  billion  in  aggregate  principal 
amount of unsecured senior bank notes. The bank notes consisted 
of $850 million of 2.375% senior fixed-rate notes due on April 25, 
2019 and $650 million of 1.35% senior fixed-rate notes due on June 
1, 2017. These bank notes will be redeemable by the Bank, in whole 
or in part, on or after the date that is 30 days prior to the maturity 
date  at  a  redemption  price  equal  to  100%  of  the  principal  amount 
plus  accrued  and  unpaid  interest  up  to,  but  excluding,  the 
redemption date. 

On  September  5,  2014,  the  Bank  issued  and  sold,  under  its 
amended  bank  notes  program,  $850  million  of  2.875%  unsecured 
senior  fixed-rate  bank  notes  with  a  maturity  date  of  October  1, 
2021. These bank notes will be redeemable by the Bank, in whole or 
in part, on or after the date that is 30 days prior to the maturity date 
at  a  redemption  price  equal  to  100%  of  the  principal  amount  plus 
accrued  and  unpaid  interest  up  to,  but  excluding,  the  redemption 
date. 

On  August  20,  2015,  the  Bank  issued  and  sold,  under  its 
amended  bank  notes  program,  $1.3  billion  in  aggregate  principal 
amount of unsecured senior bank notes. The bank notes consisted 
of  $1.0  billion  of  2.15%  senior fixed-rate  notes  due  on  August  20, 
2018 and $250  million of senior floating-rate notes due on August 
20,  2018.  The  Bancorp  entered  into  interest  rate  swaps  to  convert 
the  fixed-rate  notes  to  floating-rate,  which  resulted  in  an  effective 
rate  of  three-month  LIBOR  plus  90  bps.  Interest  on  the  floating-
rate notes is three-month LIBOR plus 91 bps. These bank notes will 
be redeemable by the Bank, in whole or in part, on or after the date 
that is 30 days prior to the maturity date at a redemption price equal 
to  100%  of  the  principal  amount  plus  accrued  and  unpaid  interest 
up to, but excluding, the redemption date. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Junior Subordinated Debt 
The junior subordinated floating-rate bank notes due in 2035 were 
assumed  by  the  Bancorp’s  banking  subsidiary  as  part  of  the 
acquisition of First Charter in May 2008. The obligation was issued 
to  First  Charter  Capital  Trust  I  and  II,  respectively.  The  notes  of 
First  Charter  Capital  Trust  I  and  II  pay  a  floating-rate  at  three-
month  LIBOR  plus  169  bps  and  142  bps,  respectively.  The  Bank 
has  fully  and  unconditionally  guaranteed  all  obligations  under  the 
acquired TruPS issued by First Charter Capital Trust I and II.  

FHLB Advances 
At  December  31,  2015,  FHLB  advances  have  rates  ranging  from 
0.05%  to  6.87%,  with  interest  payable  monthly.  The  Bancorp  has 
pledged  $17.3  billion  of  certain  residential  mortgage  loans  and 
securities  to  secure  its  borrowing  capacity  at  the  Federal  Home 

Loan Bank which is partially utilized to fund $37 million in FHLB 
advances  that  are  outstanding.  The  FHLB  advances  mature  as 
follows: $2 million in 2016, $1 million in 2017, $4 million in 2018, 
$9 million in 2019, $4 million in 2020 and $17 million thereafter. 

Notes Associated with Consolidated VIEs 
As previously discussed in Note 11, the Bancorp was determined to 
be  the  primary  beneficiary  of  various  VIEs  associated  with 
automobile  loan  securitizations  completed  during  the  years  ended 
December  31,  2015,  2014  and  2013.  As  such,  $2.5  billion  of  long-
term debt related to these VIEs was consolidated in the Bancorp’s 
Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2015. Third-
party holders of this debt do not have recourse to the general assets 
of the Bancorp. 

131  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

17. COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND GUARANTEES 
The Bancorp, in the normal course of business, enters into financial 
instruments and various agreements to meet the financing needs of 
its customers. The Bancorp also enters into certain transactions and 
agreements to manage its interest rate and prepayment risks, provide 
funding, equipment and locations for its operations and invest in its 
communities. These instruments and agreements involve, to varying 
degrees, elements of credit risk, counterparty risk and market risk in 

excess  of  the  amounts  recognized  in  the  Consolidated  Balance 
Sheets.  The  creditworthiness  of  counterparties  for  all  instruments 
and  agreements  is  evaluated  on  a  case-by-case  basis  in  accordance 
with  the  Bancorp’s  credit  policies.  The  Bancorp’s  significant 
commitments, contingent liabilities and guarantees in excess of the 
in  the  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets  are 
amounts  recognized 
discussed in further detail below: 

Commitments   
The  Bancorp  has  certain  commitments  to  make  future  payments  under  contracts.  The  following  table  reflects  a  summary  of  significant 
commitments as of December 31: 

($ in millions) 
Commitments to extend credit 
Letters of credit 
Forward contracts related to held for sale residential mortgage loans 
Noncancelable operating lease obligations 
Capital commitments for private equity investments 
Purchase obligations 
Capital expenditures 
Capital lease obligations 

Commitments to extend credit 
Commitments  to  extend  credit  are  agreements  to  lend,  typically 
having fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses that may 
require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments to extend 
credit may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment 
amounts do not necessarily represent future cash flow requirements. 
The  Bancorp 
the  event  of 
nonperformance  by  the  counterparty  for  the  amount  of  the 
contract.  Fixed-rate  commitments  are  also  subject  to  market  risk 

to  credit  risk 

is  exposed 

in 

$ 

2015  
 66,884 
 3,055 
 1,330 
 635 
 60 
 60 
 30 
 27 

2014  
 63,827 
 3,974 
 999 
 697 
 78 
 77 
 28 
 37 

resulting  from  fluctuations  in  interest  rates  and  the  Bancorp’s 
exposure is limited to the replacement value of those commitments. 
As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Bancorp had a reserve for 
unfunded  commitments,  including  letters  of  credit,  totaling  $138 
million and $135 million, respectively, included in other liabilities in 
the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Bancorp monitors the credit 
risk  associated  with  commitments  to  extend  credit  using  the  same 
risk rating system utilized within its loan and lease portfolio. 

Risk ratings under this risk rating system are summarized in the following table as of December 31: 

($ in millions) 
Pass 
Special mention 
Substandard 
Total commitments to extend credit 

2015  
 65,645 
 647 
 592 
 66,884 

$ 

$ 

2014  
 62,787 
 660 
 380 
 63,827 

Letters of credit 
Standby and commercial letters of credit are conditional commitments issued to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party and 
expire as summarized in the following table as of December 31, 2015: 

($ in millions) 
Less than 1 year(a) 
1 - 5 years(a) 
Over 5 years  
Total letters of credit  
(a) 

$ 

$ 

 1,700 
 1,301 
 54 
 3,055 

Includes  $28  and  $15  issued  on  behalf  of  commercial  customers  to  facilitate  trade  payments  in  U.S.  dollars  and  foreign  currencies  which  expire  less  than  1  year  and  between  1  and  5  years, 
respectively.   

guarantees 

Standby letters of credit accounted for 99% and 97% of total letters 
of  credit  at  December  31,  2015  and  2014,  respectively,  and  are 
considered 
accordance  with  U.S.  GAAP. 
Approximately  65%  and  60%  of  the  total  standby  letters  of  credit 
were collateralized as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 
In the event of nonperformance by the customers, the Bancorp has 
rights  to  the  underlying  collateral,  which  can  include  commercial 

in 

real estate, physical plant and property, inventory, receivables, cash 
and  marketable  securities.  The  reserve  related  to  these  standby 
letters of credit, which is included in the total reserve for unfunded 
commitments, was immaterial at December 31, 2015 and $1 million 
at  December  31,  2014.  The  Bancorp  monitors  the  credit  risk 
associated  with  letters  of  credit  using  the  same  risk  rating  system 
utilized within its loan and lease portfolio.   

132  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
     
  
     
  
  
  
  
     
  
  
   
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
Risk ratings under this risk rating system are summarized in the following table as of December 31: 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

($ in millions) 
Pass 
Special mention 
Substandard 
Doubtful 
Total letters of credit 

At  December  31,  2015  and  2014,  the  Bancorp  had  outstanding 
letters  of  credit  that  were  supporting  certain  securities  issued  as 
VRDNs.  The  Bancorp  facilitates  financing  for  its  commercial 
customers,  which  consist  of  companies  and  municipalities,  by 
marketing  the  VRDNs  to  investors.  The  VRDNs  pay  interest  to 
holders  at  a  rate  of  interest  that  fluctuates  based  upon  market 
demand. The VRDNs generally have long-term maturity dates, but 
can be tendered by the holder for purchase at par value upon proper 
advance  notice.  When  the  VRDNs  are  tendered,  a  remarketing 
agent  generally  finds  another  investor  to  purchase  the  VRDNs  to 
keep the securities outstanding in the market. As of December 31, 
2015  and  2014,  total  VRDNs  in  which  the  Bancorp  was  the 
remarketing  agent  or  were  supported  by  a  Bancorp  letter  of  credit 
were $1.3 billion and $1.7 billion, respectively, of which FTS acted 
as the remarketing agent to issuers on $1.1 billion and $1.4 billion, 
respectively.  As  remarketing  agent,  FTS  is  responsible  for  finding 
purchasers  for  VRDNs  that  are  put  by  investors.  The  Bancorp 
issued letters of credit, as a credit enhancement, to $921 million and 
$1.2 billion of the VRDNs remarketed by FTS, in addition to $187 
million and $247 million in VRDNs remarketed by third parties at 
December  31,  2015  and  2014,  respectively.  These  letters  of  credit 
are  included  in  the  total  letters  of  credit  balance  provided  in  the 
previous table. 

Forward contracts related to held for sale residential mortgage loans 
The  Bancorp  enters  into  forward  contracts  to  economically  hedge 
the  change  in  fair  value  of  certain  residential  mortgage  loans  held 
for  sale  due  to  changes  in  interest  rates.  The  outstanding  notional 
amounts of these forward contracts are included in the summary of 
significant commitments table for all periods presented. 

Noncancelable lease obligations and other commitments 
The  Bancorp’s  subsidiaries  have  entered 
into  a  number  of 
noncancelable lease agreements. The minimum rental commitments 
under noncancelable lease agreements are shown in the summary of 
significant commitments table. The Bancorp has also entered into a 
limited  number  of  agreements  for  work  related  to  banking  center 
construction and to purchase goods or services.  

Contingent Liabilities 
Private mortgage reinsurance 
For  certain  mortgage  loans  originated  by  the  Bancorp,  borrowers 
may be required to obtain PMI provided by third-party insurers. In 
some instances, these insurers cede a portion of the PMI premiums 
to  the  Bancorp,  and  the  Bancorp  provides  reinsurance  coverage 
within  a  specified  range  of  the  total  PMI  coverage.  The  Bancorp’s 
reinsurance coverage typically ranges from 5%  to 10% of the  total 
PMI  coverage.  The  Bancorp’s  maximum  exposure  in  the  event  of 
nonperformance  by  the  underlying  borrowers  is  equivalent  to  the 
Bancorp’s  total  outstanding  reinsurance  coverage,  which  was  $27 
million  at  December  31,  2015  and  $29  million  at  December  31, 
2014.  At  both  December  31,  2015  and  2014,  the  Bancorp 
maintained  a  reserve  of  $2  million  related  to  exposures  within  the 
reinsurance  portfolio  which  was  included  in  other  liabilities  in  the 
Consolidated Balance Sheets. During 2009, the Bancorp suspended 

2015  

2014  

$ 

$ 

 2,606 
 130 
 258 
 61 
 3,055 

 3,483 
 147 
 299 
 45 
 3,974 

the  practice  of  providing  reinsurance  of  PMI  for  newly  originated 
mortgage loans. 

Legal claims 
There  are  legal  claims  pending  against  the  Bancorp  and  its 
subsidiaries that have arisen in the normal course of business. Refer 
to Note 18 for additional information regarding these proceedings. 

Guarantees 
The  Bancorp  has  performance  obligations  upon  the  occurrence  of 
certain  events  under  financial  guarantees  provided  in  certain 
contractual arrangements as discussed in the following sections. 

Residential mortgage loans sold with representation and warranty provisions 
Conforming  residential  mortgage  loans  sold  to  unrelated  third 
parties  are  generally  sold  with  representation  and  warranty 
provisions. A contractual liability arises only in the event of a breach 
of these representations and warranties and, in general, only when a 
loss  results  from  the  breach.  The  Bancorp  may  be  required  to 
repurchase any previously sold loan or indemnify (make whole) the 
investor or insurer for which the representation or warranty of the 
Bancorp  proves  to  be  inaccurate,  incomplete  or  misleading.    For 
more  information  on  how  the  Bancorp  establishes  the  residential 
mortgage repurchase reserve, refer to Note 1.  

During the fourth quarter of 2013, the Bancorp settled certain 
repurchase  claims  related  to  residential  mortgage  loans  originated 
and sold to FHLMC prior to January 1, 2009 for $25 million, after 
paid  claim  credits  and  other  adjustments.  The  settlement  removes 
the  Bancorp’s  responsibility  to  repurchase  or  indemnify  FHLMC 
for representation and warranty violations on any loan sold prior to 
January 1, 2009 except in limited circumstances.  

As  of  December  31,  2015  and  2014,  the  Bancorp  maintained 
reserves  related  to  loans  sold  with  representation  and  warranty 
provisions  totaling  $25  million  and  $35  million,  respectively, 
included in other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  

is 

The  Bancorp  uses  the  best 

information  available  when 
its  mortgage  representation  and  warranty  reserve; 
estimating 
however,  the  estimation  process 
inherently  uncertain  and 
imprecise and, accordingly, losses in excess of the amounts reserved 
as  of  December  31,  2015,  are  reasonably  possible.  The  Bancorp 
currently  estimates  that  it  is  reasonably  possible  that  it  could  incur 
losses related to mortgage representation and warranty provisions in 
an  amount  up  to  approximately  $27  million  in  excess  of  amounts 
reserved.  This  estimate  was  derived  by  modifying  the  key 
assumptions previously discussed to reflect management's judgment 
regarding reasonably possible adverse changes to those assumptions. 
The  actual  repurchase  losses  could  vary  significantly  from  the 
recorded  mortgage  representation  and  warranty  reserve  or  this 
estimate of reasonably possibly losses, depending on the outcome of 
various factors, including those previously discussed. 

During  the  years  ended  December  31,  2015  and  2014,  the 
Bancorp paid $2 million and $11 million, respectively, in the form of 
make whole payments and repurchased $74 million and $59 million, 
respectively,  in  outstanding  principal  of  loans  to  satisfy  investor 
demands. Total repurchase demand requests during the years ended 

133  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

December  31,  2015  and  2014  were  $75  million  and  $97  million, 
respectively. Total outstanding repurchase demand inventory was $4 

million at December 31, 2015 compared to $7 million at December 
31, 2014.  

The following table summarizes activity in the reserve for representation and warranty provisions for the years ended December 31: 

($ in millions) 
Balance, beginning of period 
   Net (reductions) additions to the reserve 
   Losses charged against the reserve 
Balance, end of period 

2015 
 35 
 (3)
 (7)
 25 

$ 

$ 

2014 
 44 
 6 
 (15)
 35 

The following tables provide a rollforward of unresolved claims by claimant type for the years ended December 31: 

2015 ($ in millions) 
Balance, beginning of period 
   New demands 
   Loan paydowns/payoffs 
   Resolved demands 
Balance, end of period 

2014 ($ in millions) 
Balance, beginning of period 
   New demands 
   Loan paydowns/payoffs 
   Resolved demands 
Balance, end of period 

Residential mortgage loans sold with credit recourse 
The  Bancorp  sold  certain  residential  mortgage  loans  in  the 
secondary market with credit recourse. In the event of any customer 
default,  pursuant  to  the  credit  recourse  provided,  the  Bancorp  is 
required  to  reimburse  the  third  party.  The  maximum  amount  of 
credit  risk  in  the  event  of  nonperformance  by  the  underlying 
borrowers  is  equivalent  to  the  total  outstanding  balance.  In  the 
event of nonperformance, the Bancorp has rights to the underlying 
collateral value securing the loan. The outstanding balances on these 
loans sold with credit recourse were $465 million and $548 million 
at  December  31,  2015  and  2014,  respectively,  and  the  delinquency 
rates were 3.0% at December 31, 2015 and 4.0% at December 31, 
2014.  The  Bancorp  maintained  an  estimated  credit  loss  reserve  on 
these loans sold with credit recourse of $9 million at December 31, 
2015  and  $11  million  at  December  31,  2014  recorded  in  other 
liabilities  in  the  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets.  To  determine  the 
credit loss reserve, the Bancorp used an approach that is consistent 
with  its  overall  approach  in  estimating  credit  losses  for  various 
categories of residential mortgage loans held in its loan portfolio. 

indirect  wholly-owned  subsidiary  of 

Margin accounts 
FTS,  an 
the  Bancorp, 
guarantees the collection of all margin account balances held by its 
brokerage  clearing  agent  for  the  benefit  of  its  customers.  FTS  is 
responsible for payment to its brokerage clearing agent for any loss, 
liability,  damage,  cost  or  expense  incurred  as  a  result  of  customers 
failing  to  comply  with  margin  or  margin  maintenance  calls  on  all 
margin accounts. The margin account balance held by the brokerage 
clearing  agent  was  $10  million  at  December  31,  2015  and  $13 
million at December 31, 2014. In the event of any customer default, 
FTS  has  rights  to  the  underlying  collateral  provided.  Given  the 
existence  of  the  underlying  collateral  provided  and  negligible 
historical credit losses, the Bancorp does not maintain a loss reserve 
related to the margin accounts. 

134  Fifth Third Bancorp 

GSE 

Private Label 

  Dollars 
 6 
$
 33 
 (2)
 (33)
 4 

$

Units 
 1 
 261 
 - 
 (260)
 2 

$

$

Dollars 
 1 
 42 
 - 
 (43)
 - 

GSE 

Private Label 

  Dollars 
 41 
$
 95 
 (5)
 (125)
 6 

$

Units 
 33 
 14 
 (2)
 (44)
 1 

$

$

Dollars 
 5 
 2 
 (1)
 (5)
 1 

Units 
 37 
 436 
 (29)
 (428)
 16 

Units 
 264 
 744 
 (44)
 (927)
 37 

Long-term borrowing obligations 
The Bancorp had certain fully and unconditionally guaranteed long-
term  borrowing  obligations  issued  by  wholly-owned  issuing  trust 
entities of $62 million at both December 31, 2015 and 2014.  

Visa litigation 
The  Bancorp,  as  a  member  bank  of  Visa  prior  to  Visa’s 
reorganization and IPO (the “IPO”) of its Class A common shares 
(the  “Class  A  Shares”)  in  2008,  had  certain  indemnification 
obligations  pursuant  to  Visa’s  certificate  of  incorporation  and  by-
laws  and  in  accordance  with  their  membership  agreements.  In 
accordance with Visa’s by-laws prior to the IPO, the Bancorp could 
have  been  required 
the  Bancorp’s 
proportional  share  of  losses  based  on  the  pre-IPO  membership 
interests.  As  part  of  its  reorganization  and  IPO,  the  Bancorp’s 
indemnification  obligation  was  modified  to  include  only  certain 
known or anticipated litigation (the “Covered Litigation”) as of the 
date of the restructuring. This modification triggered a requirement 
for the Bancorp to recognize a liability equal to the fair value of the 
indemnification liability.  

indemnify  Visa  for 

to 

In conjunction with the IPO, the Bancorp received 10.1 million 
of  Visa’s  Class  B  common  shares  (the  “Class  B  Shares”)  based  on 
the Bancorp’s membership percentage in Visa prior to the IPO. The 
Class B Shares are not transferable (other than to another member 
bank) until the later of the third anniversary of the IPO closing or 
the date which the Covered Litigation has been resolved; therefore, 
the  Bancorp’s  Class  B  Shares  were  classified  in  other  assets  and 
accounted  for  at  their  carryover  basis  of  $0.  Visa  deposited  $3 
billion  of  the  proceeds  from  the  IPO  into  a  litigation  escrow 
account,  established  for  the  purpose  of  funding  judgments  in,  or 
settlements  of,  the  Covered  Litigation.  Since  then,  when  Visa’s 
litigation  committee  determined  that  the  escrow  account  was 
insufficient, Visa issued additional Class A Shares and deposited the 
proceeds  from  the  sale  of  the  Class  A  Shares  into  the  litigation 
escrow  account.  When  Visa  funded  the  litigation  escrow  account, 

 
 
 
     
  
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
     
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

the Class B Shares were subjected to dilution through an adjustment 
in the conversion rate of Class B Shares into Class A Shares. 

In 2009, the Bancorp completed the sale of Visa, Inc. Class B 
Shares  and  entered  into  a  total  return  swap  in  which  the  Bancorp 
will make or receive payments based on subsequent changes in the 
conversion rate of the Class B Shares into Class A Shares. The swap 
terminates on the later of the third anniversary of Visa’s IPO or the 
date on which the Covered Litigation is settled. Refer to Note 27 for 
additional 
information  on  the  valuation  of  the  swap.  The 
counterparty to the swap as a result of its ownership of the Class B 
Shares  will  be  impacted  by  dilutive  adjustments  to  the  conversion 
rate  of  the  Class  B  Shares  into  Class  A  Shares  caused  by  any 
Covered Litigation losses in excess of the litigation escrow account. 
If  actual  judgments  in,  or  settlements  of,  the  Covered  Litigation 
significantly exceed current expectations, then additional funding by 
Visa  of  the  litigation  escrow  account  and  the  resulting  dilution  of 
the  Class  B  Shares  could  result  in  a  scenario  where  the  Bancorp’s 
ultimate exposure associated with the Covered Litigation (the “Visa 
Litigation  Exposure”)  exceeds  the  value  of  the  Class  B  Shares 
owned by the swap counterparty (the “Class B Value”). In the event 
the  Bancorp  concludes  that  it  is  probable  that  the  Visa  Litigation 

Exposure  exceeds  the  Class  B  Value,  the  Bancorp  would  record  a 
litigation  reserve  liability  and  a  corresponding  amount  of  other 
noninterest  expense  for  the  amount  of  the  excess.  Any  such 
litigation  reserve  liability  would  be  separate  and  distinct  from  the 
fair value derivative liability associated with the total return swap. 

As of the date of the Bancorp’s sale of the Visa Class B Shares 
and through December 31, 2015, the Bancorp has concluded that it 
is  not  probable  that  the  Visa  Litigation  Exposure  will  exceed  the 
Class  B  value.  Based  on  this  determination,  upon  the  sale  of  the 
Class  B  Shares, the  Bancorp  reversed  its  net  Visa  litigation  reserve 
liability and recognized a free-standing derivative liability associated 
with  the  total  return  swap.  The  fair  value  of  the  swap  liability  was 
$61  million  and  $49  million  at  December  31,  2015  and  2014, 
respectively. Refer to Note 13 and Note 27 for further information. 
After the Bancorp’s sale of the Class B Shares, Visa has funded 
additional  amounts  into  the  litigation  escrow  account  which  have 
resulted in further dilutive adjustments to the conversion of Class B 
Shares into Class A Shares, and along with other terms of the total 
return  swap,  required  the  Bancorp  to  make  cash  payments  in 
varying amounts to the swap counterparty as follows: 

Period ($ in millions) 
Q2 2010 
Q4 2010 
Q2 2011 
Q1 2012 
Q3 2012 
Q3 2014 

$

Visa 

 Funding Amount    
500   
800   
400   
1,565   
150   
450   

Bancorp Cash 
 Payment Amount

20   
35   
19   
75   
6   
18   

135  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

18. LEGAL AND REGULATORY PROCEEDINGS 
During  April  2006,  the  Bancorp  was  added  as  a  defendant  in  a 
consolidated  antitrust  class  action  lawsuit  originally  filed  against 
Visa®,  MasterCard®  and  several  other  major  financial  institutions 
in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New 
York.  The  plaintiffs,  merchants  operating  commercial  businesses 
throughout  the  U.S.  and  trade  associations,  claimed  that  the 
interchange  fees  charged  by  card-issuing  banks  were  unreasonable 
and sought injunctive relief and unspecified damages. In addition to 
being a named defendant, the Bancorp is also subject to a possible 
indemnification obligation of Visa as discussed in Note 17 and has 
also  entered  into  judgment  and  loss  sharing  agreements  with  Visa, 
MasterCard and certain other named defendants. In October 2012, 
the parties to the litigation entered into a settlement agreement. On 
January 14, 2014, the court entered a final order approving the class 
settlement.  A  number  of  merchants  have  filed  appeals  from  that 
approval.  The  appellate  court  held  a  hearing  on  those  appeals  on 
September  28,  2015,  and  the  matter  is  under  consideration.  In 
addition,  on  July  28,  2015,  the  merchants  who  oppose  the  class 
settlement filed a motion in the District Court to set aside the order 
approving  the  settlement  because  of  alleged  misconduct  by  one  of 
the merchant class counsel in another case and a former attorney for 
MasterCard.  Defendants  opposed  the  motion  on  August  17,  2015. 
The  court  has  not  set  a  hearing  on  the  motion.  Pursuant  to  the 
terms  of  the  settlement  agreement,  the  Bancorp  paid  $46  million 
into a class settlement escrow account. Previously, the Bancorp paid 
an additional $4 million in another settlement escrow in connection 
with  the  settlement  of  claims  from  plaintiffs  not  included  in  the 
class  action.  Approximately  8,000  merchants  have  requested 
exclusion  from  the  class  settlement.  Pursuant  to  the  terms  of  the 
settlement  agreement,  25%  of  the  funds  paid  into  the  class 
settlement escrow account have been returned to the control of the 
defendants  through  Class  Exclusion  Takedown  Payments.  More 
than 460 of the merchants who requested exclusion from the class 
have  filed  separate  federal  lawsuits  against  Visa,  MasterCard  and 
certain  other  defendants  alleging  similar  antitrust  violations.  These 
“opt-out”  federal  lawsuits  have  been  transferred  to  the  United 
States  District  Court  for  the  Eastern  District  of  New  York.  The 
Bancorp was not named as a defendant in any of the opt-out federal 
lawsuits,  but  may  have  obligations  pursuant  to  indemnification 
arrangements  and/or  the  judgment  or  loss  sharing  agreements 
noted above. In addition, one merchant filed a separate state court 
lawsuit  against  Visa,  MasterCard  and  certain  other  defendants, 
including the Bancorp, alleging similar antitrust violations. The state 
court lawsuit has been settled. On July 18, 2015, the court in which 
all  but  one  of  the  opt-out  federal  lawsuits  have  been  consolidated 
denied defendants’ motion to dismiss the complaints. Refer to Note 
17 for further information. 

On January 15, 2016, the Bancorp agreed to pay $6 million and 
make certain changes to the Bancorp’s profit sharing plan to settle 
two  class  action  lawsuits  consolidated  as  Dudenhoeffer  v  Fifth  Third 
Bancorp et al. (Case No. 1:08-cv-538) filed in 2008 in the United States 
District  Court  for  the  Southern  District  of  Ohio.  The  complaints 
alleged  that  the  Bancorp  and  certain  officers  violated  ERISA  by 
continuing to offer Fifth Third stock in the Bancorp’s profit sharing 
plan when it was no longer a prudent investment. The settlement is 
subject to court approval.  

In  November  2014,  a  shareholder  of  the  Bancorp  filed  a 
shareholder  derivative  suit  in  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas  for 
Hamilton County, Ohio, against current and former members of the 
Bancorp’s Board of Directors, the Bancorp’s former Chief Financial 
Officer,  Daniel  T.  Poston,  the  Bancorp’s  former  Chief  Executive 
Officer,  Kevin  T.  Kabat,  and,  nominally,  the  Bancorp.  The  suit 
alleges breach of fiduciary duty, waste of corporate assets and unjust 

136  Fifth Third Bancorp 

enrichment  in  connection  with  the  Bancorp’s  alleged  violations  of 
federal and state securities laws, among other charges, in relation to 
its  administrative  settlement  with  the  United  States  Securities  and 
Exchange Commission announced on December 4, 2013 to resolve 
the  previously  reported  investigation  of  the  Bancorp’s  historical 
accounting  and  reporting  with  respect  to  certain  commercial  loans 
that were sold or reclassified as held for sale by the Bancorp in the 
fourth  quarter  of  2008.  The  suit  seeks,  among  other  things, 
unspecified  monetary  damages,  disgorgement  of  profits,  certain 
corporate  governance  and  personnel  actions  and  compliance  and 
disclosure  changes.  On  January  16,  2015,  a  motion  to  dismiss  the 
complaint was filed on behalf of all defendants, which the plaintiff 
opposed. On May 18, 2015, the court dismissed the complaint with 
prejudice and no appeal was filed. This matter has been concluded.  
The  Bancorp  and  its  subsidiaries  are  not  parties  to  any  other 
material  litigation.  However,  there  are  other  litigation  matters  that 
arise  in  the  normal  course  of  business.  While  it  is  impossible  to 
ascertain  the  ultimate  resolution  or  range  of  financial  liability  with 
respect  to  these  contingent  matters,  management  believes  that 
resulting liability, if any, from these other actions would not have a 
material  effect  upon  the  Bancorp’s  consolidated  financial  position, 
results of operations or cash flows. 

The Bancorp and/or its affiliates are involved in information-
gathering  requests,  reviews,  investigations  and  proceedings  (both 
formal  and  informal)  by  various  governmental  regulatory  agencies 
and  law  enforcement  authorities,  as  well  as  self-regulatory  bodies 
regarding  their  respective  businesses.  Additional  matters  will  likely 
arise from time to time. Any of these matters may result in material 
adverse  consequences  to  the  Bancorp,  its  affiliates  and/or  their 
respective directors, officers and other personnel, including adverse 
judgments, findings, settlements, fines, penalties, orders, injunctions 
or other actions, amendments and/or restatements of the Bancorp’s 
SEC  filings  and/or  financial  statements,  as  applicable,  and/or 
determinations  of  material  weaknesses  in  our  disclosure  controls 
and  procedures.  Investigations  by  regulatory  authorities  may  from 
time to time result in civil or criminal referrals to law enforcement 
authorities  such  as  the  Department  of  Justice  or  a  United  States 
Attorney.  

the  Bancorp  agreed 

On  September  30,  2015, 

to  pay 
approximately  $85  million  to  cover  losses  on  approximately  500 
loans  for  which  HUD  had  paid  FHA  insurance  claims,  and  an 
additional  $2  million  to  HUD,  in  connection  with  the  Bancorp’s 
entry into a Stipulation and Order of Settlement and Dismissal with 
the  Department  of  Justice  and  HUD,  which  was  approved  by  the 
U.S.  District  Court  for  the  Southern  District  of  New  York  on 
October  5,  2015,  and  a  related  Settlement  Agreement  with  HUD. 
The total amount is within the amount the Bancorp had previously 
included in its accrual for this matter. The Bancorp has also agreed 
to indemnify HUD for any losses related to approximately 900 loans 
which have not been the subject of mortgage insurance claims. The 
settlement resulted in part from the Bancorp’s voluntary disclosure 
of approximately 1,400 mortgages that it had previously certified as 
eligible  for  FHA  insurance  but  which  were  later  determined  to  be 
ineligible for such insurance. 

On  September  28,  2015,  the  Bancorp  entered  into  consent 
orders and agreed, without admitting or denying any of the findings 
of fact or conclusions of law (except to establish jurisdiction), to pay 
$18  million  to  consumers  in  a  settlement  with  the  Department  of 
Justice and the CFPB related to an investigation into whether Fifth 
Third  Bank  engaged  in  any  discriminatory  practices  in  connection 
with the Bank’s indirect automobile loan portfolio. This amount is 
within the amount included in the Bancorp’s accrual for this matter. 
This amount is also subject to a credit of between $5 million and $6 

 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

million for remediation the Bancorp had already paid. The consent 
orders  also  provide  that  the  Bancorp  will  implement  a  new  dealer 
compensation policy and that the Bancorp’s Board of Directors will 
oversee its compliance with the consent orders. 

On September 28, 2015, the Bancorp agreed to pay an amount 
not less than $3 million in redress to consumers and a civil penalty 
of $500,000 to the CFPB in connection with its entry into a consent 
order with the CFPB related to the marketing and administration of 
the  Bancorp’s  debt  protection  credit  card  “add-on”  product  for 
those  enrolled  in  the  product  from  January  1,  2007,  through 
November  11,  2013.  This  $3.5  million  is  within  the  amount  the 
Bancorp had included in its accrual for this matter. As part of this 
settlement,  the  Bancorp  has  also  agreed,  without  admitting  or 
denying  any  findings  of  fact  or  conclusions  of  law  (except  to 
establish  jurisdiction),  to  adopt  a  compliance  plan  with  respect  to 
the advertising, marketing, promotion, offering or sale of any credit 
card  add-on  products,  the  performance  of  any  such  products  and 
the  management  of  its  vendors  with  respect  to  such  products  and 
not  to  market  or  sell  similar  debt  protection  add-on  products 
without  first  securing  a  determination  of  non-objection  from  the 
CFPB. 

The  Bancorp  and  its  subsidiaries  are  parties  to  numerous 
claims  and  lawsuits  as  well  as  threatened  or  potential  actions  or 
claims concerning matters arising from the conduct of  its business 
activities.  The  outcome  of  claims  or  litigation  and  the  timing  of 
ultimate resolution are inherently difficult to predict. The following 
factors,  among  others,  contribute  to  this  lack  of  predictability: 
plaintiff claims often include significant legal uncertainties, damages 
alleged  by  plaintiffs  are  often  unspecified  or  overstated,  discovery 
may not have started or may not be complete and material facts may 
be  disputed  or  unsubstantiated.  As  a  result  of  these  factors,  the 
Bancorp  is  not  always  able  to  provide  an  estimate  of  the  range  of 
reasonably  possible  outcomes  for  each  claim.  An  accrual  for  a 
potential  litigation  loss  is  established  when  information  related  to 
the loss contingency indicates both that a loss is probable and that 
the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Any such accrual is 
adjusted  from  time  to  time  thereafter  as  appropriate  to  reflect 
changes  in  circumstances.  The  Bancorp  also  determines,  when 
possible  (due  to  the  uncertainties  described  above),  estimates  of 
reasonably possible losses or ranges of reasonably possible losses, in 
excess  of  amounts  accrued.  Under  U.S.  GAAP,  an  event  is 
“reasonably  possible”  if  “the  chance  of  the  future  event  or  events 
occurring is more than remote but less than likely” and an event is 
“remote”  if  “the  chance  of  the  future  event  or  events  occurring  is 
slight.” Thus, references to the upper end of the range of reasonably 
possible  loss  for  cases  in  which  the  Bancorp  is  able  to  estimate  a 
range of reasonably possible loss mean the upper end of the range 
of loss for cases for which the Bancorp believes the risk of loss is 
more than slight. For matters where the Bancorp is able to estimate 
such  possible  losses  or  ranges  of  possible  losses,  the  Bancorp 
currently  estimates  that  it  is  reasonably  possible  that  it  could  incur 
losses  related  to  legal  and  regulatory  proceedings  in  an  aggregate 
amount  up  to  approximately  $37  million  in  excess  of  amounts 
accrued, with it also being reasonably possible that no losses will be 
incurred in these matters. The estimates included in this amount are 
based  on  the  Bancorp’s  analysis  of  currently  available  information, 
and  as  new  information  is  obtained  the  Bancorp  may  change  its 
estimates. 

For these matters and others where an unfavorable outcome is 
reasonably  possible  but  not  probable,  there  may  be  a  range  of 
possible  losses  in  excess  of  the  established  accrual  that  cannot  be 
estimated.  Based  on  information  currently  available,  advice  of 
counsel,  available  insurance  coverage  and  established  accruals,  the 
Bancorp  believes  that  the  eventual  outcome  of  the  actions  against 

the Bancorp and/or its subsidiaries, including the matters described 
above,  will  not,  individually  or  in  the  aggregate,  have  a  material 
adverse  effect  on  the  Bancorp’s  consolidated  financial  position. 
However,  in  the  event  of  unexpected  future  developments,  it  is 
possible that the ultimate resolution of those matters, if unfavorable, 
may  be  material  to  the  Bancorp’s  results  of  operations  for  any 
particular  period,  depending,  in  part,  upon  the  size  of  the  loss  or 
liability imposed and the operating results for the applicable period. 

137  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

19. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 
The  Bancorp  maintains  written  policies  and  procedures  covering 
related  party  transactions  to  principal  shareholders,  directors  and 
executives  of  the  Bancorp.  These  procedures  cover  transactions 
such  as  employee-stock  purchase  loans,  personal  lines  of  credit, 
residential secured loans, overdrafts, letters of credit and increases in 
indebtedness. Such transactions are subject to the Bancorp’s normal 
underwriting and approval procedures. Prior to approving a loan to 

a  related  party,  Compliance  Risk  Management  must  review  and 
determine whether the transaction requires approval from or a post 
notification to the Bancorp’s Board of Directors. At December 31, 
2015  and  2014,  certain  directors,  executive  officers,  principal 
holders of Bancorp common stock and their related interests  were 
indebted, including undrawn commitments to lend, to the Bancorp’s 
banking subsidiary. 

The following table summarizes the Bancorp’s lending activities with its principal shareholders, directors, executives and their related interests at 
December 31: 

($ in millions) 
Commitments to lend, net of participations: 
Directors and their affiliated companies 
Executive officers 
Total 

Outstanding balance on loans, net of participations and undrawn commitments

The commitments to lend are in the form of loans and guarantees 
for  various  business  and  personal  interests.  This  indebtedness  was 
incurred in the ordinary course of business on substantially the same 
terms,  including  interest  rates  and  collateral,  as  those  prevailing  at 
the  time  for  comparable  transactions  with  unrelated  parties.  This 
indebtedness  does  not  involve  more  than  the  normal  risk  of 
repayment or present other features unfavorable to the Bancorp. 

Vantiv Holding, LLC  
On  June  30,  2009,  the  Bancorp  completed  the  sale  of  a  majority 
interest  in  its  processing  business,  Vantiv  Holding,  LLC.  Advent 

2015 

2014

$

$

$

 831 
 5 
 836 

 97 

525
3
528

63

International  acquired  an  approximate  51%  interest  in  Vantiv 
Holding,  LLC  for  cash  and  a  warrant.  The  Bancorp  retained  the 
remaining approximate 49% interest in Vantiv Holding, LLC.  

During the first quarter of 2012, Vantiv, Inc. priced an IPO of 
its shares and contributed the net proceeds to Vantiv Holding, LLC 
for  additional  ownership  interests.  As  a  result  of  this  offering,  the 
Bancorp’s  ownership  of  Vantiv  Holding,  LLC  was  reduced  to 
approximately  39%.  The  impact  of  the  capital  contributions  to 
Vantiv  Holding,  LLC  and  the  resulting  dilution  in  the  Bancorp’s 
interest resulted in a gain of $115 million recognized by the Bancorp 
in the first quarter of 2012. 

The following table provides a summary of the sales transactions that impacted the Bancorp's ownership interest in Vantiv Holding, LLC after the 
initial IPO: 

Remaining Ownership 
Percentage(a) 

Ownership 
Percentage Sold 
6 % 
5   
3   
3   
5   

($ in millions) 
Q4 2012 
Q2 2013 
Q3 2013 
Q2 2014 
Q4 2015 
(a)  The Bancorp’s remaining investment in Vantiv Holding, LLC of $360 as of December 31, 2015 was accounted for as an equity method investment in the Bancorp’s Consolidated Financial 

33 %  
28    
25    
23    
18    

 157 
 242 
 85 
 125 
 331 

Gain on Sale 

   $

Statements. 

to  2030, 

During  the  fourth  quarter  of  2015,  the  Bancorp  entered  into  an 
agreement with Vantiv, Inc. under which a portion of its TRA with 
Vantiv, Inc. was terminated and settled in full for a cash payment of 
approximately $49 million from Vantiv, Inc. Under the agreement, 
the  Bancorp  sold  certain  TRA  cash  flows  it  expected  to  receive 
from  2017 
totaling  an  estimated  $140  million. 
Approximately half of the sold TRA cash flows related to 2025 and 
later. This sale did not impact the TRA payment recognized during 
the fourth quarter of 2015 and is not expected to impact the TRA 
payment to be recognized in the fourth quarter of 2016. In addition 
to the impact of the TRA termination discussed above, the Bancorp 
recognized  $31  million,  $23  million  and  $9  million  in  noninterest 
income  in  the  Consolidated  Statements  of  Income  associated  with 
the  TRA  during  the  years  ended  December  31,  2015,  2014  and 
2013, respectively. 

The  Bancorp  agreed  during  the  fourth  quarter  of  2015  to 
cancel rights to purchase approximately 4.8 million Class C units in 
Vantiv  Holding,  LLC,  the  wholly-owned  principal  operating 
subsidiary of Vantiv, Inc., underlying the warrant in exchange for a 

138  Fifth Third Bancorp 

cash  payment  of  $200  million.  Subsequent  to  this  cancellation,  the 
Bancorp  exercised  its  right  to  purchase  approximately  7.8  million 
Class C units underlying the warrant at the $15.98 strike price. This 
exercise  was  settled  on  a  net  basis  for  approximately  5.4  million 
Class  C  units,  which  were  then  exchanged  for  approximately  5.4 
million shares of Vantiv, Inc. Class A common stock that were sold 
in  the  secondary  offering.  The  Bancorp  recognized  a  gain  of  $89 
million on the 62% of the warrant that was settled or net exercised.  
Additionally,  during  the  fourth  quarter  of  2015,  the  Bancorp 
exchanged  8  million  Class  B  units  of  Vantiv  Holding,  LLC  for  8 
million  Class  A  shares  in  Vantiv,  Inc.,  which  were  also  sold  in  the 
secondary offering and on which the Bancorp recognized a pre-tax 
gain of $331 million. The Bancorp’s remaining investment in Vantiv 
Holding,  LLC  continues  to  be  accounted  for  under  the  equity 
method of accounting.  

As  of  December  31,  2015,  the  Bancorp  continued  to  hold 
approximately 35 million Class B units of Vantiv Holding, LLC and 
a warrant to purchase approximately 7.8 million Class C non-voting 
units of Vantiv Holding, LLC, both of which may be exchanged for 

 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Class A common stock of Vantiv, Inc. on a one-for-one basis or at 
Vantiv,  Inc.’s  option  for  cash.  In  addition,  the  Bancorp  holds 
approximately  35  million  Class  B  common  shares  of  Vantiv,  Inc. 
The Class B common shares give the Bancorp voting rights, but no 
economic  interest  in  Vantiv,  Inc.  The  voting  rights  attributable  to 
the  Class  B  common  shares  are  limited  to  18.5%  of  the  voting 
power  in  Vantiv,  Inc.  at  any  time  other  than  in  connection  with  a 
stockholder vote with respect to a change in control in Vantiv, Inc. 
These securities are subject to certain terms and restrictions. 

The  Bancorp  recognized  $63  million,  $48  million  and  $77 
million,  respectively,  in  other  noninterest  income  as  part  of  its 
equity  method  investment  in  Vantiv  Holding,  LLC  for  the  years 
ended  December  31,  2015,  2014  and  2013  and  received  cash 
distributions totaling $11 million, $23 million and $40 million during 
the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. 

The  Bancorp  and  Vantiv  Holding,  LLC  have  various 
agreements  in  place  covering  services  relating  to  the  operations  of 
Vantiv  Holding,  LLC.  The  services  provided  by  the  Bancorp  to 
Vantiv  Holding,  LLC  were  initially  required  to  support  Vantiv 
Holding,  LLC  as  a  standalone  entity  during  the  deconversion 
period. The majority of services previously provided by the Bancorp 
to support Vantiv Holding, Inc. as a standalone entity are no longer 
necessary and are now limited to certain general business resources. 
Vantiv Holding, LLC paid the Bancorp $1 million for these services 
for  each  of  the  years  ended  December  31,  2015,  2014  and  2013. 
Other  services  provided  to  Vantiv  Holding,  LLC  by  the  Bancorp, 
have  continued  beyond 
include 
interchange  clearing,  settlement  and  sponsorship.  Vantiv  Holding, 
LLC paid the Bancorp $47 million, $44 million and $34 million for 
these  services  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2015,  2014  and 
2013, respectively. In addition to the previously mentioned services, 
the  Bancorp  previously  entered  into  an  agreement  under  which 
Vantiv  Holding,  LLC  will  provide  processing  services  to  the 
Bancorp.  The  total  amount  of  fees  relating  to  the  processing 
services  provided  to  the  Bancorp  by  Vantiv  Holding,  LLC  totaled 
$89  million,  $83  million  and  $88  million  for  the  years  ended 
December  31,  2015,  2014  and  2013,  respectively.  These  fees  are 
reported  as  a  component  of  card  and  processing  expense  in  the 

the  deconversion  period, 

Consolidated Statements of Income. 

As part of the initial sale, Vantiv Holding, LLC assumed loans 
totaling  $1.25  billion  owed  to  the  Bancorp,  which  were  refinanced 
in  2010  into  a  larger  syndicated  loan  structure  that  included  the 
Bancorp.  The  outstanding  carrying  value  of  loans  to  Vantiv 
Holding, LLC was $191 and $204 million at December 31, 2015 and 
2014,  respectively.  Interest  income  relating  to  the  loans  was  $4 
million, $5 million and $7 million, respectively, for the years ended 
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 and is included in interest and 
fees on loans and leases in the Consolidated Statements of Income. 
Vantiv  Holding,  LLC’s  unused  line  of  credit  was  $46  million  and 
$50 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  

investment  under 

SLK Global 
As of December 31, 2015, the Bancorp owns 100% of Fifth Third 
Mauritius Holdings Limited, which owns 49% of SLK Global, and 
the  equity  method  of 
accounts  for  this 
accounting.  The  Bancorp’s  investment  in  SLK  Global  was  $6 
million  at  both  December  31,  2015  and  2014.  The  Bancorp 
recognized  $3  million 
the 
Consolidated  Statements  of  Income  as  part  of  its  equity  method 
investment in SLK Global for the years ended December 31, 2015 
and 2014 and $2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 
received an immaterial amount of cash distributions during the years 
ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. The Bancorp paid SLK 
Global  $17  million,  $13  million  and  $16  million  for  their  process 
and  software  services  during  the  years  ended  December  31,  2015, 
2014 and 2013, respectively.  

in  other  noninterest 

income 

in 

CDC Investments 
The  Bancorp  had  $5  million  of  loans  outstanding  to  its  CDC 
investments  at  both  December  31,  2015  and  2014  and  unfunded 
commitment  balances  of  $88  million  and  $9  million  at  December 
31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Bancorp held $23 million and 
$29  million  of  deposits  for  its  CDC  investments  at  December  31, 
2015  and  2014,  respectively.  For  further  information  on  CDC 
investments, refer to Note 11. 

139  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

20. INCOME TAXES 
The Bancorp and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. The following is a summary of applicable income taxes included in 
the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31:   

 ($ in millions) 
Current income tax expense: 
     U.S. Federal income taxes 
     State and local income taxes 
     Foreign income taxes 
Total current income tax expense  
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense: 
     U.S. Federal income taxes 
     State and local income taxes 
     Foreign income taxes 
Total deferred income tax (benefit) expense 
Applicable income tax expense  

2015 

2014 

2013 

662 
55 
13 
730 

(78)
6 
1 
 (71)
 659 

424 
34 
 8 
466 

71 
9 
 (1)
 79 
 545 

 494 
 23 
 2 
 519 

 232 
 23 
 (2)
 253 
 772 

$ 

$ 

The  following  is  a  reconciliation  between  the  statutory  U.S.  Federal  income  tax  rate  and  the  Bancorp’s  effective  tax  rate  for  the  years  ended
December 31: 

Statutory tax rate 
Increase (decrease) resulting from: 
     State taxes, net of federal benefit 
     Tax-exempt income 
     Credits 
     Unrealized stock-based compensation benefits 
     Other, net 
Effective tax rate 

2015   
35.0 %

1.7   
(1.7)  
(7.5)  
-   
0.3   
27.8 %

2014 
35.0 

1.4 
(1.4)
(8.1)
- 
- 
26.9 

2013 
35.0 

1.2 
(1.1)
(6.0)
0.3 
0.3 
29.7 

in  the  rate  reconciliation  table 

Credits 
include  Low-Income 
Housing,  New  Markets,  Rehabilitation  Investment  and  Qualified 
Zone  Academy  Bond  tax  credits.  Tax-exempt  income  in  the  rate 
reconciliation table includes interest on municipal bonds, interest on 

tax-exempt lending, income/charges on life insurance policies held 
by the Bancorp, and certain gains on sales of leases that are exempt 
from federal taxation. 

The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of the Bancorp’s unrecognized tax benefits:

 ($ in millions)  
Unrecognized tax benefits at January 1  
Gross increases for tax positions taken during prior period  
Gross decreases for tax positions taken during prior period  
Gross increases for tax positions taken during current period  
Settlements with taxing authorities  
Lapse of applicable statute of limitations  
Unrecognized tax benefits at December 31(a) 
(a)  Amounts represent unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the annual effective tax rate. 

2015 
 11 
 1 
- 
 2 
- 
 (1)
13 

2014 
 7 
 2 
- 
 2 
- 
- 
11 

2013 
 18 
 1 
 (7)
 1 
 (5)
 (1)
7 

$ 

$ 

While  it  is  reasonably  possible  that  the  amount  of  the 
unrecognized  tax  benefits  with  respect  to  certain  of  the  Bancorp’s 
uncertain  tax  positions  could  increase  or  decrease  during  the  next 
twelve  months,  the  Bancorp  believes 
its 
unrecognized tax benefits will change by a material amount during 
the next twelve months. 

is  unlikely  that 

it 

The Bancorp’s unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2015, 
2014, and 2013 primarily relate to state income tax exposures from 
taking  tax  positions  where  the  Bancorp  believes  it  is  likely  that, 
upon  examination,  a  state  will  take  a  position  contrary  to  the 
position taken by the Bancorp. 

140  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
  
     
 
  
  
  
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
 
 
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Deferred income taxes are comprised of the following items at December 31:

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

 ($ in millions) 
Deferred tax assets: 
     Allowance for loan and lease losses 
     Deferred compensation 
     Reserves 
     Reserve for unfunded commitments 
     State net operating loss carryforwards 
     Other 
Total deferred tax assets 
Deferred tax liabilities: 
     Lease financing 
     Investments in joint ventures and partnership interests 
     MSRs and related economic hedges 
     Other comprehensive income 
     State deferred taxes 
     Qualifying hedges and free-standing derivatives 
     Bank premises and equipment 
     Other   
Total deferred tax liabilities 
Total net deferred tax liability 

losses 

(primarily  resulting  from 

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Bancorp recorded deferred tax 
assets  of  $10  million  and  $18  million,  respectively,  related  to  state 
net operating loss carryforwards. The deferred tax assets relating to 
state  net  operating 
leasing 
operations) are presented net of specific valuation allowances of $22 
million  and  $19  million  at  December  31,  2015  and  2014, 
respectively. If these carryforwards are not utilized, they will expire 
in  varying  amounts  through  2035.  At  December  31,  2015,  the 
Bancorp  recorded  a  deferred  tax  asset  of  $5  million  related  to  a 
foreign tax credit carryforward. If not utilized, the deferred tax asset 
relating to the foreign tax credit carryforward will expire in 2025. 

The Bancorp has determined that a valuation allowance is not 
needed against the remaining deferred tax assets as of December 31, 
2015  or  2014.  The  Bancorp  considered  all  of  the  positive  and 
negative  evidence  available  to  determine  whether  it  is  more  likely 
than not that the deferred tax assets will ultimately be realized and, 
based upon that evidence, the Bancorp believes it is more likely than 
not that the deferred tax assets recorded at December 31, 2015 and 
2014  will  ultimately  be  realized.  The  Bancorp  reached  this 
conclusion  as  the  Bancorp  has  taxable  income  in  the  carryback 
period and it is expected that the Bancorp’s remaining deferred tax 
assets  will  be  realized  through  the  reversal  of  its  existing  taxable 
temporary differences and its projected future taxable income.  

The  IRS  has  concluded  its  audit  of  the  Bancorp’s  2010  and 
2011 federal income tax returns. No material issues were identified 
as  a  result  of  the  IRS  audit  and  there  are  no  contested  issues 

2015 

2014 

445 
118 
61 
48 
10 
194 
876 

935 
248 
245 
106 
79 
58 
53 
160 
1,884 
(1,008)

463 
113 
96 
47 
18 
189 
926 

896 
329 
237 
231 
81 
105 
103 
148 
2,130 
(1,204)

$

$

$

$
$

outstanding. The IRS is currently examining the Bancorp’s 2012 and 
2013  federal  income  tax  returns.  The  statute  of  limitations  for  the 
Bancorp’s  federal  income  tax  returns  remains  open  for  tax  years 
2010-2015.  On  occasion,  as  various  state  and 
local  taxing 
jurisdictions examine the returns of the Bancorp and its subsidiaries, 
the  Bancorp  may  agree  to  extend  the  statute  of  limitations  for  a 
reasonable period of time. Otherwise, the statutes of limitations for 
state  income  tax  returns  remain  open  only  for  tax  years  in 
accordance with each state’s statutes. 

Any interest and penalties incurred in connection with income 
taxes  are  recorded  as  a  component  of  income  tax  expense  in  the 
the  years  ended 
Consolidated  Financial  Statements.  During 
December  31,  2015,  2014  and  2013,  the  Bancorp  recognized  an 
immaterial  amount  of  interest  expense/benefit  in  connection  with 
income  taxes.  At  December  31,  2015  and  2014,  the  Bancorp  had 
accrued  interest  liabilities,  net  of  the  related  tax  benefits,  of  $1 
million. No material liabilities were recorded for penalties related to 
income taxes. 

Retained  earnings  at  December  31,  2015  and  2014  included 
$157  million  in  allocations  of  earnings  for  bad  debt  deductions  of 
former  thrift  subsidiaries  for  which  no  income  tax  has  been 
provided.  Under  current  tax  law,  if  certain  of  the  Bancorp’s 
subsidiaries use these bad debt reserves for purposes other than to 
absorb bad debt losses, they will be subject to federal income tax at 
the current corporate tax rate. 

141  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

21. RETIREMENT AND BENEFIT PLANS 
The Bancorp’s qualified defined benefit plan’s benefits were frozen 
in  1998,  except  for  grandfathered  employees.  The  Bancorp’s  other 
retirement  plans  consist  of  non-qualified,  defined  benefit  plans, 
which are frozen and funded on an as needed basis. A majority of 
these  plans  were  obtained  in  acquisitions  from  prior  years  and  are 
included  with  the  qualified  defined  benefit  plan  in  the  following 
tables  (“the  Plan”).  The  Bancorp  recognizes  the  overfunded  and 

underfunded status of the Plan as an asset and liability, respectively, 
in  the  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets.  The  Plan  had  an  underfunded 
projected  benefit  obligation  at  both  December  31,  2015  and  2014. 
The  underfunded  amounts  recognized  in  other  liabilities  in  the 
Consolidated  Balance  Sheets  were  $54  million  and  $52  million  at 
December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 

The following table summarizes the Plan as of and for the years ended December 31: 

$

($ in millions)  
Fair value of plan assets at January 1  
Actual return on assets  
Contributions  
Settlement  
Benefits paid  
Fair value of plan assets at December 31  
Projected benefit obligation at January 1  
Interest cost  
Settlement  
Actuarial (gain) loss  
Benefits paid  
Projected benefit obligation at December 31  
Underfunded projected benefit obligation at December 31  
Accumulated benefit obligation at December 31(a) 
(a) 

2014 
 200 
 12 
 3 
 (11)
 (9)
 195 
 221 
 10 
 (11)
 36 
 (9)
 247 
 (52)
 247 
Since the Plan’s benefits were frozen, the rate of compensation increase is no longer an assumption used to calculate the accumulated benefit obligation. Therefore, the accumulated benefit obligation was 
the same as the projected benefit obligation at both December 31, 2015 and 2014. 

2015 
 195 
 (6)
 4 
 (17)
 (10)
 166 
 247 
 9 
 (17)
 (9)
 (10)
 220 
 (54)
 220 

$
$
$

$
$

The estimated net actuarial loss for the Plan that will be amortized 
from  AOCI  into  net  periodic  benefit  cost  during  2016  is  $10 
million. The estimated net prior service cost for the Plan that will be 

amortized from AOCI into net periodic benefit cost during 2016 is 
immaterial to the Consolidated Financial Statements.    

The following table summarizes net periodic benefit cost and other changes in the Plan's assets and benefit obligations recognized in OCI for the 
years ended December 31: 

($ in millions) 
Components of net periodic benefit cost: 

Interest cost 
Expected return on assets 
Amortization of net actuarial loss 
Settlement 
Net periodic benefit cost 
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income: 

Net actuarial loss (gain) 
Amortization of net actuarial loss 
Settlement 

Total recognized in other comprehensive income 
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income 

2015

2014 

2013

$

$

$

$

9
(13)
10
7
13

9
(10)
(7)
(8)
5

10 
(14)
7 
5 
8 

37 
(7)
(5)
25 
33 

10
(13)
11
5
13

(38)
(11)
(5)
(54)
(41)

142  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Fair Value Measurements of Plan Assets   
The following tables summarize plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31: 

2015 ($ in millions)  
Equity securities(b) 
Mutual and exchange-traded funds:  
Money market funds  
International funds  
Domestic funds  
Debt funds  
Alternative strategies  
Commodity funds  

Total mutual and exchange-traded funds  
Debt securities:  

U.S. Treasury and federal agencies securities  
Mortgage-backed securities:  
     Agency residential mortgage-backed securities  
     Agency commercial mortgage-backed securities  
     Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities  
Asset-backed securities and other debt securities(c) 

Total debt securities  
Total plan assets  
(a)  For further information on fair value hierarchy levels, refer to Note 1.  
(b) 
(c) 

Includes holdings in Bancorp common stock. 
Includes corporate bonds. 

2014 ($ in millions)  
Equity securities(b) 
Mutual and exchange-traded funds:  
Money market funds  
International funds  
Domestic funds  
Debt funds  
Alternative strategies  

Total mutual and exchange-traded funds  
Debt securities:  

U.S. Treasury and federal agencies securities  
Mortgage-backed securities:  
     Agency residential mortgage-backed securities  
     Agency commercial mortgage-backed securities  
     Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities  
Asset-backed securities and other debt securities(c) 

Total debt securities  
Total plan assets  
(a)  For further information on fair value hierarchy levels, refer to Note 1.  
(b) 
(c) 

Includes holdings in Bancorp common stock. 
Includes corporate bonds. 

Fair Value Measurements Using(a) 

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3 

Total Fair Value 

$

$

$
$

$

$

$
$

 52   

 15   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 6   
 21   

 2   

 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 2   
 75   

Level 1 

 56   

 7   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 7   

 3   

 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 3   
 66   

 -   

 -   
 35   
 31   
 3   
 11   
 -   
 80   

 2   

 3   
 2   
 1   
 3   
 11   
 91   

 -   

 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   

 -   

 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   

 52    

 15    
 35    
 31    
 3    
 11    
 6    
 101    

 4    

 3    
 2    
 1    
 3    
 13    
 166    

Fair Value Measurements Using(a) 
Level 2 

Level 3 

Total Fair Value 

 -   

 -   
 38   
 31   
 22   
 22   
 113   

 -   

 4   
 7   
 2   
 3   
 16   
 129   

 -   

 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   

 -   

 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   

 56    

 7    
 38    
 31    
 22    
 22    
 120    

 3    

 4    
 7    
 2    
 3    
 19    
 195    

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used 
for  instruments  measured  at  fair  value,  as  well  as  the  general 
classification  of  such 
instruments  pursuant  to  the  valuation 
hierarchy. 

Equity securities 
The  Plan  measures  common  stock  using  quoted  prices  which  are 
available in an active market and classifies these investments within 
Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. 

Mutual and exchange-traded funds 
All  of  the  Plan’s  mutual  and  exchange-traded  funds  are  publicly 
traded. The Plan measures the value of these investments using the 
fund’s  quoted  prices  that  are  available  in  an  active  market  and 
classifies  these  investments  within  Level  1  of  the  valuation 

hierarchy.  Level  1  securities  include  money  market  funds  and 
commodity  funds.  Where  quoted  prices  are  not  available,  the  Plan 
measures  the  fair  value  of  these  investments  based  on  the 
redemption  price  of  units  held,  which  is  based  on  the  current  fair 
value of the fund’s underlying assets. Unit values are determined by 
dividing the fund’s net assets at fair value by its units outstanding at 
the  valuation  dates  to  obtain  the  investment’s  net  asset  value. 
Therefore, investments such as international funds, domestic funds, 
debt funds and alternative strategies are classified within Level 2 of 
the valuation hierarchy. 

Debt securities 
Where quoted prices are available in an active market, securities are 
classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Level 1 securities 
include  U.S.  Treasury  securities.  If  quoted  market  prices  are  not 

143  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
   
  
  
 
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
 
  
   
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

available, then fair values are estimated using pricing models, quoted 
prices of securities with similar characteristics, or DCFs. Examples 
of  such  instruments,  which  are  classified  within  Level  2  of  the 
include  federal  agency  securities,  agency 
valuation  hierarchy, 
residential  mortgage-backed 
commercial 
mortgage-backed  securities,  non-agency  commercial  mortgage-
backed  securities  and  asset-backed  securities  and  other  debt 
securities. 

securities, 

agency 

Plan Assumptions 
The  Plan’s  assumptions  are  evaluated  annually  and  are  updated  as 
necessary.  The  discount  rate  assumption  reflects  the  yield  on  a 
portfolio  of  high  quality  fixed-income  instruments  that  have  a 
similar duration to the Plan’s liabilities. The expected long-term rate 
of  return  assumption  reflects  the  average  return  expected  on  the 
assets  invested  to  provide  for  the  Plan’s  liabilities.  In  determining 
the  expected  long-term  rate  of  return,  the  Bancorp  evaluated 
actuarial  and  economic  inputs,  including  long-term  inflation  rate 
assumptions  and  broad  equity  and  bond  indices  long-term  return 
projections, as well as actual long-term historical plan performance. 
In  2015,  the  Bancorp  updated  the  mortality  assumption  which 
resulted  in  a  decrease  of  $3  million  to  the  projected  benefit 
obligation. 

The following table summarizes the weighted-average plan assumptions for the years ended December 31: 

For measuring benefit obligations at year end: 

Discount rate 
Rate of compensation increase 
Expected return on plan assets 

For measuring net periodic benefit cost: 

Discount rate 
Rate of compensation increase 
Expected return on plan assets 

2015  

2014  

2013  

 4.16 %   
N/A(a)     
 7.00   

 3.82   
N/A(a)     
 7.00   

 3.82   
N/A(a)  
 7.25   

 4.72   
N/A(a)  
 7.25   

 4.72   
 4.00   
 7.50   

 3.83   
 4.00   
 7.50   

(a) 

Since the Plan’s benefits were frozen, except for grandfathered employees, the rate of compensation increase is no longer applicable beginning in 2014 since minimal grandfathered employees are still 
accruing benefits. 

Lowering  both  the  expected  rate  of  return  on  the  plan  assets  and 
the discount rate by 0.25% would have increased the 2015 pension 
expense by approximately $1 million. 

Based  on  the  actuarial  assumptions,  the  Bancorp  expects  to 
contribute $3 million to the Plan in 2016. Estimated pension benefit 
payments,  which  reflect  expected  future  service,  are  $19  million  in 
2016, $18 million in 2017, $17 million in 2018, $16 million in 2019 
and $16 million in 2020. The total estimated payments for the years 
2021 through 2025 is $79 million. 

Investment Policies and Strategies 
The Bancorp’s policy for the investment of plan assets is to employ 
investment strategies that achieve a range of weighted-average target 
asset allocations relating to equity securities (including the Bancorp’s 
common  stock),  fixed-income  securities  (including  U.S.  Treasury 
and  federal  agencies  securities,  mortgage-backed  securities  and 
asset-backed  securities),  alternative  strategies  (including  traditional 
mutual funds, precious metals and commodities) and cash.  

The following table provides the Bancorp’s targeted and actual weighted-average asset allocations by asset category for the years ended December
31: 

Equity securities  
Bancorp common stock  
Total equity securities(a) 
Fixed-income securities  
Alternative strategies  
Cash  
Total  
(a) 
(b)  These reflect the targeted ranges for the year ended December 31, 2015. 

Includes mutual and exchange-traded funds. 

Targeted range(b)    

2015  

60-90 % 
5-25  
3-11  
0-13  

69  %
2   
71 
16   
7   
6   
100  %

2014  
62
2   
64   
20   
12   
4   
100   

The risk tolerance for the Plan is determined by management to be 
“moderate  to  aggressive”,  recognizing  that  higher  returns  involve 
some volatility and that periodic declines in the portfolio’s value are 
tolerated in an effort to achieve real capital growth. There were no 
significant concentrations of risk associated with the investments of 
the Plan at December 31, 2015 and 2014. 

Permitted  asset  classes  of  the  Plan  include  cash  and  cash 
equivalents,  fixed-income  (domestic  and  non-U.S.  bonds),  equities 
(U.S.,  non-U.S.,  emerging  markets  and  REITS),  equipment  leasing, 
precious  metals,  commodity  transactions  and  mortgages.  The  Plan 
utilizes  derivative  instruments  including  puts,  calls,  straddles  or 
other  option  strategies,  as  approved  by  management.  Per  ERISA, 

the Bancorp’s common stock cannot exceed 10% of the  fair  value 
of plan assets.   

Fifth Third Bank, as Trustee, is expected to manage plan assets 
in  a  manner  consistent  with  the  plan  agreement  and  other 
regulatory,  federal  and  state  laws.  The  Fifth  Third  Bank  Pension, 
Profit  Sharing  and  Medical  Plan  Committee  (the  “Committee”)  is 
the  plan  administrator.  The  Trustee  is  required  to  provide  to  the 
Committee  monthly  and  quarterly  reports  covering  a  list  of  plan 
assets, portfolio performance, transactions and asset allocation. The 
Trustee  is  also  required  to  keep  the  Committee  apprised  of  any 
material  changes  in  the  Trustee’s  outlook  and  recommended 
investment  policy.  There  were  no  fees  paid  by  the  Plan  for 

144  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
   
  
 
   
  
 
   
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

investment  management,  accounting  or  administrative  services 
provided by the Trustee. 

As  of  December  31,  2015  and  2014,  $166  million  and  $195 
million,  respectively,  of  plan  assets  were  managed  by  Fifth  Third 
Bank, a subsidiary of the Bancorp. Plan assets included $4 million of 
Bancorp common stock at both December 31, 2015 and 2014. Plan 
assets are not expected to be returned to the Bancorp during 2016. 

recognized 

contribution.  Expenses 

Other Information on Retirement and Benefit Plans 
The Bancorp has a qualified defined contribution savings plan that 
allows participants to make voluntary 401(k) contributions on a pre-
tax  or  Roth  basis,  subject  to  statutory  limitations.  The  Bancorp 
amended  and  restated  the  qualified  defined  contribution  savings 
plan  in  its  entirety,  effective  as  of  January  1,  2015.  Beginning  with 
the 2015 plan year, the Bancorp provides a higher company 401(k) 
match 
for  matching 
contributions  to  the  Bancorp’s  qualified  defined  contribution 
savings  plan  were  $71  million,  $44  million  and  $43  million  for  the 
years  ended  December  31,  2015,  2014  and  2013,  respectively.  The 
Bancorp did not make a profit sharing contribution during the year 
ended  December  31,  2015.  The  Bancorp’s  profit  sharing  plan 
expense  was  $19  million  and  $32  million  for  the  years  ended 
December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. In addition, the Bancorp 
has  a  non-qualified  defined  contribution  plan  that  allows  certain 
employees  to  make  voluntary  contributions 
into  a  deferred 
compensation  plan.  Expenses  recognized  by  the  Bancorp  for  its 
non-qualified defined contribution plan were $3 million for the year 
ended  December  31,  2015  and  $2  million  for  both  of  the  years 
ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. 

145  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
22. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 
The table below presents the activity of the components of OCI and AOCI for the years ended December 31: 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Total Other 
Comprehensive Income 

Total Accumulated Other 
Comprehensive Income 

Pretax 
Activity 

Tax 
Effect 

Net 
Activity 

Beginning 
Balance 

Net 
Activity 

Ending 
Balance 

$

(349)  

(16)  
(365)  

74   

(75)  
(1)  

(9)  
17   
8   
(358)  

122   

6   
128   

(26)  

26   
-   

4   
(6)  
(2)  
126   

580   

(202)  

(37)  
543   

60   

(44)  
16   

(37)  
12   
(25)  
534   

13   
(189)  

(21)

15   
(6)  

12   
(4)  
8   
(187)  

(227)  

(10)  
(237)  

48   

(49)  
(1)  

(5)  
11   
6   
(232)  

378   

(24)  
354   

39   

(29)  
10   

(25)
8 
(17)  
347   

(454)  

159   

(295)  

6   
(448)  

(13)  

(44)  
(57)  

38   
16   
54   
(451)  

(2)  
157   

5 

15   
20   

(13)  
(6)  
(19)  
158   

4   
(291)  

(8)  

(29)  
(37)  

25 
10 
35   
(293)  

$

$

$

$

$

475   

(237)  

238   

23   

(1)  

22   

(69)  
429   

6   
(232)  

(63)  
197   

121   

354   

475   

13   

10   

23   

(52)  
82   

(17)  
347   

(69)  
429   

412   

(291)  

121   

50   

(37)  

13   

(87)  
375   

35   
(293)  

(52)  
82   

($ in millions) 
2015  
Unrealized holding losses on available-for-sale securities arising  
   during the year 
Reclassification adjustment for net gains on available-for-sale 

securities included in net income 

Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities 

Unrealized holding gains on cash flow hedge derivatives arising 
   during the year 
Reclassification adjustment for net gains on cash flow hedge 
   derivatives included in net income 
Net unrealized gains on cash flow hedge derivatives 

Net actuarial loss arising during the year 
Reclassification of amounts to net periodic benefit costs 
Defined benefit pension plans, net 
Total 
2014  
Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities arising  
   during the year 
Reclassification adjustment for net gains on available-for-sale 

securities included in net income 

Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities 

Unrealized holding gains on cash flow hedge derivatives arising 
   during the year 
Reclassification adjustment for net gains on cash flow hedge 
   derivatives included in net income 
Net unrealized gains on cash flow hedge derivatives 

Net actuarial loss arising during the year 
Reclassification of amounts to net periodic benefit costs 
Defined benefit pension plans, net 
Total 
2013  
Unrealized holding losses on available-for-sale securities arising  
   during the year 
Reclassification adjustment for net losses on available-for-sale 

securities included in net income 

Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities 

Unrealized holding losses on cash flow hedge derivatives arising 
   during the year 
Reclassification adjustment for net gains on cash flow hedge 
   derivatives included in net income 
Net unrealized gains on cash flow hedge derivatives 

Net actuarial gain arising during the year 
Reclassification of amounts to net periodic benefit costs 
Defined benefit pension plans, net 
Total 

146  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 37 
 37 
 (13)
 24 

 44 
 - 
 44 
 (15)
 29 

 (7)
 (5)
 (12)
 4 
 (8)

 45 

 (6)
 (6)
 2
 (4)

 45
 (1)
 44
 (15)
 29

 (11)
 (5)
 (16)
 6
 (10)

 15

Treasury Stock  

The table below presents reclassifications out of AOCI for the years ended December 31:

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Consolidated Statements of  
Income Caption  

2015  

2014  

2013  

Components of AOCI: ($ in millions)  
Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities:(b) 
   Net gains (losses) included in net income  

Net unrealized gains on cash flow hedge derivatives:(b) 

Interest rate contracts related to C&I loans  
Interest rate contracts related to long-term debt  

Net periodic benefit costs:(b) 
   Amortization of net actuarial loss  
   Settlements  

   Securities gains, net  
   Income before income taxes  
   Applicable income tax expense  
   Net income  

$ 

   Interest and fees on loans and leases   
   Interest on long-term debt   
   Income before income taxes  
   Applicable income tax expense  
   Net income  

   Employee benefits expense(a) 
   Employee benefits expense(a) 
   Income before income taxes  
   Applicable income tax expense  
   Net income  

 16 
 16 
 (6)
 10 

 75 
 - 
 75 
 (26)
 49 

 (10)
 (7)
 (17)
 6 
 (11)

Total reclassifications for the period  
(a)  This AOCI component is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. Refer to Note 21 for information on the computation of net periodic benefit cost. 
(b)  Amounts in parentheses indicate reductions to net income. 

   Net income  

$ 

 48 

23. COMMON, PREFERRED AND TREASURY STOCK   
The table presents a summary of the share activity within common, preferred and treasury stock for the years ended:  

($ in millions, except share data)  
December 31, 2012 
Shares acquired for treasury  
Issuance of preferred shares, Series I 
Issuance of preferred shares, Series H 
Redemption of preferred shares, Series G 
Impact of stock transactions under stock compensation plans, net 
Other  
December 31, 2013 
Shares acquired for treasury  
Issuance of preferred shares, Series J 
Impact of stock transactions under stock compensation plans, net 
Other  
December 31, 2014 
Shares acquired for treasury  
Impact of stock transactions under stock compensation plans, net 
Other  
December 31, 2015 

$

$

$

$

Shares 

 923,892,581  $

Common Stock  
Value 
 2,051 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 2,051 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 2,051 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 2,051 

 923,892,581  $

 923,892,581  $

 923,892,581  $

 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

 -  
 -  
 -  
 -  

 -  
 -  
 -  

Preferred Stock  
Value 
 398 
 - 
 441 
 593 
 (398)
 - 
 - 
 1,034 
 - 
 297 
 - 
 - 
 1,331 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 1,331 

Shares  
 16,450  $
 -   
 18,000   
 24,000   
 (16,450)  
 -   
 -   

Value 
 (634)
 (1,242)
 - 
 - 
 540 
 38 
 3 
 42,000  $  (1,295)
 (726)
 - 
 47 
 2 
 54,000  $  (1,972)
 (847)
 52 
 3 
 54,000  $  (2,764)

 -   
 12,000   
 -   
 -   

 -   
 -   
 -   

Shares 
 41,740,524 
 65,516,126 
 - 
 - 
 (35,529,018)
 (3,697,042)
 556,246 
 68,586,836 
 34,799,873 
 - 
 (3,493,671)
 (47,409)
 99,845,629 
 42,607,855 
 (3,593,406)
 (47,811)
 138,812,267 

Preferred Stock—Series J 
On June 5, 2014, the Bancorp issued, in a registered public offering, 
300,000  depositary  shares,  representing  12,000  shares  of  4.90% 
fixed  to  floating-rate  non-cumulative  Series  J  perpetual  preferred 
stock, for net proceeds of $297 million. Each preferred share has a 
liquidation  preference.  The  preferred  stock  accrues 
$25,000 
dividends, on a non-cumulative semi-annual basis, at an annual rate 
of 4.90% through but excluding September 30, 2019, at which time 
it  converts  to  a  quarterly  floating-rate  dividend  of  three-month 
LIBOR  plus  3.129%.  Subject  to  any  required  regulatory  approval, 
the Bancorp may redeem the Series J preferred shares at its option, 
in whole or in part, at any time on or after September 30, 2019, or 

any  time  prior  following  a  regulatory  capital  event.  The  Series  J 
preferred  shares  are  not  convertible  into  Bancorp  common  shares 
or any other securities. 

Preferred Stock—Series I 
On  December  9,  2013,  the  Bancorp  issued,  in  a  registered  public 
offering, 18,000,000 depositary shares, representing 18,000 shares of 
6.625%  fixed  to  floating-rate  non-cumulative  Series  I  perpetual 
preferred  stock,  for  net  proceeds  of  $441  million.  Each  preferred 
share  has  a  $25,000  liquidation  preference.  The  preferred  stock 
accrues dividends, on a non-cumulative quarterly basis, at an annual 
rate of 6.625% through but excluding December 31, 2023, at which 

147  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

time it converts to a quarterly floating-rate dividend of three-month 
LIBOR plus 3.71%. Subject to any required regulatory approval, the 
Bancorp  may  redeem  the  Series  I  preferred  shares  at  its  option  in 
whole  or  in  part,  at  any  time  on  or  after  December  31,  2023  and 
may redeem in whole but not in part, following a regulatory capital 
event  at  any  time  prior  to  December  31,  2023.  The  Series  I 
preferred  shares  are  not  convertible  into  Bancorp  common  shares 
or any other securities. 

Preferred Stock—Series H 
On  May  16,  2013,  the  Bancorp  issued,  in  a  registered  public 
offering,  600,000  depositary  shares,  representing  24,000  shares  of 
5.10%  fixed  to  floating-rate  non-cumulative  Series  H  perpetual 
preferred  stock,  for  net  proceeds  of  $593  million.  Each  preferred 
share  has  a  $25,000  liquidation  preference.  The  preferred  stock 
accrues  dividends,  on  a  non-cumulative  semi-annual  basis,  at  an 
annual rate of 5.10% through but excluding June 30, 2023, at which 
time it converts to a quarterly floating-rate dividend of three-month 
LIBOR  plus  3.033%.  Subject  to  any  required  regulatory  approval, 
the Bancorp may redeem the Series H preferred shares at its option 
in whole or in part, at any time on or after June 30, 2023 and may 
redeem in whole but not in part, following a regulatory capital event 
at any time prior to June 30, 2023. The Series H preferred shares are 
not  convertible  into  Bancorp  common  shares  or  any  other 
securities. 

Preferred Stock—Series G  
In  2008,  the  Bancorp  issued  8.50%  non-cumulative  Series  G 
convertible  preferred  stock.  The  depositary  shares  represented 
1/250th of a share of Series G convertible preferred stock and had a 
liquidation  preference  of  $25,000  per  preferred  share  of  Series  G 
stock. The preferred stock was convertible at any time, at the option 
of  the  shareholder,  into  2,159.8272  shares  of  common  stock, 
representing a conversion price of approximately $11.575 per share 
of common stock.  

On  June  11,  2013,  pursuant  to  the  Amended  Articles  of 
Incorporation,  the  Bancorp’s  Board  of  Directors  authorized  the 
conversion  into  common  stock,  no  par  value,  of  all  outstanding 
shares  of  the  Bancorp’s  Series  G  perpetual  preferred  stock.  The 
Articles  grant  the  Bancorp  the  right,  at  its  option,  to  convert  all 
outstanding shares of Series G preferred stock if the closing price of 
common  stock  exceeded  130%  of  the  applicable  conversion  price 
for 20 trading days within any period of 30 consecutive trading days. 
The  closing  price  of  shares  of  common  stock  satisfied  such 
threshold  for  the  30  trading  days  ended  June  10,  2013,  and  the 
Bancorp  gave  the  required  notice  of  its  exercise  of  its  conversion 
right. 

On July 1, 2013, the Bancorp converted the remaining 16,442 
outstanding  shares  of  Series  G  preferred  stock,  which  represented 
4,110,500  depositary  shares,  into  shares  of  the  Bancorp’s  common 
stock.  Each  share  of  Series  G  preferred  stock  was  converted  into 
2,159.8272  shares  of  common  stock,  representing  a  total  of 
35,511,740  issued  shares.  The  common  shares  issued  in  the 

conversion are exempt securities pursuant to Section 3(a)(9) of the 
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as the securities exchanged were 
exclusively  with  the  Bancorp’s  existing  security  holders  where  no 
commission or other remuneration was paid. Upon conversion, the 
depositary  shares  were  delisted  from  the  NASDAQ  Global  Select 
Market and withdrawn from the Exchange. 

Treasury Stock 
On March 14, 2013, the Bancorp announced the results of its capital 
plan  submitted  to  the  FRB  as  part  of  the  2013  CCAR.  The  FRB 
indicated  to  the  Bancorp  that  it  did  not  object  to  the  potential 
repurchase  of  common  shares  in  an  amount  up  to  $984  million, 
including any shares issued in a Series G preferred stock conversion 
and  the  repurchase  of  common  shares  in  an  amount  equal  to  any 
after-tax gains realized by the Bancorp from the sale of Vantiv, Inc. 
common  stock.  On  March  19,  2013,  the  Board  of  Directors 
authorized  the  Bancorp  to  repurchase  up  to  100  million  common 
shares in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions and 
to  utilize  any  derivative  or  similar  instrument  to  effect  share 
repurchase 
transactions.  This  share  repurchase  authorization 
replaced the Board’s previous authorization from August of 2012. 

On  March  18,  2014,  the  Board  of  Directors  authorized  the 
Bancorp  to  repurchase  up  to  100  million  common  shares  in  the 
open  market  or  in  privately  negotiated  transactions  and  to  utilize 
any  derivative  or  similar  instrument  to  effect  share  repurchase 
transactions.  This  share  repurchase  authorization  replaced  the 
Board’s previous authorization from March of 2013. 

On March 26, 2014, the Bancorp announced the results of its 
capital plan submitted to the FRB as part of the 2014 CCAR. The 
FRB indicated to the Bancorp that it did not object to the potential 
repurchase  of  $669  million  of  common  shares  with  the  additional 
ability  to  repurchase  common  shares  in  an  amount  equal  to  any 
after-tax gains realized by the Bancorp from the sale of Vantiv, Inc. 
common  stock  for  the  period  beginning  April  1,  2014  and  ending 
March 31, 2015. 

On March 11, 2015, the Bancorp announced the results of its 
capital plan submitted to the FRB as part of the 2015 CCAR. The 
FRB indicated to the Bancorp that it did not object to the potential 
repurchase  of  $765  million  of  common  shares  with  the  additional 
ability  to  repurchase  common  shares  in  an  amount  equal  to  any 
after-tax gains realized by the Bancorp from the sale of Vantiv, Inc. 
common  stock  for  the  period  beginning  April  1,  2015  and  ending 
June 30, 2016. 

The  Bancorp  entered  into  a  number  of  accelerated  share 
repurchase transactions during the years ended December 31, 2014 
and  2015.  As  part  of  these  transactions,  the  Bancorp  entered  into 
forward contracts in which the final number of shares delivered at 
settlement  was  based  generally  on  a  discount  to  the  average  daily 
volume  weighted-average  price  of  the  Bancorp’s  common  stock 
during  the  term  of  these  repurchase  agreements.  The  accelerated 
share  repurchases  were  treated  as  two  separate  transactions:  (i)  the 
acquisition  of  treasury  shares  on  the  acquisition  date  and  (ii)  a 
forward contract indexed to the Bancorp’s common stock. 

148  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
     
  
  
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

The following table presents a summary of the Bancorp's accelerated share repurchase transactions that were entered into or settled during the 
years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015. 

Repurchase Date 
November 18, 2013 
December 13, 2013 
January 31, 2014 
May 1, 2014 
July 24, 2014 
October 23, 2014 
January 27, 2015 
April 30, 2015 
August 3, 2015 
September 9, 2015 
December 14, 2015 

   Amount ($ in millions) 
200 
456 
99 
150 
225 
180 
180 
155 
150 
150 
215 

Shares Repurchased on 
Repurchase Date

Shares Received from Forward 
Contract Settlement 

Total Shares 
Repurchased 

 8,538,423 
 19,084,195 
 3,950,705 
 6,216,480 
 9,352,078 
 8,337,875 
 8,542,713 
 6,704,835 
 6,039,792 
 6,538,462 
 9,248,482 

 1,132,495 
 2,294,932 
 602,109 
 1,016,514 
 1,896,685 
 794,245 
 1,103,744 
 842,655 
 1,346,314 
 1,446,613 
 1,782,477 

 9,670,918 
 21,379,127 
 4,552,814 
 7,232,994 
 11,248,763 
 9,132,120 
 9,646,457 
 7,547,490 
 7,386,106 
 7,985,075 
 11,030,959 

Settlement Date 

March 5, 2014
March 31, 2014
March 31, 2014
July 21, 2014
October 14, 2014
January 8, 2015
April 28, 2015
July 31, 2015
September 3, 2015
October 23, 2015
January 14, 2016

24. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION 
The  Bancorp  has  historically  emphasized  employee 
stock 
ownership.  The  following  table  provides  detail  of  the  number  of 
shares to be issued upon exercise of outstanding stock-based awards 

Plan Category (shares in thousands)   
Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders  

SARs  
RSAs  
RSUs  
Stock options(c) 
Phantom stock units  
PSAs  
Employee stock purchase plan  

and  remaining  shares  available  for  future  issuance  under  all  of  the 
Bancorp’s  equity  compensation  plans  approved  by  shareholders  as 
of December 31, 2015: 

Number of Shares to be 
Issued Upon Exercise    

Weighted-Average 
Exercise Price Per Share

Shares Available for 
Future Issuance 

(b)
 8,281   
 371   
 7   
(d)
(e)

N/A
N/A
N/A
$32.26  
N/A
N/A

 24,667 (a) 
(a) 
(a) 
(a) 
(a) 

N/A  

(a) 
 6,813 (f) 
 31,480   

Total shares   
(a)  Under the 2014 Incentive Compensation Plan, 36 million shares  were authorized for  issuance as SARs, RSAs, RSUs, stock options, performance share or unit awards, dividend or dividend 

 8,659      

equivalent rights and stock awards. 

(b)  The number of shares to be issued upon exercise will be determined at exercise based on the difference between the grant price and the market price on the date of exercise and the calculation of taxes 

owed on the exercise. 

(c)  Excludes 0.1 million outstanding options awarded under plans assumed by the Bancorp in connection with certain mergers and acquisitions. The Bancorp has not made any awards under these plans 

and will make no additional awards under these plans. The weighted-average exercise price of the outstanding options is $13.89 per share.   

(d)  Phantom stock units are settled in cash. 
(e)  The number of shares to be issued is dependent upon the Bancorp achieving certain predefined performance targets and ranges from zero shares to approximately 1 million shares. 
(f)  Represents  remaining  shares  of  Fifth  Third  common  stock  under  the  Bancorp’s  1993  Stock  Purchase  Plan,  as  amended  and  restated,  including  an  additional  1.5  million  shares  approved  by 

shareholders on March 28, 2007 and an additional 12 million shares approved by shareholders on April 21, 2009. 

Stock-based  awards  are  eligible  for  issuance  under  the  Bancorp’s 
Incentive  Compensation  Plan  to  executives,  directors  and  key 
employees  of  the  Bancorp  and  its  subsidiaries.  The  Incentive 
Compensation  Plan  was  approved  by  shareholders  on  April  15, 
2014  and  authorized  the  issuance  of  up  to  36  million  shares, 
including  16  million  shares  for  Full  Value  Awards,  as  equity 
compensation  and  provides  for  SARs,  RSAs,  RSUs,  stock  options, 
performance share or unit awards, dividend or  dividend equivalent 
rights  and  stock  awards.  Full  Value  Awards  are  defined  as  awards 
with no cash outlay for the employee to obtain the full value. Based 
on  total  stock-based  awards  outstanding  (including  SARs,  RSAs, 
RSUs,  stock  options  and  PSAs)  and  shares  remaining  for  future 
grants  under  the  2014  Incentive  Compensation  Plan,  the  potential 
dilution to which the Bancorp’s shareholders of common stock are 
exposed due to the potential that stock-based compensation will be 
awarded  to  executives,  directors  or  key  employees  of  the  Bancorp 
and  its  subsidiaries  is  10%.  SARs,  RSAs,  RSUs,  stock  options  and 
PSAs  outstanding  represent  7%  of  the  Bancorp’s  issued  shares  at 
December 31, 2015. 

All of the Bancorp’s stock-based awards are to be settled with 
stock.  The  Bancorp  has  historically  used  treasury  stock  to  settle 

stock-based awards, when available. SARs, issued at fair value based 
on the closing price of the Bancorp’s common stock on the date of 
grant,  have  up  to  ten  year  terms  and  vest  and  become  exercisable 
either  ratably  or  fully  over  a  four  year  period  of  continued 
employment. The Bancorp does not grant discounted SARs or stock 
options, re-price previously granted SARs or stock options or grant 
reload stock options. RSAs and RSUs vest after four years or ratably 
over  three  or  four  years  of  continued  employment.    RSAs  include 
dividend and voting rights. Stock options were previously issued at 
fair  value  based  on  the  closing  price  of  the  Bancorp’s  common 
stock on the date of grant, had up to ten year terms and vested and 
became fully exercisable ratably over a three or four year period of 
continued  employment.  PSAs  have  three  year  cliff  vesting  terms 
with  market  conditions  and/or  performance  conditions  as  defined 
by  the  plan.  All  of  the  Bancorp’s  executive  stock-based  awards 
contain  an  annual  performance  hurdle  of  2%  return  on  tangible 
common  equity.  If  this  threshold  is  not  met,  all  PSAs  that  would 
vest in the next year are forfeited and all SARs and RSAs that would 
vest  in  the  next  year  may  also  be  forfeited  at  the  discretion  of  the 
Human  Capital  and  Compensation  Committee  of  the  Board  of 

149  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Directors.  The  Bancorp  met  this  threshold  as  of  December  31, 
2015.  

Stock-based  compensation  expense  was  $100  million,  $83 
million  and  $78  million  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2015, 
2014  and  2013,  respectively,  and  is  included  in  salaries,  wages  and 
incentives  in  the  Consolidated  Statements  of  Income.  The  total 
related  income  tax  benefit  recognized  was  $36  million,  $30  million 

and $28 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 
2013, respectively.  

Stock Appreciation Rights 
The Bancorp uses assumptions, which are evaluated and revised as 
necessary, in estimating the grant-date fair value of each SAR grant. 

The weighted-average assumptions were as follows for the years ended December 31: 

Expected life (in years)  
Expected volatility  
Expected dividend yield  
Risk-free interest rate 

The  expected  life  is  generally  derived  from  historical  exercise 
patterns  and  represents  the  amount  of  time  that  SARs  granted  are 
expected  to  be  outstanding.  The  expected  volatility  is  based  on  a 
combination  of  historical  and  implied  volatilities  of  the  Bancorp’s 
common  stock.  The  expected  dividend  yield  is  based  on  annual 
dividends  divided  by  the  Bancorp’s  stock  price.  Annual  dividends 
are based on projected dividends, estimated using an expected long-
term  dividend  payout  ratio,  over  the  estimated  life  of  the  awards. 
The risk-free interest rate for periods within the contractual life of 
the SARs is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the 
time of grant.   

The grant-date fair value of SARs is measured using the Black-

2015  

2014  

2013  

6   
35 %
2.7   
1.6   

6   
35   
2.4  
2.0  

6   
36   
3.0  
1.0  

Scholes option-pricing model. The weighted-average grant-date fair 
value of SARs granted was $5.52, $6.53 and $4.56 per share for the 
years  ended  December  31,  2015,  2014  and  2013,  respectively.  The 
total  grant-date  fair  value  of  SARs  that  vested  during  the  years 
ended  December  31,  2015,  2014  and  2013  was  $35  million,  $34 
million and $29 million, respectively. 

At  December  31,  2015,  there  was  $45  million  of  stock-based 
compensation  expense  related 
to  nonvested  SARs  not  yet 
recognized.  The  expense  is  expected  to  be  recognized  over  an 
estimated remaining weighted-average period at December 31, 2015 
of 2.4 years. 

SARs (in thousands, except per share data) 
Outstanding at January 1 
Granted 
Exercised 
Forfeited or expired 
Outstanding at December 31 
Exercisable at December 31 

2015  
  Weighted- 

2014  

Weighted- 

2013  
  Weighted- 

Number of 
SARs 
 45,590  $
 5,219 
 (3,242)
 (3,438)
 44,129  $
 29,721  $

Average Grant
Price Per Share

19.79   
18.99 
13.59 
32.96 
19.14 
19.71 

Number of 
SARs 
 48,599  $
 4,526 
 (4,408)
 (3,127)
 45,590  $
 27,950  $

Average Grant  Number of 
Price Per Share 
19.98   
21.63 
13.63 
34.19 
19.79 
21.71 

SARs 
 44,120  $
 10,267 
 (2,904)
 (2,884)
 48,599  $
 26,462  $

Average Grant
Price Per Share

20.41   
16.16
11.18
21.78
19.98
24.14

The following table summarizes outstanding and exercisable SARs by grant price per share at December 31, 2015: 

Outstanding SARs  

Exercisable SARs 

SARs (in thousands, except per share data) 
Under $10.00 
$10.01-$20.00 
$20.01-$30.00 
$30.01-$40.00 
Over $40.00 
All SARs  

SARs 
 2,943  $
 30,488 
 4,047 
 6,069 
 582 
 44,129  $

 3.98   
 15.99   
 21.64   
 38.66
 40.11
 19.14

Weighted- 
Number of  Average Grant Contractual Life
Price Per Share

Weighted- 
Number of  Average Grant Contractual Life
Price Per Share

Weighted- 
Average 
Remaining 

(in years) 
 3.3   
 6.3   
 8.2   
 0.8 
 1.3 
 5.5 

Weighted- 
Average 
Remaining 

(in years) 
 3.3   
 5.3   
 8.1   
 0.8
 1.3
 4.2

SARs 
 2,943  $
 19,074 
 1,053 
 6,069 
 582 
 29,721  $

3.98   
15.37   
21.66   
38.66 
40.11 
19.71 

Restricted Stock Awards  
The total grant-date fair value of RSAs that vested during the years 
ended  December  31,  2015,  2014  and  2013  was  $43  million,  $32 
million and $40 million, respectively. At December 31, 2015, there 

was  $101  million  of  stock-based  compensation  expense  related  to 
nonvested RSAs not yet recognized. The expense is expected to be 
recognized over an estimated remaining weighted-average period at 
December 31, 2015 of 2.7 years. 

150  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

2015  

  Weighted-Average

2014  
  Weighted-Average 

2013  
  Weighted-Average

Grant-Date 
Fair Value 
Per Share 

17.98   
19.11 
16.86 
18.64 
18.88 

Shares 
 7,253  $
 4,250 
 (2,580)
 (642)
 8,281  $

Grant-Date 
Fair Value 
Per Share 

15.11   
21.61 
14.84 
16.73 
17.98 

Shares 
 6,710  $
 3,264 
 (2,183)
 (538)
 7,253  $

Grant-Date 
Fair Value 
Per Share 

14.32   
16.21 
14.71 
14.97 
15.11 

Shares 
 6,379  $
 3,583 
 (2,720)
 (532)
 6,710  $

RSAs (in thousands, except per share data) 
Nonvested at January 1 
Granted 
Exercised 
Forfeited 
Nonvested at December 31 

The following table summarizes nonvested RSAs by grant-date fair value at December 31, 2015:

RSAs (in thousands) 
$10.01-$15.00 
$15.01-$20.00 
$20.01-$25.00 
All RSAs 

Nonvested RSAs 

Weighted-Average 
Remaining 
Contractual Life 
(in years) 

 0.3   
 1.6   
 1.4   
 1.4

Shares 

 690 
 5,153 
 2,438 
 8,281   

Restricted Stock Units  
The total grant-date fair value of RSUs that vested during the year 
ended  December  31,  2015  was  $2  million.  At  December  31,  2015, 
there  was  $4  million  of  stock-based  compensation  expense  related 

to nonvested RSUs not yet recognized. The expense is expected to 
be recognized over an estimated remaining weighted-average period 
at December 31, 2015 of 2.9 years. 

RSUs (in thousands, except per share data) 
Nonvested at January 1 
Granted 
Released 
Forfeited 
Nonvested at December 31 

The following table summarizes nonvested RSUs by grant-date fair value at December 31, 2015:

RSUs (in thousands) 
$15.01-$20.00 
$20.01-$25.00 
All RSUs 

2015  

  Weighted-Average

Grant-Date 
Fair Value 
Per Share 
N/A  
19.58 
21.63 
19.46 
19.56 

Shares 

 -  $

 377 
 (5)
 (1)
 371  $

Nonvested RSUs 

Weighted-Average 
Remaining 
Contractual Life 
(in years) 

 1.8   
 -   

 1.6

Shares 

 318 
 53 
 371   

Stock Options 
The  grant-date  fair  value  of  stock  options  is  measured  using  the 
Black-Scholes  option-pricing  model.  There  were  no  stock  options 
granted during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.  
The  total  intrinsic  value  of  stock  options  exercised  was  $1 
million  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2015,  2014  and  2013, 
respectively.  Cash  received  from  stock  options  exercised  was  $2 
million, $1 million and $2 million for the years ended December 31, 

2015,  2014  and  2013,  respectively.  The  tax  benefit  realized  from 
exercised  stock  options  was 
the  Bancorp’s 
immaterial 
to 
the  years  ended 
Consolidated  Financial  Statements  during 
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. All stock options were vested 
as of December 31, 2008, therefore, no stock options vested during 
the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 or 2013. As of December 
31,  2015,  the  aggregate  intrinsic  value  of  both  outstanding  stock 
options and exercisable stock options was $1 million. 

151  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Stock Options (in thousands, except per share data) 
Outstanding at January 1 
Exercised 
Forfeited or expired 
Outstanding at December 31 
Exercisable at December 31 

2015  

2014  

2013  

  Weighted-Average

  Weighted-Average 

  Weighted-Average

Number of 
Options 

Exercise Price 
Per Share 

Number of 
Options 

 265  $
 (126)
 (20)
 119  $
 119  $

14.25   
13.67 
13.59 
14.97 
14.97 

 546  $
 (115)
 (166)
 265  $
 265  $

Exercise Price 
Per Share 
20.72   
12.84 
36.42 
14.25 
14.25 

Number of 
Options 

Exercise Price 
Per Share 

 3,877  $
 (190)
 (3,141)

 546  $
 546  $

45.00   
11.88 
51.23 
20.72 
20.72 

The following table summarizes outstanding and exercisable stock options by exercise price per share at December 31, 2015:

Outstanding and Exercisable Stock Options 

  Weighted-Average

Weighted-Average
Exercise Price 
Per Share 

Remaining 
Contractual Life 
(in years) 

 8.59   
 13.89   
 24.41   
 - 
 40.98 
 14.97 

 3.0   
 0.8   
 2.0   
 -
 1.0
 0.8

Number of Options 
$

 1 
 112 
 1 
 - 
 5 
 119 

$

The  Bancorp  sponsors  an  employee  stock  purchase  plan  that 
allows  qualifying  employees  to  purchase  shares  of  the  Bancorp’s 
common  stock  with  a  15%  match.  During  the  years  ended 
December  31,  2015,  2014  and  2013,  there  were  617,829,  599,101 
and 690,039 shares, respectively, purchased by participants and the 
Bancorp  recognized  stock-based  compensation  expense  of  $1 
million in each of the respective years. 

Stock Options (in thousands, except per share data) 
Under $10.00 
$10.01-$20.00 
$20.01-$30.00 
$30.01-$40.00 
Over $40.00 
All stock options 

to 

in  response 

Other Stock-Based Compensation  
The  Bancorp’s  Board  of  Directors  previously  approved  the  use  of 
phantom  stock  units  as  part  of  its  compensation  for  executives  in 
connection  with  changes  made 
the  TARP 
compensation rules. On February 22, 2011, the Bancorp redeemed 
its  Series  F  preferred  stock  held  by  the  U.S.  Treasury  under  the 
CPP.  As  a  result  of  this  redemption,  the  last  payment  of  phantom 
stock occurred in April 2011. The phantom stock units were issued 
under  the  Bancorp’s  2008  Incentive  Compensation  Plan.  The 
number of phantom stock units was determined each pay period by 
dividing the amount of salary to be paid in phantom stock units for 
that  pay  period  by  the  reported  closing  price  of  the  Bancorp’s 
common stock on the pay date for such pay period. The phantom 
stock  units  vested  immediately  upon  issuance.  Phantom  stock  was 
expensed  based  on  the  number  of  outstanding  units  multiplied  by 
the closing price of the Bancorp’s stock at period end. The phantom 
stock  units  did  not  include  any  rights  to  receive  dividends  or 
dividend equivalents. Phantom stock units issued on or before June 
12, 2010 were settled in cash upon the earlier to occur of June 15, 
2011 or the executive’s death. Units issued thereafter were settled in 
cash with 50% settled on June 15, 2012 and 50% settled on June 15, 
2013.  The  amount  paid  on  settlement  of  the  phantom  stock  units 
was equal to the total amount of phantom stock units settled at the 
reported  closing  price  of  the  Bancorp’s  common  stock  on  the 
settlement  date.  Under  the  phantom  stock  program,  no  phantom 
stock units were granted during the years ended December 31, 2015, 
2014  and  2013.  No  phantom  stock  units  were  settled  during  both 
the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 and 200,130 phantom 
stock units were settled during the year ended December 31, 2013. 

the 

targets  over 

PSAs  are  payable  contingent  upon  the  Bancorp  achieving 
certain  predefined  performance 
three-year 
measurement  period.  Awards  granted  during  the  years  ended 
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 will be entirely settled in stock. 
The  performance  targets  are  based  on  the  Bancorp’s  performance 
relative to a defined peer group. During the years ended December 
31,  2015,  2014  and  2013,  458,355,  322,567  and  348,595  PSAs, 
respectively,  were  granted  by  the  Bancorp.  These  awards  were 
granted at a weighted-average grant-date fair value of $19.48, $15.61 
and  $16.15  per  unit  during  the  years  ended  December  31,  2015, 
2014 and 2013, respectively.  

152  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

25. OTHER NONINTEREST INCOME AND OTHER NONINTEREST EXPENSE 
The following table presents the major components of other noninterest income and other noninterest expense for the years ended December 31:

($ in millions) 
Other noninterest income:  
   Gain on sale of Vantiv, Inc. shares 
   Valuation adjustments on the warrant associated with sale of Vantiv Holding, LLC  
   Gain on sale and exercise of the warrant associated with Vantiv Holding, LLC 
   Operating lease income 
   Income from the TRA associated with Vantiv, Inc. 
   Equity method income from interest in Vantiv Holding, LLC 
   BOLI income 
   Cardholder fees 
   Gain on loan sales 
   Private equity investment income 
   Consumer loan and lease fees 
   Banking center income 
   Insurance income 
   Net losses on disposition and impairment of bank premises and equipment 
   Loss on swap associated with the sale of Visa, Inc. Class B shares 
   Other, net 
Total other noninterest income 
Other noninterest expense:  
   Impairment on affordable housing investments  
   Loan and lease 
   Marketing 
   FDIC insurance and other taxes 
   Operating lease 
   Professional services fees 
   Losses and adjustments 
   Travel 
   Postal and courier 
   Data processing 
   Recruitment and education 
   Donations 
   Insurance 
   Supplies 
   Provision for (benefit from) the reserve for unfunded commitments  
   Other, net 
Total other noninterest expense 

2015  

2014  

2013  

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

 331 
 236 
 89 
 89 
 80 
 63 
 48 
 43 
 38 
 28 
 23 
 21 
 14 
 (101)
 (37)
 14 
 979 

 145 
 118 
 110 
 99 
 74 
 70 
 55 
 54 
 45 
 45 
 33 
 29 
 17 
 16 
 4 
 191 
 1,105 

 125 
 31 
 - 
 84 
 23 
 48 
 44 
 45 
 - 
 27 
 25 
 30 
 13 
 (19)
 (38)
 12 
 450 

 135 
 119 
 98 
 89 
 67 
 72 
 188 
 52 
 47 
 41 
 28 
 18 
 16 
 15 
 (27)
 181 
 1,139 

 327   
 206   
 -   
 75   
 9   
 77   
 52   
 47   
 3   
 24   
 27   
 34   
 25   
 (6)  
 (31)  
 10   
 879   

 108   
 158   
 114   
 127   
 57   
 76   
 221   
 54   
 48   
 42   
 26   
 24   
 17   
 16   
 (17)  
 193   
 1,264   

153  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
     
     
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

26.  EARNINGS PER SHARE 
The following table provides the calculation of earnings per share and the reconciliation of earnings per share and earnings per diluted share for 
the years ended December 31: 

($ in millions, except per share data) 
Earnings per Share: 
Net income attributable to Bancorp 
Dividends on preferred stock 
Net income available to common shareholders 
Less: Income allocated to participating securities 
Net income allocated to common shareholders 
Earnings per Diluted Share: 
Net income available to common shareholders 
Effect of dilutive securities: 
    Stock-based awards 
    Series G convertible preferred stock 
Net income available to common shareholders 
    plus assumed conversions 
Less: Income allocated to participating securities 
Net income allocated to common shareholders 
    plus assumed conversions 

2015  
Average
Shares 

Income 

  Per Share  
  Amount

Income 

2014  
Average
Shares 

  Per Share    
  Amount 

   Income 

2013  
Average
Shares 

  Per Share
  Amount

$

$

$

 1,712   
 75   
 1,637   
 15   
 1,622 

 1,637   

 - 
 - 
 1,637   

 15   

$

 799  $

 2.03  $

 1,481   
 67   
 1,414   
 12   
 1,402 

$

 833  $

 1.68  $

 1,836   
 37   
 1,799   
 14   
 1,785 

 869  $

 2.05 

$

 1,414   

$

 1,799   

 9     
 -     

 10     
 -     

 - 
 - 
 1,414   

 12   

 8     
 18     

 - 
 18 
 1,817   

 14   

$

 1,622 

 808  $

2.01  $

 1,402 

843  $

1.66  $

 1,803 

895  $

2.02 

Shares are excluded from the computation of net income per diluted 
share when their inclusion has an anti-dilutive effect on earnings per 
share.  The  diluted  earnings  per  share  computation  for  the  years 
ended  December  31,  2015,  2014  and  2013  excludes  16  million,  13 
million  and  24  million,  respectively,  of  SARs  and  an  immaterial 
amount for both the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 and 
1  million  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2013,  of  stock  options 
because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.  

The diluted earnings per share computation for the year ended 
December  31,  2015  excludes  the  impact  of  the  forward  contract 
related  to  the  December  14,  2015  accelerated  share  repurchase 
transaction. Based upon the average daily volume weighted-average 
price of the Bancorp’s common stock during the fourth quarter of 
2015, the counterparty to the transaction would have been required 
to  deliver  additional  shares  for  the  settlement  of  the  forward 
contract  as  of  December  31,  2015,  and  thus  the  impact  of  the 
forward  contract  related  to  the  accelerated  share  repurchase 
transaction would have been anti-dilutive to earnings per share.  

The diluted earnings per share computation for the year ended 
December 31,  2014  excludes  the  impact  of  the  forward  contract 
related  to  the  October 23,  2014  accelerated  share  repurchase 
transaction. Based upon the average daily volume weighted-average 
price of the Bancorp’s common stock during the fourth quarter of 
2014, the counterparty to the transaction would have been required 
to  deliver  additional  shares  for  the  settlement  of  the  forward 
contract  as  of  December 31,  2014,  and  thus  the  impact  of  the 
forward  contract  related  to  the  accelerated  share  repurchase 
transaction would have been anti-dilutive to earnings per share.  

The diluted earnings per share computation for the year ended 
December 31,  2013  excludes  the  impact  of  the  forward  contracts 
related  to  the  November 18,  2013  and  December 13,  2013 
accelerated  share  repurchase  transactions.  Based  upon  the  average 
daily  volume  weighted-average  price  of  the  Bancorp’s  common 
stock  during  the  fourth  quarter  of  2013,  the  counterparty  to  the 
transactions  would  have  been  required  to  deliver  additional  shares 
for  the  settlement  of  the  forward  contracts  as  of  December 31, 
2013,  and  thus  the  impact  of  the  forward  contracts  related  to  the 
two accelerated share repurchase transactions would have been anti-
dilutive to earnings per share. 

154  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
     
     
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
     
  
    
    
  
    
     
  
    
    
    
    
  
    
 
    
  
    
  
    
 
    
  
    
  
    
 
    
  
    
     
  
    
    
  
    
     
  
    
    
    
    
     
  
    
    
  
    
     
  
    
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
    
 
    
  
    
     
  
    
    
  
    
     
  
    
  
    
 
    
  
    
     
  
    
    
  
    
     
  
    
  
     
  
    
    
  
    
     
  
    
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

27. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS 
The  Bancorp  measures  certain  financial  assets  and  liabilities  at  fair 
value in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which defines fair value as the 
price  that  would  be  received  to  sell  an  asset  or  paid  to  transfer  a 
liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the 
measurement  date.  U.S.  GAAP  also  establishes  a  fair  value 

hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used 
to measure fair value into three broad levels. For more information 
regarding  the  fair  value  hierarchy  and  how  the  Bancorp  measures 
fair value, refer to Note 1.   

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis 
The following tables summarize assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, including residential mortgage loans held for sale 
for which the Bancorp has elected the fair value option as of: 

Fair Value Measurements Using 

Level 1(c) 

Level 2(c) 

Level 3 

Total Fair Value 

December 31, 2015 ($ in millions)  
Assets:  
   Available-for-sale and other securities:  
     U.S. Treasury and federal agencies securities  
     Obligations of states and political subdivisions securities  
     Mortgage-backed securities:  
          Agency residential mortgage-backed securities  
          Agency commercial mortgage-backed securities  
          Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities  
     Asset-backed securities and other debt securities  
     Equity securities(a) 
   Available-for-sale and other securities(a) 

   Trading securities:  
     U.S. Treasury and federal agencies securities  
     Obligations of states and political subdivisions securities  
     Mortgage-backed securities:  
          Agency residential mortgage-backed securities  
     Asset-backed securities and other debt securities  
     Equity securities  
   Trading securities  

   Residential mortgage loans held for sale  
   Residential mortgage loans(b) 
   Derivative assets:  
     Interest rate contracts  
     Foreign exchange contracts  
     Equity contracts  
     Commodity contracts  
   Derivative assets(d) 
Total assets  

Liabilities:  
   Derivative liabilities:  
     Interest rate contracts  
     Foreign exchange contracts  
     Equity contracts  
     Commodity contracts  
   Derivative liabilities(e) 

$

$

$

 100 
 - 

 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 98 
 198 

 - 
 - 

 - 
 - 
 333 
 333 

 - 
 - 

 3 
 - 
 - 
 54 
 57 
 588 

 1 
 - 
 - 
 37 
 38 

   Short positions(e) 
Total liabilities  
(a)  Excludes FHLB, FRB and DTCC restricted stock totaling $248, $355 and $1, respectively, at December 31, 2015. 
(b) 
Includes residential mortgage loans originated as held for sale and subsequently transferred to held for investment. 
(c)  During the year ended December 31, 2015, no assets or liabilities were transferred between Level 1 and Level 2.  
(d) 
(e) 

Included in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  
Included in other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets 

 22 
 60 

$

 1,087 
 52 

 15,081 
 7,862 
 2,804 
 1,355 
 1 
 28,242 

 19 
 9 

 6 
 19 
 - 
 53 

 519 
 - 

 892 
 386 
 - 
 240 
 1,518 
 30,332 

 257 
 340 
 - 
 239 
 836 

 7 
 843 

 - 
 - 

 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

 - 
 - 

 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

 - 
 167 

 15 
 - 
 262 
 - 
 277 
 444 

 3 
 - 
 61 
 - 
 64 

 - 
 64 

 1,187
 52

 15,081
 7,862
 2,804
 1,355
 99
 28,440

 19
 9

 6
 19
 333
 386

 519
 167

 910
 386
 262
 294
 1,852
 31,364

 261
 340
 61
 276
 938

 29
 967

155  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
  
   
   
  
  
   
  
   
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
      
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Fair Value Measurements Using 

Level 1(c)  

Level 2(c)  

Level 3 

Total Fair Value 

December 31, 2014 ($ in millions)  
Assets:  
   Available-for-sale and other securities:  
     U.S. Treasury and federal agencies securities  
     Obligations of states and political subdivisions securities  
     Mortgage-backed securities:  
          Agency residential mortgage-backed securities  
          Agency commercial mortgage-backed securities  
          Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities  
     Asset-backed securities and other debt securities  
     Equity securities(a) 
   Available-for-sale and other securities(a) 

   Trading securities:  
     U.S. Treasury and federal agencies securities  
     Obligations of states and political subdivisions securities  
     Mortgage-backed securities:  
          Agency residential mortgage-backed securities  
     Asset-backed securities and other debt securities  
     Equity securities  
   Trading securities  

   Residential mortgage loans held for sale  
   Residential mortgage loans(b) 
   Derivative assets:  
     Interest rate contracts  
     Foreign exchange contracts  
     Equity contracts  
     Commodity contracts  
   Derivative assets(d) 
Total assets  

Liabilities:  
   Derivative liabilities:  
     Interest rate contracts  
     Foreign exchange contracts  
     Equity contracts  
     Commodity contracts  
   Derivative liabilities(e) 

$ 

$ 

$ 

 25 
 - 

 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 84 
 109 

 - 
 - 

 - 
 - 
 316 
 316 

 - 
 - 

 - 
 - 
 - 
 68 
 68 
 493 

 6 
 - 
 - 
 58 
 64 

 16 
 80 

 1,607 
 192 

 12,404 
 4,565 
 1,550 
 1,362 
 19 
 21,699 

 14 
 8 

 9 
 13 
 - 
 44 

 561 
 - 

 888 
 417 
 - 
 280 
 1,585 
 23,889 

 276 
 372 
 - 
 280 
 928 

 5 
 933 

 - 
 - 

 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

 - 
 - 

 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

 - 
 108 

 12 
 - 
 415 
 - 
 427 
 535 

 2 
 - 
 49 
 - 
 51 

 - 
 51 

 1,632
 192

 12,404
 4,565
 1,550
 1,362
 103
 21,808

 14
 8

 9
 13
 316
 360

 561
 108

 900
 417
 415
 348
 2,080
 24,917

 284
 372
 49
 338
 1,043

 21
 1,064

   Short positions(e) 
Total liabilities  
(a)  Excludes FHLB and FRB restricted stock totaling $248 and $352, respectively, at December 31, 2014. 
(b) 
Includes residential mortgage loans originated as held for sale and subsequently transferred to held for investment. 
(c)  During the year ended December 31, 2014, no assets or liabilities were transferred between Level 1 and Level 2. 
(d) 
(e) 

Included in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  
Included in other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets 

$ 

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used 
for  significant  instruments  measured  at  fair  value,  as  well  as  the 
general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation 
hierarchy.  

Available-for-sale and other and trading securities 
Where quoted prices are available in an active market, securities are 
classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Level 1 securities 
include  U.S.  Treasury  securities  and  exchange-traded  equities.  If 
quoted market prices are not available, then fair values are estimated 
using  pricing  models,  quoted  prices  of  securities  with  similar 
characteristics  or  DCFs.  Examples  of  such  instruments,  which  are 
classified  within  Level  2  of  the  valuation  hierarchy,  include  federal 
agencies  securities,  obligations  of  states  and  political  subdivisions 
securities, agency residential mortgage-backed securities, agency and 
non-agency  commercial  mortgage-backed  securities  and  asset-

backed  securities  and  other  debt  securities.  These  securities  are 
generally  valued  using  a  market  approach  based  on  observable 
prices of securities with similar characteristics. 

Residential mortgage loans held for sale  
For residential mortgage loans held for sale for which the fair value 
election  has  been  made,  fair  value  is  estimated  based  upon 
mortgage-backed securities prices and spreads to those prices or, for 
certain  ARM 
incorporate  the 
loans,  DCF  models  that  may 
anticipated  portfolio  composition,  credit  spreads  of  asset-backed 
securities  with  similar  collateral  and  market  conditions.  The 
anticipated portfolio composition includes the effect of interest rate 
spreads  and  discount  rates  due  to  loan  characteristics  such  as  the 
state  in  which  the  loan  was  originated,  the  loan  amount  and  the 
ARM  margin.  Residential  mortgage  loans  held  for  sale  that  are 
valued  based  on  mortgage-backed  securities  prices  are  classified 

156  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy as the valuation is based on 
external  pricing  for  similar  instruments.  ARM  loans  classified  as 
held  for  sale  are  also  classified  within  Level  2  of  the  valuation 
hierarchy  due  to  the  use  of  observable  inputs  in  the  DCF  model. 
These  observable  inputs  include  interest  rate  spreads  from  agency 
mortgage-backed  securities  market  rates  and  observable  discount 
rates.  

Residential mortgage loans 
Residential mortgage loans held for sale that are reclassified to held 
for  investment  are  transferred  from  Level  2  to  Level  3  of  the  fair 
value  hierarchy.  It  is  the  Bancorp’s  policy  to  value  any  transfers 
between  levels  of  the  fair  value  hierarchy  based  on  end  of  period 
fair values.  

interest  rate  risk  and  an 

For residential mortgage loans for which the fair value election 
has been made, and that are reclassified from held for sale to held 
for  investment,  the  fair  value  estimation  is  based  on  mortgage-
backed  securities  prices, 
internally 
developed  credit  component.  Therefore,  these  loans  are  classified 
within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. An adverse change in the 
loss  rate  or  severity  assumption  would  result  in  a  decrease  in  fair 
value  of  the  related  loan.  The  Secondary  Marketing  department, 
which  reports  to  the  Bancorp’s  Head  of  the  Consumer  Bank,  in 
conjunction  with  the  Consumer  Credit  Risk  department,  which 
reports  to  the  Bancorp’s  Chief  Risk  Officer,  are  responsible  for 
determining  the  valuation  methodology  for  residential  mortgage 
loans  held  for  investment.  The  Secondary  Marketing  department 
reviews 
if 
adjustments are necessary based on decreases in observable housing 
market  data.  This  group  also  reviews  trades 
in  comparable 
benchmark  securities  and  adjusts  the  values  of  loans  as  necessary. 
Consumer  Credit  Risk  is  responsible  for  the  credit  component  of 
the  fair  value  which  is  based  on  internally  developed  loss  rate 
models that take into account historical loss rates and loss severities 
based on underlying collateral values. 

loss  severity  assumptions  quarterly  to  determine 

Derivatives 
Exchange-traded derivatives valued using quoted prices and certain 
over-the-counter  derivatives  valued  using  active  bids  are  classified 
within  Level  1  of  the  valuation  hierarchy.  Most  of  the  Bancorp’s 
derivative  contracts  are  valued  using  DCF  or  other  models  that 
incorporate current market interest rates, credit spreads assigned to 
the  derivative  counterparties  and  other  market  parameters  and, 
therefore,  are  classified  within  Level  2  of  the  valuation  hierarchy. 
Such  derivatives  include  basic  and  structured  interest  rate,  foreign 
exchange  and  commodity  swaps  and  options.  Derivatives  that  are 
valued  based  upon  models  with  significant  unobservable  market 
parameters  are  classified  within  Level  3  of  the  valuation  hierarchy. 
At  December  31,  2015  and  2014,  derivatives  classified  as  Level  3, 
which  are  valued  using  models  containing  unobservable  inputs, 
consisted primarily of a warrant associated with the initial sale of the 
Bancorp’s  51%  interest  in  Vantiv  Holding,  LLC  to  Advent 
International and a total return swap associated with the Bancorp’s 
sale  of  Visa,  Inc.  Class  B  shares.  For  further  information  on  the 
warrant,  refer  to  Note  19.  Level  3  derivatives  also  include  IRLCs, 
which utilize internally generated loan closing rate assumptions as a 
significant unobservable input in the valuation process.  

As  of  December  31,  2015,  the  warrant  allows  the  Bancorp  to 
purchase  approximately  7.8  million  incremental  nonvoting  units  in 
Vantiv  Holding,  LLC  at  an  exercise  price  of  $15.98  per  unit  and 
requires  settlement  under  certain  defined  conditions  involving 
change  of  control.  The  fair  value  of  the  warrant  is  calculated  in 

conjunction with a third-party valuation provider by applying Black-
Scholes option-pricing models using probability weighted scenarios 
which  contain  the  following  inputs:  Vantiv,  Inc.  stock  price,  strike 
price  per  the  Warrant  Agreement  and  several  unobservable  inputs, 
such as expected term and expected volatility.  

For  the  warrant,  an  increase  in  the  expected  term  (years)  and 
the expected volatility assumptions would result in an increase in the 
fair value; conversely, a decrease in these assumptions would result 
in  a  decrease  in  the  fair  value.  The  Accounting  and  Treasury 
departments, both of which report to the Bancorp’s Chief Financial 
Officer, determined the valuation methodology for the warrant. The 
Accounting and Treasury departments review changes in fair value 
on  a  quarterly  basis  for  reasonableness  based  on  changes  in 
historical  and 
implied  volatilities,  expected  terms,  probability 
weightings of the related scenarios and other assumptions. 

Under  the  terms  of  the  total  return  swap,  the  Bancorp  will 
make  or  receive  payments  based  on  subsequent  changes  in  the 
conversion rate of the Visa, Inc. Class B shares into Class A shares. 
Additionally,  the  Bancorp  will  make  a  quarterly  payment  based  on 
Visa’s stock price and the conversion rate of the Visa, Inc. Class B 
shares  into  Class  A  shares  until  the  date  on  which  the  Covered 
Litigation  is  settled.  The  fair  value  of  the  total  return  swap  was 
calculated  using  a  DCF  model  based  on  unobservable  inputs 
consisting  of  management’s  estimate  of  the  probability  of  certain 
litigation  scenarios,  the  timing  of  the  resolution  of  the  Covered 
Litigation and Visa litigation loss estimates in excess, or shortfall, of 
the Bancorp’s proportional share of escrow funds. 

An increase in the loss estimate or a delay in the resolution of 
the  Covered  Litigation  would  result  in  an  increase  in  fair  value; 
conversely, a decrease in the loss estimate or an acceleration of the 
resolution  of  the  Covered  Litigation  would  result  in  a  decrease  in 
fair  value.  The  Accounting  and  Treasury  departments  determined 
the  valuation  methodology  for  the  total  return  swap.  The 
Accounting  and  Treasury  departments  review  the  changes  in  fair 
value  on  a  quarterly  basis  for  reasonableness  based  on  Visa  stock 
price changes, litigation contingencies, and escrow funding. 

The  net  fair  value  asset  of  the  IRLCs  at  December  31,  2015 
was $15 million. Immediate decreases in current interest rates of 25 
bps  and  50  bps  would  result  in  increases  in  the  fair  value  of  the 
IRLCs  of  approximately  $6  million  and  $11  million,  respectively. 
Immediate increases of current interest rates of 25 bps and 50 bps 
would  result  in  decreases  in  the  fair  value  of  the  IRLCs  of 
approximately $7 million and $14 million, respectively. The decrease 
in the fair value of IRLCs due to immediate 10% and 20% adverse 
changes  in  the  assumed  loan  closing  rates  would  be  approximately 
$2  million  and  $3  million,  respectively,  and  the  increase  in  the  fair 
value  due  to  immediate  10%  and  20%  favorable  changes  in  the 
assumed  loan  closing  rates  would be  approximately  $2  million  and 
$3  million,  respectively.  These  sensitivities  are  hypothetical  and 
should  be  used  with  caution,  as  changes  in  fair  value  based  on  a 
variation  in  assumptions  typically  cannot  be  extrapolated  because 
the relationship of the change in assumptions to the change in fair 
value may not be linear.  

The  Consumer  Line  of  Business  Finance  department,  which 
reports  to  the  Bancorp’s  Chief  Financial  Officer,  and  the 
aforementioned  Secondary  Marketing  department  are  responsible 
for  determining  the  valuation  methodology  for  IRLCs.  Secondary 
Marketing,  in  conjunction  with  a  third-party  valuation  provider, 
periodically  review  loan  closing  rate  assumptions  and  recent  loan 
sales  to  determine  if  adjustments  are  needed  for  current  market 
conditions not reflected in historical data.   

157  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following tables are a reconciliation of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs 
(Level 3): 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) 

Trading 
Securities 

Residential 
Mortgage  
Loans 

Interest Rate  
Derivatives,  
Net(a) 

Equity  
Derivatives,  
Net(a) 

Total 
Fair Value 
 484 

$ 

 - 

 108 

For the year ended December 31, 2015 ($ in millions)  
Balance, beginning of period  
   Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):  
     Included in earnings  
   Purchases  
   Sale and exercise of warrant  
   Settlements  
   Transfers into Level 3(b) 
Balance, end of period  
The amount of total gains for the period  
  included in earnings attributable to the change in  
  unrealized gains or losses relating to assets  
  still held at December 31, 2015(c) 
 83 
(a)  Net interest rate derivatives include derivative assets and liabilities of $15 and $3, respectively, as of December 31, 2015. Net equity derivatives include derivative assets and liabilities of $262 

 399 
 (2)
 (477)
 (111)
 87 
 380 

 288 
 - 
 (477)
 24 
 - 
 201 

 111 
 (2)
 - 
 (107)
 - 
 12 

 - 
 - 
 - 
 (28)
 87 
 167 

 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

 366 

 66 

 10 

 17 

 - 

 - 

$ 

$

and $61, respectively, as of December 31, 2015. 
Includes residential mortgage loans held for sale that were transferred to held for investment. 
Includes interest income and expense. 

(b) 
(c) 

Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) 

Trading 
Securities 

Residential 
Mortgage  
Loans 

Interest Rate  
Derivatives,  
Net(a) 

Equity  
Derivatives,  
Net(a) 

Total 
  Fair Value
437 

$ 

 1 

 92 

For the year ended December 31, 2014 ($ in millions)  
Balance, beginning of period  
   Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):  
     Included in earnings  
   Purchases  
   Sales  
   Settlements  
   Transfers into Level 3(b) 
Balance, end of period  
The amount of total gains (losses) for the period  
  included in earnings attributable to the change in  
  unrealized gains or losses relating to assets  
  still held at December 31, 2014(c) 
10 
(a)  Net interest rate derivatives include derivative assets and liabilities of $12 and $2, respectively as of December 31, 2014. Net equity derivatives include derivative assets and liabilities of $415 and 

 125 
(1)
 - 
(122)
 - 
 10 

122 
(1)
(1)
(102)
29 
484 

4 
 - 
 - 
(17)
 29 
 108 

(7)
 - 
 - 
 37 
 - 
366 

 - 
 - 
(1)
 - 
 - 
 - 

 336 

 13 

(7)

 - 

4 

8 

$ 

$ 

$49, respectively, as of December 31, 2014. 
Includes residential mortgage loans held for sale that were transferred to held for investment. 
Includes interest income and expense. 

(b) 
(c) 

Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) 

Residential 
Mortgage  
Loans 

Interest Rate  
Derivatives,   
Net(a) 

Equity   
Derivatives,  
Net(a) 

  Trading 
  Securities
 1 
$ 

Total 
  Fair Value
 278 

For the year ended December 31, 2013 ($ in millions)  
Balance, beginning of period  
   Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):  
     Included in earnings  
   Purchases  
   Settlements  
   Transfers into Level 3(b) 
Balance, end of period  
The amount of total gains (losses) for the period  
  included in earnings attributable to the change in  
  unrealized gains or losses relating to assets  
185 
  still held at December 31, 2013(c) 
(a)  Net interest rate derivatives include derivative assets and liabilities of $12 and $4, respectively, as of December 31, 2013. Net equity derivatives include derivative assets and liabilities of $384 and 

59 
(2)
(106)
 - 
 8 

 233 
(2)
(106)
 34 
 437 

175 
 - 
17 
 - 
 336 

(1)
 - 
(17)
 34 
 92 

 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 1 

175 

144 

 76 

11 

57 

(1)

 - 

$ 

$ 

$48, respectively, as of December 31, 2013. 
Includes residential mortgage loans held for sale that were transferred to held for investment. 
Includes interest income and expense. 

(b) 
(c) 

158  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
   
  
  
  
   
   
  
  
   
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
   
   
  
  
  
   
   
  
  
  
 
  
   
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
   
   
  
  
  
   
   
 
  
  
 
  
   
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

The total gains and losses included in earnings for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable 
inputs (Level 3) were recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 as follows:

($ in millions) 
Mortgage banking net revenue 
Corporate banking revenue 
Other noninterest income 

Total gains 

2015  
 110 
 1 
 288 

 399 

$

$

2014  
 127 
 2 
 (7)

 122 

2013  
 57 
 1 
 175 

 233 

The total gains and losses included in earnings attributable to changes in unrealized gains and losses related to Level 3 assets and liabilities still held
at December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income as follows:

($ in millions) 
Mortgage banking net revenue 
Corporate banking revenue 
Other noninterest income 

Total gains 

2015  
 16 
 1 
 66 

 83 

$

$

2014  
 16 
 1 
 (7)

 10 

2013  
 10 
 - 
 175 

 185 

The  following  tables  present  information  as  of  December  31,  2015  and  2014  about  significant  unobservable  inputs  related  to  the  Bancorp’s
material categories of Level 3 financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis:

As of December 31, 2015 ($ in millions)  

Financial Instrument   

Residential mortgage loans   

   Fair Value  
$  167  

Valuation Technique 

Loss rate model  

IRLCs, net   
Stock warrant associated with Vantiv Holding, LLC     262  

   15  

Discounted cash flow  
Black-Scholes option- 
pricing model  
Discounted cash flow  

Swap associated with the sale of Visa, Inc.   
Class B shares  
(a)  Based on historical and implied volatilities of Vantiv, Inc. and comparable companies assuming similar expected terms. 

   (61) 

As of December 31, 2014 ($ in millions)  

Financial Instrument   

Residential mortgage loans   

   Fair Value 
$  108  

Valuation Technique 

Loss rate model  

   12  
IRLCs, net   
Stock warrant associated with Vantiv Holding, LLC     415  

Discounted cash flow  
Black-Scholes option- 
pricing model  
Discounted cash flow  

Swap associated with the sale of Visa, Inc.   
Class B shares  
(a)  Based on historical and implied volatilities of Vantiv, Inc. and comparable companies assuming similar expected terms. 

   (49) 

Significant Unobservable 
Inputs   

Interest rate risk factor   
Credit risk factor   
Loan closing rates   
Expected term (years)   
Expected volatility(a) 
Timing of the resolution   
    of the Covered Litigation   

Significant Unobservable 
Inputs  

Interest rate risk factor   
Credit risk factor   
Loan closing rates   
Expected term (years)   
Expected volatility(a) 
Timing of the resolution   
    of the Covered Litigation  

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a 
Nonrecurring Basis 
Certain  assets  and  liabilities  are  measured  at  fair  value  on  a 
nonrecurring  basis.  These  assets  and  liabilities  are  not  measured  at 
fair  value  on  an  ongoing  basis;  however,  they  are  subject  to  fair 
value  adjustments  in  certain  circumstances,  such  as  when  there  is 
evidence of impairment.  

Ranges of 
Inputs  

(9.2) - 16.5%
0 - 80.5%
5.8 - 94.0%
2.0 - 13.5
22.6 - 31.2%
12/31/2016 -
3/31/2021

Weighted-Average
3.1%
1.3%
76.3%
5.9 
25.9%
NM

Ranges of 
Inputs 
(7.2) - 17.7%
0 - 46.6%
8.8 - 86.7%
2.0 - 14.5
22.9 - 32.2%
12/31/2015 -
6/30/2020

Weighted-Average
5.0%
1.8%
65.2%
6.0 
26.5%
NM

159  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

The following tables provide the fair value hierarchy and carrying amount of all assets that were held as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and for 
which a nonrecurring fair value adjustment was recorded during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related gains and losses 
from fair value adjustments on assets sold during the period as well as assets still held as of the end of the period. 

As of December 31, 2015 ($ in millions) 
Commercial loans held for sale 
Residential mortgage loans held for sale 
Automobile loans held for sale 
Credit cards held for sale 
Commercial and industrial loans 
Commercial mortgage loans 
Commercial construction loans 
Residential mortgage loans 
MSRs 
OREO 
Bank premises and equipment 
Operating lease equipment 
Private equity investment funds 

   $ 

Fair Value Measurements Using 
Level 3 
Level 2 
 13 
 -
 68 
 -
 2 
 -
 4 
 -
 344 
 -
 103 
 -
 6 
 -
 55 
 -
 784 
 -
 58 
 -
 83 
 -
 42 
 -
 13 
 -

Level 1 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

Total  

   $ 

 - 

 -

 1,575 

As of December 31, 2014 ($ in millions) 
Commercial loans held for sale 
Residential mortgage loans held for sale 
Commercial and industrial loans 
Commercial mortgage loans 
Commercial construction loans 
MSRs 
OREO 
Bank premises and equipment 
Total  

   $ 

   $ 

Level 1 

Fair Value Measurements Using 
Level 3 
Level 2 
 33 
 -
 554 
 -
 456 
 -
 110 
 -
 23 
 -
 856 
 -
 90 
 -
 22 
 -
 2,144 
 -

 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -

Total 
 13 
 68 
 2 
 4 
 344 
 103 
 6 
 55 
 784 
 58 
 83 
 42 
 13 

 1,575 

Total 
 33 
 554 
 456 
 110 
 23 
 856 
 90 
 22 
 2,144 

Total (Losses) Gains 
For the year ended December 31, 2015  

 3 
 (2)
 - 
 (2)
 (137)
 (41)
 (5)
 (1)
 4 
 (24)
 (101)
 (33)
 (1)

 (340)

Total Losses 
For the year ended December 31, 2014  

 (12)
 (87)
 (382)
 (36)
 (1)
 (65)
 (26)
 (20)
 (629)

The  following  tables  present  information  as  of  December  31,  2015  and  2014  about  significant  unobservable  inputs  related  to  the  Bancorp’s 
material categories of Level 3 financial assets measured on a nonrecurring basis: 

Significant Unobservable 
Inputs  

Ranges of 
Inputs  

Weighted-Average 

As of December 31, 2015 ($ in millions) 

Financial Instrument  

Commercial loans held for sale  
Residential mortgage loans held for sale  

Automobile loans held for sale 
Credit cards held for sale 

Commercial and industrial loans 
Commercial mortgage loans  
Commercial construction loans  
Residential mortgage loans 

Fair 
Value 
13 
68 

$ 

2 
4 

344 
103 
6 
55 

  Valuation Technique 
  Discounted cash flow 
  Loss rate model 

Discount spread 
Interest rate risk factor 
Credit risk factor 
Discount spread 

  Discounted cash flow 
  Comparable transactions  Estimated sales proceeds from 

  Appraised value 
  Appraised value 
  Appraised value 
  Appraised value 

comparable transactions 
Collateral value  
Collateral value  
Collateral value  
Appraised value  

NM
(7.5) - 0.1%
NM
NM
NM

NM
NM
NM
NM

MSRs 

784 

  Discounted cash flow 

Prepayment speed  

1.0 - 100%

OAS spread (bps) 

364 - 1,515

4.4%
(1.6%)
0.1%
3.1%
NM 

NM 
NM 
NM 
NM 

(Fixed) 11.8%
(Adjustable) 27.0%

(Fixed) 618
(Adjustable) 703

OREO 
Bank premises and equipment 
Operating lease equipment 
Private equity investment funds 

58 
83 
42 
13 

  Appraised value 
  Appraised value 
  Appraised value 
  Liquidity discount applied Liquidity discount 
  to fund's net asset value 

Appraised value  
Appraised value  
Appraised value  

NM
NM
NM
NM

NM 
NM 
NM 
18.0%

160  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
        
  
  
     
  
  
 
  
  
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
        
  
  
     
  
  
 
  
  
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
  
    
  
  
  
     
  
    
  
  
     
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
  
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

As of December 31, 2014 ($ in millions) 

Financial Instrument  

Commercial loans held for sale  

Fair 
Value 
33 

$ 

  Valuation Technique 
  Appraised value 

Significant Unobservable 

Ranges of 

Inputs 

Inputs 

Weighted-Average 

Appraised value  
Cost to sell  

Residential mortgage loans held for sale  

554 

  Comparable transactions Estimated sales  proceeds from 

Commercial and industrial loans 
Commercial mortgage loans  
Commercial construction loans  

456 
110 
23 

  Appraised value 
  Appraised value 
  Appraised value 

comparable transactions 
Collateral value  
Collateral value  
Collateral value  

MSRs 

856 

  Discounted cash flow 

Prepayment speed  

0 - 100%

NM
NM
NM

NM
NM
NM

NM 
10.0%
15.0%

NM 
NM 
NM 

(Fixed) 12.0%
(Adjustable) 26.2%

(Fixed) 9.9% 
(Adjustable) 11.8%
NM 
NM 

OREO 
Bank premises and equipment 

90 
22 

  Appraised value 
  Appraised value 

Commercial loans held for sale 
During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Bancorp 
transferred $37 million and $28 million, respectively, of commercial 
loans  from  the  portfolio  to  loans  held  for  sale  that  upon  transfer 
were  measured  at  the  lower  of  cost  or  fair  value.  These  loans  had 
fair  value  adjustments  during  the  years  ended  December  31,  2015 
and 2014 totaling $1 million and $10 million, respectively, and were 
generally  based  on  either  appraisals  of  the  underlying  collateral  or 
were  estimated  by  discounting  future  cash  flows  using  the  current 
market rates of loans to borrowers with similar credit characteristics, 
similar  remaining  maturities,  prepayment  speeds  and  loss  severities 
and  were,  therefore,  classified  within  Level  3  of  the  valuation 
hierarchy. Additionally, during the years ended December 31, 2015 
and  2014  there  were  fair  value  adjustments  on  existing  loans  held 
for  sale  of  $1  million  and  $2  million,  respectively.  The  fair  value 
adjustments  were  also  based  on  appraisals  of  the  underlying 
collateral. The Bancorp recognized $5 million in gains on the sale of 
certain  commercial  loans  held  for  sale  during  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2015.   
     The  Accounting  department  determines  the  procedures  for  the 
valuation  of  commercial  loans  held  for  sale  using  appraised  value 
which  may  include  a  comparison  to  recently  executed  transactions 
of  similar  type  loans.  A  monthly  review  of  the  portfolio  is 
performed  for  reasonableness.  Quarterly,  appraisals  approaching 
one  year  old  are  updated  and  the  Real  Estate  Valuation  group, 
which  reports  to  the  Bancorp’s  Chief  Risk  Officer,  in  conjunction 
with  the  Commercial  Line  of  Business  review  the  third-party 
appraisals for reasonableness. Additionally, the Commercial Line of 
Business Finance department, which reports to the Bancorp’s Chief 
Financial  Officer,  in  conjunction  with  the  Accounting  department 
reviews  all  loan  appraisal  values,  carry  values  and  vintages.  The 
Treasury  department,  which  reports  to  the  Bancorp’s  Chief 
Financial  Officer,  is  responsible  for  the  estimate  of  fair  value 
adjustments when a discounted future cash flow valuation technique 
is employed.   

Residential mortgage loans held for sale  
During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Bancorp transferred 
$233  million  of  residential  mortgage  loans  from  the  portfolio  to 
loans held for sale that upon transfer were measured at the lower of 
cost or fair value using significant unobservable inputs. Fair values 
were estimated based on mortgage-backed securities prices, interest 
rate risk and an internally developed credit component. These loans 
had  $2  million  of  fair  value  adjustments  during  the  year  ended 
December  31,  2015.  The  Secondary  Marketing  department,  which 
in 
reports  to  the  Bancorp’s  Head  of  the  Consumer  Bank, 

Discount rates 
Appraised value  
Appraised value  

9.6 - 13.2%
NM
NM

loss  severity  assumptions  quarterly  to  determine 

conjunction  with  the  Consumer  Credit  Risk  department,  which 
reports  to  the  Bancorp’s  Chief  Risk  Officer,  are  responsible  for 
determining  the  valuation  methodology  for  residential  mortgage 
loans  held  for  investment.  The  Secondary  Marketing  department 
reviews 
if 
adjustments are necessary based on decreases in observable housing 
in  comparable 
market  data.  This  group  also  reviews  trades 
benchmark  securities  and  adjusts  the  values  of  loans  as  necessary. 
Consumer  Credit  Risk  is  responsible  for  the  credit  component  of 
the  fair  value  which  is  based  on  internally  developed  loss  rate 
models that take into account historical loss rates and loss severities 
based on underlying collateral values.  
     During  the  year  ended  December  31,  2014  the  Bancorp 
transferred  $720  million  of  restructured  residential  mortgage  loans 
from  the  portfolio  to  loans  held  for  sale  that  upon  transfer  were 
measured  at  the  lower  of  cost  or  fair  value  using  significant 
unobservable inputs. These loans had fair value adjustments during 
the  year  ended  December  31,  2014  totaling  $87  million.  The  fair 
value  adjustments  were  based  on  estimated  third-party  valuations 
utilizing recent sales data from similar transactions. Broker opinion 
statements were also obtained as additional evidence to support the 
third-party  valuations.  The  Treasury  department  worked  with  the 
third-party  advisor  to  estimate  the  fair  value  adjustments.  The 
discounts  taken  were  intended  to  represent  the  perspective  of  a 
market  participant,  considering  among  other  things,  required 
investor returns which include liquidity discounts reflected in similar 
bulk transactions. 

Automobile loans held for sale  
During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Bancorp transferred 
$5 million of automobile loans from the portfolio to loans held for 
sale  that  upon  transfer  were  measured  at  the  lower  of  cost  or  fair 
value  using  significant  unobservable  inputs.  Fair  values  were 
estimated by discounting future cash flows using the current market 
rates of loans to borrowers with similar credit characteristics, similar 
remaining  maturities,  prepayment  speeds  and  loss  severities.  These 
loans had an immaterial amount of fair value adjustments during the 
year  ended  December  31,  2015.  The  Treasury  department,  which 
reports to the Bancorp’s Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for 
the estimate of fair value adjustments.  

Credit cards held for sale  
During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Bancorp transferred 
$102 million of credit cards from the portfolio to loans held for sale 
that upon transfer were measured at the lower of cost or fair value 
using  significant  unobservable  inputs.  Fair  values  were  estimated 

161  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
     
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
  
    
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

based  on  recent  sales  data  from  similar  transactions.  These  loans 
had  fair  value  adjustments  of  $2  million  during  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2015. The Consumer Credit Risk department, which 
reports to the Bancorp’s Chief Risk Officer, in conjunction with the 
Accounting  department,  which  reports  to  the  Bancorp’s  Chief 
Financial  Officer,  are  responsible  for  the  estimate  of  fair  value 
adjustments.  

to 

adjustments 

loans  held  for 

Commercial loans held for investment  
During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Bancorp 
recorded  nonrecurring 
certain 
impairment 
commercial  and  industrial  loans,  commercial  mortgage  loans  and 
commercial  construction 
investment.  Larger 
commercial  loans  included  within  aggregate  borrower  relationship 
balances  exceeding  $1  million  that  exhibit  probable  or  observed 
credit  weaknesses  are  subject  to  individual  review  for  impairment. 
The Bancorp considers the current value of collateral, credit quality 
of  any  guarantees,  the  guarantor’s  liquidity  and  willingness  to 
cooperate,  the  loan  structure  and  other  factors  when  evaluating 
whether  an  individual  loan  is  impaired.  When  the  loan  is  collateral 
dependent,  the  fair  value  of  the  loan  is  generally  based  on  the  fair 
value of the underlying collateral supporting the loan and therefore 
these loans were classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. 
In  cases  where  the  carrying  value  exceeds  the  fair  value,  an 
impairment  loss  is  recognized.  The  fair  values  and  recognized 
impairment  losses  are  reflected  in  the  previous  tables.  Commercial 
Credit  Risk,  which  reports  to  the  Bancorp’s  Chief  Risk  Officer,  is 
responsible for preparing and reviewing the fair value estimates for 
commercial loans held for investment. 

Residential mortgage loans held for investment 
During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Bancorp transferred 
approximately $55 million of restructured residential mortgage loans 
from held for sale to the portfolio as the Bancorp no longer had the 
intent  to  sell  the  loans.  Upon  transfer,  the  Bancorp  recognized  a 
nonrecurring  fair  value  adjustment  of  $1  million  on  these  loans, 
which had previously been transferred to held for sale in the fourth 
quarter of 2014.  

MSRs 
Mortgage  interest  rates  increased  during  the  year  ended  December 
31,  2015  which  led  to  a  recovery  of  temporary  impairment  on 
servicing  rights.  Mortgage  rates  decreased  during  the  year  ended 
December  31,  2014  and  the  Bancorp  recognized  temporary 
impairment in certain classes of the MSR portfolio and the carrying 
value  was  adjusted  to  fair  value.  MSRs  do  not  trade  in  an  active, 
open market with readily observable prices. While sales of MSRs do 
occur,  the  precise  terms  and  conditions  typically  are  not  readily 
available. Accordingly, the Bancorp estimates the fair value of MSRs 
using  internal  OAS  models  with  certain  unobservable  inputs, 
primarily  prepayment  speed  assumptions,  OAS  and  weighted-
average  lives,  resulting  in  a  classification  within  Level  3  of  the 
valuation hierarchy. Refer to Note 12 for further information on the 
assumptions  used  in  the  valuation  of  the  Bancorp’s  MSRs.  The 
Secondary  Marketing  department  and  Treasury  department  are 
responsible  for  determining  the  valuation  methodology  for  MSRs. 
Representatives  from  Secondary  Marketing,  Treasury,  Accounting 
and  Risk  Management  are 
reviewing  key 
assumptions  used  in  the  internal  OAS  model.  Two  external 
valuations of the MSR portfolio are obtained from third parties that 
use  valuation  models  in  order  to  assess  the  reasonableness  of  the 
internal OAS model. Additionally, the Bancorp participates in peer 
surveys  that  provide  additional  confirmation  of  the  reasonableness 
of  key  assumptions  utilized  in  the  MSR  valuation  process  and  the 
resulting MSR prices. 

responsible 

for 

162  Fifth Third Bancorp 

OREO 
During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Bancorp 
recorded  nonrecurring  adjustments  to  certain  commercial  and 
residential  real  estate  properties  classified  as  OREO  and  measured 
at  the  lower  of  carrying  amount  or  fair  value.  These  nonrecurring 
losses  were  primarily  due  to  declines  in  real  estate  values  of  the 
properties  recorded  in  OREO.  For  the  years  ended  December  31, 
2015  and  2014,  these  losses  include  $14  million  and  $12  million, 
respectively,  recorded  as  charge-offs,  on  new  OREO  properties 
transferred from loans during the respective periods and $10 million 
and  $14  million,  respectively,  recorded  as  negative  fair  value 
adjustments  on  OREO  in  other  noninterest  expense  in  the 
Consolidated  Statements  of  Income  subsequent  to  their  transfer 
from loans. As discussed in the following paragraphs, the fair value 
amounts  are  generally  based  on  appraisals  of  the  property  values, 
resulting in a classification within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. 
In cases where the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, less costs 
to sell, an impairment loss is recognized. The previous tables reflect 
the fair value measurements of the properties before deducting the 
estimated costs to sell. 
     The  Real  Estate  Valuation  department,  which  reports  to  the 
Bancorp’s Chief Risk Officer, is solely responsible for managing the 
appraisal  process  and  evaluating  the  appraisal  for  commercial 
properties  transferred  to  OREO.  All  appraisals  on  commercial 
OREO properties are updated on at least an annual basis.  
     The Real Estate Valuation department reviews the BPO data and 
internal  market  information  to  determine  the  initial  charge-off  on 
residential  real  estate  loans  transferred  to  OREO.  Once  the 
foreclosure process is completed, the Bancorp performs an interior 
inspection  to  update  the  initial  fair  value  of  the  property.  These 
properties are reviewed at least every 30 days after the initial interior 
inspections  are  completed.  The  Asset  Manager  receives  a  monthly 
status  report  for  each  property,  which  includes  the  number  of 
showings,  recently  sold  properties,  current  comparable  listings  and 
overall market conditions.  

Bank premises and equipment 
The  Bancorp  performs  assessments  of  the  recoverability  of  long-
lived  assets  when  events  or  changes  in  circumstances  indicate  that 
their carrying values may not be recoverable. These properties were 
written  down  to  their  lower  of  cost  or  market  values.  At  least 
annually  thereafter,  the  Bancorp  will  review  these  properties  for 
market fluctuations. The fair value amounts were generally based on 
appraisals of the property values, resulting in a classification within 
Level  3  of  the  valuation  hierarchy.  Corporate  Facilities,  which 
reports 
in 
conjunction  with  Accounting,  is  responsible  for  preparing  and 
reviewing the fair value estimates for bank premises and equipment. 
For  further  information  on  bank  premises  and  equipment  and 
discussion on changes to the branch network, refer to Note 7 and 
Note 31. 

the  Bancorp’s  Chief  Administrative  Officer, 

to 

Operating lease equipment 
During  the  year  ended  December  31,  2015,  the  Bancorp  recorded 
nonrecurring  impairment  adjustments  to  certain  operating  lease 
equipment. When evaluating whether an individual asset is impaired, 
the  Bancorp  considers  the  current  fair  value  of  the  asset,  the 
changes  in  overall  market  demand  for  the  asset  and  the  rate  of 
technological 
change 
improvements that impact the demand for the specific asset under 
review. As part of this ongoing assessment, the Bancorp determined 
that  the  carrying  values  of  certain  operating  lease  equipment  were 
not  recoverable  and  as  a  result,  the  Bancorp  recorded  an 
impairment loss equal to the amount by which the carrying value of 
the  assets  exceeded  the  fair  value.  The  fair  value  amounts  were 

associated  with 

advancements 

in 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

generally  based  on  appraised  values  of  the  assets,  resulting  in  a 
classification  within  Level  3  of  the  valuation  hierarchy.  The 
Commercial  Leasing  department,  which  reports  to  the  Bancorp’s 
Chief Operating Officer, is responsible for preparing and reviewing 
the fair value estimates for operating lease equipment. Refer to Note 
8  for  further  information  on  the  impairment  charge  related  to 
certain operating lease equipment.  

Private equity investment funds 
On December 10, 2013, the U.S. banking agencies finalized section 
619  of  the  DFA,  known  as  the  Volcker  Rule,  which  became 
effective April 1, 2014. Though the final rule was effective April 1, 
2014, the FRB granted the industry an extension of time until July 
21,  2015  to  conform  certain  of  its  activities  related  to  proprietary 
trading to comply with the Volcker Rule. In addition, the FRB has 
granted  the  industry  an  extension  of  time  until  July  21,  2016,  and 
announced  its  intention  to  grant  a  one  year  extension  of  the 
conformance  period  until  July  21,  2017,  to  conform  certain 
ownership  interests  in,  sponsorship  activities  of  and  relationships 
with  private  equity  or  hedge  funds  as  well  as  holding  certain 
collateralized loan obligations that were in place as of December 31, 
2013. It is expected that over time the Bancorp may need to sell or 
redeem these investments, however no formal plan to sell has been 
approved  as  of  December  31,  2015.  As  a  result  of  the  announced 
conformance period extension, the Bancorp believes it is likely that 
these investments will be reduced over time in the ordinary course 
of  events  before  compliance  is  required.  As  a  result,  the  Bancorp 
has performed nonrecurring fair value measurements on a fund by 
fund  basis  to  determine  whether  OTTI  exists.  The  Bancorp 
estimated  the  fair  value  of  a  fund  by  using  the  net  asset  value 
reported  by  the  fund  manager,  and  in  some  cases,  applying  an 
estimated  market  discount  to  the  reported  net  asset  value  of  the 
fund.  Because  the  length  of  time  until  the  investment  will  become 
redeemable  is  generally  not  certain,  these  funds  were  classified 
within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. The Bancorp recognized 
$1  million  of  OTTI  on  its  investments  in  private  equity  funds 
during  the  year  ended  December  31,  2015.  The  Bancorp  did  not 

recognize  OTTI  on  its  investments  in  private  equity  funds  during 
the  year  ended  December  31,  2014.  An  adverse  change  in  the 
reported  net  asset  values  or  estimated  market  discounts  where 
applicable,  would  result  in  a  decrease  in  the  fair  value  estimate.  In 
cases where the carrying value exceeds the fair value, an impairment 
loss is recognized. The Bancorp’s Private Equity department, which 
reports  to  the  Chief  Operating  Officer,  in  conjunction  with  the 
Accounting department, is responsible for preparing and reviewing 
the fair value estimates. 

Fair Value Option 
The  Bancorp  elected  to  measure  certain  residential  mortgage  loans 
held  for  sale  under  the  fair  value  option  as  allowed  under  U.S. 
GAAP. Electing to measure residential mortgage loans held for sale 
at  fair  value  reduces  certain  timing  differences  and  better  matches 
changes  in  the  value  of  these  assets  with  changes  in  the  value  of 
derivatives used as economic hedges for these assets. Management’s 
intent  to  sell  residential  mortgage  loans  classified  as  held  for  sale 
may change over time due to such factors as changes in the overall 
liquidity  in  markets  or  changes  in  characteristics  specific  to  certain 
loans held for sale. Consequently, these loans may be reclassified to 
loans  held  for  investment  and  maintained  in  the  Bancorp’s  loan 
portfolio.  In  such  cases,  the  loans  will  continue  to  be  measured  at 
fair value.  
     Fair value changes recognized in earnings for instruments held at 
December  31,  2015  and  2014  for  which  the  fair  value  option  was 
elected, as well as the changes in fair value of the underlying IRLCs, 
included  gains  of  $17  million  and  $26  million,  respectively.  These 
gains  are  reported  in  mortgage  banking  net  revenue  in  the 
Consolidated Statements of Income.  
     Valuation  adjustments  related  to  instrument-specific  credit  risk 
for  residential  mortgage  loans  measured  at  fair  value  negatively 
impacted  the  fair  value  of  those  loans  by  $2  million  at  both 
December 31, 2015 and 2014. Interest on residential mortgage loans 
measured  at  fair  value  is  accrued  as  it  is  earned  using  the  effective 
interest  method  and 
in  the 
Consolidated Statements of Income. 

is  reported  as 

interest 

income 

The  following  table  summarizes  the  difference  between  the  fair  value  and  the  principal  balance  for  residential  mortgage  loans  measured  at  fair
value as of: 

($ in millions) 
December 31, 2015 
Residential mortgage loans measured at fair value 
Past due loans of 90 days or more 
Nonaccrual loans 

December 31, 2014 
Residential mortgage loans measured at fair value 
Past due loans of 90 days or more 
Nonaccrual loans 

Aggregate 
Fair Value 

Aggregate Unpaid 
Principal Balance 

Difference 

$

$

 686 
 2 
 2 

 669 
 2 
 3 

 669 
 2 
 2 

 643 
 2 
 3 

 17 
 - 
 - 

 26 
 - 
 - 

163  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Fair Value of Certain Financial Instruments   
The following tables summarize the carrying amounts and estimated fair values for certain financial instruments, excluding financial instruments 
measured at fair value on a recurring basis: 

As of December 31, 2015 ($ in millions) 
Financial assets: 
   Cash and due from banks 
   Other securities 
   Held-to-maturity securities 
   Other short-term investments 
   Loans held for sale 
   Portfolio loans and leases: 
      Commercial and industrial loans 
      Commercial mortgage loans 
      Commercial construction loans 
      Commercial leases 
      Residential mortgage loans 
      Home equity 
      Automobile loans 
      Credit card 
      Other consumer loans and leases 
      Unallocated allowance for loan and lease losses 
   Total portfolio loans and leases, net 
Financial liabilities: 
   Deposits 
   Federal funds purchased 
   Other short-term borrowings 
   Long-term debt 

As of December 31, 2014 ($ in millions) 
Financial assets: 
   Cash and due from banks 
   Other securities 
   Held-to-maturity securities 
   Other short-term investments 
   Loans held for sale 
   Portfolio loans and leases: 
      Commercial and industrial loans 
      Commercial mortgage loans 
      Commercial construction loans 
      Commercial leases 
      Residential mortgage loans 
      Home equity 
      Automobile loans 
      Credit card 
      Other consumer loans and leases 
      Unallocated allowance for loan and lease losses 
   Total portfolio loans and leases, net 
Financial liabilities: 
   Deposits 
   Federal funds purchased 
   Other short-term borrowings 
   Long-term debt 

  Net Carrying 

Fair Value Measurements Using  

Total  

Amount 

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3 

Fair Value 

$

 2,540
 604
 70
 2,671
 384

 41,479
 6,840
 3,190
 3,807
 13,449
 8,234
 11,453
 2,160
 646
 (115)
 91,143

 103,205
 151
 1,507
 15,844

 2,540 
 - 
 - 
 2,671 
 - 

 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

 - 
 604 
 - 
 - 
 - 

 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

 - 
 151 
 - 
 15,637 

 103,219 
 - 
 1,507 
 625 

 - 
 - 
 70 
 - 
 384 

 41,802 
 6,656 
 2,918 
 3,533 
 14,061 
 8,948 
 11,170 
 2,551 
 643 
 - 
 92,282 

 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

Fair Value Measurements Using 
Level 2 

Level 3 

Level 1 

 3,091 
 - 
 - 
 7,914 
 - 

 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

 - 
 600 
 - 
 - 
 - 

 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

 - 
 - 
 187 
 - 
 700 

 40,781 
 6,878 
 1,735 
 3,426 
 12,249 
 9,224 
 11,748 
 2,586 
 414 
 - 
 89,041 

  Net Carrying 

Amount 

$

 3,091
 600
 187
 7,914
 700

 40,092
 7,259
 2,052
 3,675
 12,177
 8,799
 12,004
 2,297
 405
 (106)
 88,654

 101,712
 144
 1,556
 14,967

 2,540
 604
 70
 2,671
 384

 41,802
 6,656
 2,918
 3,533
 14,061
 8,948
 11,170
 2,551
 643
 -
 92,282

 103,219
 151
 1,507
 16,262

Total 
Fair Value 

 3,091
 600
 187
 7,914
 700

 40,781
 6,878
 1,735
 3,426
 12,249
 9,224
 11,748
 2,586
 414
 -
 89,041

 - 
 144 
 - 
 14,993 

 101,715 
 - 
 1,561 
 655 

 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

 101,715
 144
 1,561
 15,648

Cash  and  due  from  banks,  other  securities,  other  short-term  investments, 
deposits, federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings 
For  financial  instruments  with  a  short-term  or  no  stated  maturity, 
prevailing  market  rates  and  limited  credit  risk,  carrying  amounts 
approximate fair value. Those financial instruments include cash and 
due from banks, FHLB and FRB restricted stock, other short-term 
investments,  certain  deposits  (demand,  interest  checking,  savings, 
money market and foreign office deposits), federal funds purchased 
and other short-term borrowings excluding FHLB borrowings. Fair 

164  Fifth Third Bancorp 

values for other time deposits, certificates of deposit $100,000 and 
over and FHLB borrowings were estimated using a DCF calculation 
that applies prevailing LIBOR/swap interest rates and a spread for 
new issuances with similar terms. 

Held-to-maturity securities 
The Bancorp’s held-to-maturity securities are primarily composed of 
instruments that provide income tax credits as the economic return 

 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

on the investment. The fair value of these instruments is estimated 
based on current U.S. Treasury tax credit rates. 

Loans held for sale 
Fair values for commercial loans held for sale were valued based on 
executable  bids  when  available  or  on  DCF  models  incorporating 
appraisals of the underlying collateral, as well as assumptions about 
investor  return  requirements  and  amounts  and  timing  of  expected 
cash  flows.  Fair  values  for  residential  mortgage  loans  held  for  sale 
were  valued  based  on  estimated  third-party  valuations  utilizing 
recent  sales  data  from  similar  transactions.  Broker  opinion 
statements were also obtained as additional evidence to support the 
third-party valuations. Fair values for other consumer loans held for 
sale were based on contractual values upon which the loans may be 
sold to a third party and approximate their carrying value. 

Portfolio loans and leases, net 
Fair  values  were  estimated  based  on  either  appraisals  of  the 
underlying  collateral  or  by  discounting  future  cash  flows  using  the 
current  market  rates  of  loans  to  borrowers  with  similar  credit 
characteristics, similar remaining maturities, prepayment speeds and 
loss severities. The Bancorp estimates fair values at the transaction 
level  whenever  possible.  For  certain  products  with  a  large  number 
of homogenous transactions, the Bancorp employs a pool approach. 
This approach involves stratifying and sorting the entire population 
like 
of  transactions 
characteristics.  Characteristics  may  include  maturity  date,  coupon, 
origination date and principal amortization method. 

into  a  smaller  number  of  pools  with 

Long-term debt 
Fair  value  of  long-term  debt  was  based  on  quoted  market  prices, 
when  available,  or  a  DCF  calculation  using  LIBOR/swap  interest 
rates and, in some cases, Fifth Third credit and/or debt instrument 
spreads for new issuances with similar terms. 

165  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

28. CERTAIN REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS AND CAPITAL RATIOS 
The principal source of income and funds for the Bancorp (parent 
company) are dividends from its subsidiaries. The dividends paid by 
the  Bancorp’s  banking  subsidiary  are  subject  to  regulations  and 
limitations  prescribed  by 
the  appropriate  state  and  federal 
supervisory authorities. The Bancorp’s nonbank subsidiaries are also 
limited  by  certain  federal  and  state  statutory  provisions  and 
regulations  covering  the  amount  of  dividends  that  may  be  paid  in 
any given year. 

a  one-time  permanent  election  to  not  include  AOCI  in  regulatory 
capital in the March 31, 2015 FFIEC 031 and FR Y-9C filings. The 
Basel III Final Rule phases out the inclusion of certain TruPS as a 
component  of  Tier  I  capital.  Under  these  provisions,  these  TruPS 
would  qualify  as  a  component  of  Tier  II  capital.  At  December  31, 
2015,  the  Bancorp’s  Tier  I  capital  included  $13  million  of  TruPS 
representing  approximately  1  bp  of  risk-weighted  assets.  Tier  II 
capital consists principally of term subordinated debt and, subject to 
limitations, allowances for credit losses.  

The  Bancorp’s  banking  subsidiary  must  maintain  cash  reserve 
balances when total reservable deposit liabilities are greater than the 
regulatory  exemption.  These  reserve  requirements  may  be  satisfied 
with vault cash and balances on deposit with the FRB. In 2015 and 
2014,  the  Bancorp’s  banking  subsidiary  was  required  to  maintain 
average  cash  reserve  balances  of  $1.8  billion  and  $1.7  billion, 
respectively. 

The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System issued 
capital  adequacy  guidelines  pursuant  to  which  it  assesses  the 
adequacy  of  capital  in  examining  and  supervising  a  BHC  and  in 
analyzing applications to it under the BHCA of 1956, as amended. 
These  guidelines  include  quantitative  measures  that  assign  risk 
weightings  to  assets  and  off-balance  sheet  items,  as  well  as  define 
and  set  minimum  regulatory  capital  requirements.  The  Basel  III 
Final Rule was effective for the Bancorp on January 1, 2015, subject 
to  phase-in  periods  for  certain  of  its  components  and  other 
provisions.  It  revised  the  quantitative  measures  used  to  define  risk 
weightings to assets and off-balance sheet items and also defined the 
regulatory  capital  components  and  set  minimum  regulatory  capital 
requirements.  The  minimum  capital  ratios  established  under  the 
Basel  III  Final  Rule  are  Common  equity  Tier  1  capital  of  at  least 
4.5% (CET1 ratio), Tier I capital (core capital) of at least 6% of risk-
weighted  assets  (Tier  I  risk-based  capital  ratio),  Total  regulatory 
capital  (Tier  I  plus  Tier  II  capital)  of  at  least  8%  of  risk-weighted 
assets (Total risk-based capital ratio) and Tier I capital of at least 4% 
of adjusted quarterly average assets (Tier I leverage ratio). Failure to 
meet  the  minimum  capital  requirements  can  initiate  certain  actions 
by  regulators  that  could  have  a  direct  material  effect  on  the 
Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bancorp.   

The Basel III Final Rule provided for certain banks, including 
the Bancorp, to opt out of including AOCI in regulatory capital and 
also  retained  the  treatment  of  residential  mortgage  exposures 
consistent with the current Basel I capital rules. The Bancorp made 

The  Bancorp’s  assets  and  credit  equivalent  amounts  of  off-
balance  sheet  items  are  assigned  to  one  of  several  broad  risk 
categories  according  to  the  Standardized  Approach  for  risk-
weighting assets as defined in the Basel III Final Rule. The aggregate 
dollar  value  of  the  amount  of  each  category  is  multiplied  by  the 
associated  risk  weighting.  The  resulting  weighted  values  from  each 
of  the  risk  categories  in  sum  is  the  total  risk-weighted  assets. 
Quarterly  average  assets  for  this  purpose  do  not  include  goodwill 
and any other intangible assets and other investments that the FRB 
determines should be deducted from Tier I capital.   

The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System issued 
capital  adequacy  guidelines  for  banking  subsidiaries  substantially 
similar  to  those  adopted  for  BHCs,  as  described  previously.  In 
addition, the U.S. banking agencies have issued substantially similar 
regulations  to  implement  the  system  of  prompt  corrective  action 
established  by  Section  38  of  the  FDIA.  Under  the  regulations,  a 
bank  generally  shall  be  deemed  to  be  well-capitalized  if  it  has  a 
CET1 ratio of 6.5% or more, a Tier I risk-based capital ratio of 8% 
or  more,  a  Total  risk-based  capital  ratio  of  10%  or  more,  a  Tier  I 
leverage  ratio  of  5%  or  more  and  is  not  subject  to  any  written 
capital order or directive. If an institution becomes undercapitalized, 
it  would  become  subject  to  significant  additional  oversight, 
regulations and requirements as mandated by the FDIA.  

The Bancorp and its banking subsidiary, Fifth Third Bank, had 
a  CET1  capital  ratio  above  the  well-capitalized  level  at  December 
31,  2015  and  Tier  I  risk-based  capital,  Total  risk-based  capital  and 
Tier I leverage ratios above the well-capitalized levels at December 
31,  2015  and  2014.  To  continue  to  qualify  for  financial  holding 
company  status  pursuant  to  the  Gramm-Leach-Bliley  Act  of  1999, 
the  Bancorp’s  banking  subsidiary  must,  among  other  things, 
maintain “well-capitalized” capital ratios. 

The following table presents capital and risk-based capital and leverage ratios for the Bancorp and its banking subsidiary at December 31:  

 ($ in millions) 

2015   
Basel III 
Transitional(a) 

2014   

Basel I(b) 

  Amount   Ratio  

   Amount 

Ratio  

CET1 capital (to risk-weighted assets): 
     Fifth Third Bancorp 
     Fifth Third Bank 
Tier I risk-based capital (to risk-weighted assets): 
     Fifth Third Bancorp 
     Fifth Third Bank 
Total risk-based capital (to risk-weighted assets): 
     Fifth Third Bancorp 
     Fifth Third Bank 
Tier I leverage (to average assets): 
     Fifth Third Bancorp 
     Fifth Third Bank 
(a)  Under the U.S. banking agencies’ Basel III Final Rule, assets and credit equivalent amounts of off-balance sheet exposures are calculated according to the standardized approach for risk-weighted 

 9.82 %      
 11.92    

 10.83 %
 11.85   

 9.54    
 10.43    

 10.93    
 11.92    

 14.13    
 13.12    

 9.66   
 10.58   

 14.33   
 13.10   

 12,764 
 13,760 

 12,764 
 13,760 

 16,895 
 15,213 

 13,260 
 14,216 

 13,260 
 14,216 

 17,134 
 15,642 

 11,917 
 14,216 

N/A  
N/A  

N/A
N/A

   $

$

assets. The resulting weighted values are added together resulting in the total risk-weighted assets.  

(b)  These capital amounts and ratios were calculated under the Supervisory Agencies general risk-based capital rules (Basel I) which were in effect prior to January 1, 2015.  

166  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
 
 
   
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
     
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
29. PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Condensed Statements of Income (Parent Company Only) 
For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions)  
Income  
Dividends from subsidiaries:  
   Consolidated nonbank subsidiaries(a) 
Interest on loans to subsidiaries  
Total income  
Expenses  
Interest  
Other  
Total expenses  
Income Before Income Taxes and Change in Undistributed Earnings of Subsidiaries    
Applicable income tax benefit  
Income Before Change in Undistributed Earnings of Subsidiaries  
Change in undistributed earnings  
Net Income  
Other Comprehensive Income  
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Bancorp  
(a) 

2015  

2014  

2013  

$

$

$

1,040   
15   
1,055   

178   
22   
200   
855   
69   
924   
788   
1,712   
-   
1,712   

1,094   
14   
1,108   

163   
17   
180   
928   
62   
990   
491   
1,481   
-   
1,481   

859   
14   
873   

178   
36   
214   
659   
74   
733   
1,103   
1,836   
-   
1,836   

 The  Bancorp’s  indirect  banking  subsidiary  paid  dividends  to  the  Bancorp’s  direct  nonbank  subsidiary  holding  company  of $1.0 billion,  $1.1  billion  and  $859  million  for  the  years  ended 
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. 

Condensed Balance Sheets (Parent Company Only) 
As of December 31 ($ in millions) 
Assets 
Cash 
Short-term investments 
Loans to subsidiaries: 
   Nonbank subsidiaries 
Total loans to subsidiaries 
Investment in subsidiaries 
   Nonbank subsidiaries 
Total investment in subsidiaries 
Goodwill 
Other assets 
Total Assets 
Liabilities 
Other short-term borrowings 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 
Long-term debt (external) 
Total Liabilities 
Shareholders' Equity 
Common stock 
Preferred stock 
Capital surplus 
Retained earnings 
Accumulated other comprehensive income 
Treasury stock 
Noncontrolling interests 
Total Equity 
Total Liabilities and Equity 

2015  

2014  

$

$

$

$

$

$

 128   
3,728   

982   
982   

17,831   
17,831   
80   
432   
23,181   

404   
433   
6,474   
7,311   

2,051   
1,331   
2,666   
12,358   
197   
(2,764)  
31   
15,870   
23,181   

 -   
3,189   

984   
984   

17,186   
17,186   
80   
451   
21,890   

426   
405   
5,394   
6,225   

2,051   
1,331   
2,646   
11,141   
429   
(1,972)  
39   
15,665   
21,890   

167  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Parent Company Only)
For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 
Operating Activities 
Net income 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: 
   Benefit from deferred income taxes 
   Net change in undistributed earnings 
Net change in: 
   Other assets 
   Accrued expenses and other liabilities 
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities 
Investing Activities 
Net change in: 
   Short-term investments 
   Loans to subsidiaries 
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities 
Financing Activities 
Net change in other short-term borrowings 
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 
Repayment of long-term debt 
Dividends paid on common shares 
Dividends paid on preferred shares 
Issuance of preferred shares 
Repurchase of treasury shares and related forward contract 
Other, net 
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities 
Increase in Cash 
Cash at Beginning of Period 
Cash at End of Period 

2015  

2014  

2013  

$

1,712   

1,481   

(4)  
(788)  

(19)  
32   
933   

(539)  
2   
(537)  

(22)  
1,099   
-   
(422)  
(75)  
-   
(850)  
2   
(268)  
128   
-   
128   

$

(1)  
(491)  

8   
(40)  
957   

(684)  
(10)  
(694)  

115   
499   
-   
(423)  
(67)  
297   
(654)  
(30)  
(263)  
-   
-   
-   

1,836   

(1)  
(1,103)  

13   
(28)  
717   

976   
47   
1,023   

(255)  
750   
(1,500)  
(393)  
(37)  
1,034   
(1,320)  
(19)  
(1,740)  
-   
-   
-   

30. BUSINESS SEGMENTS 
The  Bancorp  reports  on  four  business  segments:  Commercial 
Banking,  Branch  Banking,  Consumer  Lending  and  Investment 
Advisors. Results of the Bancorp’s business segments are presented 
based  on  its  management  structure  and  management  accounting 
practices. The structure and accounting practices are specific to the 
Bancorp;  therefore,  the  financial  results  of  the  Bancorp’s  business 
segments  are  not  necessarily  comparable  with  similar  information 
for  other 
its 
methodologies  from  time  to  time  as  management’s  accounting 
practices and businesses change. 

institutions.  The  Bancorp 

financial 

refines 

The  Bancorp  manages  interest  rate  risk  centrally  at  the 
corporate 
level  by  employing  an  FTP  methodology.  This 
methodology  insulates  the  business  segments  from  interest  rate 
volatility, enabling them to focus on serving customers through loan 
originations  and  deposit  taking.  The  FTP  system  assigns  charge 
rates and credit rates to classes of assets and liabilities, respectively, 
based  on  expected  duration  and  the  U.S.  swap  curve.  Matching 
duration  allocates  interest  income  and  interest  expense  to  each 
segment  so  its  resulting  net  interest  income  is  insulated  from 
interest rate risk. In a rising rate environment, the Bancorp benefits 
from  the  widening  spread  between  deposit  costs  and  wholesale 
funding  costs.  However,  the  Bancorp’s  FTP  system  credits  this 
benefit  to  deposit-providing  businesses,  such  as  Branch  Banking 
and  Investment  Advisors,  on  a  duration-adjusted  basis.  The  net 
impact  of  the  FTP  methodology  is  captured  in  General  Corporate 
and Other. 

The  Bancorp  adjusts  the  FTP  charge  and  credit  rates  as 
dictated  by  changes  in  interest  rates  for  various  interest-earning 
assets  and  interest-bearing  liabilities  and  by  the  review  of  the 
estimated durations for the indeterminate-lived deposits. The credit 
rate  provided  for  demand  deposit  accounts  is  reviewed  annually 
based  upon  the  account  type,  its  estimated  duration  and  the 
corresponding fed funds, U.S. swap curve or swap rate. The credit 

168  Fifth Third Bancorp 

rates  for  several  deposit  products  were  reset  January  1,  2015  to 
reflect  the  current  market  rates  and  updated  market  assumptions. 
These  rates  were  generally  lower  than  those  in  place  during  2014, 
thus  net  interest  income  for  deposit-providing  businesses  was 
negatively impacted during 2015.  

The business segments are charged provision expense based on 
the  actual  net  charge-offs  experienced  by  the  loans  and  leases 
owned by each segment. Provision expense attributable to loan and 
lease growth and changes in ALLL factors are captured in General 
Corporate and Other. The financial results of the business segments 
include  allocations  for  shared  services  and  headquarters  expenses. 
Additionally,  the  business  segments  form  synergies  by  taking 
advantage  of  cross-sell  opportunities  and  when  funding  operations 
by accessing the capital markets as a collective unit.  

The  results  of  operations  and  financial  position  for  the  years 
ended  December  31,  2014  and  2013  were  adjusted  to  reflect  the 
transfer  of  certain  customers  and  Bancorp  employees  from 
Commercial Banking to Branch Banking, effective January 1, 2015. 
In  addition,  the  balances  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2014 
and  2013  were  adjusted  to  reflect  a  change  in  internal  allocation 
methodology. 

The  following  is  a  description  of  each  of  the  Bancorp’s 
business  segments,  and  the  products  and  services  they  provide  to 
their respective client bases. 

Commercial  Banking  offers  credit 

intermediation,  cash 
management  and  financial  services  to  large  and  middle-market 
businesses and government and professional customers. In addition 
to  the  traditional  lending  and  depository  offerings,  Commercial 
Banking  products  and  services  include  global  cash  management, 
foreign  exchange  and  international  trade  finance,  derivatives  and 
capital  markets  services,  asset-based  lending,  real  estate  finance, 
public finance, commercial leasing and syndicated finance.  

 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Branch Banking provides a full range of deposit and loan and 
lease  products  to  individuals  and  small  businesses  through  1,254 
full-service  banking  centers.  Branch  Banking  offers  depository  and 
loan products, such as checking and savings accounts, home equity 
loans and lines of credit, credit cards and loans for automobiles and 
other personal financing needs, as well as products designed to meet 
the  specific  needs  of  small  businesses,  including  cash  management 
services.  

Consumer  Lending 

the  Bancorp’s  residential 
includes 
mortgage,  home  equity,  automobile  and  other  indirect  lending 
activities. Direct lending activities include the origination, retention 
and servicing of residential mortgage and home equity loans or lines 
of credit, sales and securitizations of those loans, pools of loans or 
lines of credit, and all associated hedging activities. Indirect lending 
activities 
through 
correspondent lenders and automobile dealers.  

consumers 

extending 

include 

loans 

to 

for 

companies 

individuals, 

Investment  Advisors  provides  a  full  range  of  investment 
alternatives 
and  not-for-profit 
organizations.  Investment  Advisors  is  made  up  of  four  main 
businesses:  FTS,  an  indirect  wholly-owned  subsidiary  of  the 
Bancorp;  ClearArc  Capital,  Inc.,  an 
indirect  wholly-owned 
subsidiary of the Bancorp; Fifth Third Private Bank; and Fifth Third 
Institutional  Services.  FTS  offers  full  service  retail  brokerage 
services  to  individual  clients  and  broker  dealer  services  to  the 
institutional  marketplace.  ClearArc  Capital,  Inc.  provides  asset 
management  services.  Fifth  Third  Private  Bank  offers  holistic 
strategies to affluent clients in wealth planning, investing, insurance 
and  wealth  protection.  Fifth  Third  Institutional  Services  provides 
advisory  services  for  institutional  clients  including  states  and 
municipalities. 

Results of operations and assets by business segment for the years ended December 31 are: 

General 

   Consumer  Investment   Corporate 
   Lending 

Advisors 

   Commercial
   Banking 
$

   Branch  
   Banking 
 1,555 
 159 
 1,396 

 853  (c)

 1,625 
 239 
 1,386 

2015 ($ in millions) 
Net interest income  
Provision for loan and lease losses 
Net interest income after provision for loan and lease losses 
Total noninterest income 
Total noninterest expense 
Income before income taxes  
Applicable income tax expense 
Net income 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 
Net income attributable to Bancorp 
Dividends on preferred stock  
Net income available to common shareholders  
Total goodwill 
Total assets 
(a)  Revenue sharing agreements between Investment Advisors and Branch Banking are eliminated in the Consolidated Statements of Income. 
(b) 
(c) 

Includes an impairment charge of $109 for branches and land. For more information refer to Note 7 and Note 27. 
Includes an impairment charge of $36 for operating lease equipment. For more information refer to Note 8 and Note 27. 

 249 
 45 
 204 
 407 
 436 
 175 
 63 
 112 
 - 
 112 
 - 
 112 
 - 
 22,656 

 1,567 
 481 
 170 
 311 
 - 
 311 
 - 
 311 
 1,655 
 53,587 

 1,402 
 837 
 98 
 739 
 - 
 739 
 - 
 739 
 613 
 58,166 

 652   (b)

$
$
$

 128 
 3 
 125 
 418 
 455 
 88 
 30 
 58 
 - 
 58 
 - 
 58 
 148 
 9,938 

and Other  Eliminations
 -
 -
 -
 (149) (a)
 (149)
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -

 (24)
 (50)
 26 
 822 
 64 
 784 
 298 
 486 
 (6)
 492 
 75 
 417 
 - 
 (3,265)

   Consumer 
Lending 

Investment   Corporate 
Advisors 

General 

   Commercial Branch  
   Banking 
Banking 
$

2014 ($ in millions) 
Net interest income  
Provision for loan and lease losses 
Net interest income after provision for loan and lease losses 
Total noninterest income 
Total noninterest expense 
Income (loss) before income taxes  
Applicable income tax expense (benefit) 
Net income (loss) 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 
Net income (loss) attributable to Bancorp 
Dividends on preferred stock  
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders  
Total goodwill 
Total assets 
(a)  Revenue sharing agreements between Investment Advisors and Branch Banking are eliminated in the Consolidated Statements of Income. 
(b) 

 258 
 156 
 102 
 350 
 554 
 (102)
 (36)
 (66)
 - 
 (66)
 - 
 (66)
 - 
 22,567 

 1,573 
 181 
 1,392 
 726 
 1,554 
 564 
 199 
 365 
 - 
 365 
 - 
 365 
 1,655 
 51,462 

 1,627 
 235 
 1,392 
 880 
 1,317 
 955 
 155 
 800 
 - 
 800 
 - 
 800 
 613 
 56,306 

Includes an impairment charge of $20 for branches and land. For more information refer to Note 7 and Note 27. 

 121 
 3 
 118 
 410 
 445 
 83 
 29 
 54 
 - 
 54 
 - 
 54 
 148 
 10,443 

$
$
$

(b)

(a)

and Other  Eliminations
 - 
 - 
 - 
 (146)
 (146)
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

 - 
 (260)
 260 
 253 
 (15)
 528 
 198 
 330 
 2 
 328 
 67 
 261 
 - 
 (2,072)

Total 

 3,533
 396
 3,137
 3,003
 3,775
 2,365
 659
 1,706
 (6)
 1,712
 75
 1,637
 2,416
 141,082

Total 

 3,579 
 315 
 3,264 
 2,473 
 3,709 
 2,028 
 545 
 1,483 
 2 
 1,481 
 67 
 1,414 
 2,416 
 138,706 

169  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
     
      
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
     
      
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

General 

   Consumer 
Lending 

Investment   Corporate 
Advisors 

   Commercial Branch  
Banking 
   Banking 
$

2013 ($ in millions) 
Net interest income 
Provision for loan and lease losses 
Net interest income after provision for loan and lease losses  
Total noninterest income 
Total noninterest expense 
Income before income taxes  
Applicable income tax expense 
Net income 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 
Net income attributable to Bancorp 
Dividends on preferred stock  
Net income available to common shareholders  
Total goodwill 
Total assets 
(a)  Revenue sharing agreements between Investment Advisors and Branch Banking are eliminated in the Consolidated Statements of Income. 
(b) 

 1,569 
 195 
 1,374 
 811 
 1,230 
 955 
 157 
 798 
 - 
 798 
 - 
 798 
 613 
 54,495 

 1,380 
 211 
 1,169 
 745 
 1,576 
 338 
 119 
 219 
 - 
 219 
 - 
 219 
 1,655 
 47,788 

 312 
 93 
 219 
 755 
 685 
 289 
 102 
 187 
 - 
 187 
 - 
 187 
 - 
 22,624 

Includes an impairment charge of $6 for branches and land. For more information refer to Note 7 and Note 27. 

 154 
 2 
 152 
 406 
 453 
 105 
 37 
 68 
 - 
 68 
 - 
 68 
 148 
 10,711 

$
$
$

(b)

and Other  Eliminations
 -
 -
 -
 (144) (a)
 (144)
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -

 146 
 (272)
 418 
 654 
 161 
 911 
 357 
 554 
 (10)
 564 
 37 
 527 
 - 
 (5,175)

Total 

 3,561
 229
 3,332
 3,227
 3,961
 2,598
 772
 1,826
 (10)
 1,836
 37
 1,799
 2,416
 130,443

31. SUBSEQUENT EVENT 
On January 29, 2016, the Bancorp closed the previously announced 
sale of its retail operations, including retail accounts, certain private 
banking deposits and related loan relationships in the St. Louis MSA 
to  Great  Southern  Bank.  The  sale  included  loans,  premises  and 
equipment  and  deposits  with  aggregate  carrying  amounts  of 
approximately  $158  million,  $18  million  and  $228  million, 
respectively.  The  Bancorp  recorded  a  gain  on  the  sale  of 
approximately  $8  million  that  will  be  recognized  in  the  Bancorp’s 
first quarter 2016 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. 

170  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
UNITED STATES 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 
Washington, D.C. 20549 
FORM 10-K 
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 
15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 
Commission file number 001-33653 

Incorporated in the State of Ohio  
I.R.S. Employer Identification No. 31-0854434  
Address: 38 Fountain Square Plaza  
Cincinnati, Ohio 45263  
Telephone: (800) 972-3030  

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:  

Name of each exchange 
on which registered: 
The NASDAQ Stock Market 
LLC 
The NASDAQ Stock Market 
LLC 

Title of each class: 
Common Stock, Without Par 
Value 
Depositary Shares Representing a 
1/1000th Ownership Interest in a 
Share of 6.625% Fixed-to-
Floating Rate Non-Cumulative 
Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series 
I 

Indicate by checkmark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned 
issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  

Yes:  No:  

Indicate  by  check  mark  if  the  registrant  is  not  required  to  file 
reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes:  
No:   

Indicate  by  check  mark  whether  the  registrant  (1) has  filed  all 
reports  required  to  be  filed  by  Section 13  or  15(d)  of  the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months 
(or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file 
such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements 
for the past 90 days. Yes:  No:   

Indicate  by  check  mark  whether  the  Registrant  has  submitted 
electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every 
Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant 
to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during 
the  preceding  12  months  (or  for  such  shorter  period  that  the 
registrant  was  required  to  submit  and  post  such  files).  Yes:   
No:   

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant 
to  Item 405  of  Regulation  S-K  (§229.405  of  this  chapter)  is  not 
contained  herein,  and  will  not  be  contained,  to  the  best  of 
registrant’s  knowledge, 
information 
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K 
or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  

in  definitive  proxy  or 

Indicate  by  check  mark  whether  the  registrant  is  a  large 
accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a 
smaller  reporting  company.  See  definitions  of  “large  accelerated 

filer,”  “accelerated  filer”  and  “smaller  reporting  company”  in 
Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  
Large  accelerated  filer    Accelerated  filer    Non-accelerated 
filer    (Do  not  check  if  a  smaller  reporting  company)  Smaller 
reporting company   

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company 
(as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes:  No:   

There were 783,231,128 shares of the Bancorp’s Common Stock, 
without  par  value,  outstanding  as  of  January 31,  2016.  The 
Aggregate  Market  Value  of  the  Voting  Stock  held  by  non-
affiliates  of  the  Bancorp  was  $16,277,829,299  as  of  June 30, 
2015.  

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE  
This report incorporates into a single document the requirements 
of  the  U.S.  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  (SEC)  with 
respect  to  annual  reports  on  Form  10-K  and  annual  reports  to 
shareholders.  The  Bancorp’s  Proxy  Statement  for  the  2016 
Annual Meeting of Shareholders is incorporated by reference into 
Part III of this report.  

Only those sections of this 2015 Annual Report to Shareholders 
that are specified in this Cross Reference Index constitute part of 
the  Registrant’s  Form  10-K  for  the  year  ended  December 31, 
2015. No other information contained in this 2015 Annual Report 
to  Shareholders  shall  be  deemed  to  constitute  any  part  of  this 
Form  10-K  nor  shall  any  such  information  be  incorporated  into 
the  Form  10-K  and  shall  not  be  deemed  “filed”  as  part  of  the 
Registrant’s Form 10-K.  
10-K Cross Reference Index  
PART I
Item 1.

 Business 
 Employees 
 Segment Information 
 Average Balance Sheets 
Analysis of Net Interest Income and Net Interest 
Income Changes 
 Investment Securities Portfolio 
 Loan and Lease Portfolio 
 Risk Elements of Loan and Lease Portfolio 
 Deposits 
 Return on Equity and Assets 
 Short-term Borrowings 

Item 1A. Risk Factors 
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments 
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.

 Properties 
 Legal Proceedings 
 Mine Safety Disclosures   
 Executive Officers of the Bancorp 

PART II
Item 5. 

Item 6.
Item 7. 

Item 7A.

Item 8.
Item 9. 

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related 
Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity 
Securities 
 Selected Financial Data 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial 
Condition and Results of Operations 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market 
Risk 
 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on 
Accounting and Financial Disclosure 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures 
Item 9B. Other Information 
PART III
Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate 
Governance 

Item 11.  Executive Compensation 
Item 12.

Item 13.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and 
Management and Related Stockholder Matters 
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and 
Director Independence 

Item 14.  Principal Accounting Fees and Services 

  16-20, 172-178  
40  
  42-49, 168-170 
36  

35-37  
  53-54, 101-102  
  52-53, 103-104  
57-72  
55-56  
15  
56, 128  
26-34  
None  
179  
136-137  
N/A  
179  

180  
15  

15-81  

72-75  
84-170  

None  
82  
None  

182  
182  

   149-152, 182  

182  
182  

171  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
` 

PART IV 
Item 15.    Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules 
SIGNATURES 

182-185  
186  

PART I  
ITEM 1.  BUSINESS  
General Information  
Fifth  Third  Bancorp  (the  “Bancorp”),  an  Ohio  corporation 
organized  in  1975,  is  a  bank  holding  company  (“BHC”)  as 
defined by the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended 
(the  “BHCA”),  and  is  registered  as  such  with  the  Board  of 
Governors  of  the  Federal  Reserve  System  (the  “FRB”).  The 
Bancorp’s principal office is located in Cincinnati, Ohio.  

The Bancorp’s subsidiaries provide a wide range of financial 
products  and  services  to  the  retail,  commercial,  financial, 
governmental, educational and medical sectors, including a wide 
variety  of  checking,  savings  and  money  market  accounts,  and 
credit  products  such  as  credit  cards,  installment  loans,  mortgage 
loans and leases. Fifth Third Bank has deposit insurance provided 
by  the  Federal  Deposit  Insurance  Corporation  (the  “FDIC”) 
through the Deposit Insurance Fund. Refer to Exhibit 21 filed as 
an  attachment  to  this  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  a  list  of 
subsidiaries of the Bancorp as of December 31, 2015.  

The  Bancorp  derives  the  majority  of  its  revenues  from  the 
U.S.  Revenue  from  foreign  countries  and  external  customers 
domiciled  in  foreign  countries  is  immaterial  to  the  Bancorp’s 
Consolidated Financial Statements.  

Additional information regarding the Bancorp’s businesses is 
included  in  Management’s  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial 
Condition and Results of Operations.  

Availability of Financial Information 
The Bancorp files reports with the SEC. Those reports include the 
annual  report  on  Form  10-K,  quarterly  reports  on  Form  10-Q, 
current reports on Form 8-K and proxy statements, as well as any 
amendments to those reports. The public may read and copy any 
materials  the  Bancorp  files  with  the  SEC  at  the  SEC’s  Public 
Reference  Room  at  450  Fifth  Street,  NW,  Washington,  DC 
20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the 
Public  Reference  Room  by  calling  the  SEC  at  1-800-SEC-0330. 
The  SEC  maintains  an  internet  site  that  contains  reports,  proxy 
and  information  statements  and  other  information  regarding 
issuers that file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov. The 
Bancorp’s annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 
10-Q,  current  reports  on  Form  8-K,  proxy  statements,  and 
amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to section 
13(a)  or  15(d)  of  the  Exchange  Act  are  accessible  at  no  cost  on 
the  Bancorp’s  web  site  at  https://www.53.com  on  a  same  day 
basis  after  they  are  electronically  filed  with  or  furnished  to  the 
SEC. 

Competition  
The  Bancorp  competes  for  deposits,  loans  and  other  banking 
services in its principal geographic markets as well as in selected 
national  markets  as  opportunities  arise.  In  addition  to  the 
challenge  of  attracting  and  retaining  customers  for  traditional 
banking  services,  the  Bancorp’s  competitors  include  securities 
dealers,  brokers,  mortgage  bankers,  investment  advisors  and 
insurance  companies.  These  competitors,  with  focused  products 
targeted  at  highly  profitable  customer  segments,  compete  across 
geographic  boundaries  and  provide  customers  increasing  access 
to meaningful alternatives to banking services in nearly all  

172  Fifth Third Bancorp 

significant products. The increasingly competitive environment is 
a result primarily of changes in regulation, changes in technology, 
the  accelerating  pace  of 
product  delivery  systems  and 
consolidation 
service  providers.  These 
financial 
among 
competitive trends are likely to continue.  

Acquisitions  
The  Bancorp’s  strategy  for  growth  includes  strengthening  its 
presence in core markets, expanding into contiguous markets and 
broadening  its  product  offerings  while  taking  into  account  the 
integration  and  other  risks  of  growth.  The  Bancorp  evaluates 
strategic  acquisition  opportunities  and  conducts  due  diligence 
activities  in  connection  with  possible  transactions.  As  a  result, 
discussions,  and  in  some  cases,  negotiations  may  take  place  and 
future  acquisitions  involving  cash,  debt  or  equity  securities  may 
occur.  These  typically  involve  the  payment  of  a  premium  over 
book value and current market price, and therefore, some dilution 
of  book  value  and  net  income  per  share  may  occur  with  any 
future transactions.  

Regulation and Supervision  
In  addition  to  the  generally  applicable  state  and  federal  laws 
governing businesses and employers, the Bancorp and its banking 
subsidiary are subject to extensive regulation by federal and state 
laws and regulations applicable to financial institutions and their 
parent  companies.  Virtually  all  aspects  of  the  business  of  the 
Bancorp  and  its  banking  subsidiary  are  subject  to  specific 
requirements or restrictions and general regulatory oversight. The 
principal  objectives  of  state  and  federal  banking  laws  and 
regulations  and  the  supervision,  regulation  and  examination  of 
banks and their parent companies (such as the Bancorp) by bank 
regulatory  agencies  are  the  maintenance  of  the  safety  and 
soundness  of  financial  institutions,  maintenance  of  the  federal 
deposit  insurance  system  and  the  protection  of  consumers  or 
classes  of  consumers,  rather  than  the  specific  protection  of 
shareholders  of  a  bank  or  the  parent  company  of  a  bank.  The 
Bancorp and its subsidiaries are subject to an extensive regulatory 
framework of complex and comprehensive federal and state laws 
and  regulations  addressing  the  provision  of  banking  and  other 
financial  services  and  other  aspects  of  the  Bancorp’s  businesses 
and  operations.  Regulation  and  regulatory  oversight  have 
increased  significantly  over  the  past  five  years,  primarily  as  a 
result of the passage of The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and 
Consumer  Protection  Act  (the  “DFA”).  The  DFA  imposes 
regulatory  requirements  and  oversight  over  banks  and  other 
financial  institutions  in  a  number  of  ways,  among  which  are 
(i) creating  the  Consumer  Financial  Protection  Bureau  (the 
“CFPB”)    to  regulate  consumer  financial  products  and  services; 
(ii) creating  the  Financial  Stability  Oversight  Council  to  identify 
and  impose  additional  regulatory  oversight  on  large  financial 
firms; (iii) granting orderly liquidation authority to the FDIC  for 
the  liquidation  of  financial  corporations  that  pose  a  risk  to  the 
financial system of the U.S.; (iv) requiring financial institutions to 
draft  a  resolution  plan  that  contemplates  the  dissolution  of  the 
enterprise  and  submit  that  resolution  plan  to  both  the  Federal 
Reserve  and  the  FDIC;  (v) limiting  debit  card  interchange  fees; 
rights  and 
(vi) adopting  certain  changes 
responsibilities,  including  a  shareholder  “say  on  pay”  vote  on 
executive  compensation;  (vii) strengthening  the  SEC's  powers  to 
regulate  securities  markets;  (viii) regulating  OTC  derivative 
markets;  (ix) restricting  variable-rate  lending  by  requiring  the 
ability to repay to be determined for variable-rate loans by using 
the maximum rate that will apply during the first five years of a 

shareholder 

to 

 
 
    
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
variable-rate  loan  term,  and  making  more  loans  subject  to 
provisions  for  higher  cost  loans,  new  disclosures,  and  certain 
other  revisions;  (x)  changing  the  base  upon  which  the  deposit 
insurance  assessment  is  assessed  from  deposits  to,  substantially, 
average  consolidated  assets  minus  equity;  and  (xi) amending  the 
Truth  in  Lending  Act  with  respect  to  mortgage  originations, 
including  originator 
repayment 
standards,  and  prepayment  considerations.  To  the  extent  the 
following material describes statutory or regulatory provisions, it 
is qualified in its entirety by reference to the particular statute or 
regulation. In addition, due to the volume of regulations required 
by  the  DFA,  not  all  proposed  or  final  regulations  that  may  have 
an  impact  on  the  Bancorp  or  its  banking  subsidiary  are 
necessarily discussed.  

compensation,  minimum 

Regulators  
The  Bancorp  and/or  its  banking  subsidiary  are  subject  to 
regulation  and  supervision  primarily  by  the  FRB,  the  CFPB  and 
the  Ohio  Division  of  Financial  Institutions  (the  “Division”)  and 
additionally  by  certain  other  functional  regulators  and  self-
regulatory  organizations.  The  Bancorp 
to 
regulation by the SEC by virtue of its status as a public company 
and  due  to  the  nature  of  some  of  its  businesses.    The  Bancorp’s 
banking  subsidiary  is  subject  to  regulation  by  the  FDIC,  which 
insures the bank’s deposits as permitted by law.   

is  also  subject 

The federal and state laws and regulations that are applicable 
to banks and to BHCs regulate, among other matters, the scope of 
their business, their activities, their investments, their capital and 
liquidity  levels,  their  reserves  against  deposits,  the  timing  of  the 
availability of deposited funds, the amount of loans to individual 
and related borrowers and the nature, the amount of and collateral 
for certain loans, and the amount of interest that may be charged 
on  loans  as  applicable.  Various  federal  and  state  consumer  laws 
and regulations also affect the services provided to consumers.  

The  Bancorp  and/or  its  banking  subsidiary  are  required  to 
file  various  reports  with,  and  is  subject  to  examination  by 
regulators,  including  the  FRB  and  the  Division.  The  FRB,  the 
Division  and  the  CFPB  have  the  authority  to  issue  orders  for 
BHCs  and/or  banks  to  cease  and  desist  from  certain  banking 
practices and violations of conditions imposed by, or violations of 
agreements with, the FRB, the Division and the CFPB. Certain of 
the  Bancorp’s  and/or  its  banking  subsidiary  regulators  are  also 
empowered to assess civil money penalties against companies or 
individuals in certain situations, such as when there is a violation 
of  a  law  or  regulation.  Applicable  state  and  federal  laws  also 
grant  certain  regulators  the  authority  to  impose  additional 
requirements and restrictions on the activities of the Bancorp and 
or  its  banking  subsidiary  and,  in  some  situations,  the  imposition 
of  such  additional  requirements  and  restrictions  will  not  be 
publicly available information.  

Acquisitions 
The BHCA requires the prior approval of the FRB for a BHC to 
acquire substantially all the assets of a bank or to acquire direct or 
indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of any class of the 
voting  shares  of  any  bank,  BHC  or  savings  association,  or  to 
increase any such non-majority ownership or control of any bank, 
BHC or savings association, or to merge or consolidate with any 
BHC.  

The  BHCA  prohibits  a  BHC  from  acquiring  a  direct  or 
indirect interest in or control of more than 5% of any class of the 
voting shares of a company that is not a bank or a BHC and from 
engaging  directly  or  indirectly  in  activities  other  than  those  of 
banking, managing or controlling banks or furnishing services to 

its  banking  subsidiaries,  except  that  it  may  engage  in  and  may 
own  shares  of  companies  engaged  in  certain  activities  the  FRB 
has determined to be so closely related to banking or managing or 
controlling banks as to be proper incident thereto. 

Financial Holding Companies  
The  Gramm-Leach-Bliley  Act  of  1999  (“GLBA”)  permits  a 
qualifying BHC to become a financial holding company (“FHC”) 
and thereby to engage directly or indirectly in a broader range of 
activities  than  those  permitted  for  a  BHC  under  the  BHCA. 
Permitted activities for a FHC include securities underwriting and 
dealing, insurance underwriting and brokerage, merchant banking 
and other activities that are declared by the FRB, in cooperation 
with  the  Treasury  Department,  to  be  “financial  in  nature  or 
incidental  thereto”  or  are  declared  by  the  FRB  unilaterally  to  be 
“complementary”  to  financial  activities.  In  addition,  a  FHC  is 
allowed to conduct permissible new financial activities or acquire 
permissible  non-bank  financial  companies  with  after-the-fact 
notice to the FRB. A BHC may elect to become a FHC if each of 
its  banking  subsidiaries  is  well  capitalized,  is  well  managed  and 
has  at  least  a  “Satisfactory”  rating  under  the  Community 
Reinvestment  Act  (“CRA”).  The  DFA  also  extended  the  well 
capitalized  and  well  managed  requirement  to  the  BHC.  In  2000, 
the  Bancorp  elected  and  qualified  for  FHC  status  under  the 
GLBA.  To  maintain  FHC  status,  a  holding  company  must 
continue  to  meet  certain  requirements.  The  failure  to  meet  such 
requirements could result in material restrictions on the activities 
of  the  FHC  and  may  also  adversely  affect  the  FHC’s  ability  to 
enter  into  certain  transactions  or  obtain  necessary  approvals  in 
connection therewith, as well as loss of FHC status. If restrictions 
are  imposed  on  the  activities  of  an  FHC,  such  information  may 
not necessarily be available to the public.  

Dividends 
The  Bancorp  depends  in  part  upon  dividends  received  from  its 
direct  and  indirect  subsidiaries,  including  its  indirect  banking 
subsidiary,  to  fund  its  activities,  including  the  payment  of 
dividends. The Bancorp and its banking subsidiary are subject to 
various  federal  and  state  restrictions  on  their  ability  to  pay 
dividends. The FRB has authority to prohibit BHCs from paying 
dividends if such payment is deemed to be an unsafe or unsound 
practice.  The  FRB  has  indicated  generally  that  it  may  be  an 
unsafe  or  unsound  practice  for  BHCs  to  pay  dividends  unless  a 
BHC’s  net  income  is  sufficient  to  fund  the  dividends  and  the 
expected  rate  of  earnings  retention  is  consistent  with  the 
organization’s  capital  needs,  asset  quality  and  overall  financial 
condition. The ability to pay dividends may be further limited by 
provisions  of 
(see 
the  DFA  and 
Systematically Significant Companies and Capital).   

regulations 

implanting 

Source of Strength 
Under long-standing FRB policy and now as codified in the DFA, 
a BHC is expected to act as a source of financial and managerial 
strength  to  each  of  its  banking  subsidiaries  and  to  commit 
resources to their support.  This support may be required at times 
when the BHC may not have the resources to provide it.   

FDIC Assessments  
As  contemplated  by  the  DFA  the  FDIC  has  revised  the 
framework  by  which  insured  depository  institutions  with  more 
than $10 billion in assets (“large IDIs”) are assessed for purposes 
of payments to the Deposit Insurance Fund (the “DIF”). The final 
rule implementing revisions to the assessment system took effect 
for the quarter beginning April 1, 2011.  

173  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
` 

Prior to the passage of the DFA, a large IDI’s DIF premiums 
principally  were  based  on  the  size  of  an  IDI’s  domestic  deposit 
base.  The  DFA  changed  the  assessment  base  from  a  large  IDI’s 
domestic  deposit  base  to  its  total  assets  less  tangible  equity.  In 
addition to potentially greatly increasing the size of a large IDI’s 
assessment base, the expansion of the assessment base affords the 
FDIC much greater flexibility to vary its assessment system based 
upon the different asset  classes that large IDIs normally hold on 
their balance sheets.  
implement 

the  FDIC  created  an 
assessment  scheme  vastly  different  from  the  deposit-based 
system.  Under  the  new  system,  large  IDIs  are  assessed  under  a 
complex “scorecard” methodology that seeks to capture both the 
probability  that  an  individual  large  IDI  will  fail  and  the 
magnitude of the impact on the DIF if such a failure occurs.  

this  provision, 

To 

Transactions with Affiliates 
Sections  23A  and  23B  of  the  Federal  Reserve  Act,  restrict 
transactions  between  a  bank  and  its  affiliates  (as  defined  in 
Sections  23A  and  23B  of  the  Federal  Reserve  Act),  including  a 
parent  BHC.  The  Bancorp’s  banking  subsidiary  is  subject  to 
certain  restrictions,  including  but  not  limited  to  restrictions  on 
loans  to  its  affiliates,  on  investments  in  the  stock  or  securities 
thereof, on the taking of such stock or securities as collateral for 
loans to any borrower, and on the issuance of a guarantee or letter 
of  credit  on  their  behalf.  Among  other  things,  these  restrictions 
limit  the  amount  of  such  transactions,  require  collateral  in 
prescribed amounts for extensions of credit, prohibit the purchase 
of  low  quality  assets  and  require  that  the  terms  of  such 
transactions  be  substantially  equivalent  to  terms  of  comparable 
transactions with non-affiliates. Generally, the Bancorp’s banking 
subsidiary  is  limited  in  its  extension  of  credit  to  any  affiliate  to 
10% of the banking subsidiary’s capital stock and surplus and its 
extension  of  credit  to  all  affiliates  to  20%  of  the  banking 
subsidiary’s capital stock and surplus.  

Community Reinvestment Act  
The  CRA  generally  requires  insured  depository  institutions, 
including the Bank, to identify the communities they serve and to 
make  loans  and  investments  and  provide  services  that  meet  the 
credit needs of those communities and the CRA requires the FRB 
to  evaluate  the  performance  of  such  depository  institutions  with 
respect  to  these  CRA  obligations.  Depository  institutions  must 
maintain  comprehensive  records  of  their  CRA  activities  for 
purposes of these examinations. The FRB must take into account 
the  record  of  performance  of  depository  institutions  in  meeting 
the  credit  needs  of  the  entire  community  served,  including  low- 
and  moderate-income  neighborhoods.  For  purposes  of  CRA 
examinations,  the  FRB  rates  such  institutions’  compliance  with 
the CRA as "Outstanding," "Satisfactory," "Needs to Improve" or 
"Substantial  Noncompliance."  The  Bank  must  be  well-
capitalized,  well-managed  and  maintain  at  least  a  "Satisfactory" 
CRA  rating  for  the  Bancorp  to  retain  its  status  as  a  financial 
holding company. Failure to meet these requirements could result 
in  the  FRB  placing  limitations  or  conditions  on  the  Bancorp's 
activities  (and  the  commencement  of  new  activities,  including 
merger  with  or  acquisitions  of  other  financial  institutions)  and 
could  ultimately  result  in  the  loss  of  financial  holding  company 
status.  The  FRB  conducted  a  regularly  scheduled  examination 
covering 2011 through 2013 to determine the Bancorp's banking 
subsidiary's compliance with the CRA. Although the FRB has not 
made a final determination, the Bancorp believes that the results 
of  such  CRA  examination  may  result  in  a  rating  of  "Needs  to 

174  Fifth Third Bancorp 

Improve". If that would occur, such rating would last at least until 
the Bancorp's banking subsidiary's next CRA examination.  

Capital Generally 
The FRB has established capital guidelines for BHCs and FHCs. 
The FRB, the Division and the FDIC have also issued regulations 
establishing  capital  requirements  for  banks.  Failure  to  meet 
capital  requirements  could  subject  the  Bancorp  and  its  banking 
subsidiary to a variety of restrictions and enforcement actions. In 
addition,  as  discussed  previously,  the  Bancorp  and  its  banking 
subsidiary must remain well capitalized and well managed for the 
Bancorp to retain its status as a FHC.  

Systemically Significant Companies and Capital  
Title  I  of  the  DFA  creates  a  new  regulatory  regime  for  large 
BHCs. U.S. BHCs with $50 billion or more in total consolidated 
assets,  including  Fifth  Third,  are  subject  to  enhanced  prudential 
standards and early remediation requirements under Title I. Title I 
of  the  DFA  establishes  a  broad  framework  for  identifying, 
applying  heightened  supervision  and  regulation  to,  and  (as 
necessary)  limiting  the  size  and  activities  of  systemically 
significant financial companies.  

The  DFA  requires  the  FRB  to  impose  enhanced  capital  and 
risk-management standards on these firms and mandates the FRB 
to  conduct  annual  stress  tests  on  all  BHCs  with  $50  billion  or 
more  in  assets  to  determine  whether  they  have  adequate  capital 
available to absorb losses in baseline, adverse, or severely adverse 
economic  conditions.  In  November  2011,  the  FRB  adopted  final 
rules  requiring  BHCs  with  $50  billion  or  more  in  consolidated 
assets  to  submit  capital  plans  to  the  FRB  on  an  annual  basis. 
Under  the  final  rules,  the  FRB  annually  will  evaluate  an 
institution’s  capital  adequacy, 
internal  capital  adequacy, 
assessment  processes  and  capital  distribution  plans  such  as 
dividend payments and stock repurchases. Banks are also required 
to report certain data to the FRB on a quarterly basis to allow the 
FRB to monitor progress against the approved capital plans.  

The  CCAR  process  is  intended  to  help  ensure  that  BHCs 
have  robust,  forward-looking  capital  planning  processes  that 
account  for  each  company’s  unique  risks  and  that  permit 
continued  operations  during  times  of  economic  and  financial 
stress.  The  mandatory  elements  of  the  capital  plan  are  an 
assessment  of  the  expected  uses  and  sources  of  capital  over  a 
nine-quarter planning horizon, a description of all planned capital 
actions  over  the  planning  horizon,  a  discussion  of  any  expected 
changes  to  the  Bancorp’s  business  plan  that  are  likely  to  have  a 
material  impact  on  its  capital  adequacy  or  liquidity,  a  detailed 
description  of  the  Bancorp’s  process  for  assessing  capital 
adequacy  and  the  Bancorp’s  capital  policy.  The  stress  tests 
require  increased  involvement  by  boards  of  directors  in  stress 
testing  and  public  disclosure  of  the  results  of  both  the  FRB’s 
annual  stress  tests  and  a  BHC’s  annual  supervisory  stress  tests, 
and semi-annual internal stress tests.  

In  2014,  the  FRB  amended  its  capital  planning  and  stress 
testing  rules  to,  among  other  things,  generally  limit  a  BHC’s 
ability to make quarterly capital distributions – that is, dividends 
and share repurchases – commencing April 1, 2015 if the amount 
of  the  bank’s  actual  cumulative  quarterly  capital  issuances  of 
instruments  that  qualify  as  regulatory  capital  are  less  than  the 
bank  had  indicated  in  its  submitted  capital  plan  as  to  which  it 
received a non-objection from the FRB. For example, if the BHC 
issued a  smaller amount of additional common stock than it  had 
stated in its capital plan, it would be required to reduce common 
dividends and/or the amount of common stock repurchases so that 

 
 
 
 
 
 
the dollar amount of capital distributions, net of the dollar amount 
of  additional  common  stock  issued  (“net  distributions”),  is  no 
greater  than  the  dollar  amount  of  net  distributions  relating  to  its 
common  stock  included  in  its  capital  plan,  as  measured  on  an 
aggregate basis beginning in the third quarter of the nine-quarter 
planning  horizon  through  the  end  of  the  then  current  quarter. 
However,  not  raising  sufficient  amounts  of  common  stock  as 
planned would not affect distributions related to Additional Tier I 
Capital instruments and/ or Tier II Capital. These limitations also 
contain several important qualifications and exceptions, including 
that scheduled dividend payments on (as opposed to repurchases 
of)  a  BHC’s  Additional  Tier  I  Capital  and  Tier  II  Capital 
instruments are not restricted if the BHC fails to issue a sufficient 
amount of such instruments as planned, as well as provisions for 
certain  de  minimis  excess  distributions.  The  2014  amendments 
also  revised  the  due  date  for  capital  plan  and  stress  testing 
submissions. BHCs with consolidated asset of $50 billion or more 
are required to submit their 2016 capital plan to the FRB by April 
5, 2016. 

In December of 2010 and revised in June of 2011, the Basel 
Committee  on  Banking  Supervision  (the  “Basel  Committee”) 
issued  Basel  III,  a  global  regulatory  framework,  to  enhance 
international capital standards. Basel III is designed to materially 
improve  the  quality  of  regulatory  capital  and  introduces  a  new 
minimum  common  equity  requirement.  Basel  III  also  raises  the 
capital 
minimum 
conservation  and  countercyclical  buffers  to  induce  banking 
organizations  to  hold  capital  in  excess  of  regulatory  minimums. 
In  addition,  Basel  III  establishes  an  international  leverage 
standard for internationally active banks.  

requirements 

introduces 

capital 

and 

In  July  of  2013,  U.S.  banking  regulators  approved  the  final 
enhanced  regulatory  capital  rules  (“Final  Capital  Rules”).  The 
Final  Capital  Rules  substantially  revise  the  risk-based  capital 
requirements applicable to BHCs and their depository institution 
subsidiaries  as  compared  to  the  previous  U.S.  risk-based  capital 
and leverage ratio rules, and thereby implement certain provisions 
of the DFA.  

The Final Capital Rules, among other things, (i) introduce a 
new  capital  measure  “Common  Equity  Tier  I”  (“CET1”), 
(ii) specify  that  Tier  I  capital  consists  of  CET1  and  “Additional 
Tier  I  capital”  instruments  meeting  specified  requirements, 
(iii) define CET1 narrowly by requiring that most adjustments to 
regulatory capital measures be made to CET1 and not to the other 
components  of  capital  and  (iv) expand 
the 
adjustments  as  compared  to  existing  regulations.  CET1  capital 
consists  of  common  stock  instruments  that  meet  the  eligibility 
criteria  in  the  final  rules,  including;  common  stock  and  related 
surplus,  net  of  treasury  stock  and  retained  earnings,  certain 
minority  interests  and  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income 
(“AOCI”), if elected.  

the  scope  of 

When  fully  phased-in  on  January 1,  2019,  the  Final  Capital 
Rules  require  banking  organizations  to  maintain  (i) a  minimum 
ratio  of  CET1  to  risk-weighted  assets  of  at  least  4.5%,  plus  a 
2.5%  “capital  conservation  buffer”  (which  is  added  to  the  4.5% 
CET1  ratio  as  that  buffer  is  phased-in,  effectively  resulting  in  a 
minimum ratio  of CET1 to risk-weighted assets  of at least 7.0% 
upon full implementation), (ii) a  minimum ratio of Tier I capital 
to  risk-weighted  assets  of  at  least  6.0%,  plus  the  capital 
conservation  buffer  (which  is  added  to  the  6.0%  Tier  I  capital 
ratio  as  that  buffer  is  phased-in,  effectively  resulting  in  a 
minimum Tier I capital ratio of 8.5% upon full implementation), 
(iii) a  minimum  ratio  of  total  capital  (that  is,  Tier  I  plus  Tier  2 
capital)  to  risk-weighted  assets  of  at  least  8.0%,  plus  the  capital 
conservation buffer (which is added to the 8.0% total capital ratio 

as  that  buffer  is  phased-in,  effectively  resulting  in  a  minimum 
total  capital  ratio  of  10.5%  upon  full  implementation)  and  (iv) a 
minimum Tier I leverage ratio of 4.0%, calculated as the ratio of 
Tier I capital to adjusted average consolidated assets.  

Banking  institutions  with  a  ratio  of  CET1  to  risk-weighted 
assets above the minimum but below the conservation buffer will 
face  limitations  on  the  payment  of  dividends,  common  stock 
repurchases and discretionary cash payments to executive officers 
based on the amount of the shortfall.  

The Final Capital Rules provide for a number of deductions 
from  and  adjustments  to  CET1.  These  include,  for  example,  the 
requirement  that  mortgage  servicing  rights,  deferred  tax  assets 
dependent upon future taxable income and significant investments 
in  non-consolidated  financial  entities  be  deducted  from  CET1  to 
the extent that any one such category exceeds 10% of CET1 or all 
such categories in the aggregate exceed 15% of CET1. Under the 
Final  Capital  Rules,  the  Bancorp  made  a  one-time  election  (the 
“Opt-out  Election”) 
filter  certain  AOCI  components, 
comparable to the treatment under the current general risk-based 
capital rule.  

to 

The  Final  Capital  Rules  were  effective  for  the  Bancorp  on 
January 1,  2015,  subject  to  phase-in  periods  for  certain  of  their 
components  and  other  provisions.  Although  not  currently 
required, Fifth Third Bancorp believes the aforementioned capital  
ratios  under  the  revised  Final  Capital  Rules  meet  or  exceed  the 
ratios  on  a  fully  phased-in  basis.  Refer  to  the  Non-GAAP 
Financial  Measures  section  of  MD&A  for  an  estimated  CET1 
capital ratio under the Basel III Final Rule (fully phased-in) as of 
December 31, 2015.  

In  February  2014, 

the  FRB  approved  a  final  rule 
requirements. 
several  heightened  prudential 
implementing 
Beginning  in  2015,  the  rules  require  BHCs  with  $10  billion  or 
more  in  consolidated  assets  to  establish  risk  committees  and 
require BHCs with $50 billion or more in total consolidated assets 
to  comply  with  enhanced  liquidity  and  overall  risk  management 
standards,  including  company-run  liquidity  stress  testing  and  a 
buffer  of  highly  liquid  assets  based  on  projected  funding  needs 
for  various  time  horizons,  including  30,  60,  and  90  days.  These 
liquidity-related  provisions  are  designed  to  be  complementary, 
and  in  addition  to  the  Final  LCR  Rule  applicable  to  BHCs  (as 
discussed  below).  Rules  to  implement  two  other  components  of 
the  DFA’s  enhanced  prudential  standards  –single-counterparty 
credit  limits  and  early  remediation  requirements–  are  still  under 
consideration  by  the  FRB.  Fifth  Third  has  conducted  a  self 
evaluation of all the requirements within the enhanced prudential 
standards,  and  believe  the  necessary  steps  have  been  taken  to 
ensure compliance with all requirements regarding liquidity, risk 
exposures, and early remediation.  

Liquidity Regulation  
Liquidity  risk  management  and  supervision  have  become 
increasingly important since the financial crisis. On September 3, 
2014,  the  FRB  and  other  banking  regulators  adopted  final  rules 
(“Final  LCR  Rule”)  implementing  a  U.S.  version  of  the  Basel 
Committee’s  Liquidity  Coverage  Ratio  requirement  (“LCR”), 
which is designed to ensure that the banking entity maintains an 
adequate  level  of  unencumbered  high-quality  liquid  assets 
(“HQLA”)  equal  to  the  entity’s  expected  net  cash  outflow  for  a 
30-day time horizon (or, if greater, 25% of its expected total cash 
outflow) under an acute liquidity stress scenario. The rules apply 
in modified form to banking organizations, such as the Bancorp, 
having  $50  billion  or  more  in  total  consolidated  assets  but  less 
than $250 billion. The LCR is the ratio of an institution’s stock of 
HQLA (the numerator) over projected net cash out-flows over the 

175  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
` 

30-day  horizon  (the  denominator),  in  each  case,  as  calculated 
pursuant  to  the  Final  LCR  Rule.  Once  fully  phased-in,  a  subject 
institution must maintain an LCR equal to at least 100% in order 
to  satisfy  this  regulatory  requirement.  Only  specific  classes  of 
assets, 
including  U.S.  Treasuries,  other  U.S.  government 
obligations  and  agency  mortgaged-backed  securities,  qualify 
under the rule as HQLA, with classes of assets deemed relatively 
less liquid and/or subject to greater degree of credit risk subject to 
certain  haircuts  and  caps  for  purposes  of  calculating  the 
numerator under the Final LCR Rule. The total net cash outflows 
amount  is  determined  under  the  rule  by  applying  certain 
hypothetical  outflow  and  inflow  rates,  which  reflect  certain 
standardized  stressed  assumptions,  against  the  balances  of  the 
banking  organization’s  funding  sources,  obligations,  transactions 
and  assets  over  the  30-day  stress  period.  Inflows  that  can  be 
included to offset outflows are limited to 75% of outflows (which 
effectively  means  that  banking  organizations  must  hold  high-
quality  liquid  assets  equal  to  25%  of  outflows  even  if  outflows 
perfectly match inflows over the stress period). The total net cash 
outflow amount for the modified LCR applicable to the Bancorp 
is capped at 70% of the outflow rate that applies to the full LCR.  
The  initial  compliance  date  for  the  modified  LCR  was 
January  31,  2016,  with  the  requirement  fully  phased-in  by 
January 2017. The LCR is a minimum requirement, and the FRB 
can  impose  additional  liquidity  requirements  as  a  supervisory 
matter.  

In  addition,  the  Bancorp  is  also  subject  to  the  liquidity-
related requirements of the enhanced prudential supervision rules 
adopted by the FRB under Section 165 of the DFA, as described 
above.  As  of  December  31,  2015,  the  Bancorp’s  estimated  LCR 
complied  with  the  fully  phased-in  LCR  requirements  which 
become effective in 2017 as outlined in the final rule. 

In  addition  to  the  LCR,  the  Basel  III  framework  also 
included  a  second  standard,  referred  to  as  the  net  stable  funding 
ratio (“NSFR”), which is designed to promote more medium-and 
long-term funding of the assets and activities of banks over a one-
year  time  horizon.  Although  the  Basel  Committee  finalized  its 
formulation of the NSFR in 2014, the U.S. banking agencies have 
not  yet  proposed  an  NSFR  for  application  to  U.S.  banking 
organizations or addressed the scope of banking organizations to 
which it will apply. The Basel Committee’s final NSFR document 
states that the NSFR applies to internationally active banks, as did 
its final LCR document as to that ratio.  

Privacy  
The FRB, FDIC and other bank regulatory agencies have adopted 
final  guidelines  (the  “Guidelines)  for  safeguarding  confidential, 
personal  customer  information.  The  Guidelines  require  each 
financial institution, under the supervision and ongoing oversight 
of its Board of Directors or an appropriate committee thereof, to 
create, 
implement  and  maintain  a  comprehensive  written 
information security program designed to ensure the security and 
confidentiality  of  customer  information,  protect  against  any 
anticipated  threats  or  hazards  to  the  security  or  integrity  of  such 
information  and  protect  against  unauthorized  access  to  or  use  of 
such  information  that  could  result  in  substantial  harm  or 
inconvenience  to  any  customer.  The  Bancorp  has  adopted  a 
customer information security program that has been approved by 
the Bancorp’s Board of Directors. 

The  GLBA  requires  financial  institutions  to  implement 
policies  and  procedures  regarding  the  disclosure  of  nonpublic 
personal  information  about  consumers  to  non-affiliated  third 
parties. In general, the statute requires explanations to consumers 

176  Fifth Third Bancorp 

on  policies  and  procedures  regarding  the  disclosure  of  such 
nonpublic personal information, and, except as otherwise required 
by law, prohibits disclosing such information except as provided 
in 
the  banking  subsidiary’s  policies  and  procedures.  The 
Bancorp’s banking subsidiary has implemented a privacy policy.  

to 

its  subsidiaries, 

Anti-Money Laundering 
The  Uniting  and  Strengthening  America  by  Providing 
Appropriate  Tools  Required  to  Intercept  and  Obstruct  Terrorism 
Act  of  2001  (the  “Patriot  Act”),  designed  to  deny  terrorists  and 
others  the  ability  to  obtain  access  to  the  United  States  financial 
system,  has  significant  implications  for  depository  institutions, 
brokers,  dealers  and  other  businesses  involved  in  the  transfer  of 
money.  The  Patriot  Act,  as  implemented  by  various  federal 
regulatory  agencies,  requires  financial  institutions,  including  the 
implement  policies  and 
Bancorp  and 
procedures  or  amend  existing  policies  and  procedures  with 
respect 
laundering, 
compliance, suspicious activity and currency transaction reporting 
and  due  diligence  on  customers.  The  Patriot  Act  and  its 
underlying  regulations  also  permit  information  sharing  for 
counter-terrorist  purposes  between  federal  law  enforcement 
agencies  and  financial  institutions,  as  well  as  among  financial 
institutions,  subject  to  certain  conditions,  and  require  the  FRB 
(and other federal banking agencies) to evaluate the effectiveness 
of  an  applicant  in  combating  money  laundering  activities  when 
considering applications filed under Section 3 of the BHCA or the 
Bank  Merger  Act.  The  Bancorp’s  Board  has  approved  policies 
and procedures that are believed to be compliant with the Patriot 
Act.  

to,  among  other  matters,  anti-money 

Exempt Brokerage Activities 
The  GLBA  amended  the  federal  securities  laws  to  eliminate  the 
blanket  exceptions  that  banks  traditionally  have  had  from  the 
definition of “broker” and “dealer.” The GLBA also required that 
there  be  certain  transactional  activities  that  would  not  be 
“brokerage”  activities,  which  banks  could  effect  without  having 
to  register  as  a  broker.  In  September  2007,  the  FRB  and  SEC 
approved  Regulation  R  to  govern  bank  securities  activities. 
Various exemptions permit banks to conduct activities that would 
otherwise constitute brokerage activities under the securities laws. 
Those exemptions include conducting brokerage activities related 
to  trust,  fiduciary  and  similar  services,  certain  services  and  also 
riskless  principal 
conducting  a  de  minimis  number  of 
transactions,  certain  asset-backed 
transactions  and  certain 
securities  lending  transactions.  The  Bancorp  only  conducts  non-
exempt  brokerage  activities  through  its  affiliated  registered 
broker-dealer.  

Financial Stability Oversight Council  
The  DFA  created  the  Financial  Stability  Oversight  Council 
(“FSOC”), which is chaired by the Secretary of the Treasury and 
composed of expertise from various financial services regulators. 
The FSOC has responsibility for identifying risks and responding 
to  emerging  threats  to  financial  stability.  The  Department  of 
Treasury established an assessment schedule for the collection of 
fees  from  BHCs  and  foreign  banks  with  at  least  $50  billion  in 
assets  to  cover  the  expenses  of  the  Office  of  Financial  Research 
and  FSOC.  The  fees  would  also  cover  certain  expenses  incurred 
by the FDIC. The Bancorp paid approximately $1 million for the 
assessment  periods  from  October  1,  2014  through  March  31, 
2016.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
The  FRB  also  adopted  a  final  rule  to  implement  an 
assessment provision under the DFA equal to the expense and the 
FRB  estimates  are  necessary  or  appropriate  to  supervise  and 
regulate  BHCs  with  $50  billion  or  more  in  assets.  The  Bancorp 
paid  approximately  $3  million  for  the  2015  annual  assessment 
period under the FRB’s rule.  

Executive Compensation  
The DFA provides for a say on pay for shareholders of all public 
companies.  Under  the  DFA,  each  company  must  give  its 
shareholders  the  opportunity  to  vote  on  the  compensation  of  its 
executives  at  least  once  every  three  years.  The  DFA  also  adds 
for  golden  parachute 
requirements 
disclosure  and  voting 
compensation  that  is  payable  to  named  executive  officers  in 
connection  with  sale  transactions.  The  SEC  adopted  rules 
finalizing these say on pay provisions in January 2011. 

Pursuant to the DFA, in June 2012, the SEC adopted a final 
rule  directing  the  stock  exchanges  to  prohibit  listing  classes  of 
equity  securities 
if  a  company’s  compensation  committee 
members  are  not  independent.  The  rule  also  provides  that  a 
company’s  compensation  committee  may  only  select  a 
compensation  consultant,  legal  counsel  or  other  advisor  after 
taking into consideration factors to be identified by the SEC that 
affect  the  independence  of  a  compensation  consultant,  legal 
counsel or other advisor.  

The SEC is required under the DFA to issue rules obligating 
companies  to  disclose  in  proxy  materials  for  annual  meetings  of 
shareholders  information  that  shows  the  relationship  between 
executive  compensation  actually  paid  to  their  named  executive 
officers and their financial performance, taking into account  any 
change  in  the  value  of  the  shares  of  a  company’s  stock  and 
dividends  or  distributions.  The  DFA  also  requires  the  SEC  to 
propose  rules  requiring  companies  to  disclose  the  ratio  of  the 
compensation  of  its  chief  executive  officer  to  the  median 
compensation  of  its  employees.  The  SEC  adopted  final  rules 
implementing  the  pay  ratio  provisions  in  August  2015.    For  a 
registrant  with  a  fiscal  year  ending  on  December  31,  such  as 
Bancorp,  the  pay  ratio  will  be  required  as  part  of  its  executive 
compensation disclosure in proxy statements or Form 10-Ks filed 
starting in 2018. 

The  DFA  provides  that  the  SEC  must  issue  rules  directing 
the stock exchanges to prohibit listing any security of a company 
unless the company develops and implements a policy providing 
for  disclosure  of  the  policy  of  the  company  on  incentive-based 
compensation that is based on financial information required to be 
reported  under  the  securities  laws  and  that,  in  the  event  the 
company is required to prepare an accounting restatement due to 
the  material  noncompliance  of  the  company  with  any  financial 
reporting requirement under the securities laws, the company will 
recover  from  any  current  or  former  executive  officer  of  the 
company who received incentive-based compensation during the 
three-year  period  preceding  the  date  on  which  the  company  is 
required  to  prepare  the  restatement  based  on  the  erroneous  data, 
any exceptional compensation above what would have been paid 
under the restatement.  

The  DFA  requires  the  SEC  to  adopt  a  rule  to  require  that 
each  company  disclose  in  the  proxy  materials  for  its  annual 
meetings  whether  an  employee  or  board  member  is  permitted  to 
purchase  financial  instruments  designed  to  hedge  or  offset 
decreases  in  the  market  value  of  equity  securities  granted  as 
compensation  or  otherwise  held  by  the  employee  or  board 
member.  

Corporate Governance  
The  DFA  clarifies  that  the  SEC  may,  but  is  not  required  to 
promulgate  rules  that  would  require  that  a  company’s  proxy 
materials include a nominee for the board of directors submitted 
by  a  shareholder.  Although  the  SEC  promulgated  rules  to 
accomplish this, these rules were invalidated by a federal appeals 
court decision.  The SEC has said that they will not challenge the 
ruling, but has not ruled out the possibility that new rules could be 
proposed. 

The DFA requires stock exchanges to have rules prohibiting 
their members from voting securities that they do not beneficially 
own  (unless  they  have  received  voting  instructions  from  the 
beneficial owner) with respect to the election of a member of the 
board of directors (other than an uncontested election of directors 
of  an  investment  company  registered  under  the  Investment 
Company  Act  of  1940),  executive  compensation  or  any  other 
significant matter, as determined by the SEC by rule.  

to 

the  DFA, 

Debit Card Interchange Fees  
The  DFA  provides  for  a  set  of  new  rules  requiring  that 
interchange  transaction  fees  for  electric  debit  transactions  be 
“reasonable”  and  proportional  to  certain  costs  associated  with 
processing  the  transactions.  The  FRB  was  given  authority  to, 
among  other  things,  establish  standards  for  assessing  whether 
interchange  fees  are  reasonable  and  proportional.  In  June  2011, 
the  FRB  issued  a  final  rule  establishing  certain  standards  and 
prohibitions  pursuant 
including  establishing 
standards  for  debit  card  interchange  fees  and  allowing  for  an 
upward adjustment if the issuer develops and implements policies 
and  procedures  reasonably  designed  to  prevent  fraud.    The 
provisions  regarding  debit  card  interchange  fees  and  the  fraud 
adjustment  became  effective  October  1,  2011.  The  rules  impose 
requirements on the Bancorp and its banking subsidiary and may 
negatively impact our revenues and results of operations. On July 
31,  2013,  the  U.S.  District  Court  for  the  District  of  Columbia 
issued an order granting summary judgment to the plaintiffs in a 
case challenging certain provisions of the FRB’s rule concerning 
electronic  debit  card  transaction  fees  and  network  exclusivity 
arrangements  (the  “Current  Rule”) 
to 
implement  Section  1075  of  the  DFA,  known  as  the  Durbin 
Amendment.  The  Court  held  that,  in  adopting  the  Current  Rule, 
the FRB violated the Durbin Amendment’s provisions concerning 
which costs are allowed to be taken into account for purposes of 
setting  fees  that  are  reasonable  and  proportional  to  the  costs 
incurred by the issuer and therefore the Current Rule’s maximum 
permissible fees were too high. In addition, the Court held that the 
Current  Rule’s  network  non-exclusivity  provisions  concerning 
unaffiliated  payment  networks  for  debit  cards  also  violated  the 
Durbin  Amendment.  The  Court  vacated  the  Current  Rule,  but 
stayed its ruling to provide the FRB an opportunity to replace the 
invalidated  portions.  The  FRB  appealed  this  decision  and  on 
March  21,  2014,  the  D.C.  Circuit  Court  of  Appeals  reversed  the 
District  Court’s  grant  of  summary  judgment  and  remanded  the 
case  for  further  proceedings  in  accordance  with  its  opinion.  The 
merchants  have  filed  a  petition  for  writ  of  certiorari  to  the  U.S. 
Supreme Court. However, on January 20, 2015, the U.S. Supreme 
Court  declined  to  hear  an  appeal  of  the  Circuit  Court  reversal, 
thereby  largely  upholding  the  Current  Rule  and  substantially 
reducing  uncertainty  surrounding  debit  card  interchange  fees  the 
Bancorp is permitted to charge.  Refer to the Noninterest Income 
subsection  of  the  Statements  of  Income  Analysis  section  of 
MD&A  for  further  information  regarding  the  Bancorp’s  debit 
card interchange revenue. 

that  were  adopted 

177  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
funds that are “illiquid funds”, the FRB has the authority to grant 
up  to  five  more  years  for  the  Bancorp  to  conform  to  the  final 
Volcker Rule with respect to such illiquid funds.    

Derivatives  
Title VII of the DFA includes  measures to broaden the  scope of 
derivative instruments subject to regulation by requiring clearing 
and exchange trading of certain derivatives, imposing new capital 
and  margin  requirements  for  certain  market  participants  and 
imposing  position  limits  on  certain  over-the-counter  derivatives. 
Certain  affiliates  of  the  Bancorp  that  engage  in  significant  swap 
activities may be required to register with the Commodity Futures 
Trading Commission or the SEC as a swap dealer, security-based 
swap dealer, major swap participant or major security-based swap 
participant.  As  with  the  Volcker  Rule,  the  Bancorp  will  be 
required  to  demonstrate  that  it  has  a  satisfactory  compliance 
program  to  monitor  the  activities  of  any  such  entity  registered 
under  the  new  regulations.  The  ultimate  impact  of  these 
derivatives  regulations,  and  the  time  it  will  take  to  comply, 
continues  to  remain  uncertain.  The  final  regulations  will  impose 
additional  operational  and  compliance  costs  on  us  and  may 
require us to restructure certain businesses and negatively impact 
our revenues and results of operations. 

` 

FDIC Matters and Resolution Planning 
Title II of the DFA creates an orderly liquidation process that the 
FDIC  can  employ  for  failing  systemically  important  financial 
companies.  Additionally,  the  DFA  also  codifies  many  of  the 
temporary  changes  that  had  already  been  implemented,  such  as 
permanently  increasing  the  amount  of  deposit  insurance  to 
$250,000.  

In January 2012, the FDIC issued a final rule that requires an 
insured  depository  institution  with  $50  billion  or  more  in  total 
assets  to  submit  periodic  contingency  plans  to  the  FDIC  for 
resolution in the event of the institution’s failure.  The Bancorp’s 
banking  subsidiary  is  subject  to  this  rule  and  submitted  its  most 
recent  resolution  plan  pursuant  to  this  rule  as  of  December  31, 
2015.  

In  October  2011,  the  FRB  and  FDIC  issued  a  final  rule 
implementing  the  resolution  planning  requirements  of  Section 
165(d) of the DFA.  The final rule requires BHCs with assets of 
$50  billion  or  more  and  nonbank  financial  firms  designated  by 
FSOC  for  supervision  by  the  FRB  to  annually  submit  resolution 
plans  to  the  FDIC  and  FRB.    Each  plan  shall  describe  the 
company’s strategy for rapid and orderly resolution in bankruptcy 
during  times  of  financial  distress.      Under  the  final  rule, 
companies  must  submit  their  initial  resolution  plans  on  a 
staggered basis. The Bancorp submitted its most recent resolution 
plan pursuant to this rule as of December 31, 2015. 

Proprietary Trading and Investing in Certain Funds 
The  DFA  sets  forth  new  restrictions  on  banking  organizations’ 
ability to engage in proprietary trading and sponsors of or invest 
in private equity and hedge funds (the “Volcker Rule”). The final 
regulations implementing the Volcker Rule (“Final Rules”) were 
adopted  on  December  10,  2013.  The  Volcker  Rule  generally 
prohibits  any  banking  entity  from  (i)  engaging  in  short-term 
proprietary  trading  for  its  own  account  and  (ii)  sponsoring  or 
acquiring  any  ownership  interest  in  a  private  equity  or  hedge 
fund.  The  Volcker  Rule  and  Final  Rules  contain  a  number  of 
exceptions.  The  Volcker  Rule  permits  transactions  in  the 
securities  of  the  U.S.  government  and  its  agencies,  certain 
government-sponsored  enterprises  and  states  and  their  political 
subdivisions,  as  well  as  certain  investments  in  small  business 
investment companies.  Transactions on behalf of customers and 
in  connection  with  certain  underwriting  and  market  making 
activities, as well as risk-mitigating hedging activities and certain 
foreign  banking  activities  are  also  permitted.  The  Final  Rules 
exclude certain funds from the prohibition on fund ownership and 
sponsorship including wholly-owned subsidiaries, joint ventures, 
and  acquisitions  vehicles,  as  well  as  SEC  registered  investment 
companies.  De  minimis  ownership  of  private  equity  or  hedge 
funds  is  also  permitted  under  the  Final  Rules.  In  addition  to  the 
general  prohibition  on  sponsorship  and  investment,  the  Volcker 
rule  contains  additional  requirements  applicable  to  any  private 
equity or hedge fund that is sponsored by the banking entity or for 
which  it  serves  as  investment  manager  or  investment  advisor.  
The Bancorp is required under the Final Rules to demonstrate that 
it has a Volcker Rule compliance program. In connection with the 
issuance  of  the  Final  Rules,  the  Federal  Reserve  extended  the 
conformance  period  generally  until  July  21,  2015.  The  Final 
Rules  became  effective  April  2014  and  in  December  2014,  the 
FRB  extended  the  compliance  period  through  July  2016  for 
investments  in  and  relationships  with  such  covered  funds  that 
were  in  place  prior  to  December  31,  2013,  and  indicated  that  it 
intends  to  further  extend  the  compliance  period  for  such 
investments through July 2017.  Further, with respect to covered 

178  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES  
The  Bancorp’s  executive  offices  and  the  main  office  of  Fifth  Third 
Bank are located on Fountain Square Plaza in downtown Cincinnati, 
Ohio  in  a  32-story  office  tower, a five-story  office  building  with  an 
attached  parking  garage  and  a  separate  ten-story  office  building 
known as the Fifth Third Center, the William S. Rowe Building and 
the 530 Building, respectively. The Bancorp’s main operations center 
is  located  in  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  in  a  three-story  building  with  an 
attached  parking  garage  known  as  the  Madisonville  Operations 
Center. The Bank owns 100% of these buildings.  

At December 31, 2015, the Bancorp, through its banking and non-
banking  subsidiaries,  operated  1,254  banking  centers,  of  which  902 
were  owned,  243  were  leased  and  109  for  which  the  buildings  are 
owned but the land is leased. The banking centers are located in the 
states  of  Ohio,  Kentucky,  Indiana,  Michigan,  Illinois,  Florida, 
Tennessee,  North  Carolina,  West  Virginia,  Pennsylvania,  Missouri, 
and Georgia. The Bancorp’s significant owned properties are owned 
free from mortgages and major encumbrances.  

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE BANCORP  
Officers  are  appointed  annually  by  the  Board  of  Directors  at  the 
meeting  of  Directors  immediately  following  the  Annual  Meeting  of 
Shareholders.  The  names,  ages  and  positions  of  the  Executive 
Officers  of  the  Bancorp  as  of  February  25,  are  listed  below  along 
with their business experience during the past five years:  

Greg  D.  Carmichael,  54.  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  the  Bancorp 
since  November  2015  and  President  since  September  2012. 
Previously,  Mr.  Carmichael  was  Chief  Operating  Officer  of  the 
Bancorp  from  June  2006  to  August  2015,  Executive  Vice  President 
of  the  Bancorp  from  June  2006  to  September  2012  and  Chief 
Information Officer of the Bancorp from June 2003 to June 2006. 

Lars  C.  Anderson,  55.  Executive  Vice  President  and  Chief 
Operating  Officer  of  the  Bancorp  since  August  2015.  Previously, 
Mr. Anderson  was  Vice  Chairman  of  Comerica  Incorporated  and 
Comerica Bank since December 2010. 

Chad M. Borton, 45. Executive Vice President of the Bancorp since 
April 2014. Previously, Mr. Borton was Head of Retail Banking for 
Fifth  Third  Bank  from  July  2012  to  April  2014.   Prior  to  that,  Mr. 
Borton served in multiple positions at JP Morgan Chase including the 
Head  of  Branch  Administration  from  August  2011  to  July  2012; 
Senior  Vice  President  and  Market  Manager  from  August  2010  to 
August  2011;  Head  of  Retail  Distribution  from  2008  to  2010  and 
Consumer Bank Chief Financial Officer from 2006 to 2008.  

Frank  R.  Forrest,  61.  Executive  Vice  President  and  Chief  Risk 
Officer of the Bancorp since April 2014.  Previously, Mr. Forrest was 
Executive  Vice  President  and  Chief  Risk  and  Credit  Officer  of  the 
Bancorp since September 2013. Prior to that, Mr. Forrest served with 
Bank of America Merrill Lynch. From March 2012 until June 2013, 
Mr.  Forrest  served  as  Managing  Director  and  Quality  Control 
Executive for Legacy Asset Services, a division of Bank of America. 
From September 2008 until March 2012, Mr. Forrest was Managing 
Director  and  Global  Debt  Products  Executive  for  Global  Corporate 
and Investment Banking. Formerly from January 2007 to September 
2008, Mr. Forrest was Risk Management Executive for Commercial 
Banking.   

Mark  D.  Hazel,  50.  Senior  Vice  President  and  Controller  of  the 
Bancorp  since  February  2010.  Prior  to  that,  Mr. Hazel  was  the 
Assistant  Bancorp  Controller  since  2006  and  was  the  Controller  of 
Nonbank entities since 2003.  

Heather Russell Koenig, 44. Executive Vice President, Chief Legal 
Officer  and  Corporate  Secretary  of  the  Bancorp  since  September 
2015.  Previously, Ms. Koenig was Global Chief Regulatory Counsel 
and  Head  of  the  Office  of  Public  Policy  and  Regulatory  Affairs  of 
Bank  of  New  York  Mellon  since  July  2011  and  Associate  General 
Counsel at Bank of America from October 2006 through June 2011. 

Randolph  J.  Koporc,  49.  Executive  Vice  President  of  the  Bancorp 
since October 2010. Previously, Mr. Koporc was President and Chief 
Executive Officer of Fifth Third Bank (Georgia) from October 2010 
to March 2014.  

Gregory  L.  Kosch,  56.  Executive  Vice  President  of  the  Bancorp 
since  June  2005.  Previously,  Mr. Kosch  was  Senior  Vice  President 
and  head  of  the  Bancorp’s  Commercial  Division  in  the  Chicago 
affiliate since June 2002. 

James  C.  Leonard,  46.  Executive  Vice  President  since  September 
2015  and  Treasurer  of  the  Bancorp  since  October  2013.  Previously, 
Mr.  Leonard  was  Senior  Vice  President  from  October  2013  to 
September  2015,  the  Director  of  Business  Planning  and  Analysis 
from 2006 to 2013 and the Chief Financial Officer of the Commercial 
Banking Division from 2001 to 2013. 

Philip  R.  McHugh,  51.  Executive  Vice  President  of  the  Bancorp 
since December 2014.  Previously, Mr. McHugh was Executive Vice 
President of Fifth Third Bank since June 2011 and was Senior Vice 
President  of  Fifth  Third  Bank  from  June  2010  through  June  2011.  
Prior  to  that,  Mr.  McHugh  was  the  President  and  CEO  of  the 
Louisville  Affiliate  of  Fifth  Third  Bank  from  January  2005  through 
June 2010. 

Joseph  R.  Robinson,  48.  Executive  Vice  President  and  Chief 
Information  Officer  and  Director  of  Information  Technology  and 
Operations  of  the  Bancorp  since  September  2009.  Previously, 
Mr. Robinson  was  Executive  Vice  President  and  Chief  Information 
Officer of the Bancorp since April 2008. Prior to that, he was Senior 
Vice  President  and  Director  of  Central  Operations  since  November 
2006  and  Senior  Vice  President  of  IT  Enterprise  Solutions  since 
March 2004.  

Timothy N. Spence, 37. Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy 
Officer  of 
the  Bancorp  since  September  2015.  Previously, 
Mr. Spence was a senior partner in the Financial Services practice at 
Oliver  Wyman,  a  global  strategy  and  risk  management  consulting 
firm. 

Teresa  J.  Tanner,  47.  Executive  Vice  President  and  Chief 
Administrative  Officer  since  September  2015.  Previously,  Ms. 
Tanner  was  the  Executive  Vice  President  and  Chief  Human 
Resources  Officer  of  the  Bancorp  since  February  2010  and  Senior 
Vice President and Director of Enterprise Learning since September 
2008. Prior to that, she was Human Resources Senior Vice President 
and  Senior  Business  Partner  for  the  Information  Technology  and 
Central  Operations  divisions  since  July  2006.  Previously,  she  was 
Vice  President  and  Senior  Business  Partner  for  Operations  since 
September 2004.  

Tayfun  Tuzun,  51.  Executive  Vice  President  and  Chief  Financial 
Officer  of  the  Bancorp  since  October  2013.  Previously,  Mr.  Tuzun 
was  the  Senior  Vice  President  and  Treasurer  of  the  Bancorp  from 
December  2011  to  October  2013.  Prior  to  that,  Mr.  Tuzun  was  the 
Assistant  Treasurer  and  Balance  Sheet  Manager  of  Fifth  Third 
Bancorp. Previously, Mr. Tuzun was the Structured Finance Manager 
since 2007.   

179  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
` 

PART II  
ITEM 5.  MARKET  FOR  REGISTRANT’S  COMMON  EQUITY,  RELATED  STOCKHOLDER  MATTERS  AND  ISSUER 
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES  
The  Bancorp’s  common  stock  is  traded  in  the  over-the-counter  market  and  is  listed  under  the  symbol  “FITB”  on  the  NASDAQ®  Global 
Select Market System.  

High and Low Stock Prices and Dividends Paid Per Share 

2015  

Fourth Quarter 
Third Quarter 
Second Quarter 
First Quarter 

2014  
Fourth Quarter 
Third Quarter 
Second Quarter 
First Quarter 

High

$21.14 
$21.93 
$21.90 
$20.53 

High
$20.82 
$21.79 
$23.41 
$23.90 

  Low

$18.15 
$18.21 
$18.63 
$17.14 

  Low
$17.65 
$19.45 
$19.82 
$20.37 

Dividends Paid 
Per Share 

$0.13 
$0.13 
$0.13 
$0.13 

Dividends Paid 
Per Share 

$0.13 
$0.13 
$0.13 
$0.12 

See  a  discussion  of  dividend  limitations  that  the  subsidiaries  can  pay  to  the  Bancorp  discussed  in  Note  3  of  the  Notes  to  Consolidated 
Financial Statements. Additionally, as of December 31, 2015, the Bancorp had 44,678 shareholders of record. 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities  

Average Price Paid 
Per Share 

Total Number of Shares 
Purchased as Part of Publicly 
Announced Plans or 
Programs 

Maximum Number of 
Shares that May Yet be 
Purchased Under the Plans 
or Programs(b) 

Period 
October 2015 
November 2015 
December 2015 
Total 
(a)  The Bancorp repurchased 78,967, 53,701 and 37,869 shares during October, November and December of 2015, respectively, in connection with various employee 
compensation  plans  of  the  Bancorp.  These  purchases  do  not  count  against  the  maximum  number  of  shares  that  may  yet  be  purchased  under  the  Board  of 
Directors’ authorization. 
In March of 2014, the Bancorp announced that its Board of Directors had authorized management to purchase 100 million shares of the Bancorp’s common stock 
through the open market or in any private party transactions. The authorization does not include specific price targets or an expiration date. 

 1,446,613 
 - 
 9,248,482 
 10,695,095 

 39,820,995
 39,820,995
 30,572,513
 30,572,513

 18.79 
 19.31 
 19.95 
 19.78 

(b) 

$

$

Total Number 
of Shares 
Purchased(a) 
 1,525,580 
 53,701 
 9,286,351 
 10,865,632 

See further discussion on accelerated share repurchase transactions and stock-based compensation in Note 23 and Note 24 of the Notes to 
Consolidated Financial Statements. 

180  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
The following performance graphs do not constitute soliciting material and should not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any 
other Company filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent the Bancorp specifically 
incorporates the performance graphs by reference therein. 

Total Return Analysis 
The graphs below summarize the cumulative return experienced by the Bancorp's shareholders over the years 2009 through 2015, and 2004 
through 2015, respectively, compared to the S&P 500 Stock and the S&P Banks indices.   

FIFTH THIRD BANCORP VS. MARKET INDICES 

181  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
` 

III. 

ITEM  10.  DIRECTORS,  EXECUTIVE 

PART 
OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
The  information  required  by  this  item  relating  to  the  Executive 
Officers  of  the  Registrant  is  included  in  PART  I  under 
“EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE BANCORP.”  

The  information  required  by  this  item  concerning  Directors 
and  the  nomination  process  is  incorporated  herein  by  reference 
under  the  caption  “ELECTION  OF  DIRECTORS”  of  the 
Bancorp’s  Proxy  Statement  for  the  2016  Annual  Meeting  of 
Shareholders.  

The  information  required  by  this  item  concerning  the  Audit 
Committee  and  Code  of  Business  Conduct  and  Ethics  is 
incorporated  herein  by 
captions 
“CORPORATE  GOVERNANCE” 
“BOARD  OF 
DIRECTORS, 
ITS  COMMITTEES,  MEETINGS  AND 
FUNCTIONS”  of  the  Bancorp’s  Proxy  Statement  for  the  2016 
Annual Meeting of Shareholders.  

reference  under 

and 

the 

The information required by this item concerning Section 16 
(a)  Beneficial  Ownership  Reporting  Compliance  is  incorporated 
herein  by  reference  under  the  caption  “SECTION  16  (a) 
BENEFICIAL  OWNERSHIP  REPORTING  COMPLIANCE”  of 
the  Bancorp’s  Proxy  Statement  for  the  2016  Annual  Meeting  of 
Shareholders.  

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  
The  information  required  by  this  item  is  incorporated  herein  by 
reference  under  the  captions  “COMPENSATION  DISCUSSION 
“COMPENSATION  OF  NAMED 
AND  ANALYSIS,” 
DIRECTORS,” 
EXECUTIVE 
and 
“COMPENSATION 
“COMPENSATION  COMMITTEE 
INTERLOCKS  AND 
INSIDER PARTICIPATION” of the Bancorp’s Proxy Statement 
for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. 

COMMITTEE 

OFFICERS 

REPORT” 

AND 

ITEM  12.  SECURITY  OWNERSHIP  OF  CERTAIN 
BENEFICIAL  OWNERS  AND  MANAGEMENT  AND 
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS  
Security  ownership  information  of  certain  beneficial  owners  and 
management  is  incorporated  herein  by  reference  under  the 
captions  “CERTAIN  BENEFICIAL  OWNERS,”  “ELECTION 
OF  DIRECTORS,”    “COMPENSATION  DISCUSSION  AND 
ANALYSIS” 
“COMPENSATION  OF  NAMED 
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS” of the Bancorp’s 
Proxy Statement for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.  

and 

The  information  required  by  this  item  concerning  Equity 
Compensation  Plan  information  is  included  in  Note  24  of  the 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

ITEM  13.  CERTAIN  RELATIONSHIPS  AND  RELATED 
TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE 
The  information  required  by  this  item  is  incorporated  herein  by 
reference  under  the  captions  “CERTAIN  TRANSACTIONS”, 
“CORPORATE 
“ELECTION 
ITS 
GOVERNANCE”  and  “BOARD  OF  DIRECTORS, 
COMMITTEES,  MEETINGS  AND  FUNCTIONS”  of 
the 
Bancorp’s  Proxy  Statement  for  the  2016  Annual  Meeting  of 
Shareholders.  

DIRECTORS”, 

OF 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND 
SERVICES 
The  information  required  by  this  item  is  incorporated  herein  by 
reference  under  the  caption  “PRINCIPAL  INDEPENDENT 

182  Fifth Third Bancorp 

EXTERNAL  AUDIT  FIRM  FEES”  of  the  Bancorp’s  Proxy 
Statement for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.  

PART 
STATEMENT SCHEDULES 

ITEM 

IV. 

15.  EXHIBITS, 

Public Accounting Firm 

Fifth Third Bancorp and Subsidiaries Consolidated Financial 

Statements 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

FINANCIAL 

Pages
83

84-88

89-
170

The  schedules  for  the  Bancorp  and  its  subsidiaries  are  omitted 
because  of  the  absence  of  conditions  under  which  they  are 
the 
required,  or  because 
Consolidated Financial Statements or the notes thereto.  

is  set  forth 

information 

the 

in 

The following lists the Exhibits to the Annual Report on Form 10-K.  

2.1 

3.1 

3.2 

4.1 

4.2 

4.3 

4.4 

4.5 

4.6 

4.7 

4.8 

Master  Investment  Agreement  (excluding  exhibits  and  schedules) 
dated as of March 27, 2009 and amended as of June 30, 2009, among 
Fifth  Third  Bank,  Fifth  Third  Financial  Corporation,  Advent-Kong 
Blocker  Corp.,  FTPS  Holding,  LLC  and  Fifth  Third  Processing 
Solutions,  LLC.  Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  2.1  to  the 
Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission 
on July 2, 2009.  
Amended  Articles  of  Incorporation  of  Fifth  Third  Bancorp,  as 
Amended. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s 
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 
2014. 
Code  of  Regulations  of  Fifth  Third  Bancorp,  as  Amended  as  of 
September 15, 2014.  
Junior  Subordinated  Indenture, dated  as  of  March  20,  1997  between 
Fifth  Third  Bancorp  and  Wilmington  Trust  Company,  as  Trustee.  
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-
K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 26, 
1997. 
Indenture,  dated  as  of  May  23,  2003,  between  Fifth  Third  Bancorp 
and  Wilmington  Trust  Company,  as  Trustee.    Incorporated  by 
reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-
K  filed  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  on  May  22, 
2003.  
Global  Security  representing  Fifth  Third  Bancorp’s  $500,000,000 
4.50%  Subordinated  Notes  due  2018.    Incorporated  by  reference  to 
Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with 
the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 22, 2003.  
First  Supplemental  Indenture,  dated  as  of  December  20,  2006, 
between  Fifth  Third  Bancorp  and  Wilmington  Trust  Company,  as 
Trustee.  Incorporated  by  reference  to  Registrant's  Annual  Report  on 
Form 10-K filed for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.  
Global  Security  representing  Fifth  Third  Bancorp’s  $500,000,000 
5.45%  Subordinated  Notes  due  2017.    Incorporated  by  reference  to 
Exhibit 4.15 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed for 
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.  
Global  Security  representing  Fifth  Third  Bancorp’s  $250,000,000 
Floating  Rate  Subordinated  Notes  due  2016.    Incorporated  by 
reference to Exhibit 4.16 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 
10-K filed for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.  
First  Supplemental  Indenture  dated  as  of  March 30,  2007  between 
Fifth  Third  Bancorp  and  Wilmington  Trust  Company,  as  trustee,  to 
the Junior Subordinated Indenture dated as of May 20, 1997 between 
Fifth  Third  Bancorp  and  Wilmington  Trust  Company.  Incorporated 
by  reference  to  Exhibit  4.1  to  the  Registrant’s  Current  Report  on 
Form  8-K  filed  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  on 
March 30, 2007.  
Global  Security  dated  as  of  March  4,  2008  representing  Fifth  Third 
Bancorp’s  $500,000,000  8.25%  Subordinated  Notes  due  2038. 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q filed for the quarter ended March 31, 2008.  (1)  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.9 

4.10 

Indenture  for  Senior  Debt  Securities  dated  as  of  April  30,  2008 
between  Fifth  Third  Bancorp  and  Wilmington  Trust  Company,  as 
trustee.    Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  4.2  to  the  Registrant’s 
Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities  and Exchange 
Commission on May 6, 2008.  
First Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 25, 2011 between 
Fifth Third Bancorp and Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee, to 
the Indenture for Senior Debt Securities dated as of April 30, 2008 
between Fifth Third and the Trustee. Incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with 
the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 25, 2011. 
4.11  Global Security dated as of January 25, 2011 representing Fifth Third 

4.12 

Bancorp’s $500,000,000 3.625% Senior Notes due 2016. 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant’s Current 
Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission on January 25, 2011. (2)  
Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 7, 2012 between 
Fifth Third Bancorp and Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee, to 
the Indenture for Senior Debt Securities dated as of April 30, 2008 
between Fifth Third Bancorp and Wilmington Trust Company. 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current 
Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission on March 7, 2012. 

4.13  Global Security dated as of March 7, 2012 representing Fifth Third 
Bancorp’s $500,000,000 3.500% Senior Notes due 2022. 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Current 
Report on Form 8-K/A filed with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission on March 7, 2012. 

to 

4.15 

issued 

receipts 

time  of 

the  depositary 

4.14  Deposit  Agreement  dated  as  of  May  16,  2013,  between  Fifth  Third 
Bancorp,  as  issuer,  Wilmington  Trust,  National  Association,  as 
depositary  and  calculation  agent,  American  Stock  Transfer  &  Trust 
Company, LLC, as transfer agent and registrar, and the holders from 
time 
thereunder.  
Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  4.3  of  the  Registrant’s  Current 
Report  on  Form  8-K  filed  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange 
Commission on May 16, 2013.  
Form  of  Certificate  Representing  the  5.10%  Fixed-to-Floating  Rate 
Non-Cumulative  Perpetual  Preferred  Stock,  Series  H,  of  Fifth  Third 
Bancorp. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Registrant’s 
Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities  and Exchange 
Commission on May 16, 2013.  
Form of Depositary Receipt for the 5.10% Fixed-to-Floating Rate 
Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series H, of Fifth Third 
Bancorp.  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the Registrant’s 
Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission on May 16, 2013. 

4.16 

4.17  Global Security dated as of November 20, 2013 representing Fifth 

Third Bancorp’s $500,000,000 4.30% Subordinated Notes due 2024. 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registrant’s Current 
Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission on November 20, 2013. 

to 

4.19 

issued 

receipts 

time  of 

the  depositary 

4.18  Deposit  Agreement  dated  December  9,  2013,  between  Fifth  Third 
Bancorp,  as  issuer,  Wilmington  Trust,  National  Association,  as 
depositary  and  calculation  agent,  American  Stock  Transfer  &  Trust 
Company, LLC as transfer agent and registrar, and the holders from 
time 
thereunder.  
Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  4.3  of  the  Registrant’s  Current 
Report  on  Form  8-K  filed  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange 
Commission on December 9, 2013.  
Form of Certificate Representing the 6.625% Fixed-to-Floating Rate 
Non-Cumulative  Perpetual  Preferred  Stock,  Series  I,  of  Fifth  Third 
Bancorp. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Registrant’s 
Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities  and Exchange 
Commission on December 9, 2013.  
Form of Depositary Receipt for the 6.625% Fixed-to-Floating Rate 
Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series I, of Fifth Third 
Bancorp.  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Registrant’s 
Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission on December 9, 2013. 

4.20 

4.21  Deposit Agreement dated June 5, 2014, among Fifth Third Bancorp, 
as issuer, Wilmington Trust, National Association, as depositary and 
calculation agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC 
as transfer agent and registrar, and the holders from time to time of 
the depositary receipts issued thereunder. Incorporated by reference 
to Exhibit 4.3 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 5, 2014. 

4.22 

4.23 

4.24 

Form of Certificate Representing the 4.90% Fixed-to-Floating Rate 
Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series J, of Fifth Third 
Bancorp. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Registrant’s 
Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission on June 5, 2014. 
Form of Depositary Receipt for the 4.90% Fixed-to-Floating Rate 
Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series J, of Fifth Third 
Bancorp. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the Registrant’s 
Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission on June 5, 2014. 
Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of February 28, 2014 between 
Fifth Third Bancorp and Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee, to 
the Indenture for Senior Debt Securities dated as of April 30, 2008 
between Fifth Third Bancorp and the Trustee. Incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 
8-K filed with the Commission on February 28, 2014. 

4.25  Global Security dated as of February 28, 2014, representing Fifth 

Third Bancorp’s $500,000,000 in principal amount of its 2.30% 
Senior Notes due 2019. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of 
the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the 
Commission on February 28, 2014. 

4.27 

4.26  Deposit Agreement dated June 5, 2014, among Fifth Third Bancorp, 
as issuer, Wilmington Trust, National Association, as depositary and 
calculation agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC 
as transfer agent and registrar, and the holders from time to time of 
the depositary receipts issued thereunder. Incorporated by reference 
to Exhibit 4.3 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 5, 2014. 
Form of Certificate Representing the 4.90% Fixed-to-Floating Rate 
Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series J, of Fifth Third 
Bancorp. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Registrant’s 
Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission on June 5, 2014. 
Form of Depositary Receipt for the 4.90% Fixed-to-Floating Rate 
Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series J, of Fifth Third 
Bancorp. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the Registrant’s 
Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission on June 5, 2014. 
Fourth Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 27, 2015 between 
Fifth Third Bancorp and Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee, to 
the Indenture for Senior Debt Securities dated as of April 30, 2008 
between Fifth Third Bancorp and the Trustee. Incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-
K filed with the Commission on July 27, 2015.   

4.28 

4.29 

10.2 

10.1 

10.3 

4.30  Global Security dated as of July 27, 2015, representing Fifth Third 
Bancorp’s $1,100,000,000 in principal amount of its 2.875% Senior 
Notes due 2020. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the 
Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission 
on July 27, 2015.   
Fifth Third Bancorp Unfunded Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-
Employee Directors, as Amended and Restated. Incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on 
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013. * 
Indenture effective November 19, 1992 between Fifth Third Bancorp, 
Issuer  and  NBD  Bank,  N.A.,  Trustee.    Incorporated  by  reference  to 
Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and 
Exchange Commission on November 18, 1992 and as Exhibit 4.1 to 
the  Registrant’s  Registration  Statement  on  Form  S-3,  Registration 
No. 33-54134. 
Fifth  Third  Bancorp  Master  Profit  Sharing  Plan,  as  Amended  and 
Restated. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s 
Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  the  year  ended  December  31, 
2011.* 
First Amendment to Fifth Third Bancorp Master Profit Sharing Plan, 
as Amended and Restated. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 
to  the  Registrant’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2011.*  
Second  Amendment  to  Fifth  Third  Bancorp  Master  Profit  Sharing 
Plan, as Amended and Restated. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
10.7  to  the  Registrant’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  the  year 
ended December 31, 2012.*  
Third Amendment to Fifth Third Bancorp Master Profit Sharing Plan, 
as Amended and Restated. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 
of  the  Registrant’s  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  for  the  quarter 
ended June 30, 2013.*  

10.6 

10.5 

10.4 

183  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
` 

10.7 

10.8 

10.9 

Fifth Third Bancorp 401(k) Savings Plan, as Amended and Restated. 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant’s Annual 
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.* 
First  Amendment  to  Fifth  Third  Bancorp  401(k)  Savings  Plan,  as 
Amended and Restated.* 
The  Fifth  Third  Bancorp  Master  Retirement  Plan,  as  Amended  and 
Restated.  Incorporated  by  reference 
the 
Registrant’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  the  fiscal  year  ended 
December 31, 2014.** 

to  Exhibit  10.8  of 

10.10  First Amendment toThe Fifth Third Bancorp Master Retirement Plan, 

as Amended and Restated.* 

10.11  Fifth  Third  Bancorp  Incentive  Compensation  Plan.  Incorporated  by 
reference  to  Annex  2  to  the  Registrant’s  Proxy  Statement  dated 
February 19, 2004.* 

10.12  Fifth Third Bancorp 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan. Incorporated 
by  reference  to  Annex  2  to  the  Registrant’s  Proxy  Statement  dated 
March 6, 2008.* 

10.13   Fifth Third Bancorp 2014 Incentive Compensation Plan. Incorporated 
by  reference  to  Annex  A  to  the  Registrant’s  Proxy  Statement  dated 
March 6, 2014.* 

10.14  Amended  and  Restated  Fifth  Third  Bancorp  1993  Stock  Purchase 
Plan.    Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.8  to  the  Registrant’s 
Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  the  year  ended  December  31, 
2011.* 

10.15  Fifth  Third  Bancorp  Non-qualified  Deferred  Compensation  Plan,  as 
Amended  and  Restated.    Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.12 
to  the  Registrant’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2013.* 

10.16  Amendment  to  the  Fifth  Third  Bancorp  Non-qualified  Deferred 
Compensation  Plan,  as  Amended  and  Restated.  Incorporated  by 
reference to Exhibit 10.14 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 
10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.* 

10.17  Fifth Third Bancorp Stock Option Gain Deferral Plan.  Incorporated 
by  reference  to  Registrant’s  Proxy  Statement  dated  February  9, 
2001.*  

10.18  Amendment No. 1 to Fifth Third Bancorp Stock Option Gain Deferral 
Plan.    Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.1  to  the  Registrant’s 
Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission on May 26, 2005. *  

10.19  Amended  and  Restated  First  National  Bankshares  of  Florida,  Inc. 
2003  Incentive  Plan.  Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.10  to 
First  National  Bankshares  of  Florida,  Inc.’s  Annual  Report  on  Form 
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003. *   

10.20  Fifth  Third  Bancorp  Executive  Change  in  Control  Severance  Plan, 
effective  January  1,  2015.  Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.1 
to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities 
and Exchange Commission on November 21, 2014.* 

10.21  Warrant dated June 30, 2009 issued by Vantiv Holding, LLC to Fifth 
Third Bank. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit L to the Registrant’s 
Schedule 13D/A filed with the Commission on December 30, 2015.  

10.22  Second Amended & Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement 
(excluding certain exhibits) dated as of March 21, 2012 by and among 
Vantiv, Inc., Fifth Third Bank, FTPS Partners, LLC, Vantiv Holding, 
LLC and each person who becomes a member after March 21, 2012. 
Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  C  to  the  Registrant’s  Schedule 
13D filed with the Commission on April 2, 2012.  

10.23  Amendment  and  Restatement  Agreement  and  Reaffirmation 
(excluding certain schedules) dated as of June 30, 2009 among Fifth 
Third  Processing  Solutions,  LLC,  FTPS  Holding,  LLC,  Card 
Management  Company,  LLC,  Fifth  Third  Holdings,  LLC  and  Fifth 
Third  Bank.  Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.3  to  the 
Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission 
on July 2, 2009. 

10.24  Registration  Rights  Agreement  dated  as  of  March  21,  2012  by  and 
among  Vantiv,  Inc.,  Fifth  Third  Bank,  FTPS  Partners,  LLC,  JPDN 
Enterprises,  LLC  and  certain  stockholders  of  Vantiv, 
Inc. 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit E to  the Registrant’s Schedule 
13D filed with the Commission on April 2, 2012. 

10.25  Exchange  Agreement  dated  as  of  March 21,  2012  by  and  among 
Vantiv, Inc., Vantiv Holding, LLC, Fifth Third Bank, FTPS Partners, 
LLC and such other holders of Class B Units and Class C Non-Voting 
Units that are from time to time parties of the Exchange Agreement. 
Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  B  to  the  Registrant’s  Schedule 
13D filed with the Commission on April 2, 2012. 

184  Fifth Third Bancorp 

10.26  Recapitalization  Agreement  dated  as  of  March 21,  2012  by  and 
among  Vantiv,  Inc.,  Vantiv  Holding,  LLC,  Fifth  Third  Bank,  FTPS 
Partners,  LLC,  JPDN  Enterprises,  LLC  and  certain  stockholders  of 
Vantiv, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit D to the Registrant’s 
Schedule 13D filed with the Commission on April 2, 2012. 

10.27  Stock  Appreciation  Right  Award  Agreement.  Incorporated  by 
reference  to  Exhibit  10.2  of  the  Registrant’s  Quarterly  Report  on 
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013.* 

10.28  Performance  Share  Award  Agreement.  Incorporated  by  reference  to 
Exhibit  10.3  of  the  Registrant’s  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  for 
the quarter ended June 30, 2013.* 

10.29  Restricted  Stock  Award  Agreement  (for  Directors).  Incorporated  by 
reference  to  Exhibit  10.4  of  the  Registrant’s  Quarterly  Report  on 
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013.* 

10.30  Restricted  Stock  Award  Agreement  (for  Executive  Officers). 
Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.5  of  the  Registrant’s 
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013.* 
10.31  Stock  Appreciation  Right  Award  Agreement.  Incorporated  by 
reference to Exhibit 10.34 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 
10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.* 

10.32  Performance  Share  Award  Agreement.  Incorporated  by  reference  to 
Exhibit 10.35 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 
fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.* 

10.33  Restricted  Stock  Unit  Agreement  (for  Directors).  Incorporated  by 
reference to Exhibit 10.36 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 
10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.* 

10.34  Restricted  Stock  Award  Agreement  (for  Executive  Officers). 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 of the Registrant’s Annual 
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.* 

10.35  Master  Confirmation,  as 

supplemented  by  a  Supplemental 
Confirmation,  for  accelerated  share  repurchase  transaction  dated 
October  20,  2014  between  Fifth  Third  Bancorp  and  Deutsche  Bank 
AG,  London  Branch.  Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.38  of 
the  Registrant’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  the  fiscal  year 
ended December 31, 2014.** 
10.36   Master  Confirmation,  as 

supplemented  by  a  Supplemental 
Confirmation, for accelerated share repurchase transaction dated July 
29,  2015  between  Fifth  Third  Bancorp  and  Morgan  Stanley  &  Co. 
LLC.  Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.1  to  the  Registrant’s 
Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  filed  with  the  Commission  on 
November 5, 2015.** 

10.37   Supplemental  Confirmation  dated  September  3,  2015,  to  Master 
Confirmation,  dated  May  21,  2013,  for  accelerated  share  repurchase 
transaction  between  Fifth  Third  Bancorp  and  Deutsche  Bank  AG, 
London Branch, with Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.  acting as agent. 
Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.2  to  the  Registrant’s 
Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  filed  with  the  Commission  on 
November 5, 2015.  Master Confirmation is incorporated by reference 
to  Exhibit  10.6  to  the  Registrant’s  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q 
filed with the Commission on August 7, 2013.** 

10.38  Separation Agreement between Fifth Third Bancorp and Dan Poston 
dated  October  2,  2015.  Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.1  to 
the  Registrant’s  Current  Report  on  Form  8-K/A  filed  with  the 
Commission on October 6, 2015.  

10.39   Master  Confirmation,  as 

supplemented  by  a  Supplemental 
Confirmation,  for  accelerated  share  repurchase  transaction  dated 
April 27, 2015 between Fifth Third Bancorp and Barclays Bank PLC, 
through its agent Barclays Capital Inc.  Incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed 
with the Commission on August 5, 2015.** 

10.40   Offer  letter  from  Fifth  Third  Bancorp  to  Lars  C.  Anderson. 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current 
Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 16, 2015** 

10.41   Master  Confirmation,  dated  January  22,  2015,  and  Supplemental 
Confirmation,  for  accelerated  share  repurchase  transaction  dated 
January  22,  2015  between  Fifth  Third  Bancorp  and  Wells  Fargo 
Bank, National Association. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 
to  the  Registrant’s  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  filed  with  the 
Commission on May 11, 2015.** 

10.42  Supplemental  Confirmation  dated  December  9,  2015,  to  Master 
Confirmation  dated  January  22,  2015,  for  accelerated  share 
repurchase transaction between Fifth Third Bancorp and Wells Fargo 
Bank, National Association.**     
Computations of Consolidated Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges.  

12.1 

 
 
 
 
12.2 

21 
23 

Computations of Consolidated Ratios of Earnings to Combined Fixed 
Charges and Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements.  
Fifth Third Bancorp Subsidiaries, as of December 31, 2015.  
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm-Deloitte 
& Touche LLP.  

31(i)  Certification  Pursuant  to  Section  302  of  the  Sarbanes-Oxley  Act  of 

2002 by Chief Executive Officer.  

31(ii)  Certification  Pursuant  to  Section  302  of  the  Sarbanes-Oxley  Act  of 

2002 by Chief Financial Officer.  

32(i)  Certification  Pursuant  to  18  U.S.C.  Section  1350,  as  Adopted 
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by Chief 
Executive Officer.  

32(ii)  Certification  Pursuant  to  18  U.S.C.  Section  1350,  as  Adopted 
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by Chief 
Financial Officer.  

99.1   Consent Order pursuant to the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 
2010,  dated  September  28,  2015,  between  Fifth  Third  Bank  and  the 
U.S.  Department  of  Justice 
loans. 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Registrant’s Current 
Report  on  Form  8-K  filed  with  the  Commission  on  September  29, 
2015.   

indirect  auto 

regarding 

99.2   Consent Order pursuant to the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 
2010,  dated  September  28,  2015,  between  Fifth  Third  Bank  and  the 
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, including the Stipulation and 
Consent  to  the  Issuance  of  a  Consent  Order,  dated  September  28, 
2015, by Fifth Third Bank regarding indirect auto loans. Incorporated 
by  reference  to  Exhibit  99.2  to  the  Registrant’s  Current  Report  on 
Form 8-K filed with the Commission on September 29, 2015.   
 99.3  Consent Order pursuant to the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 
2010,  dated  September  28,  2015,  between  Fifth  Third  Bank  and  the 
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, including the Stipulation and 
Consent  to  the  Issuance  of  a  Consent  Order,  dated  September  28, 
2015,  by  Fifth  Third  Bank  regarding  credit  card  add-on  products. 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to the Registrant’s Current 
Report  on  Form  8-K  filed  with  the  Commission  on  September  29, 
2015.   

 99.5 

 99.4   Settlement  Agreement  entered into on  September  30,  2015, between 
the  United  States  Department  of  Housing  and  Urban  Development 
and  Fifth  Third  Bancorp  and  its  subsidiaries.  Incorporated  by 
reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 
8-K filed with the Commission on October 7, 2015.   
Stipulation  and  Order  of  Settlement  and  Dismissal  entered  into  on 
September  30,  2015,  by  and  among  plaintiff  the  United  States  of 
America  and  on  behalf  of  the  United  States  Department  of  Housing 
and Urban Development and the Federal Housing Administration and 
Fifth  Third  Bancorp  and  its  subsidiaries  (excluding  exhibits). 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Registrant’s Current 
Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on October 7, 2015.   
Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: (i) the 
Consolidated  Balance  Sheets,  (ii)  the  Consolidated  Statements  of 
Income, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 
(iv)  the  Consolidated  Statements  of  Changes  in  Equity,  (v)  the 
Consolidated  Statements  of  Cash  Flows,  and  (vi)  the  Notes  to 
Consolidated  Financial  Statements  tagged  as  blocks  of  text  and  in 
detail.  

101 

(1)  Fifth  Third  Bancorp  also  entered  into  an  identical  security  on  March  4, 
2008 representing an additional $500,000,000 of its 8.25% Subordinated 
Notes due 2038.  

(2) Fifth Third Bancorp also entered into an identical security on January 25, 
2011 representing an additional $500,000,000 of its 3.625% Senior Notes 
due 2016. 

*    Denotes management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. 
**  An  application  for  confidential  treatment  for  selected  portions  of  this 
exhibit has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 

185  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
` 

SIGNATURES  
Pursuant  to  the  requirements  of  Section  13  or  15(d)  of  the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused 
this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto 
duly authorized. 

FIFTH THIRD BANCORP 
Registrant 

/s/ Greg D. Carmichael 
Greg D. Carmichael 
President and CEO 
Principal Executive Officer 
February 25, 2016 

Pursuant to requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 
this  report  has  been  signed  on  February  25,  2016  by  the 
following  persons  on  behalf  of  the  Registrant  and  in  the 
capacities indicated. 

OFFICERS: 

/s/ Greg D. Carmichael 
Greg D. Carmichael 
President and CEO 
Principal Executive Officer 

/s/ Tayfun Tuzun 
Tayfun Tuzun 
Executive Vice President and CFO 
Principal Financial Officer 

/s/ Mark D. Hazel 
Mark D. Hazel  
Senior Vice President and Controller 
Principal Accounting Officer 

DIRECTORS: 

/s/ James P. Hackett 
James P. Hackett 
Chairman  

/s/ Marsha C. Williams 
Marsha C. Williams 
Lead Director 

/s/ Nicholas K. Akins 
Nicholas K. Akins 

/s/ B. Evan Bayh III 
B. Evan Bayh III 

/s/ Jorge L. Benitez 
Jorge L. Benitez 

/s/ Katherine B. Blackburn 
Katherine B. Blackburn 

/s/ Ulysses L. Bridgeman, Jr. 
Ulysses L. Bridgeman, Jr. 

/s/ Emerson L. Brumback 
Emerson L. Brumback 

/s/ Greg D. Carmichael 
Greg D. Carmichael 

/s/ Gary R. Heminger 
Gary R. Heminger 

/s/ Jewell D. Hoover 
Jewell D. Hoover 

/s/ Kevin T. Kabat 
Kevin T. Kabat 

/s/ Michael B. McCallister 
Michael B. McCallister 

/s/ Hendrik G. Meijer 
Hendrik G. Meijer 

186  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AVERAGE ASSETS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31 ($ IN MILLIONS) 

CONSOLIDATED TEN YEAR COMPARISON 

Interest-Earning Assets  
Interest-
Bearing 
Deposits in 
Banks(a) 

Federal Funds 
Sold(a) 

 1   
-  
 1   
 2   
 1   
 11   
 12   
 438   
 257   
 252   

 3,257   
 3,043   
 2,416   
 1,493   
 2,030   
 3,317   
 1,023   
 183   
 147   
 144   

Year  
2015  $
2014   
2013   
2012   
2011   
2010   
2009   
2008   
2007   
2006   

Loans and 
Leases 
 93,339   
 91,127   
 89,093   
 84,822   
 80,214   
 79,232   
 83,391   
 85,835   
 78,348   
 73,493   

Securities  
 26,987   
 21,823   
 16,444   
 15,319   
 15,437   
 16,371   
 17,100   
 13,424   
 11,630   
 20,910   

Total  
 123,584   
 115,993   
 107,954   
 101,636   
 97,682   
 98,931   
 101,526   
 99,880   
 90,382   
 94,799   

Cash and Due 
from Banks  
 2,608   
 2,892   
 2,482   
 2,355   
 2,352   
 2,245   
 2,329   
 2,490   
 2,275   
 2,477   

Other 
Assets  
 15,212
 14,539  
 15,053  
 15,695  
 15,335  
 14,841  
 14,266  
 13,411  
 10,613  
 8,713  

Total Average 
Assets  
 140,111   
 131,943   
 123,732   
 117,614   
 112,666   
 112,434   
 114,856   
 114,296   
 102,477   
 105,238   

AVERAGE DEPOSITS AND SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31 ($ IN MILLIONS) 

Year 
2015   
2014   
2013   
2012   
2011   
2010   
2009   
2008   
2007   
2006   

   Demand 
 35,164   
$
 31,755   
 29,925   
 27,196   
 23,389   
 19,669   
 16,862   
 14,017   
 13,261   
 13,741   

Interest 
Checking  
 26,160   
 25,382   
 23,582   
 23,096   
 18,707   
 18,218   
 15,070   
 14,191   
 14,820   
 16,650   

Savings  
 14,951   
 16,080   
 18,440   
 21,393   
 21,652   
 19,612   
 16,875   
 16,192   
 14,836   
 12,189   

Deposits  

Money 
Market 
 18,152  
 14,670  
 9,467  
 4,903  
 5,154  
 4,808  
 4,320  
 6,127  
 6,308  
 6,366  

Other 
Time  
 4,051  
 3,762  
 3,760  
 4,306  
 6,260  
 10,526  
 14,103  
 11,135  
 10,778  
 10,500  

Certificates 
$100,000 and 
Over 
 2,869   
 3,929   
 6,339   
 3,102   
 3,656   
 6,083   
 10,367   
 9,531   
 6,466   
 5,795   

Foreign 
Office  
 874   
 1,828   
 1,518   
 1,555   
 3,497   
 3,361   
 2,265   
 4,220   
 3,155   
 3,711   

Total  
 102,221   
 97,406   
 93,031   
 85,551   
 82,315   
 82,277   
 79,862   
 75,413   
 69,624   
 68,952   

Short-Term 
Borrowings
 2,641   
 2,331   
 3,527   
 4,806   
 3,122   
 1,926   
 6,980   
 10,760   
 6,890   
 8,670   

Total  
 104,862   
 99,737   
 96,558   
 90,357   
 85,437   
 84,203   
 86,842   
 86,173   
 76,514   
 77,622   

INCOME FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31 ($ IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) 

Year  
2015   
2014   
2013   
2012   
2011   
2010   
2009   
2008   
2007   
2006   

$

Interest 
Income  
 4,028   
 4,030   
 3,973   
 4,107   
 4,218   
 4,489   
 4,668   
 5,608   
 6,027   
 5,955   

Interest 
Expense  
 495   
 451   
 412   
 512   
 661   
 885   
 1,314   
 2,094   
 3,018   
 3,082   

Noninterest 
Income  
 3,003   
 2,473   
 3,227   
 2,999   
 2,455   
 2,729   
 4,782   
 2,946   
 2,467   
 2,012   

Noninterest 
Expense 
 3,775   
 3,709   
 3,961   
 4,081   
 3,758   
 3,855   
 3,826   
 4,564   
 3,311   
 2,915   

Net Income (Loss) 
Available to 
Common 
Shareholders  
 1,637   
 1,414   
 1,799   
 1,541   
 1,094   
 503   
 511   
 (2,180)  
 1,075   
 1,188   

Earnings 
 2.03   
 1.68   
 2.05   
 1.69   
 1.20   
 0.63   
 0.73   
 (3.91)  
 1.99   
 2.13   

MISCELLANEOUS AT DECEMBER 31 ($ IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

Bancorp Shareholders' Equity  

Per Share(b)    

Originally Reported 

Diluted 
Earnings  
 2.01   
 1.66   
 2.02   
 1.66   
 1.18   
 0.63   
 0.67   
 (3.91)  
 1.98   
 2.12   

Dividends 
Declared   Earnings 
 2.03   
 1.68   
 2.05   
 1.69   
 1.20   
 0.63   
 0.73   
 (3.94)  
 2.00   
 2.14   

 0.52 
 0.51 
 0.47 
 0.36 
 0.28 
 0.04 
 0.04 
 0.75 
 1.70 
 1.58 

Diluted 
Earnings 

$  2.01   
 1.66   
 2.02   
 1.66   
 1.18   
 0.63   
 0.67   
 (3.94)  
 1.99   
 2.13   

Common 
Shares 

Year 
2015   
2014   
2013   
2012   
2011   
2010   
2009   
2008   
2007   
2006   

Capital 
Surplus 
 2,666  
 2,646  
 2,561  
 2,758  
 2,792  
 1,715  
 1,743  
 848  
 1,779  
 1,812  
(a)  Federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits in banks are combined in other short-term investments in the Consolidated Financial Statements.  
(b)  Adjusted for accounting guidance related to the calculation of earnings per share, which was adopted retroactively on January 1, 2009.  

Outstanding     
 785,080,314    $
 824,046,952     
 855,305,745   
 882,152,057     
 919,804,436     
 796,272,522     
 795,068,164     
 577,386,612     
 532,671,925     
 556,252,674     

Common 
Stock  
 2,051   
 2,051   
 2,051   
 2,051   
 2,051   
 1,779   
 1,779   
 1,295   
 1,295   
 1,295   

Retained 
Earnings 
 12,358  
 11,141  
 10,156  
 8,768  
 7,554  
 6,719  
 6,326  
 5,824  
 8,413  
 8,317  

Preferred 
Stock  
 1,331   
 1,331   
 1,034   
 398   
 398   
 3,654   
 3,609   
 4,241   
 9   
 9   

Treasury 
Stock  
 (2,764)  
 (1,972)  
 (1,295)  
 (634)  
 (64)  
 (130)  
 (201)  
 (229)  
 (2,209)  
 (1,232)  

Accumulated 
Other 
Comprehensive 
Income  
 197   
 429   
 82   
 375   
 470   
 314   
 241   
 98   
 (126)  
 (179)  

Total  
 15,839   
 15,626   
 14,589   
 13,716   
 13,201   
 14,051   
 13,497   
 12,077   
 9,161   
 10,022   

$

Book Value 
Per Share 
 18.48   
 17.35   
 15.85   
 15.10   
 13.92   
 13.06   
 12.44   
 13.57   
 17.18   
 18.00   

Allowance for 
Loan and 
Lease Losses 

 1,272  
 1,322  
 1,582  
 1,854  
 2,255  
 3,004  
 3,749  
 2,787  
 937  
 771  

187  Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
     
    
    
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
    
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS 

FIFTH THIRD BANCORP OFFICERS 
Greg D. Carmichael 
President &  
Chief Executive Officer 

Lars C. Anderson 
Executive Vice President & 
Chief Operating Officer 

Chad M. Borton 
Executive Vice President  

Frank R. Forrest 
Executive Vice President &  
Chief Risk Officer 

Mark D. Hazel 
Senior Vice President &  
Controller  

Heather Russell Koenig 
Executive Vice President, 
Chief Legal Officer & 
Corporate Secretary 

Randolph J. Koporc 
Executive Vice President 

Gregory L. Kosch 
Executive Vice President 

James C. Leonard 
Executive Vice President &  
Treasurer 

Philip R. McHugh 
Executive Vice President 

Joseph R. Robinson 
Executive Vice President & 
Chief Operations  
and Technology Officer  

Timothy N. Spence 
Executive Vice President &  
Chief Strategy Officer 

Teresa J. Tanner 
Executive Vice President & 
Chief Administrative Officer 

Tayfun Tuzun 
Executive Vice President & 
Chief Financial Officer 

REGIONAL PRESIDENTS  
Ralph S. Michael III 
(Group Regional President) 
Donald Abel, Jr. 
Michael Ash 
Steven Alonso 
David A. Call 
Hal Clemmer 
Timothy Elsbrock 
(Market President) 
David Girodat 
Thomas Heiks 
Jerry Kelsheimer 
Robert W. LaClair 
Brian Lamb 
Jordan A. Miller, Jr. 
Robert A. Sullivan 
Thomas G. Welch, Jr. 

FIFTH THIRD BANCORP BOARD 
COMMITTEES 
Audit Committee 
Emerson L. Brumback, Chair 
Nicholas K. Akins 
Katherine B. Blackburn 
Jewell D. Hoover 

Finance Committee 
Gary R. Heminger, Chair   
Emerson L. Brumback 
James P. Hackett 
Kevin T. Kabat 
Marsha C. Williams  

Human Capital and Compensation 
Committee 
Marsha C. Williams, Chair 
Nicholas K. Akins 
Gary R. Heminger 
Michael B. McCallister 
Hendrik G. Meijer 

Nominating and Corporate Governance 
Committee 
Ulysses L. Bridgeman, Jr., Chair 
B. Evan Bayh III 
Gary R. Heminger 
Hendrik G. Meijer 

Regulatory Oversight Committee 
Marsha C. Williams, Chair 
Nicholas K. Akins 
Emerson L. Brumback 
Jewell D. Hoover 

Risk and Compliance Committee 
Jewell D. Hoover, Chair 
B. Evan Bayh III 
Jorge L. Benitez 
Hendrik G. Meijer 
Marsha C. Williams 

FIFTH THIRD  
BANCORP DIRECTORS 
James P. Hackett, Chairman 
Interim Director of Athletics 
University of Michigan 
Vice Chair and Director 
Steelcase, Inc. 

Marsha C. Williams, Lead Director 
Retired Senior Vice President & Chief 
Financial Officer 
Orbitz Worldwide, Inc. 

Nicholas K. Akins 
Chairman, President & CEO 
American Electric Power  
Company 

B. Evan Bayh III 
Partner 
McGuireWoods LLP  

Jorge L. Benitez 
Retired CEO (U.S.) and 
Senior Managing Director 
(North America), Accenture 

Katherine B. Blackburn 
Executive Vice President 
Cincinnati Bengals, Inc. 

Ulysses L. Bridgeman, Jr. 
President 
B.F. Companies 

Emerson L. Brumback 
Retired President & COO 
M&T Bank 

Greg D. Carmichael 
President & CEO 
Fifth Third Bancorp 

Gary R. Heminger 
President, CEO & Director 
Marathon Petroleum  
Corporation 

Jewell D. Hoover 
Principal & Bank Consultant 
Hoover and Associates, LLC 

Kevin T. Kabat 
Vice Chairman 
Fifth Third Bancorp 

Michael B. McCallister 
Retired Chairman & CEO 
Humana Inc.  

Hendrik G. Meijer 
Co-Chairman, Director 
& CEO 
Meijer, Inc.  

188 Fifth Third Bancorp 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Highlights 2015

For the years ended Dec. 31
$ in millions, except per share data 

Earnings and Dividends

2015

2014

2013

Fifth Third Bancorp

Corporate Address

38 Fountain Square Plaza
Cincinnati, OH 45263

www.53.com

1.800.972.3030

Investor Relations 
(For Inquiries of Shareholders Only)

38 Fountain Square Plaza
MD 1090QC
Cincinnati, OH 45263

ir@53.com
1.866.670.0468

Transfer Agent
American Stock Transfer  
and Trust Company, LLC.

For Correspondence

6201 15th Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11219

www.amstock.com

1.888.294.8285

For Dividend Reinvestment  
and Direct Stock Purchase  
Plan Transaction Processing

P.O. Box 922
Wall Street Station
New York, NY 10269-0560

Net income attributable to Bancorp

$ 1,712

$ 1,481 

$ 1,836 

Common dividends declared

Preferred dividends declared

417 

75 

427 

67 

407 

37 

Per Common Share

Earnings

Diluted earnings

Cash dividends

     $ 2.03 

        $ 1.68 

        $ 2.05 

      2.01 

         1.66 

         2.02 

      0.52 

         0.51 

         0.47 

Book value per share

    18.48 

       17.35 

       15.85 

At Year-End

Total Assets

$ 141,082 

  $ 138,706 

  $ 130,443 

Total Loans and Leases (incl. held-for-sale)

   93,485 

     91,345 

     89,558 

Deposits

 103,205 

   101,712 

     99,275 

Bancorp Shareholders' Equity

   15,839 

     15,626 

     14,589 

Key Ratios

Net Interest Margin (FTE)

Efficiency Ratio (FTE)

Tier 1 Common Equity Ratio*

CET1 Ratio (Basel III Transitional)

Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio

Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio

Actuals

2.88%

57.6%

N/A

9.82%

10.93%

14.13%

3.10%

61.1%

9.65%

N/A

10.83%

14.33%

3.32%

58.2%

9.45%

N/A

10.43%

14.17%

Common Shares Outstanding (000's)

 785,080 

   824,047 

   855,306 

Banking Centers

ATMs

    1,254 

       1,302 

       1,320 

    2,593 

       2,638 

       2,586 

Full-Time Equivalent Employees

   18,261 

     18,351 

     19,446 

* Non-GAAP measure. For further information, see the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of MD&A.

2015

2014

Stock  
Performance

High

Low

Dividends 
Declared 
Per Share

High

Low

Dividends 
Declared 
Per Share

Fourth Quarter

$ 21.14

$ 18.15 

$ 0.13 

$ 20.82

$ 17.65 

$ 0.13 

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

21.93 

21.90 

20.53 

18.21

18.63

17.14

0.13

0.13

0.13

21.79 

23.41 

19.45

19.82

23.90 

20.37

0.13

0.13

0.12

Fifth Third’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.”

FIFTH THIRD BANCORP 2015 ANNUAL REPORT    |     

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
www.53.com