Fifth Third Bancorp
Annual Report 2021

Plain-text annual report

2 0 2 1 A N N U A L R E P O R T Living Our Purpose Guided by Our Vision & Values At Fifth Third, everything we do begins with our purpose—to improve the lives of our customers and the well-being of our communities. We believe our employees are a pillar of strength, advice, and assistance. We recognize the importance of the role we play in our society, especially in the most challenging of times. As the effects of the pandemic continue to impact so many lives, the positive contributions of our employees are needed now more than ever. We are up to the challenge. We work hard every day to be the One Bank people most value and trust. Our culture is reflected in our Core Values to work together, be respectful, be accountable, and always act with integrity. As we continue to drive the company forward, I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunities for continued growth, and we are well positioned for it. S R E H T O H T I W T C A R E T N W H Y W E D O WHAT WE DO OUR VISION WORK AS ONE BANK BUILD A STRONGER COMMUNITY W H A T W E TAKE ACCOUNTABILITY PROVIDE BETTER SOLUTIONS I & T C A E W W O H BE RESPECTFUL & INCLUSIVE CUSTOMER AT THE CENTER STRIVE FOR OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE ACT WITH INTEGRITY CONTINUOUSLY MANAGE RISK D O T O D E L I V E R V A L U E FIFTH THIRD BANCORP • 2021 ANNUAL REPORT | 1 Delivering on Financial Commitments My commitment to shareholders since becoming CEO in late 2015 was that Fifth Third would generate strong through-the-cycle financial results. Greg D. Carmichael Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Fifth Third Bancorp Our entire organization rose to the challenge to deliver those outcomes. We are stronger, our financial results are more consistent, and we are well positioned to outperform across various economic and interest rate environments. In late 2016, we formalized our plans under Project NorthStar, articulating several key strategic priorities to generate strong and sustainable long-term financial results, including differentiating our customer experience, optimizing our balance sheet, expanding and diversifying our fee revenues, and maintaining expense discipline. 2 • FIFTH THIRD BANCORP • 2021 ANNUAL REPORT 2021 Financial Performance Fifth Third delivered record financial results in 2021. We generated a historically high adjusted return on tangible common equity (ROTCE), excluding unrealized gains. We achieved record net income driven by record revenue combined with continued expense discipline. FEE REVENUES Our focus on providing value-added solutions to clients is evident in our growing and well- diversified fee revenues. Fees increased 10% from 2020 and now constitute approximately 40% of total revenue. Our fees-to-total revenue ratio has remained above our peer median for the past five years, driven by strong growth in commercial banking, treasury management, and wealth and asset management revenue. NET INTEREST INCOME Our net interest income was stable in 2021 compared with 2020, despite the low interest rate environment, tepid loan demand through- out much of the year, and our decision to not deploy excess cash by adding securities at historically low yields. These results reflect the strength of our balance sheet, prudent liability management, and the continued benefits from our long-duration, deep-in-the-money cash flow hedges. EFFICIENCY RATIO Through 2021, we maintained our expense discipline, improving our efficiency ratio to the best quartile among peers. We continue to simplify our company by prioritizing investments that will generate differentiated outcomes for our customers and shareholders, and by reengineering or rationalizing those that will not. During the year, we exited non-core product lines, including 401(k) recordkeeping, property and casualty insurance, and Health Savings Accounts, further reducing expenses. We are investing in lean process automation that will have a direct impact on our resiliency, customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. While we focus on investing for long-term outperformance rather than targeting an efficiency ratio for any particular year, in 2021 we achieved positive operating leverage, excluding securities gains and losses, while the vast majority of the industry experienced an erosion in efficiency. CREDIT QUALITY Overall, credit quality remained strong, reflecting our continued discipline and improve ment in the macroeconomic environment. We produced historically low credit losses with improvements in both our commercial and consumer loan portfolios. By year end, our criticized assets had declined more than 45%. Many of our key credit metrics, including nonperforming assets, nonperforming loans, and net-charge offs, were all top quartile among our peers in 2021. In addition, we had one of the highest total loss absorbency rates among peers when combining common equity tier 1 capital, the allowance for credit losses, and unrealized gains, as a percentage of risk weighted assets. Furthermore, we had the lowest concentration of commercial real estate (CRE) exposures as a percentage of total risk- based capital. BALANCE SHEET Our balance sheet continues to be well positioned given our derivatives and securities portfolios, which have provided structural protection and stronger performance relative to our peers in a historically low interest rate environment. We have had the highest investment portfolio yield among peers for the past seven years. With a highly asset-sensitive balance sheet and over $30 billion dollars in excess liquidity, we continue to be very well positioned to benefit when interest rates rise, while also remaining well hedged for lower rates, given our securities portfolio and derivatives. FIFTH THIRD BANCORP • 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • 3 Stock Performance The performance of Fifth Third’s share price was the best among peers in 2021. Fifth Third was also the best performing bank among peers from the initial February 2020 pandemic sell-off through year-end 2021, outperforming the KBW Nasdaq Bank Index, the BKX, by over 25% and the S&P 500 by 5% including the initial decline. A key investor valuation metric, price-to- tangible book value excluding unrealized gains, places Fifth Third in the top quartile among peers. This is the first time Fifth Third has been in the top quartile since before the financial crisis. 2021 was a strong year for our shareholders. Fifth Third’s stock price appreciated 58%, which was No. 1 among peers and out-performed the BKX by 23 percentage points, marking our largest single-year stock price appreciation since 1991. In terms of total shareholder return (including reinvestment of dividends), Fifth Third has delivered superior performance relative to all applicable benchmarks: 1 YEAR: +62% No. 1 among peers, compared with: +38% for the BKX; +29% for the S&P 500 3 YEARS: +108% No. 1 among peers, compared with: +69% for the BKX; +100% for the S&P 500 5 YEARS: +90% No. 2 among peers, compared with: +63% for the BKX; +131% for the S&P 500 4 • FIFTH THIRD BANCORP • 2021 ANNUAL REPORT Using Technology to Accelerate Our Digital Transformation Our technology initiatives are squarely focused in areas that improve the customer experience, accelerate development speed and further drive operational efficiencies. We think about technology investments across three broad categories: platforms, infrastructure, and products and capabilities. and systems. This allows us to reduce dozens of legacy applications, eliminating redundancies and costs. PLATFORM ENHANCEMENTS NEW PRODUCTS AND CAPABILITIES Platform enhancements refer to our core platform modernization initiatives. We have generated successful outcomes across Fifth Third, including managed services with commercial treasury management, as well as through partnerships to improve our digital mortgage origination. We are excited about our recently announced expanded partnership with FIS that over the next several years will move our core deposit and wealth systems to the cloud. We expect this to significantly improve the flexibility and scalability of our technology infrastructure and accelerate our speed-to-market. INFRASTRUCTURE ENHANCEMENTS Infrastructure enhancements allow us to conduct business more efficiently and prudently in what we refer to as “digitizing the back end.” We are adapting our technology work practices where we do not stand out in the market, focusing on simplifying processes We are also introducing new products and capabilities that have compelling value to customers. As a result, we are winning customers and strengthening relationships. This includes Fifth Third Momentum® Banking, which is discussed in greater detail later. Additionally, the capabilities we now have through our in-house, patent-pending analytics have fundamentally changed how we engage with our customers. We believe our commitment to innovation through advanced analytics will remain a competitive advantage for Fifth Third. FIFTH THIRD BANCORP • 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • 5 Keeping the Customer at the Center DIFFERENTIATED PRODUCTS Our success reflects our strong branch and brand presence in our local markets, our differentiated products and services, outstanding customer service and continued investment in customer solutions. We launched Fifth Third Momentum Banking in 2021, our free, flagship mass-market offering that is unparalleled in the industry. Combining the best of innovative fintech functionality with reliability, access and human touch, we offer customers a broad array of solutions for quick access to their money with: • Early Pay, which allows free access to paycheck, social security income and other recurring ACH payments up to two days early. • Free overdraft protection that automatically transfers funds from other accounts to cover a negative balance. • Extra Time®, which provides a grace period to cure any overdraft until midnight the following business day. • MyAdvance™, which enables on-demand short-term advances to help in a pinch. • Immediate access to funds from digital check deposits. • Algorithmic “smart savings” to help manage savings automatically. OPTIMIZED EXPERIENCE We have deliberately lowered our reliance on punitive deposit fees for several years. As a result, we have the lowest concentration of overdrafts as a percentage of deposit fees among peers who have significant consumer banking operations. Fifth Third Momentum Banking bolsters those efforts, given the range of liquidity solutions it offers. In 2021, we continued generating consistent and sustained peer-leading household growth, and we were one of the fastest-growing banks for consumer checking payments. Our concerted actions to improve the customer experience and provide compelling banking products and services have resulted in household growth rates that are four to five times higher than overall U.S. household growth. Moreover, we have grown in number of households in every major geographic market in which we compete. Our Chicago and Southeast markets have experienced particularly strong growth, and we continue to strengthen our position in the Midwest. We continue to reposition our retail branch network to increase our geographic reach and to drive efficiencies in the context of evolving customer preferences. Fifth Third remains focused on expanding in high growth markets COMMERCIAL Over the year, we made progress on several exciting initiatives for our commercial customers. We enhanced our treasury management suite of offerings, providing Expert AP and Expert AR solutions to improve the efficiency of businesses’ payment operations. We are helping customers improve their businesses through greater automation and efficiency. HEALTH CARE Over the past decade, Fifth Third’s health care team has expanded its presence and expertise to become one of the leading health care banking platforms for middle-market and corporate clients. During 2021, we expanded the breadth and depth of our already strong health care expertise through two acquisitions. The first was the addition of Hammond Hanlon Camp (H2C), a premier strategic advisory and investment banking firm. We then acquired Provide, a fintech health care practice finance firm delivering digital capabilities that support a best-in-class experience. We expect H2C and Provide will further accelerate profitable client- relationship growth. BUSINESS Navigating a business transition or liquidity event is complex, both financially and emotionally. In August, we launched our Business Transition Advisory Team. Bankers across multiple lines of business, including Commercial Banking and Wealth & Asset Management, serve as trusted advisors to help business owners navigate the personal financial planning process, the business transition and what life looks like afterwards. FIFTH THIRD BANCORP • 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • 7 where a top position is achievable, with a goal of having approximately 35% of our branches in Southeast metro areas by the end of 2025. We remain focused on primary banking relationships—the accounts our customers use to get paid, pay bills, shop and save. This shows in our debit card volumes, where Fifth Third ranked eighth in total spend among all U.S. banks. We have improved from the bottom quartile in customer service five years ago to top quartile in customer service today in a leading third-party survey. Our employees are relentlessly focused on keeping our customers at the center. In fact, during the pandemic, 99% of our branches remained open, and a leading rating agency ranked us the No. 1 bank among the 25 largest banks for taking care of customers during the pandemic. In September, our Express Banking product received Bank On certification for safe and affordable accounts from the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to traditional banking and other financial empowerment services. Our goal is that Bank On-certified products like Fifth Third’s Express Banking account contribute to expanding access to safe and appropriate financial products and services to the unbanked and underbanked. Recognizing and Rewarding Our Employees Our employees are our most important asset and the key to our success. Simply put, their efforts have been remarkable. Through the pandemic, Fifth Third’s employees have been committed to the well-being of our customers, communities and one another. In recognition of the collective excellence of our employees, we have strived to ensure that their efforts are well-recognized and rewarded. ENHANCED BENEFITS We introduced several new, enhanced benefits for our employees during the pandemic. In 2020, Fifth Third was proud to thank our front-line employees with a special payment in recognition of their significant contributions to keep our customers at the center. In November 2021, we followed up with a second special payment to front-line team members to recognize their ongoing dedication. We also provided our employees with a variety of other benefits, including enhancements to time-away policies, reloading available sick time, additional vacation days, increased paid medical appointment time and rewards in Fifth Third’s wellness program for receiving COVID-19 vaccinations. AWARDS During the year, several third parties also recognized our employees’ excellence and commitment, including: Best Private Bank Recognized by Global Finance Excellence in Business Banking Treasury Management Recognized by Greenwich Associates in 2020 Customer Experience Leader Recognized by Greenwich Associates in 2020 for Middle Market Banking One of the Most Innovative Banks Recognized by Bank Director in their annual Ranking Banking issue More Than a New Space Beyond a beautiful architectural renovation, the physical renovations at Fifth Third’s headquarters reflect and exemplify multiple changes we have undergone in our trans formational journey. As visitors and employees enter the new space, they are welcomed by a spacious, open public area with gathering places. A new banking center, featuring our Next Generation design, showcases our latest technology, products and services. It’s a space for customers to seek advice, guidance and partnership. The space also includes our Fifth Third Bank Museum, which showcases our more than 160 years of helping people achieve their dreams. 8 • FIFTH THIRD BANCORP • 2021 ANNUAL REPORT Supporting Environmental Sustainability Through Action 10 • FIFTH THIRD BANCORP • 2021 ANNUAL REPORT One of Fifth Third’s priorities is to do well by doing good. Environmental, social and governance (ESG) excellence is key to delivering long-term sustainable value to all our stakeholders and to living out our Purpose to improve lives. Fifth Third is focused on being an ESG leader in our industry, a standard that has been set by our Board of Directors. Fifth Third’s actions and disclosures continue to be recognized with strong ratings relative to peers from independent third-party ESG data providers, including a recent “three-notch” upgrade from MSCI, and top-quartile rankings from Sustainalytics, S&P Global, CSR Hub, Refinitiv and CDP. ESG STRATEGY We have formalized our ESG strategy under the leadership of an ESG Committee that comprises senior leaders across Fifth Third and reports to the Board’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. We have been focused on ESG for several years and actively engage with stakeholders to understand their priorities and integrate them into our business strategy. Our ESG actions led one industry media outlet, Clean Technica, to state, “There is ESG in the banking sector, and then there’s Fifth Third Bank.” DEMONSTRATING LEADERSHIP In 2021, Fifth Third continued to demonstrate our leadership in environmental sustainability. During the year, we made further progress on our commitment to environmental leadership by focusing on three strategies to reduce our own environmental footprint, manage climate risk and support the transition to a sustainable future. Our actions over the past year included: • Joined the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF) and Ceres Company Network to define a path toward a net-zero future. • Issued an inaugural Green Bond, aligning our financing with our sustainable financing priorities. • Provided an additional $1.9 billion in lending and financing to renewable energy projects, for a total of $7.3 billion since 2012 or 92% of our $8 billion goal by 2025. • Achieved four of the five bold operational sustainability goals announced in 2017 and achieved carbon neutrality in our operations for the second year. • Developed a Climate Risk Program led by Fifth Third’s first climate risk officer, who is focused on integrating climate-related risks in our enterprise risk management framework. • Published our second Task Force on Climate- related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) Report, describing the governance, strategy, risk management and targets of our climate strategy. In January 2022, Fifth Third announced a definitive agreement to acquire Dividend Finance, a leading fintech point-of-sale lender for residential renewable energy and sustainability-focused home improvement. The acquisition, expected to close in the second quarter of 2022, builds on our commitment to accelerate the transition to a sustainable future through a focus on renewable energy financing. We are focused on transparency and consistent progress, and remain confident in our ability to continue our leadership position among our peers in environmental sustainability. FIFTH THIRD BANCORP • 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • 11 Contributing to Our Communities and Celebrating Their Achievements Early in 2021, we marked the successful conclusion of our five-year Community Commitment. We exceeded our $32 billion goal by 30%, delivering $41.6 billion in lending and investments to the communities we serve. Accomplishing this feat was due, in large part, to successful collaborations with our community partners. INVESTING IN NEIGHBORHOODS Fifth Third believes driving positive change is best accomplished when we are intimately familiar with the unique challenges and opportunities individual communities and local leaders face—and working with them to help them meet their goals. We relied on the knowledge we attained to launch our Empowering Black Futures Neighborhood Program, an investment of $180 million into nine local neighborhoods across our footprint. These neighborhoods will see a Fifth Third investment of up to $20 million each, an amount that can help transform these predominantly Black and underserved communities. The program is not simply a capital infusion, however. Fifth Third is focused on creating 12 • FIFTH THIRD BANCORP • 2021 ANNUAL REPORT EMPOWERING BLACK FUTURES Neighborhood Program Contributing to Our Communities and Celebrating Their Achievements with targeted outcomes that enable Fifth Third to track progress and measure success in the areas of strategic investments, access to capital, financial inclusion and education, and social justice and advocacy. BOOSTING SMALL BUSINESSES Fifth Third is also committed to supporting and boosting small businesses by facilitating major collaborative relationships with organizations like Accion, an international nonprofit organization committed to creating a financially inclusive world. Fifth Third and Accion have pooled resources to address gaps in capital and funding, and to support educational events that provide key advice and guidance to start and nurture small businesses, which are major employers in and drivers of local economies. more affordable housing, helping small businesses grow, addressing gaps in financial access and employment and making infrastructure improvements that will substantially revitalize these communities— all by becoming a part of each neighborhood’s improvement plan. We believe that Empowering Black Futures will pioneer a new approach to community support as Fifth Third brings resources and expertise from across our banking teams to help build long-term, sustainable growth and achieve generational impact. AREEI INITIATIVE Empowering Black Futures is the signature program of Fifth Third’s $2.8 billion Accelerating Racial Equity, Equality and Inclusion initiative, or AREEI, announced in December 2020. The initiative is providing $2.2 billion in lending, $500 million in investments, $60 million in financial accessibility and $40 million in philanthropy over three years. The initiative includes four strategic pillars that directly impact customers and communities L.I.F.E. PROGRAMS Fifth Third continues its efforts in creating financial access and educational opportunities to promote financial capability and building wealth. In 2021, we resumed our eBus and financial empowerment tours. Bankers met one on one with community members to provide credit counseling and financial education, open accounts and partner with local organizations to provide services. Fifth Third also launched a new, digital Young Bankers Club to expand access to financial education for students in the markets we serve. FIFTH THIRD BANCORP • 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • 13 Successfully Executing Our Strategic Priorities Our solid base and ongoing commitment to investing in our core are among many reasons for optimism. However, we cannot—and will not—become complacent. To continue to win and grow, we must constantly evolve and adapt. Our financial results continue to reflect our execution, discipline and through-the- cycle principles. We remain committed to generating sustainable, long-term value for our shareholders, and we are focused on continuing to excel as a top- performing regional bank. I am grateful and proud of the hard work and tremendous efforts by all our employees across Fifth Third, and I am grateful for our shareholders. I have never been more excited about our future. Greg D. Carmichael Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Fifth Third Bancorp Our key strategic priorities guide all our actions to: ACCELERATE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION, driving increased use of digital channels, experience and engagement. INVEST TO DRIVE ORGANIC GROWTH AND PROFITABILITY, deploying capital strategically into opportunities to drive increased loan and fee growth. EXPAND MARKET SHARE IN KEY GEOGRAPHIES, including the Southeast, Texas and California. MAINTAIN DISCIPLINE in our approach to expense, rate risk and credit risk management. 14 • FIFTH THIRD BANCORP • 2021 ANNUAL REPORT Successfully Executing Our Strategic Priorities Company Facts Fifth Third Bancorp is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. FIFTH THIRD BANK WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1858. AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2021, THE COMPANY HAD: $211B IN ASSETS ACCESS TO APPROXIMATELY 54k FEE-FREE ATMs $65B IN ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT* 1,117 FULL-SERVICE BANKING CENTERS $554B IN ASSETS UNDER CARE* 4 BUSINESS UNITS BRANCH BANKING, COMMERCIAL BANKING, CONSUMER LENDING AND WEALTH & ASSET MANAGEMENT Financial Highlights RETURN ON AVERAGE COMMON EQUITY CASH DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE AVERAGE ASSETS % 5 1 : E L A C S N B 0 0 5 7 1 $ . : E L A C S . 5 4 1 . 9 3 1 1 . 3 1 . 8 2 1 4 6 . 5 2 . 1 : E L A C S . 4 9 4 0 7 0 0 6 0 . . 4 1 . 1 8 0 . 1 . 3 2 4 9 1 . 2 3 6 0 2 . 4 9 3 6 1 . 3 5 0 4 1 8 1 . 2 4 1 N B 0 0 0 1 2 $ . : E L A C S 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 AVERAGE DEPOSITS COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING NET CHARGE-OFF RATIO . 5 9 2 6 1 . 3 0 8 4 1 7 3 . 1 2 1 . 6 6 2 0 1 . 2 9 4 0 1 . 0 0 5 7 : E L A C S . 8 3 9 6 . 6 6 4 6 . 9 8 0 7 . 8 2 1 7 . 8 2 8 6 % 0 . 1 : E L A C S 5 3 0 . 5 3 0 . 2 3 0 . 6 1 . 0 2 4 0 . 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 * Assets under management and assets under care include trust and brokerage assets. Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. FIFTH THIRD BANCORP • 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • 15 16 • FIFTH THIRD BANCORP • 2021 ANNUAL REPORT Table of Contents 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, 2021 Commission File Number 001-33653 (Exact name of Registrant specified in its charter) Ohio (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 31-0854434 (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) 38 Fountain Square Plaza Cincinnati, Ohio 45263 (Address of principal executive offices) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (800) 972-3030 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Title of each class: Common Stock, Without Par Value Depositary Shares Representing a 1/1000th Ownership Interest in a Share of Trading Symbol(s): FITB Name of each exchange on which registered: The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC 6.625% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series I FITBI The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC Depositary Shares Representing a 1/40th Ownership Interest in a Share of 6.00% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Class B Preferred Stock, Series A FITBP The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC Depositary Shares Representing a 1/1000th Ownership Interest in a Share of 4.95% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series K FITBO The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC Indicate by check mark 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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files). Yes: ☒ No: ☐ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large accelerated filer ☒ Accelerated filer ☐ Non-accelerated filer ☐ Smaller reporting company ☐ Emerging growth company ☐ If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes: ☐ No: ☒ There were 683,679,363 shares of the Bancorp’s Common Stock, without par value, outstanding as of January 31, 2022. The Aggregate Market Value of the Voting Stock held by non-affiliates of the Bancorp was $23,662,337,082 as of June 30, 2021. 17 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE This report incorporates into a single document the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) with respect to annual reports on Form 10-K and annual reports to shareholders. Sections of the Bancorp’s Proxy Statement for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report. Only those sections of this 2021 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, 2021. No other information contained in this 2021 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. Properties Item 3. Legal Proceedings Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures Information about our Executive Officers PART II Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure Item 9A. Controls and Procedures Item 9B. Other Information Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspection PART III Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance Item 11. Executive Compensation Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services PART IV Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules Item 16. Form 10–K Summary SIGNATURES 18 Fifth Third Bancorp 20 20, 75 77, 221 70 69 85, 148 84, 151 92 87 60 89, 181 31 49 49 49 49 50 52 56 123 123 225 225 227 227 227 227 227 227 227 228 232 233 Table of Contents 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. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward- looking statements. These statements relate to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance, capital actions or business. They usually can be identified by the use of forward-looking language such as “will likely result,” “may,” “are expected to,” “is anticipated,” “potential,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “projected,” “intends to,” or may include other similar words or phrases such as “believes,” “plans,” “trend,” “objective,” “continue,” “remain,” or similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “might,” “can,” or similar verbs. You should not place undue reliance on these statements, as they are subject to risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to the risk factors set forth in the Risk Factors section in Item 1A in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. When considering these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind these risks and uncertainties, as well as any cautionary statements we may make. Moreover, you should treat these statements as speaking only as of the date they are made and based only on information then actually known to us. We undertake no obligation to release revisions to these forward-looking statements or reflect events or circumstances after the date of this document. 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) effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic; (2) deteriorating credit quality; (3) loan concentration by location or industry of borrowers or collateral; (4) problems encountered by other financial institutions; (5) inadequate sources of funding or liquidity; (6) unfavorable actions of rating agencies; (7) inability to maintain or grow deposits; (8) limitations on the ability to receive dividends from subsidiaries; (9) cyber-security risks; (10) Fifth Third’s ability to secure confidential information and deliver products and services through the use of computer systems and telecommunications networks; (11) failures by third-party service providers; (12) inability to manage strategic initiatives and/or organizational changes; (13) inability to implement technology system enhancements; (14) failure of internal controls and other risk management systems; (15) losses related to fraud, theft, misappropriation or violence; (16) inability to attract and retain skilled personnel; (17) adverse impacts of government regulation; (18) governmental or regulatory changes or other actions; (19) failures to meet applicable capital requirements; (20) regulatory objections to Fifth Third’s capital plan; (21) regulation of Fifth Third’s derivatives activities; (22) deposit insurance premiums; (23) assessments for the orderly liquidation fund; (24) replacement of LIBOR; (25) weakness in the national or local economies; (26) global political and economic uncertainty or negative actions; (27) changes in interest rates; (28) changes and trends in capital markets; (29) fluctuation of Fifth Third’s stock price; (30) volatility in mortgage banking revenue; (31) litigation, investigations, and enforcement proceedings by governmental authorities; (32) breaches of contractual covenants, representations and warranties; (33) competition and changes in the financial services industry; (34) changing retail distribution strategies, customer preferences and behavior; (35) difficulties in identifying, acquiring or integrating suitable strategic partnerships, investments or acquisitions; (36) potential dilution from future acquisitions; (37) loss of income and/or difficulties encountered in the sale and separation of businesses, investments or other assets; (38) results of investments or acquired entities; (39) changes in accounting standards or interpretation or declines in the value of Fifth Third’s goodwill or other intangible assets; (40) inaccuracies or other failures from the use of models; (41) effects of critical accounting policies and judgments or the use of inaccurate estimates; (42) weather-related events, other natural disasters, or health emergencies (including pandemics); (43) the impact of reputational risk created by these or other developments on such matters as business generation and retention, funding and liquidity; (44) changes in law or requirements imposed by Fifth Third’s regulators impacting our capital actions, including dividend payments and stock repurchases; and (45) Fifth Third’s ability to meet its sustainability targets, goals and commitments. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations or any changes in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as may be required by law, and we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The information contained herein is intended to be reviewed in its totality, and any stipulations, conditions or provisos that apply to a given piece of information in one part of this report should be read as applying mutatis mutandis to every other instance of such information appearing herein. 19 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents PART I ITEM 1. BUSINESS General Information Fifth Third Bancorp (the “Bancorp” or “Fifth Third”), 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 has elected to be treated as a financial holding company (“FHC”) under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 (“GLBA”) and regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “FRB”). The Bancorp is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio and is the indirect holding company of Fifth Third Bank, National Association (the “Bank”). As of December 31, 2021, Fifth Third had $211 billion in assets and operates 1,117 full-service Banking Centers and 2,322 Fifth Third branded ATMs in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, West Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. The Bancorp operates four main businesses: Commercial Banking, Branch Banking, Consumer Lending and Wealth & Asset Management. Fifth Third is among the largest money managers in the Midwest and, as of December 31, 2021, had $554 billion in assets under care, of which it managed $65 billion for individuals, corporations and not-for-profit organizations. Investor information and press releases can be viewed on the Bancorp’s Investor Relations website at ir.53.com. Information on or accessible through our website is not deemed to be incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Website references in this Annual Report are merely textual references. Fifth Third’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” The Bancorp’s subsidiaries provide a wide range of financial products and services to the commercial, financial, retail, governmental, educational, energy and healthcare sectors. This includes a variety of checking, savings and money market accounts, wealth management solutions, payments and commerce solutions, insurance services and credit products such as commercial loans and leases, mortgage loans, credit cards, installment loans and auto loans. These products and services are delivered through a variety of channels including the Bancorp’s banking centers, other offices, telephone sales, the internet and mobile applications. The Bank has deposit insurance provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) through the Deposit Insurance Fund (the “DIF”). 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 February 15, 2022. 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 annual proxy statement, as well as any amendments to those reports. 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, annual proxy statement 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 Investor Relations website at ir.53.com on a same day basis after they are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. Information about the Bancorp’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (as amended from time to time), is available on Fifth Third’s corporate website at www.53.com. In addition, any future waivers from a provision of the Fifth Third Code of Business Conduct and Ethics covering any of Fifth Third’s directors or executive officers (including Fifth Third’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and principal accounting officer or controller) will be posted at this internet address. Competition The Bancorp, primarily through the Bank, 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 traditional financial institutions, the Bancorp competes with securities dealers, brokers, mortgage bankers, investment advisors, specialty finance, telecommunications, technology and insurance companies as well as large retailers. These companies compete across geographic boundaries and provide customers with meaningful alternatives to traditional banking services in nearly all significant products. The increasingly competitive environment is a result primarily of changes in regulation, changes in technology, product delivery systems and the accelerating pace of consolidation among financial service providers. These competitive trends are likely to continue. Human Capital Resources The Bancorp’s human capital programs are designed to attract, develop and retain a workforce that reflects the communities it serves. At December 31, 2021, the Bancorp had 19,112 full-time equivalent employees, compared to 19,872 at December 31, 2020. These employees support Fifth Third’s Vision to be the One Bank people most value and trust by upholding its four Core Values: Be Respectful & Inclusive, Take Accountability, Work as One Bank and Act with Integrity. In 2021, the Bancorp continued to face a rapidly changing work environment and workforce, complicated by the ongoing pandemic. The Human Capital division responded proactively and kept employee health and wellness, flexibility, and inclusion and diversity at the forefront of its strategic actions and decisions. 20 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents Equity, Equality, and Inclusion Fifth Third believes that inclusion and diversity are essential to living its Core Values, serving its customers, delivering financial performance and being recognized as a leader in building an engaging workplace, a strong supplier base and vibrant communities. As of December 31, 2021, the Bancorp’s employees were approximately 59% female and approximately 27% persons of color: 73% White, 13% Black/African American, 7% Hispanic/Latino, 5% Asian, and 2% Other. In 2020, the Bancorp outlined Six Bold Goals to support our vision of inclusion and diversity throughout our workforce and among our suppliers. The Bancorp continues to make progress toward these goals that it plans to achieve by 2025: Complete Unconscious Bias Awareness training for 100% of employees • • Ensure the diversity of the Bancorp’s workforce matches the markets it serves • Grow leadership positions at each management level for women and persons of color • • • Create a work environment where there is no disparity in race or gender Advance the Bancorp as a leader in diversity and inclusion Achieve and sustain a 10% supplier diversity spend To support its commitment, the Bancorp has invested in the ongoing growth and expansion of its employee Business Resource Groups (“BRGs”). Since 2018, these efforts have resulted in a 20% increase in employee participation and engagement in our BRGs. These groups: African American, Asian & Pacific Islander, Individuals with Disabilities, Latino, LGBTQ+, Military, Women’s and Young Professionals, support the Bancorp’s three BRG Pillars; to drive business innovation, community volunteerism and provide an environment that supports employee engagement and networking. The Bancorp has continued its efforts to accelerate racial equality, equity and inclusion guided by its Executive Diversity Leadership Council and has developed dashboards to monitor, measure and drive a culture of inclusion. These efforts support the Bancorp’s goals to be differentiated in the marketplace and recognized as an employer of choice. Engagement and Development Fifth Third believes that an engaged workforce is one of its most valuable assets in sustaining its success. Through a continuous listening strategy, the Bancorp takes a holistic approach to collecting, measuring and responding to employee feedback and assessing engagement. Feedback is collected through a variety of methods, including the Employee Viewpoints Survey which includes questions around engagement, inclusion, customer experience and the Bancorp’s culture. The Bancorp engages with its employees at critical points during their careers and during times of change in the business environment. Each year, the Bancorp requires all employees and contingent/contract workers to complete a series of courses related to risk and compliance on topics that support strong risk management behaviors and accountability. In addition, the Bancorp’s learning and development strategy delivers personalized and accessible experiences that fuel career growth and help retain talent. Employees completed over 765,000 training hours in 2021. Total Rewards – Compensation and Benefits The Bancorp is committed to providing competitive compensation programs that attract and retain top talent to drive our business strategy, effectively manage risk within incentive programs designed to pay for performance, consider applicable regulatory expectations with attention to our corporate values and behavioral expectations, and align with the creation of long-term shareholder value. The Bancorp continuously analyzes its compensation programs and practices to help ensure that all employees have an equal opportunity to maximize their potential. The Bancorp continues to honor a footprint-wide ban on salary history, which means that the Bancorp does not ask for a candidate’s current salary to use as a factor in determining an employment offer. The Bancorp offers a holistic suite of benefits that demonstrates its commitment to its employees’ physical, financial and personal health and well-being. In addition to traditional benefit offerings, the Bancorp offers a 401(k) retirement program that pays a match up to 7% of an employee’s eligible compensation, parental bonding leave, an enhanced military leave policy and services that assist employees in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Recruitment and Retention A combination of competitive compensation, best-in-class benefits, innovative programs that foster work-life balance, flexible work options, financial rewards for physical and financial wellness activities and the Bancorp’s reputation for being a business and community leader forms an attractive value proposition for current and prospective employees. The Bancorp’s diversity recruiting outreach strategy enables it to build strong relationships with a qualified and diverse applicant pool that reflects the demographics of its markets through a focus on women, minority and LGBTQ+ populations, along with individuals with disabilities and veterans. Consistent with external trends, the Bancorp experienced increased attrition in 2021 (21.2%). To provide stability and support to its employees’ needs outside of work, the Bancorp updated its time away policies, provided additional vacation time in 2021 and offered back- up family care. Several retention actions have been executed in alignment with the Bancorp’s compensation philosophy, including special bonus programs implemented for certain roles. The Bancorp has also had an $18 per hour minimum wage since 2019. 21 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents Human Capital Response to COVID-19 Pandemic The Bancorp’s continued response to the pandemic aimed to address the concerns and needs of its employees, customers and communities while showing the dedication and resilience of its workforce. In 2021, Fifth Third was recognized as the #1 Bank in COVID-19 response. Employee-focused highlights included: • • • • • • Awarded 7,500+ eligible front-line employees with a special COVID staffing bonus Delivered ongoing COVID-19 education and communication Offered on-site vaccinations in high density areas Provided paid time off for getting vaccinations and boosters Expanded back-up family care support for employees Continued offering non-worked paid time off and additional sick time Acquisitions and Investments The Bancorp’s strategy for growth includes strengthening its presence in core markets and broadening its product offerings while taking into account the integration and other risks of growth. The Bancorp evaluates strategic acquisition and investment opportunities and conducts due diligence activities in connection with possible transactions. As a result, discussions, and in some cases, negotiations regarding acquisitions and investments may take place and future transactions 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 the Bank are subject to extensive regulation and supervision under federal and state laws and regulations applicable to financial institutions and their parent companies. Virtually all aspects of the business of the Bancorp and the Bank 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 Bank and the Bancorp) by bank regulatory agencies are the maintenance of the safety and soundness of financial institutions, the maintenance of the federal deposit insurance system and the protection of consumers or classes of consumers, rather than the protection of shareholders or debtholders 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. The Dodd- Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank”) and legislation modifying Dodd-Frank, the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act of 2018 (“EGRRCPA”), will continue to impact the Bancorp and the Bank. 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. Both the scope of the laws and regulations and the intensity of the supervision to which the Bancorp and its subsidiaries are subject increased in response to the financial crisis, as well as other factors, such as technological and market changes. Regulatory enforcement and fines have also increased across the banking and financial services sector. Many of these changes have occurred as a result of Dodd-Frank and its implementing regulations, most of which are now in place. While the regulatory environment has recently been in a period of rebalancing the post financial crisis framework, the Bancorp expects that its business will remain subject to extensive regulation and supervision. It is possible that the intensity of regulation and supervision will be higher in the Biden Administration. On May 24, 2018, the EGRRCPA was signed into law. Among other regulatory changes, the EGRRCPA amends various sections of Dodd- Frank, including section 165, which was revised to raise the asset thresholds for determining the application of enhanced prudential standards for BHCs. The EGRRCPA’s increased asset thresholds took effect immediately for BHCs with total consolidated assets less than $100 billion, with the exception of risk committee requirements, which now apply to publicly-traded BHCs with $50 billion or more of consolidated assets. BHCs with consolidated assets between $100 billion and $250 billion, including the Bancorp, were subject to the enhanced prudential standards that applied to them before enactment of EGRRCPA until December 31, 2019, when rules adopted by the FRB that tailor the applicability of enhanced prudential standards and capital and liquidity requirements for BHCs with $100 billion or more in total consolidated assets became effective, as described in detail below. On October 10, 2019, the FRB adopted a rule that adjusts the thresholds at which certain enhanced prudential standards (“EPS”) apply to BHCs with $100 billion or more in total consolidated assets (the “EPS Tailoring Rule”) and the FRB, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”) and FDIC adopted a rule that similarly adjusts the thresholds at which certain other capital and liquidity standards apply to BHCs and banks with $100 billion or more in total consolidated assets (the “Capital and Liquidity Tailoring Rule” and, together with the EPS Tailoring Rule, the “Tailoring Rules”). The Tailoring Rules establish four risk-based categories of institutions, and the extent to which enhanced prudential standards and certain other capital and liquidity standards apply to these BHCs and banks depends on the banking organization’s category. Under the Tailoring Rules, the Bancorp and the Bank each qualify as a Category IV banking organization subject to the least restrictive of the requirements applicable to firms with $100 billion or more in total consolidated assets. Regulators The Bancorp and/or the Bank are subject to regulation and supervision primarily by the FRB, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the “CFPB”) and the OCC and additionally by certain other functional regulators and self-regulatory organizations. The Bancorp is also subject 22 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents 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 Bank is also subject to regulation by the FDIC, which insures the Bank’s deposits as permitted by law. The federal and state laws and regulations that are applicable to banks and to BHCs regulate, among other matters, the scope of the Bancorp’s and the Bank’s businesses, their activities, their investments, their capital and liquidity levels, their ability to make capital distributions (such as share repurchases and dividends), 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 the Bank are required to file various reports with and are subject to examination by various regulators, including the FRB and the OCC. The FRB, the OCC and the CFPB have the authority to issue orders for BHCs and banks to cease and desist from certain banking practices and violations of conditions imposed by, or violations of agreements with, the FRB, the OCC and the CFPB. Certain of the Bancorp’s and the Bank’s 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 the Bank and, in some situations, the imposition of such additional requirements and restrictions will not be publicly available information. The following discussion describes certain elements of the comprehensive regulatory framework applicable to the Bancorp and its subsidiaries. This discussion is not intended to describe all laws and regulations applicable to the Bancorp, the Bank, and the Bancorp’s other subsidiaries. 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 generally 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 Bancorp is registered as a BHC with the FRB under the BHCA and qualifies for and has elected to become an FHC. An FHC is permitted to engage directly or indirectly in a broader range of activities than those permitted for a BHC under the BHCA. Permitted activities for an 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, an 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 an FHC if the BHC is well-capitalized and is well managed and each of its banking subsidiaries is well-capitalized, is well managed and has at least a “Satisfactory” rating under the Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”). To maintain FHC status, a BHC must continue to meet these 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 (including mergers and acquisitions) 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 is a legal entity separate and distinct from its subsidiaries and depends in part upon dividends received from its direct and indirect subsidiaries, including the Bank, to fund its activities, including its ability to make capital distributions, such as paying dividends or repurchasing shares. Under federal law, there are various limitations on the extent to which the Bank can declare and pay dividends to the Bancorp, including those related to regulatory capital requirements, general regulatory oversight to prevent unsafe or unsound practices, and federal banking law requirements concerning the payment of dividends out of net profits, surplus, and available earnings. Certain contractual restrictions also may limit the ability of the Bank to pay dividends to the Bancorp. No assurances can be given that the Bank will, in any circumstances, pay dividends to the Bancorp. The Bancorp’s ability to declare and pay dividends is similarly limited by federal banking law and FRB regulations and policy. The FRB has authority to prohibit BHCs from making capital distributions if they would be 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. In addition, the Bancorp’s ability to make capital distributions, including paying dividends and repurchasing shares, is subject to 23 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents the Bancorp complying with the automatic restrictions on capital distributions under the FRBs capital rules (“CCAR”) process discussed below (see Regulatory Capital Requirements below). In response to the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, certain large BHCs, including the Bancorp, were not permitted to make share repurchases, subject to certain limited exceptions, during the third and fourth quarters of 2020, but were permitted to make dividend payments subject to limits based on the amount of dividends paid in the second quarter and the firm’s average net income for the four preceding quarters. The FRB extended these restrictions into the first and second quarters of 2021, with certain modifications to permit a limited amount of share repurchases. During the first and second quarters of 2021, provided that a BHC did not increase its common stock dividends higher than the level paid in the second quarter of 2020, BHCs, including the Bancorp, were permitted to pay common dividends and make share repurchases that, in the aggregate, did not exceed an amount equal to the average of the firm’s net income for the four preceding calendar quarters. BHCs could also make additional share repurchases up to the amount of share issuances related to expensed employee compensation. In June 2021, the FRB lifted the COVID-19 pandemic induced capital distribution limitations and authorized the Bancorp, beginning July 1, 2021, to make capital distributions that are consistent with the requirements in the Board’s capital plan rule, inclusive of the Bancorp’s stress capital buffer requirement. Source of Strength A BHC, including the Bancorp, 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 or when doing so is not otherwise in the interests of the Bancorp or its shareholders or creditors. The FRB may require a BHC to make capital injections into a troubled subsidiary bank and may charge the BHC with engaging in unsafe and unsound practices if the BHC fails to commit resources to such a subsidiary bank or if it undertakes actions that the FRB believes might jeopardize the BHC’s ability to commit resources to such subsidiary bank. Under these requirements, the Bancorp may in the future be required to provide financial assistance to the Bank should it experience financial distress. Capital loans by the Bancorp to the Bank would be subordinate in right of payment to deposits and certain other debts of the Bank. In the event of the Bancorp’s bankruptcy, any commitment by the Bancorp to a federal bank regulatory agency to maintain the capital of the Bank would be assumed by the bankruptcy trustee and entitled to a priority of payment. FDIC Assessments The DIF provides insurance coverage for certain deposits, up to a standard maximum deposit insurance amount of $250,000 per depositor per account ownership category and is funded through assessments on insured depository institutions, based on the risk each institution poses to the DIF. The Bank accepts customer deposits that are insured by the DIF and, therefore, must pay insurance premiums. The FDIC may increase the Bank’s insurance premiums based on various factors, including the FDIC’s assessment of its risk profile. The FDIC has required that large insured depository institutions, defined as those insured depository institutions with 2 million or more deposit accounts, including the Bank, enhance their deposit account record keeping and related information technology system capabilities to facilitate prompt payment of insured deposits if such an institution were to fail. The FDIC established an initial compliance date of April 1, 2020 while granting institutions an optional extension of the compliance date for up to one year, to a date no later than April 1, 2021. The Bank elected to utilize the optional extension of the compliance date and issued its Certification of Compliance to the FDIC on March 26, 2021. As of June 30, 2020, the DIF reserve ratio fell to 1.30%, below the statutory minimum of 1.35%. The FDIC, as required under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, established a plan on September 15, 2020 to restore the DIF reserve ratio to meet or exceed the statutory minimum of 1.35% within eight years. The FDIC’s restoration plan projects the reserve ratio to exceed 1.35% without increasing the deposit insurance assessment rate, subject to ongoing monitoring over the next eight years. The FDIC could increase the deposit insurance assessments for certain insured depository institutions, including the Bank, if the DIF reserve ratio is not restored as projected. Transactions with Affiliates Federal banking laws restrict transactions between a bank and its affiliates, including a parent BHC. The Bank is subject to these restrictions, which include quantitative and qualitative limits on the amounts and types of transactions that may take place, including extensions of credit to affiliates, investments in the stock or securities of affiliates, purchases of assets from affiliates and certain other transactions with affiliates. These restrictions also require that credit transactions with affiliates be collateralized and that transactions with affiliates be on market terms or better for the bank. Generally, a bank’s covered transactions with any affiliate are limited to 10% of the bank’s capital stock and surplus and covered transactions with all affiliates are limited to 20% of the bank’s capital stock and surplus. Dodd-Frank expanded the scope of these regulations, including by applying them to the credit exposure arising under derivative transactions, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and lending transactions. Federal banking laws also place similar restrictions on loans and other extensions of credit by FDIC-insured banks, such as the Bank, and their subsidiaries to their directors, executive officers, and principal shareholders. 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. The CRA requires the OCC to evaluate the performance of 24 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents national banks (including the Bank) with respect to these CRA obligations. Depository institutions must maintain comprehensive records of their CRA activities for purposes of these examinations. The OCC must take into account the institution’s record of performance in meeting the credit needs of the entire community served, including low-and moderate-income neighborhoods. For purposes of CRA examinations, the OCC rates each institution’s compliance with the CRA as “Outstanding,” “Satisfactory,” “Needs to Improve” or “Substantial Noncompliance.” The FRB, which was responsible for CRA evaluations of the Bank prior to its conversion to a national bank charter, conducted a regularly scheduled examination covering 2014 through 2016 to determine the Bank’s compliance with the CRA. This CRA examination resulted in a change in rating from “Needs to Improve” to “Outstanding.” The CRA requires the relevant federal bank regulatory agency to consider a bank’s CRA assessment when considering the bank’s application to conduct certain mergers or acquisitions or to open or relocate a branch office. The FRB also must consider the CRA record of each subsidiary bank of a BHC in connection with any acquisition or merger application filed by the BHC. An unsatisfactory CRA record could substantially delay or result in the denial of an approval or application by the Bancorp or the Bank. The OCC finalized revised CRA rules in June 2020, with compliance required by January 1, 2023. However, effective January 1, 2022, the OCC rescinded those rules, reverting to the 1995 CRA rules, as amended, which are also the operative rules in place for FRB- and FDIC- regulated banks. In July 2021, the OCC, FRB, and FDIC issued an interagency statement announcing a coordinated approach to modernize their respective CRA regulations, such that all banks will be subject to the same set of CRA rules. These revisions have not yet been proposed, but may affect the Bank’s CRA compliance obligations in the future. Regulatory Capital Requirements The Bancorp and the Bank are subject to certain risk-based capital and leverage ratio requirements under the capital adequacy rules (the “Final Capital Rules”) adopted by the FRB, for the Bancorp, and by the OCC, for the Bank. These quantitative calculations are minimums, and the FRB and OCC may determine that a banking organization, based on its size, complexity, or risk profile, must maintain a higher level of capital in order to operate in a safe and sound manner. Failure to be well-capitalized or to meet minimum capital requirements could result in certain mandatory and possible additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have an adverse material effect on the Bancorp’s operations or financial condition. Failure to be well-capitalized or to meet minimum capital requirements could also result in restrictions on the Bancorp’s or the Bank’s ability to pay dividends or otherwise distribute capital or to receive regulatory approval of applications. Under the Final Capital Rules, the Bancorp’s and the Bank’s assets, exposures, and certain off-balance sheet items are subject to risk weights used to determine the institutions’ risk-weighted assets pursuant to the federal banking agencies’ Standardized Approach to risk- weighting of assets. These risk-weighted assets are used to calculate the following minimum capital ratios for the Bancorp and the Bank: • • • • Common Equity Tier 1 (“CET1”) Capital Ratio, equal to the ratio of CET1 capital to risk-weighted assets. CET1 capital primarily includes common shareholders’ equity subject to certain regulatory adjustments and deductions, including with respect to goodwill, intangible assets, certain deferred tax assets, and accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). In the first quarter of 2015, under the Final Capital Rules, the Bancorp made a one-time election to exclude certain AOCI components, with the result that those components are not recognized in the Bancorp’s CET1. In July 2019, the FDIC, the FRB and the OCC issued final rules for institutions that do not apply advanced approaches to regulatory capital, including the Bancorp and the Bank. These rules simplified the capital treatment of certain items (including mortgage servicing assets, deferred tax assets and investments in the capital of unconsolidated financial institutions) and simplified the recognition and calculation of minority interests that are includable in regulatory capital. The advanced approaches to regulatory capital are generally required for large, internationally active banking organizations including those designated as global systemically important bank holding companies and those with total assets or cross-jurisdictional activity in excess of certain thresholds. Banking organizations were required to adopt these changes by April 1, 2020. Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio, equal to the ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets. Tier 1 capital is primarily comprised of CET1 capital, perpetual preferred stock and certain qualifying capital instruments. Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio, equal to the ratio of total capital, including CET1 capital, Tier 1 capital, and Tier 2 capital, to risk- weighted assets. Tier 2 capital primarily includes qualifying subordinated debt and qualifying allowance for loan and lease losses (“ALLL”). Tier 2 capital also includes, among other things, certain trust preferred securities. Leverage Ratio, equal to the ratio of Tier 1 capital to quarterly average assets (net of goodwill, certain other intangible assets, and certain other deductions). In August 2020, the U.S. federal banking agencies adopted a final rule altering the definition of eligible retained income in their respective capital rules. Under the new rule, eligible retained income is the greater of a firm’s (i) net income for the four preceding calendar quarters, net of any distributions and associated tax effects not already reflected in net income, and (ii) average net income over the preceding four quarters. An institution's eligible retained income, when considered in conjunction with capital ratios and the stress capital buffer, provides limitations on capital distributions (including dividends and share repurchases) and certain executive compensation arrangements for the quarter following the calculation. As of December 31, 2021, the Bancorp was permitted to use 100% of its eligible retained income for these purposes in the first quarter of 2022. This definition applies with respect to all of the Bancorp’s capital requirements. In addition, in December 2018, the U.S. federal banking agencies finalized rules that would permit BHCs and banks to phase-in, for regulatory capital purposes, the day-one impact of ASU 2016-13 (“CECL”) on retained earnings over a period of three years. As part of their response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. federal banking agencies issued another final rule for additional transitional relief to regulatory capital related to the impact of the adoption of CECL. The final rule provides banking organizations that adopt CECL in the 2020 calendar year with the 25 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents option to delay for two years the estimated impact of CECL on regulatory capital, followed by the aforementioned three-year transition period to phase out the aggregate amount of benefit during the initial two-year delay for a total five-year transition. The estimated impact of CECL on regulatory capital (modified CECL transitional amount) is calculated as the sum of the day-one impact on retained earnings upon adoption of CECL (CECL transitional amount) and the calculated change in the ACL relative to the day-one ACL upon adoption of CECL multiplied by a scaling factor of 25%. The scaling factor is used to approximate the difference in the ACL under CECL relative to the incurred loss methodology. The modified CECL transitional amount was calculated each quarter for the first two years of the five-year transition. The amount of the modified CECL transition amount was then fixed as of December 31, 2021 and that amount will be subject to the three-year phase out. The Final Capital Rules also require banking organizations to maintain a stress capital buffer to avoid becoming subject to certain limitations on capital distributions and discretionary bonuses to executive officers (see Stress Buffer Requirements below). For more information related to the capital conservation buffer and stress capital buffer, refer to Note 29 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The total minimum regulatory capital ratios and well-capitalized minimum ratios are reflected in the table below. The FRB has not yet revised the well-capitalized standard for BHCs to reflect the higher capital requirements imposed under the Final Capital Rules. For purposes of the FRB’s Regulation Y, including determining whether a BHC meets the requirements to be an FHC, BHCs, such as the Bancorp, must maintain a Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio of 6.0% or greater and a Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio of 10.0% or greater. If the FRB were to apply the same or a very similar well-capitalized standard to BHCs as that applicable to the Bank, the Bancorp’s capital ratios as of December 31, 2021, would exceed such revised well-capitalized standard. The FRB may require BHCs, including the Bancorp, to maintain capital ratios substantially in excess of mandated minimum levels, depending upon general economic conditions and a BHC’s particular condition, risk profile, and growth plans. The following table presents the minimum regulatory capital ratios, minimum ratio plus stress capital buffer, and well-capitalized minimums compared with the Bancorp’s and the Bank’s regulatory capital ratios as of December 31, 2021, calculated using the regulatory capital methodology applicable during 2021: Regulatory Capital Ratios: CET1 risk-based capital ratio: Fifth Third Bancorp Fifth Third Bank, National Association Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio: Fifth Third Bancorp Fifth Third Bank, National Association Total risk-based capital ratio: Fifth Third Bancorp Fifth Third Bank, National Association Leverage ratio: Fifth Third Bancorp Fifth Third Bank, National Association Minimum Regulatory Capital Ratio Minimum Ratio + Stress Capital Buffer(a) Well-Capitalized Minimums(b) Actual at December 31, 2021 4.50 % 4.50 6.00 6.00 8.00 8.00 4.00 4.00 7.00 7.00 8.50 8.50 10.50 10.50 N/A N/A N/A 6.50 6.00 8.00 10.00 10.00 N/A 5.00 9.54 10.90 10.91 10.90 13.42 12.33 8.27 8.29 (a) Reflects the stress capital buffer of 2.5% applicable during 2021. (b) Reflects the well-capitalized standard applicable to the Bancorp under FRB Regulation Y and the well-capitalized standard applicable to the Bank. Liquidity Regulation As a result of the Tailoring Rules, the Bancorp, as a Category IV banking organization, is now exempt from the liquidity coverage ratio requirement, but remains subject to internal liquidity stress tests and standards. Capital Planning and Stress Testing BHCs with $100 billion or more in consolidated assets, including the Bancorp, generally must submit capital plans to the FRB on an annual basis. In March 2020, the FRB adopted a final rule to integrate the annual capital planning and stress testing requirements with certain ongoing regulatory capital requirements for large BHCs. As a result, the FRB’s annual CCAR process is now used to calibrate the Bancorp’s stress capital buffer requirement. Among other changes, the revised capital plan rule also eliminates the assumption that the Bancorp’s balance sheet assets would increase over the planning horizon. In addition, provided that the Bancorp is otherwise in compliance with automatic restrictions on distributions under the Final Capital Rules, the Bancorp will no longer be required to seek prior approval to make capital distributions in excess of those included in its capital plan. The Bancorp is required to provide the FRB notice within 15 days after making any capital distributions in excess of those included in its capital plan. Under its CCAR process, the FRB annually evaluates capital adequacy, internal capital adequacy, assessment processes and capital distribution plans of BHCs with $100 billion or more in total consolidated assets. The CCAR process is intended to help ensure that those BHCs have robust, forward-looking capital planning processes that account for each company’s unique risks and that permit continued 26 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents 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 BHC’s business plan that are likely to have a material impact on its capital adequacy or liquidity, a detailed description of the BHC’s process for assessing capital adequacy and the BHC’s capital policy. As a result of the EPS Tailoring Rule, the Bancorp is subject to a quantitative assessment of capital through supervisory stress tests every two years, with the next required submission due in 2022. These supervisory stress tests are forward-looking quantitative evaluations of the impact of stressful economic and financial market conditions on the Bancorp's capital. Additionally, under the EPS Tailoring Rule, the Bancorp is no longer required to file semi-annual, company-run stress tests with the FRB and publicly disclose the results. Stress Buffer Requirements In March 2020, the FRB issued a final rule amending regulatory capital rules, capital plan rules and stress test rules. Under the final rule, the capital conservation buffer was replaced with a stress capital buffer requirement. During each supervisory stress testing cycle, the FRB will use the Bancorp’s supervisory stress test to determine its stress capital buffer, subject to a floor of 2.5%. Similar to the capital conservation buffer, the Bancorp must maintain capital ratios above the sum of its minimum risk-based capital ratios and the stress capital buffer to avoid certain limitations on capital distributions and discretionary bonuses to executive officers. The final rule is applicable to BHCs with $100 billion or more in total consolidated assets and was effective on October 1, 2020. The FRB uses the supervisory stress test to determine the Bancorp’s stress capital buffer, subject to a floor of 2.5%. The Bancorp’s stress capital buffer requirement has been 2.5% since the introduction of this framework and was most recently affirmed on June 24, 2021. Enhanced Prudential Standards Pursuant to Title I of Dodd-Frank, certain U.S. BHCs are subject to enhanced prudential standards and early remediation requirements. As a result, the Bancorp is subject to more stringent standards, including liquidity and capital requirements, leverage limits, stress testing, resolution planning, and risk management standards, than those applicable to smaller institutions. Certain larger banking organizations are subject to additional enhanced prudential standards. As discussed above, under the EPS Tailoring Rule, the Bancorp, as a Category IV banking organization, is subject to the least restrictive enhanced prudential standards applicable to firms with $100 billion or more in total consolidated assets. As compared to enhanced prudential standards that were applicable to the Bancorp, under the EPS Tailoring Rule, the Bancorp is no longer subject to company-run stress testing requirements and is subject to less frequent supervisory stress tests, less frequent internal liquidity stress tests, and reduced liquidity risk management requirements. Heightened Governance and Risk Management Standards The OCC has published guidelines documenting expectations for the governance and risk management practices of certain large financial institutions, including the Bank. The guidelines require covered institutions to establish and adhere to a written governance framework in order to manage and control their risk-taking activities. In addition, the guidelines provide standards for the institutions’ boards of directors to oversee the risk governance framework. The Bank currently has a written governance framework and associated controls. Privacy and Data Security The OCC, FRB, FDIC and other bank regulatory agencies have adopted 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. In addition, various U.S. regulators, including the OCC, FRB and the SEC, have increased their focus on cyber security through guidance, examinations and regulations. 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 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. States are also increasingly proposing or enacting legislation that relates to data privacy and data protection such as the California Consumer Privacy Act which went into effect on January 1, 2020. The Bancorp continues to assess the requirements of such laws and proposed legislation and their applicability to the Bancorp. Moreover, these laws, and proposed legislation, are still subject to revision or formal guidance and they may be interpreted or applied in a manner inconsistent with our understanding. Like other lenders, the Bank and other of the Bancorp’s subsidiaries use credit bureau data in their underwriting activities. Use of such data is regulated under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”), and the FCRA also regulates reporting information to credit bureaus, prescreening 27 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents individuals for credit offers, sharing of information between affiliates, and using affiliate data for marketing purposes. Similar state laws may impose additional requirements on the Bancorp and its subsidiaries. Anti-Money Laundering and Economic Sanctions The Bancorp is subject to federal laws that are designed to counter money laundering and terrorist financing, and transactions with persons, companies or foreign governments sanctioned by the United States. These include the Bank Secrecy Act, the Money Laundering Control Act, the USA PATRIOT Act and regulations for the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the Trading with the Enemy Act, as administered by the United States Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. These laws obligate depository institutions and broker-dealers to verify their customers’ identity, conduct customer due diligence, report on suspicious activity, file reports of transactions in currency and conduct enhanced due diligence on certain accounts. They also prohibit U.S. persons from engaging in transactions with certain designated restricted countries and persons. Depository institutions and broker-dealers are required by their federal regulators to maintain robust policies and procedures in order to ensure compliance with these obligations. Failure to comply with these laws or maintain an adequate compliance program can lead to significant monetary penalties and reputational damage and federal regulators evaluate the effectiveness of an applicant in combating money laundering when determining whether to approve a proposed bank merger, acquisition, restructuring, or other expansionary activity. There have been a number of significant enforcement actions by regulators, as well as state attorneys general and the Department of Justice, against banks, broker-dealers and non- bank financial institutions with respect to these laws and some have resulted in substantial penalties, including criminal pleas. The Bancorp’s Board has approved policies and procedures that the Bancorp believes comply with these laws. Executive Compensation Pursuant to Dodd-Frank, each public company must give its shareholders the opportunity to vote on the compensation of its executives at least once every three years. The SEC also adopted rules on disclosure and voting requirements for golden parachute compensation that is payable to named executive officers in connection with sale transactions. The SEC’s rules also direct the stock exchanges to prohibit listing classes of equity securities of a company if a company’s compensation committee members are not independent. The rules also provide 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 rules implementing the pay ratio provisions of Dodd-Frank require companies to disclose the ratio of the compensation of its chief executive officer to the median compensation of its employees. For a registrant with a fiscal year ending on December 31, such as the Bancorp, the pay ratio was first required as part of its executive compensation disclosure in its annual proxy statement or Form 10-K filed starting in 2018. Dodd-Frank 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. 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. Dodd-Frank required 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. The SEC adopted final rules requiring this disclosure on December 18, 2018. The Bancorp was required to comply with this new rule beginning July 1, 2019. The Bancorp’s compensation practices are also subject to oversight by the FRB. The scope and content of compensation regulation in the financial industry are continuing to develop, and the regulations and resulting market practices are expected to continue to evolve over a number of years. In June 2016, the SEC and the federal banking agencies issued a proposed rule to implement the incentive-based compensation provisions of section 956 of Dodd-Frank. The proposal would establish new requirements for incentive-based compensation at institutions with assets of at least $1 billion. No final rule has been issued, but the Biden Administration may revisit this proposal. Debit Card Interchange Fees Dodd-Frank includes a set of rules requiring that interchange transaction fees for electronic debit transactions be reasonable and proportional to certain costs associated with processing the transactions. Interchange fees for electronic debit transactions are limited to 21 cents plus 0.05% of the transaction, plus an additional one cent per transaction fraud adjustment. These fees impose requirements regarding routing and exclusivity of electronic debit transactions, and generally require that debit cards be usable in at least two unaffiliated networks. 28 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents Resolution Planning In past years, the Bancorp was required to submit annually to the FRB and the FDIC a resolution plan for the orderly resolution of the Bancorp and its significant legal entities under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or other applicable insolvency laws in a rapid and orderly fashion in the event of future material financial distress or failure. In October 2019, the FRB and the FDIC adopted amendments to their resolution planning rule to adjust the thresholds at which certain resolution planning requirements apply to BHCs with $100 billion or more in total consolidated assets, including the Bancorp. As a result of these amendments, the Bancorp is no longer required to submit an annual resolution plan to the FRB and the FDIC. In addition, the Bank is required to periodically file a separate resolution plan with the FDIC. EGRRCPA did not change the FDIC’s rules that require the Bank to periodically file a separate resolution plan. In April 2019, the FDIC released an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking with respect to the FDIC’s bank resolution plan requirements that requested comments on how to better tailor bank resolution plans to a firm’s size, complexity, and risk profile. Until the FDIC’s revisions to its bank resolution plan requirement are finalized, no bank resolution plans will be required to be filed. Proprietary Trading and Investing in Certain Funds Dodd-Frank sets forth restrictions on banking organizations’ ability to engage in proprietary trading and to have certain ownership interests in and relationships with certain covered funds, such as private equity and hedge funds (the “Volcker Rule”). The Volcker Rule generally prohibits any banking entity from engaging in short-term proprietary trading for its own account, but permits transactions in certain securities (such as securities of the U.S. government), transactions on behalf of customers and activities such as market making, underwriting and risk- mitigating hedging. In addition, the Volcker Rule limits the sponsorship of or investment in a covered fund by any banking entity. The Volcker Rule also prohibits certain types of transactions between a banking entity and any covered fund that is sponsored by the banking entity or for which it serves as investment manager or investment advisor, similar to those transactions between banks and their affiliates that are limited as described above. The FRB granted extensions to banking entities, including the Bancorp, to conform to the requirements of the Volcker Rule with respect to “illiquid funds,” as defined in the Volcker Rule. The Bancorp is also required to maintain a satisfactory Volcker Rule compliance program. As of October 2019, the FRB, OCC, FDIC, Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) and SEC finalized amendments to the Volcker Rule. These amendments tailor the Volcker Rule’s compliance requirements to the amount of a firm’s trading activity, revise the definition of trading account, clarify certain key provisions in the Volcker Rule, and modify the information companies are required to provide to federal agencies. These amendments to the Volcker Rule are not material to our investing and trading activities. In June 2020, the five federal agencies finalized amendments to the Volcker Rule’s restrictions on ownership interests in and relationships with covered funds. Among other things, these amendments permit banking entities to have relationships with and offer additional financial services to additional types of funds and investment vehicles. These requirements are not expected to have a material impact on the Bancorp’s investing and trading activities Derivatives Title VII of Dodd-Frank imposes a regulatory structure on the over-the-counter derivatives market, including requirements for clearing, exchange trading, capital margin, segregation trade reporting, and recordkeeping. Title VII also requires certain persons to register as a swap dealer or a security-based swap dealer. The Bank is provisionally registered with the CFTC as a swap dealer. The CFTC and U.S. banking regulators have finalized most rules applicable to the over-the-counter derivatives markets and swap dealers, and the SEC has finalized most of its rules related to security-based swaps. The CFTC’s Title VII regulations are applicable to the Bank’s activity as a swap dealer and include rules related to internal and external business conduct standards, reporting and recordkeeping, mandatory clearing for certain swaps, and trade documentation and confirmation requirements. In addition, the U.S. banking regulators have finalized regulations applicable to the Bank regarding mandatory posting and collection of margin by certain swap counterparties and segregation of customer funds. The Bank is not currently subject to regulation as a security-based swap dealer. Consumer Protection Regulation and Supervision The Bancorp is subject to supervision and regulation by the CFPB with respect to federal consumer protection laws. The Bancorp is also subject to certain state consumer protection laws, and under Dodd-Frank, state attorneys general and other state officials are empowered to enforce certain federal consumer protection laws and regulations. State authorities have increased their focus on and enforcement of consumer protection rules. These federal and state consumer protection laws apply to a broad range of our activities and to various aspects of our business and include laws relating to interest rates, fair lending, disclosures of credit terms and estimated transaction costs to consumer borrowers, debt collection practices, the use of and the provision of information to consumer reporting agencies, and the prohibition of unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices in connection with the offer, sale, or provision of consumer financial products and services. The CFPB has promulgated many mortgage-related final rules since it was established under Dodd-Frank, including rules related to the ability to repay and qualified mortgage standards, mortgage servicing standards, loan originator compensation standards, high-cost mortgage requirements, Home Mortgage Disclosure Act requirements, and appraisal and escrow standards for higher priced mortgages. The mortgage- related final rules issued by the CFPB have materially restructured the origination, servicing, and securitization of residential mortgages in the United States. These rules have impacted, and will continue to impact, the business practices of mortgage lenders, including the Bancorp. 29 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents Future Legislative and Regulatory Initiatives Federal and state legislators as well as regulatory agencies may introduce or enact new laws and rules, or amend existing laws and rules, that may affect the regulation of financial institutions and their holding companies. The impact of any future legislative or regulatory changes cannot be predicted. However, such changes could affect the Bancorp’s business, financial condition and results of operations. 30 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS The risks and uncertainties listed below present risks that could have a material impact on the Bancorp’s financial condition, the results of its operations or its business. Some of these risks and uncertainties are interrelated and the occurrence of one or more of them may exacerbate the effect of others. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones Fifth Third faces. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to Fifth Third or that Fifth Third currently believes to be immaterial may also adversely affect its business. See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information. RISK FACTORS SUMMARY The following is a summary of the Risk Factors disclosure in this Item 1A: CREDIT RISKS • • • Deteriorating credit quality has adversely impacted Fifth Third in the past and may adversely impact Fifth Third in the future. 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. 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. LIQUIDITY RISKS • • • • Fifth Third must maintain adequate sources of funding and liquidity. Fifth Third and/or the holders of its securities could be adversely affected by unfavorable ratings from rating agencies. If Fifth Third is unable to maintain or grow its deposits, it may be subject to paying higher funding costs. 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. OPERATIONAL RISKS • • • • • • • • Fifth Third is exposed to cyber security risks that create both operational and reputational risk for the Bank and its customers across all lines of business. Fifth Third relies on its systems and certain third-party service providers and certain failures (including those driven by climate- related weather events) could materially adversely affect operations. Fifth Third may not be able to effectively manage organizational changes and implement key initiatives in a timely fashion, or at all, due to competing priorities which could adversely affect its business, results of operations, financial condition and reputation. Fifth Third may not be able to successfully implement future information technology system enhancements, which could adversely affect Fifth Third’s business operations and profitability. Fifth Third’s framework for managing risks may not be effective in mitigating its risk and loss. Fifth Third may experience losses related to fraud, theft or violence. Fifth Third could suffer if it fails to attract and retain skilled personnel. Fifth Third may experience operational disruption from the effects of climate change. LEGAL AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE RISKS • • • • • • • • • Fifth Third and/or its affiliates are or may become involved from time to time in information-gathering requests, investigations and litigation, regulatory or other enforcement proceedings by various governmental regulatory agencies and law enforcement authorities, as well as self-regulatory agencies which may lead to adverse consequences. 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 is subject to extensive governmental regulation which could adversely impact Fifth Third or the businesses in which Fifth Third is engaged. Fifth Third could suffer from unauthorized use of intellectual property. Fifth Third is subject to various regulatory requirements that may limit its operations and potential growth. Fifth Third could face serious negative consequences if its third-party service providers, business partners or investments fail to comply with applicable laws, rules or regulations. As a regulated entity, the Bancorp is subject to certain capital requirements that may limit its operations, potential growth and ability to pay or increase dividends on its common stock or to repurchase its capital stock. Regulation of Fifth Third by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) imposes additional operational and compliance costs. Deposit insurance premiums levied against the Bank may increase if the number of bank failures increase or the cost of resolving failed banks increases. 31 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents • If an orderly liquidation of a systemically important BHC or non-bank financial company were triggered, Fifth Third could face assessments for the Orderly Liquidation Fund. MARKET RISKS: INTEREST RATE RISKS AND PRICE RISKS • The replacement of LIBOR could adversely affect Fifth Third’s revenue or expenses and the value of those assets or obligations. • 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. Global and domestic political, social and economic uncertainties and changes may adversely affect Fifth Third. Changes in interest rates could affect Fifth Third’s income and cash flows. Changes and trends in the capital markets may affect Fifth Third’s income and cash flows. Fifth Third’s stock price is volatile. Fifth Third’s mortgage banking net revenue can be volatile from quarter to quarter. • • • • • STRATEGIC RISKS • • • • • If Fifth Third does not respond to intense competition and rapid changes in the financial services industry or otherwise adapt to changing customer preferences, its financial performance may suffer. 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. Difficulties in identifying suitable opportunities or combining the operations of acquired entities or assets with Fifth Third’s own operations or assessing the effectiveness of businesses in which Fifth Third makes strategic investments or with which Fifth Third enters into strategic contractual relationships may prevent Fifth Third from achieving the expected benefits from these acquisitions, investments or relationships. Future acquisitions may dilute current shareholders’ ownership of Fifth Third and may cause Fifth Third to become more susceptible to adverse economic events. Fifth Third may sell or consider selling one or more of its businesses or investments. Should it determine to sell such a business or investment, 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 or investments, the loss of income could have an adverse effect on its earnings and future growth. REPUTATION RISKS • • Damage to Fifth Third’s reputation could harm its business. Fifth Third is subject to environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) risks that could adversely affect its reputation, the trading price of its common stock and/or its business, operations, and earnings. GENERAL BUSINESS RISKS • • • • • • • Changes in accounting standards or interpretations could impact Fifth Third’s reported earnings and financial condition. Fifth Third uses models for business planning purposes that may not adequately predict future results. The preparation of financial statements requires Fifth Third to make subjective determinations and use estimates that may vary from actual results and materially impact its results of operations or financial position. Global climate change, other natural disasters, or health emergencies may have an effect on the performance of Fifth Third’s loan portfolios, thereby adversely impacting its results of operations. Societal responses to climate change could adversely affect Fifth Third’s business and performance, including indirectly through impacts on Fifth Third’s customers. Potential noncompliance with evolving federal and state laws governing cannabis-related businesses (“CRBs”) could subject Fifth Third to liabilities. The COVID-19 pandemic creates significant risks and uncertainties for Fifth Third’s business. 32 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents CREDIT RISKS 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, leases, credit cards, derivative obligations, or other credit obligations. The performance of these credit 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 credit 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 expected to be incurred in the credit portfolios 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. Such determination requires difficult, subjective and complex judgments about the environment, including analysis of economic or market conditions that may impair the ability of borrowers to repay their loans. Fifth Third may underestimate the credit losses expected to be incurred in its portfolios and have credit losses in excess of the amount reserved. Fifth Third may increase the reserve because of changing economic or market conditions, including falling home prices or higher unemployment, or other factors such as changes in borrower’s behavior or changing protections in credit agreements. 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 expected losses at December 31, 2021; however, there is no assurance that they will be sufficient to cover future credit losses associated with exposures existing at December 31, 2021, especially if housing and employment conditions decline. In the event of significant deterioration in economic or market 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 and the ALLL and Reserve for Unfunded Commitments subsections of the Critical Accounting Policies section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. 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 among borrowers engaged in the same or similar activities, industries or geographies or to borrowers who as a group may be uniquely or disproportionately affected by economic or market conditions such as those most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Deterioration in economic conditions, housing conditions or commodity and real estate values in certain states or locations could result in materially higher credit losses if loans are concentrated in those locations. Fifth Third has significant exposure to businesses in certain economic sectors such as manufacturing, real estate, financial services, insurance and healthcare, and weaknesses in those businesses may adversely impact Fifth Third’s business, results of operations or financial condition. Additionally, Fifth Third has a substantial portfolio of commercial and residential real estate loans and weaknesses in residential or commercial real estate markets may adversely impact Fifth Third’s business, results of operations or financial condition. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused certain industries to experience increased stress. These include consumer-driven industries that require gathering or congregation such as leisure and recreation (including casinos, restaurants, sports, fitness, hotels and other industries), non- essential retail and leisure travel (primarily including airlines and cruise lines). Certain segments of the healthcare industry (including skilled nursing, physician offices and surgery/outpatient centers) have also been impacted by the pandemic given delays and restrictions on in-person visits and elective procedures. Many affected businesses that have reopened are experiencing increased costs and labor shortages, which create wide-ranging effects on several industries. 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. 33 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents LIQUIDITY RISKS 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 it makes and the operation of its business. Core deposits, which include transaction deposits and certificates of deposit $250,000 or less, have historically provided Fifth Third with a sizeable source of relatively stable and low-cost funds (average core deposits funded 79% of average total assets for the year ending December 31, 2021). 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, 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 money and capital markets. Fifth Third’s liquidity and ability to fund and operate its 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 customer deposits and/or negatively affect Fifth Third’s ability to access the capital markets; the loss of customer deposits due to competition from other banks or due to alternative investments; inability to sell or securitize loans or other assets; increased collateral requirements; increased regulatory requirements; reductions in one or more of Fifth Third’s credit ratings; and increased utilization of revolving lines of credit by customers. A reduction in Fifth Third’s credit rating could adversely affect its ability to borrow funds, including by raising 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. There can be no assurance that significant disruption and volatility in the financial markets will not occur again in the future. Regulatory changes relating to liquidity and risk management may also negatively impact Fifth Third’s results of operations and competitive position. Various regulations have been adopted to impose more stringent liquidity requirements for large financial institutions, including Fifth Third. These regulations address, among other matters, liquidity stress testing and minimum liquidity requirements. The application of certain of these regulations to banking organizations, such as Fifth Third, have been modified, including in connection with the implementation of the Tailoring Rules in the EGRRCPA. 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, Fifth Third’s liquidity, operating margins and financial results and condition may be materially adversely affected. Fifth Third may also need to raise additional capital and liquidity through the issuance of stock, which could dilute the ownership of existing stockholders, or reduce or even eliminate common stock dividends or share repurchases to preserve capital and liquidity. 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 of 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. Other rating agencies may also take actions to downgrade their ratings of the securities issued by Fifth Third or its subsidiaries. There can be no assurances that Fifth Third or its subsidiaries will retain any specific rating from any specific rating agency. 34 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents If Fifth Third is unable to maintain or 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 maintain or grow its deposits. If Fifth Third is unable to sufficiently maintain or 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. Also, customers typically move money from bank deposits to alternative investments during rising interest rate environments. Customers may also move noninterest-bearing deposits to interest-bearing accounts increasing the cost of those deposits. 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 trade-off. 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. Higher funding costs reduce Fifth Third’s net interest margin and net interest income. 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. The ability of Fifth Third Bancorp’s subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other payments or distributions depends on their respective operating results and may be restricted by, among other things, regulatory constraints, prevailing economic conditions (including interest rates), and financial, business and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Fifth Third Bancorp. 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 to the Bancorp. Regulatory scrutiny of liquidity and capital levels at bank holding companies and insured depository institutions 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. In addition, 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. Regulatory limitations on the Bancorp’s ability to receive dividends from its subsidiaries, economic conditions and other financial or business factors could have a material adverse effect on its liquidity and ability to pay dividends on stock or interest and principal on its debt and to engage in share repurchases. For further information, refer to Regulation and Supervision in Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. OPERATIONAL RISKS Fifth Third is exposed to cyber security risks that create both operational and reputational risk for the Bank and its customers across all lines of business. In today’s digital world, more and more of Fifth Third’s business is conducted primarily via digital and mobile technology and information management systems. This includes the use of cloud computing, digital applications and third-party providers that host and store sensitive employee and customer information. Failures, interruptions of service or breaches in the security of these environments occur across the financial services industry with some frequency and, if a material event of this nature occurred at Fifth Third or one of its third-party providers, this could result in disruptions to Fifth Third’s accounting, deposit, lending and other systems, and adversely affect its customer relationships. While Fifth Third heavily invests in information security, technical resiliency, business continuity and disaster recovery planning, and has policies and procedures designed to detect, limit, and prevent the impact 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 remediated in such a way to eliminate the risk. There will always be efforts on the part of threat actors to breach information security at financial institutions or with respect to financial transactions. There have been several recent instances involving financial services, credit bureaus 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. Despite Fifth Third’s efforts to prevent a cyber-attack, a successful cyber-attack could persist for an extended period of time before being detected, and, following detection, it could take considerable time for Fifth Third to obtain full and reliable information about the cyber security incident and the extent, amount and type of information compromised. During the course of an investigation, Fifth Third may not necessarily know the full effects of the incident or how to remediate it, and actions and decisions that are taken or made in an effort to mitigate risk may further increase the costs and other negative consequences of the incident. Furthermore, there has been a well-publicized series of apparently related distributed denial of service attacks on large financial services companies and “ransom” attacks where hackers have requested payments in exchange for not disclosing customer information. The unintentional or willful acts or omissions of employees also remains the primary avenue through which threat actors attempt to gain access to company networks, information systems and data. 35 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents An emerging risk is the use of third- and fourth-party providers to host critical data and platforms for Fifth Third, or in some cases provide IT services to Fifth Third domestically and internationally. Fifth Third must make investments in its ability to oversee third- and fourth-party providers and its failure to do so could result in customer losses, operational issues, litigation, regulatory actions and reputational loss. Industry trends are moving more to cloud providers, Software as a Service partners and hosted platforms that traditionally resided inside Fifth Third’s firewall and data centers. These emerging risks are further heightened through the increasing use of near real-time money movement solutions such as Zelle, and increase the difficulty to detect, prevent and recover fraudulent transactions. These emerging risks are increasing the costs of Fifth Third’s investment in technology and cyber security and require further investment in cyber-related and data loss event insurance which Fifth Third has in place. Though Fifth Third has insurance against some cyber security risks and attacks, it may not be sufficient to offset the impact of a material loss event. Future investment in these areas could have higher than expected costs and/or result in operating inefficiencies, which could increase the costs associated with the implementation as well as ongoing operations. If personal, confidential or proprietary information of customers or clients in the Bancorp’s or such vendors’ or other third-parties’ possession were to be mishandled or misused, the Bancorp could suffer significant regulatory consequences, reputational damage and financial loss. Fifth Third relies on its systems and certain third-party service providers and certain failures (including those driven by climate-related weather events) could materially adversely affect operations. Fifth Third’s operations, including its financial and accounting systems, use computer systems and telecommunications networks operated by both Fifth Third and third-party service providers. Additionally, Fifth Third collects, processes and stores sensitive consumer data by utilizing those and other systems and networks. 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 these systems or the loss or corruption of confidential information such as business results, transaction records and related information could adversely impact Fifth Third’s ability to provide timely and accurate financial information in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, which could result in sanctions from regulatory authorities, significant reputational harm and the loss of customer confidence in Fifth Third. Additionally, security breaches or the loss, theft or corruption of customer information such as social security numbers, credit card numbers, account balances or other information could result in losses by Fifth Third's customers, litigation, regulatory sanctions, lost customers and revenue, increased costs and significant reputational harm. Fifth Third’s necessary dependence upon automated systems to record and process its transaction volume poses the risk that technical system flaws or employee errors, 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). Third-party service providers with which the Bancorp does business both domestically and offshore, as well as vendors 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-party service providers, 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 its customers, thereby 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 or such vendors’ or other third parties’ possession were to be mishandled or misused, the Bancorp could suffer significant regulatory 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 threat actors. 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 components or 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 business continuity 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 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 reputational harm, litigation, regulatory fines or penalties or losses not covered by insurance. The Bancorp could also be adversely affected if it loses access to information or services from a third-party service provider as a result of a security breach or system or operational failure, or disruption affecting the third-party service provider. Fifth Third’s insurance may be inadequate to compensate for failures by, or affecting, third-party service providers upon which Fifth Third relies. 36 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents Fifth Third may not be able to effectively manage organizational changes and implement key initiatives in a timely fashion, or at all, due to competing priorities which could adversely affect its business, results of operations, financial condition and reputation. Fifth Third is subject to rapid changes in technology, regulation and product innovation, and faces intense competition for customers, sources of revenue, capital, services, qualified employees and other essential business resources. In order to meet these challenges, Fifth Third is or may be engaged in numerous critical strategic initiatives at the same time. Accomplishing these initiatives may be complex, time intensive and require significant financial, technological, management and other resources. These initiatives may consume management’s attention and may compete for limited resources. In addition, organizational changes may need to be implemented throughout Fifth Third as a result of the new products, services, partnerships and processes that arise from the execution of these various strategic initiatives. Fifth Third may have difficulty managing these organizational changes and executing these initiatives effectively in a timely fashion, or at all. Fifth Third’s failure to do so could expose it to litigation or regulatory action and may damage Fifth Third’s business, results of operations, financial condition and reputation. Fifth Third may not be able to successfully implement future information technology system enhancements, which could adversely affect Fifth Third’s business operations and profitability. Fifth Third invests significant resources in information technology system enhancements in order to provide functionality and security at an appropriate level for ongoing product development and process re-engineering. Fifth Third may not be able to successfully implement and integrate future system enhancements, which could adversely impact the ability to provide timely and accurate financial information in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, which could result in sanctions from regulatory authorities. Such sanctions could include fines and result in reputational harm and have other negative effects. Failure to properly utilize system enhancements that are implemented in the future could result in impairment charges that adversely impact Fifth Third’s financial condition and results of operations and could result in significant costs to remediate or replace the defective components. In addition, Fifth Third may incur significant training, licensing, maintenance, consulting and amortization expenses during and after systems implementations, and any such costs may continue for an extended period of time. A failure to maintain or enhance Fifth Third’s competitive position with respect to technology, whether because of a failure to anticipate client expectations or other necessary changes, a failure in the performance of technological developments or an untimely roll out of developments, may cause Fifth Third to lose market share or incur additional expense. Fifth Third’s framework for managing risks may not be effective in mitigating its risk and loss. Fifth Third’s risk management framework seeks to mitigate risk and loss. Fifth Third has established processes and procedures intended to identify, measure, monitor, report and manage the types of risk to which it is subject, including liquidity risk, credit risk, interest rate risk, price risk, legal and regulatory compliance risk, strategic risk, reputational risk and operational risk related to its employees, systems and vendors, among others. Fifth Third also considers the physical and transition risks arising from climate change to be transverse risk drivers that impact all of these material risks and have therefore integrated climate change considerations into its risk management framework. Any system of control and any system to reduce risk exposure, however well designed and operated, is based in part on certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurances that the objectives of the system are met. A failure in Fifth Third’s internal controls could have a significant negative impact not only on its earnings, but also on the perception that customers, regulators and investors may have of Fifth Third. Fifth Third continues to devote a significant amount of effort, time and resources to improving its controls and ensuring compliance with complex regulations. Additionally, instruments, systems and strategies used to hedge or otherwise manage exposure to various types of interest rate, price, legal and regulatory compliance, credit, liquidity, operational and business risks and enterprise-wide risk could be less effective than anticipated. As a result, Fifth Third may not be able to effectively mitigate its risk exposures in particular market environments or against particular types of risk. If Fifth Third’s risk management framework proves ineffective, Fifth Third could incur litigation, negative regulatory consequences, reputational damages among other adverse consequences and Fifth Third could suffer unexpected losses that may affect its financial condition or results of operations. Fifth Third may experience losses related to fraud, theft or violence. Fifth Third has experienced, and may experience again in the future, losses incurred due to customer or employee fraud, theft or physical violence. Additionally, physical violence may negatively affect Fifth Third’s key personnel, facilities or systems. These losses may be material and negatively affect Fifth Third’s results of operations, financial condition or prospects. These losses could also lead to significant reputational risks and other effects. The industry fraud threat continues to evolve, including but not limited to, card fraud, check fraud, electronic fraud, wire fraud, social engineering and phishing attacks for identity theft and account takeover. Nationally, reported incidents of fraud and other financial crimes have increased. Increased use of the internet and telecommunications technologies (including mobile devices) to conduct financial and other business transactions and operations, coupled with the increased sophistication and activities of organized crime, perpetrators of fraud, hackers, terrorists and others increases Fifth Third’s security risks. Fifth Third continues to invest in fraud prevention in the forms of people and systems designed to prevent, detect and mitigate the customer and financial impacts. 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 intense, which may increase Fifth Third’s expenses and may result in Fifth Third not being 37 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents able to hire candidates or retain them. If Fifth Third is not able to hire qualified candidates or retain its key personnel, 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 is heavily regulated, particularly under Dodd-Frank, which 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 to maintain its competitive position, or 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. Fifth Third may experience operational disruption from the effects of climate change. Fifth Third faces operational risk from climate change as an increase in severe weather may cause closures, damage to infrastructure, or damage to Fifth Third’s physical locations that may disrupt the physical operation of the Bancorp. These interruptions may impair Fifth Third’s ability to operate and may interfere with its ability to carry out business and serve clients and customers. LEGAL AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE RISKS Fifth Third and/or its affiliates are or may become involved from time to time in information-gathering requests, investigations and litigation, regulatory or other enforcement 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 to time in information-gathering requests, reviews, investigations and proceedings (both formal and informal) by governmental regulatory agencies and law enforcement authorities, as well as self-regulatory agencies, regarding their respective customers and businesses, as well as their sales practices, data security, product offerings, compensation practices and other compliance issues. Also, a violation of law or regulation by another financial institution may give rise to an inquiry or investigation by regulators or other authorities of the same or similar practices by Fifth Third. In addition, the complexity of the federal and state regulatory and enforcement regimes in the U.S. means that a single event or topic may give rise to numerous and overlapping investigations and regulatory proceedings. Furthermore, 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, as well as regulatory or other enforcement proceedings. 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. Enforcement authorities may seek admissions of wrongdoing and, in some cases, criminal pleas as part of the resolutions of matters and any such resolution of a matter involving Fifth Third which could lead to increased exposure to private litigation, could adversely affect Fifth Third’s reputation and could result in limitations on Fifth Third’s ability to do business in certain jurisdictions. Each of the matters described above may result in material adverse consequences, including without limitation, adverse judgments, settlements, fines, penalties, 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. In addition, responding to information-gathering requests, reviews, investigations and proceedings, regardless of the ultimate outcome of the matter, could be time- consuming and expensive. 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 or other enforcement 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. The outcome of lawsuits and regulatory proceedings may be difficult to predict or estimate. Although Fifth Third establishes accruals for legal proceedings when information related to the loss contingencies represented by those matters indicates both that a loss is probable and that the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated, Fifth Third does not have accruals for all legal proceedings where it faces a risk of loss. In addition, due to the inherent subjectivity of the assessments and unpredictability of the outcome of legal proceedings, amounts accrued may not represent the ultimate loss to Fifth Third from the legal proceedings in question. Thus, Fifth Third’s ultimate losses may be higher, and possibly significantly so, than the amounts accrued for legal loss contingencies, which could adversely affect Fifth Third’s results of operations. In addition, there has been a trend of public settlements with governmental agencies that may adversely affect other financial institutions, to the extent such settlements are used as a template for future settlements. The uncertain regulatory enforcement environment makes it difficult to estimate probable losses, which can lead to substantial disparities between legal reserves and actual settlements or penalties. For further information on specific legal and regulatory proceedings, refer to Note 19 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 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 government-sponsored enterprises (“GSE”) and other financial institutions that purchase residential mortgage loans for investment or private 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 38 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents 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. As a result, Fifth Third has established reserves in its consolidated financial statements for probable losses related to the residential mortgage loans it has sold. If economic conditions or the housing market deteriorate or future investor repurchase demand and Fifth Third’s success at appealing such repurchase requests differ from expectations, Fifth Third could have increased repurchase obligations and increased loss severity on repurchases, requiring material additions to the repurchase reserve. Due to uncertainties relating to these factors, there can be no assurance that the reserves Fifth Third establishes will be adequate or that the total amount of losses incurred will not have a material adverse effect on Fifth Third’s financial condition or results of operations. Fifth Third is subject to extensive governmental regulation which could adversely impact Fifth Third or the businesses in which Fifth Third is engaged. Government regulation 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. Fifth Third is subject to extensive federal and state 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, borrowers and depositors and are not designed to protect security-holders. In the past decade, the scope of the laws and regulations and the intensity of the supervision to which Fifth Third is subject increased in response to the 2008-2009 financial crisis as well as other factors such as technological and market changes. Compliance with these laws and regulations has resulted in and will continue to result in additional costs, which could be significant, and may have a material and adverse effect on Fifth Third’s results of operations. In addition, if Fifth Third does not appropriately comply with current or future legislation and regulations, especially those that apply to its consumer operations, which has been an area of heightened focus, Fifth Third may be subject to fines, penalties or judgments, or material regulatory restrictions on its businesses, which could adversely affect operations and, in turn, financial results. 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 laws or regulations (including tax laws and 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. Fifth Third expects that the Biden Administration will seek to implement a regulatory agenda that is significantly different than that of the Trump Administration. This agenda could include a heightened focus on the risks arising from climate change, consumer protection, Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering requirements, topics related to social equity, executive compensation, and increased capital and liquidity, as well as limits on share buybacks and dividends. In addition, mergers and acquisitions could be hindered by increased antitrust and other regulatory scrutiny. Reform proposals are also expected for the short-term wholesale markets. It is uncertain which, if any, of these policies would be implemented and what their impact would be on Fifth Third. 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. Changes in regulation and supervisory and enforcement focus could affect Fifth Third in a substantial way and could have an adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, legislation or regulatory reform could affect the behaviors of third parties that Fifth Third deals within the course of business, such as rating agencies, insurance companies and investors. In addition, changes in laws or regulations that affect Fifth Third’s customers and business partners could negatively affect Fifth Third’s revenues and expenses. Certain changes in laws such as tax law reforms that impose limitations on the deductibility of interest may decrease the demand for Fifth Third’s products or services and could negatively affect its revenues and results of operations. Other changes in laws or regulations could cause Fifth Third’s third-party service providers and other vendors to increase the prices they charge to Fifth Third and negatively affect Fifth Third’s expenses and financial results. Fifth Third could suffer from unauthorized use of intellectual property. Fifth Third develops for itself, and licenses from others, intellectual property for use in conducting its business. This intellectual property has been, and may be, subject to misappropriation or infringement by third parties as well as claims that Fifth Third’s use of certain technology or other intellectual property infringes on rights owned by others. Fifth Third has been, and may be, subject to disputes and/or litigation concerning these claims and could be held responsible for significant damages covering past activities and substantial fees to continue to engage in these activities in the future. Fifth Third may also be unable to acquire rights to use certain intellectual property that is important for its business and may be unable to effectively engage in critical business activities. If Fifth Third is unable to protect or acquire rights to use intellectual property it owns or licenses, it may lose certain competitive advantages, incur expenses and/or lose revenue and may suffer harm to its business results and financial condition. 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 OCC have the authority to compel or restrict certain actions by the Bancorp and the Bank. The Bancorp and the Bank 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 39 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents forthcoming or that such approvals would be granted in a timely manner. Failure to receive any such approval, if required, could limit or impair the Bancorp’s operations, restrict its growth, ability to compete, innovate or participate in industry consolidation and/or affect its dividend policy. Such actions and activities that may be subject to prior approval include, but are not limited to, increasing dividends or other capital distributions by the Bancorp or the Bank, entering into a merger or acquisition transaction, acquiring or establishing new branches, and entering into certain new businesses. Failure by the Bancorp or the Bank to meet the applicable eligibility requirements for FHC status (including capital and management requirements and that the Bank maintain at least a “Satisfactory” CRA rating) may result in restrictions on certain activities of the Bancorp, including the commencement of new activities and mergers with or acquisitions of other financial institutions and could ultimately result in the loss of financial holding company status. Fifth Third and other financial institutions are subject to scrutiny from government authorities, including bank regulatory authorities, stemming from broader systemic regulatory concerns, including with respect to stress testing, liquidity and capital 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 and law enforcement, 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. The government enforcement authority includes, among other things, the ability to assess significant civil or criminal monetary penalties, fines, or restitution; to issue cease and desist or removal orders; and to initiate injunctive actions against banking organizations and institution-affiliated parties. These enforcement actions may be initiated for violations of laws and regulations and unsafe or unsound practices. 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, the Bancorp and the Bank’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. Fifth Third could face serious negative consequences if its third-party service providers, business partners or investments fail to comply with applicable laws, rules or regulations. Fifth Third is expected to oversee the legal and regulatory compliance of its business endeavors, including those performed by third-party service providers, business partners, other vendors and certain companies in which Fifth Third has invested. Legal authorities and regulators could hold Fifth Third responsible for failures by these parties to comply with applicable laws, rules or regulations. These failures could expose Fifth Third to significant litigation or regulatory action that could limit its activities or impose significant fines or other financial losses. Additionally, Fifth Third could be subject to significant litigation from consumers or other parties harmed by these failures and could suffer significant losses of business and revenue, as well as reputational harm as a result of these failures. As a regulated entity, the Bancorp is subject to certain capital requirements that may limit its operations, potential growth and ability to pay or increase dividends on its common stock or to repurchase its capital stock. As a BHC and an FHC, the Bancorp 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. Failure by the Bank to meet applicable capital requirements could subject it to a variety of enforcement actions available to the federal regulatory authorities. These include limitations on the ability of the Bancorp to pay dividends and/or repurchase shares, the issuance by the regulatory authority of a capital directive to increase capital, loss of FHC status and the termination of deposit insurance by the FDIC. Furthermore, regulatory capital requirements may constrain the Bancorp’s ability to return capital to its shareholders. The FRB implemented the stress capital buffer (“SCB”) rule, which was effective for the Bancorp on October 1, 2020, pursuant to which the FRB will use the results of the supervisory stress tests required under the Dodd-Frank Act to determine the size of a large banking institution’s stress capital buffer requirement. The SCB rule replaces the previous 2.5% capital conservation buffer under the Basel III standardized approach. Our initial SCB requirement is 2.5%, for the period from October 1, 2020 to October 1, 2022, based on our 2020 stress testing results, subject to potential adjustments by the FRB. Further changes to applicable capital and liquidity requirements could result in unexpected or new limitations on our ability to pay dividends and engage in share repurchases. 40 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents In response to the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, certain large BHCs, including the Bancorp, were subject to certain limitations on share repurchases and dividend payments during the third and fourth quarters of 2020 and the first and second quarters of 2021. These restrictions were lifted effective June 30, 2021. Regulation of Fifth Third by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) imposes additional operational and compliance costs. The CFTC and SEC are primarily responsible for regulation of the U.S. derivatives markets. While most of the provisions related to derivatives markets are now in effect, several additional requirements await final regulations from the relevant regulatory agencies for derivatives, including the CFTC and the SEC. As a result of this regulatory regime, the CFTC has a meaningful supervisory role with respect to some of Fifth Third’s businesses. The Bank is provisionally registered as a swap dealer with the CFTC and is subject to certain 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 certain swaps designated by the relevant regulatory agencies as required to be cleared. Fifth Third’s derivatives activity is also subject to the U.S. banking regulators’ margin and segregation requirements for uncleared swaps. These requirements collectively impose implementation and ongoing compliance burdens on Fifth Third and introduce additional legal risk, including as a result of antifraud and anti-manipulation provisions and private rights of action. These rules raise the costs and liquidity burden associated with Fifth Third’s derivatives activities and could have an adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations. For more information, refer to Regulation and Supervision—Derivatives. Deposit insurance premiums levied against the Bank may increase if the number of bank failures increase or the cost of resolving failed banks increases. The FDIC maintains a Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”) to protect insured depositors in the event of bank failures. The DIF is funded by fees assessed on insured depository institutions including the Bank. Future deposit premiums paid by the Bank depend on FDIC rules, which are subject to change, the level of the DIF and the magnitude and cost of future bank failures. The 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. If an orderly liquidation of a systemically important BHC or non-bank financial company were triggered, Fifth Third could face assessments for the Orderly Liquidation Fund. Dodd-Frank created authority for the orderly liquidation of systemically important BHCs and non-bank financial companies and is based on the FDIC’s bank resolution model. The Secretary of the U.S. Treasury may trigger liquidation under this authority only after consultation with the President of the United States and after receiving a recommendation from the board of the FDIC and the FRB upon a two-thirds vote. Liquidation proceedings will be funded by the Orderly Liquidation Fund established under Dodd-Frank, 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. MARKET RISKS: INTEREST RATE RISKS AND PRICE RISKS The replacement of LIBOR could adversely affect Fifth Third’s revenue or expenses and the value of those assets or obligations. LIBOR and certain other “benchmarks” are the subject of recent national, international and other regulatory guidance and proposals for reform. These reforms may cause such benchmarks to perform differently than in the past or have other consequences which cannot be predicted. On July 27, 2017, the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”), which regulates LIBOR, publicly announced that it intends to stop persuading or compelling banks to submit LIBOR rates after 2021. Since then, central banks around the world, including the Federal Reserve, have commissioned working groups of market participants and official sector representatives with the goal of finding suitable replacements for LIBOR. On March 5, 2021, the FCA and ICE Benchmark Administration, Limited announced that the publication of the one-week and two-month U.S. Dollar (“USD”) LIBOR maturities and non-USD LIBOR maturities would cease immediately after December 31, 2021, with the remaining USD LIBOR maturities ceasing immediately after June 30, 2023. In the United States, the Alternative Rates Reference Committee (the “ARRC”), a group of market participants convened in 2014 to help ensure a successful transition away from USD LIBOR, identified the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) as its preferred alternative rate. SOFR is a broad measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight collateralized by Treasury securities, given the depth and robustness of the U.S. Treasury repurchase market. The composition and characteristics of SOFR are not the same as those of LIBOR, and SOFR is fundamentally different from LIBOR for two key reasons: (1) SOFR is a secured rate, while LIBOR is an unsecured rate, and (2) SOFR is an overnight rate, while LIBOR is a forward-looking rate that represents interbank funding over different maturities. Notably, other countries are introducing their own local-currency-denominated alternative reference rates for short-term lending, such as the Sterling Overnight Index Average (“SONIA”), the Swiss Average Rate Overnight (“SARON”), and the Tokyo Overnight Average Rate (“TONAR”), among others. 41 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents The market transition away from LIBOR to an alternative reference rate, such as SOFR, is complex and subjects Fifth Third to financial, legal and operational risks. In particular, any such transition could: • • • • • • adversely affect the interest rates paid or received on, and the revenue and expenses associated with, the Bancorp’s floating rate obligations, loans, deposits, derivatives and other financial instruments tied to LIBOR rates, or other securities or financial arrangements given LIBOR’s role in determining market interest rates globally; adversely affect the value of the Bancorp’s floating rate obligations, loans, deposits, derivatives and other financial instruments tied to LIBOR rates, or other securities or financial arrangements given LIBOR’s role in determining market interest rates globally; prompt inquiries or other actions from regulators in respect of the Bancorp’s preparation and readiness for the replacement of LIBOR with an alternative reference rate; result in certain LIBOR-based instruments such as the Bancorp's Series H, Series I and Series J preferred stock moving from floating-rate instruments to fixed-rate instruments if the fallback language is unable to be amended to adopt alternative rates; result in disputes, litigation or other actions with counterparties regarding the interpretation and enforceability of certain fallback language in LIBOR-based securities; and require the transition to or development of appropriate systems and analytics to effectively transition the Bancorp’s risk management processes from LIBOR-based products to those based on the applicable alternative pricing benchmark, such as SOFR or reformed SONIA. The manner and impact of this transition, as well as the effect of these developments on Fifth Third’s funding costs, loan and investment and trading securities portfolios, asset-liability management, and business, is uncertain. 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. Fifth Third has been, and will continue to be, impacted by general business and economic conditions in the United States. These conditions include short-term and long-term interest rates, inflation, money supply, political issues, legislative and regulatory changes, fluctuations in both debt and equity capital markets, broad trends in industry and finance, unemployment and the strength of the U.S. economy and the local economies in which Fifth Third operates, all of which are beyond Fifth Third’s control. Deterioration or continued weakness in any of these conditions could result in a decrease in demand for Fifth Third’s products and services, 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. Worldwide financial markets have recently experienced periods of extraordinary disruption and volatility, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in heightened credit risk, reduced valuation of investments, decreased economic activity, and inflation. Moreover, many companies have experienced reduced liquidity and uncertainty as to their ability to raise capital during such periods of market disruption and volatility. In the event that these conditions recur or result in a prolonged economic downturn, Fifth Third’s results of operations, financial position and/or liquidity could be materially and adversely affected. These market conditions may affect the Bancorp’s ability to access debt and equity capital markets. In addition, as a result of recent financial events, Fifth Third may face increased regulation. Many of the other risk factors discussed in this Risk Factors section identify risks that result from, or are exacerbated by, financial economic downturn. These include risks related to Fifth Third’s investments portfolio, the competitive environment and regulatory developments. Global and domestic political, social and economic uncertainties and changes may adversely affect Fifth Third. Global financial markets, including the United States, face political and economic uncertainties that may delay investment and hamper economic activity. International events such as trade disputes, separatist movements, leadership changes and political and military conflicts (such as the escalating military tension between Russia and Ukraine) could adversely affect global financial activity and markets and could negatively affect the U.S. economy. Additionally, the FRB and other major central banks have begun the process of removing or reducing monetary accommodation, increasing the risk of recession and may also negatively impact asset values and credit spreads that were impacted by extraordinary monetary stimulus. These potential negative effects on financial markets and economic activity could lead to reduced revenues, increased costs, increased credit risks and volatile markets, could adversely impact Fifth Third’s ability to raise liquidity via money and capital markets, and could negatively impact Fifth Third’s businesses, results of operations and financial condition. 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 in the U.S. or abroad and the policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies (in particular, the FRB). Changes in monetary policy, including changes in interest rates and inflation, could 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 as well as customers’ ability to repay loans. For example, a tightening of the money supply by the FRB could reduce the demand for a borrower’s products and services. This could adversely affect the borrower’s earnings and ability to repay a loan, which could have a material adverse effect on Fifth Third’s financial condition and results of operations. 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 42 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents Fifth Third, its customers and its shareholders. In addition, in response to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic consequences, the FRB lowered its target for the federal funds rate to a range of 0% to 0.25%. As a result of the high percentage of Fifth Third’s assets and liabilities that are in the form of interest-bearing or interest-related instruments, this change in interest rates could adversely affect Fifth Third’s profitability. Moreover, such low rates increase the risk in the U.S. of a negative interest rate environment in which interest rates drop below zero, either broadly or for some types of instruments. For example, yields on one-month and three-month Treasuries briefly dropped below zero in March 2020. Such an occurrence would likely further reduce the interest Fifth Third earns on loans and other earning assets. Fifth Third cannot predict the nature or timing of future changes in monetary policies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, or otherwise, or the precise effects that they may have on Fifth Third’s activities and financial results. 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. Market changes and trends may result in a decline in wealth and asset management revenue or investment or trading losses that may impact Fifth Third. Losses on behalf of its customers could expose Fifth Third to reputational issues, 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 Fifth Third’s income, cash flows and funding costs. 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, without limitation: • • • • • • • • • • 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 and changes in the regulatory regime; 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; U.S. and global economic conditions; natural disasters; geopolitical conditions such as acts or threats of terrorism, military conflicts and withdrawal from the EU by EU member countries. 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. Fifth Third’s mortgage banking net 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 mortgage servicing rights (“MSR”) 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 and price risks. 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 and price risks. STRATEGIC RISKS If Fifth Third does not respond to intense competition and rapid changes in the financial services industry or otherwise adapt to changing customer preferences, 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 as 43 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents well as large retailers who seek to offer one-stop financial services in addition to other products and services desired by consumers 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. Many of these other firms may be significantly larger than Fifth Third and may have access to customers and financial resources that are beyond Fifth Third’s capability. Fifth Third competes with these firms with respect to capital, access to capital, revenue generation, products, services, transaction execution, innovation, reputation, talent and price. This increasingly competitive environment is primarily a result of changes in customer preferences, regulation, changes in technology and product delivery systems, as well as the accelerating pace of consolidation among financial service providers. Rapidly changing technology and consumer preferences may require Fifth Third to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services in order to compete and meet customer demands. Fifth Third may not be able to do so or be successful in marketing these products and services to its customers. As a result, Fifth Third’s ability to effectively compete to retain or acquire new business may be impaired, and its business, financial condition or results of operations, may be adversely affected. Fifth Third may make strategic investments and may expand an existing line of business or enter into new lines of business to remain competitive. If Fifth Third’s chosen strategies are not appropriate to allow Fifth Third to effectively compete or Fifth Third does not execute them in an appropriate or timely manner, Fifth Third’s business and results 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 and cause Fifth Third to fail to meet its stated goals and expectations. 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 1,117 full-service banking centers, 15 parcels of land held for the development of future banking centers and 30 properties that are developed or in the process of being developed as branches, 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 technologies including automatic teller machines and other equipment, as well as changing work arrangements and 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. Difficulties in identifying suitable opportunities or combining the operations of acquired entities or assets with Fifth Third’s own operations or assessing the effectiveness of businesses in which Fifth Third makes strategic investments or with which Fifth Third enters into strategic contractual relationships may prevent Fifth Third from achieving the expected benefits from these acquisitions, investments or relationships. Inherent uncertainties exist when assessing, acquiring or integrating the operations of another business or investment or relationship opportunity. Fifth Third may not be able to fully achieve its strategic objectives and planned operating efficiencies relevant to an acquisition or strategic relationship. In addition, the markets and industries in which Fifth Third and its potential acquisition and investment targets operate are highly competitive. Acquisition or investment targets may lose customers or otherwise perform poorly or unprofitably, or in the case of an acquired business or strategic relationship, cause Fifth Third to lose customers or perform poorly or unprofitably. Future acquisition and investment activities and efforts to monitor newly acquired businesses or reap the benefits of a new strategic relationship may require Fifth Third to devote substantial time and resources and may cause these acquisitions, investments and relationships to be unprofitable or cause Fifth Third to be unable to pursue other business opportunities. After completing an acquisition, Fifth Third may find that certain material information was not adequately disclosed during the due diligence process or that certain items were 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 or assets. For example, Fifth Third could experience higher charge-offs than originally anticipated related to the acquired loan portfolio. Additionally, acquired companies or businesses may increase Fifth Third’s risk of regulatory action or restrictions related to the operations of the acquired business. 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, dislocations in capital markets and competitive pressures. 44 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents Fifth Third may sell or consider selling one or more of its businesses or investments. Should it determine to sell such a business or investment, 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 or investments, 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, investments and other assets that are not significantly synergistic with its core financial services businesses or, in the future, may no longer be aligned with Fifth Third’s strategic plans or regulatory expectations. If Fifth Third were to sell one or more of its businesses or investments, it would be subject to market forces that may affect the timing or pricing of such sale or result in an unsuccessful sale. If Fifth Third were to complete the sale of any of its businesses, investments and/or interests in third parties, it would lose the income from the sold businesses and/or interests, including those accounted for under the equity 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. REPUTATION RISKS Damage to Fifth Third’s reputation could harm its business. Fifth Third’s actual or alleged conduct in activities, such as certain sales and lending practices, data security, corporate governance and acquisitions, inappropriate behavior or misconduct of employees, failure to deliver minimum or required standards of service or quality, association with particular customers, business partners, investments or vendors, as well as developments from any of the other risks described above, may result in negative public opinion at large (or with certain segments of the public) and may damage Fifth Third’s reputation. Actions taken by government regulators, shareholder activists 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 or misinformation. Though Fifth Third monitors social media channels, the potential remains for rapid and widespread dissemination of inaccurate, misleading or false information or other negative 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. Social activists are increasingly targeting financial firms with public criticism for their relationships with clients that are engaged in certain sensitive industries (such as those which are carbon intensive), including businesses whose products are or are perceived to be harmful to health, the environment/climate or the social good. Activist criticism of Fifth Third’s relationships with clients in sensitive industries could potentially engender dissatisfaction among clients, customers, investors, politicians, the government and employees with how Fifth Third addresses social concerns through business activities which could negatively affect its business or reputation. Additionally, Fifth Third’s reputation may be harmed if it fails to properly identify and manage potential conflicts of interest. The failure to adequately address, or the perceived failure to adequately address, conflicts of interest could affect the willingness of clients to use Fifth Third’s products and services, or give rise to litigation or enforcement actions, which could adversely affect Fifth Third’s business. Fifth Third is subject to environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) risks that could adversely affect its reputation, the trading price of its common stock and/or its business, operations, and earnings. Certain organizations that provide corporate governance and other corporate risk information to investors and shareholders have developed scores and ratings to evaluate companies based upon ESG metrics. Currently, there are no universal standards for such scores or ratings, but the importance of ESG evaluations is becoming more broadly accepted by investors and shareholders. Views about ESG are diverse, dynamic, and rapidly changing, and if Fifth Third were to fail to maintain appropriate ESG practices and disclosures or be subject to a low ESG score or rating, Fifth Third could face potential negative ESG-related publicity in traditional and social media, including based on the identity of those Fifth Third chooses to do business with and the public’s view of those customers. If Fifth Third or its relationships with customers, vendors and suppliers were to become the subject of such negative publicity or low ESG scores or ratings, Fifth Third’s ability to attract and retain customers and employees may be negatively impacted and its stock price may also be impacted. Companies are facing increasing scrutiny from customers, regulators, investors, and other stakeholders related to their ESG practices and disclosure. For Fifth Third and others in the financial services industry, this focus extends to the practices and disclosures of the customers, counterparties, and service providers with whom Fifth Third chooses to do business. Investor advocacy groups, investment funds and influential investors are also increasingly focused on these practices, especially as they relate to the environment, health and safety, diversity, labor conditions and human rights, and certain investors are beginning to incorporate the business risks of climate change and the adequacy of companies’ responses to climate change and other ESG matters as part of their investment theses. New government regulations could also result in new or more stringent forms of ESG oversight and expanding mandatory and voluntary reporting, diligence and disclosure. Failure to adapt to or comply with regulatory requirements or investor or stakeholder expectations and standards could negatively impact Fifth Third’s reputation, ability to do business with certain partners, access to capital, and its stock price. While Fifth Third has ESG initiatives there can be no assurance that regulators, customers, investors, and employees will determine that these programs are sufficiently robust. In addition, there can be no assurance that Fifth Third will be able to attain its announced goals related to its ESG program, as statements regarding its ESG goals reflect Fifth Third’s current plans and aspirations and are not guarantees that it will be able to achieve them within the timelines it announces or at all. Actual or perceived shortcomings with respect to these ESG initiatives and reporting can impact Fifth Third’s ability to hire and retain employees, increase its customer base, or attract and retain certain types of investors. In addition, certain organizations that provide corporate governance and other corporate risk information to investors and shareholders have developed scores and 45 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents ratings to evaluate companies based upon ESG metrics. Collecting, measuring, and reporting ESG information and metrics can be costly, difficult and time consuming, is subject to evolving reporting standards, and can present numerous operational, reputational, financial, legal and other risks, any of which could have a material impact, including on Fifth Third’s reputation and stock price. Inadequate processes to collect and review this information prior to disclosure could be subject to potential liability related to such information. GENERAL BUSINESS RISKS 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 regulatory agencies, periodically change the 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. 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 and other purposes. The models used may not accurately account for all variables, 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. Also, information Fifth Third provides to the public or to its regulators based on models could be inaccurate or misleading due to inadequate design or implementation, for example. Decisions that its regulators make, including those related to capital distributions to its shareholders, could be affected adversely due to the perception that the models used to generate the relevant information are unreliable or inadequate. The preparation of financial statements requires Fifth Third to make subjective determinations and use estimates that may vary from actual results and materially impact its results of operations or financial position. 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 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation for more information regarding management’s significant estimates. Global climate change, natural disasters or health emergencies may have an effect on the performance of Fifth Third’s loan portfolios, thereby adversely impacting its results of operations. Fifth Third’s footprint stretches from the upper Midwestern to lower Southeastern regions of the United States and it has offices in many other areas of the country. Some of these regions have experienced weather events including hurricanes, tornadoes, fires 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. Additionally, the impact of widespread health emergencies may adversely impact Fifth Third’s results of operations, such as the potential impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. If its borrowers are adversely affected due to a widespread health emergency that impacts Fifth Third employees, vendors or economic growth generally, Fifth Third’s financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected. Societal responses to climate change could adversely affect Fifth Third’s business and performance, including indirectly through impacts on Fifth Third’s customers. Concerns over the long-term impacts of climate change have led and may continue to lead to governmental efforts around the world to mitigate those impacts. Consumers and businesses also may change their behavior on their own as a result of these concerns. Fifth Third and its customers will need to respond to new laws and regulations, as well as consumer and business preferences resulting from climate change concerns. Fifth Third and its customers may face cost increases, asset value reductions, operating process changes, and the like. The impact on Fifth Third’s customers will likely vary depending on their specific attributes, including reliance on or role in carbon intensive activities. Fifth Third could experience a drop in demand for its products and services, particularly in certain sectors. In addition, Fifth Third could face reductions in creditworthiness on the part of some customers or in the value of assets securing loans. Fifth Third’s efforts to take these risks into account in making lending and other decisions, including by increasing business relationships with climate-friendly companies, may not be effective in protecting Fifth Third from the negative impact of new laws and regulations or changes in consumer or business behavior. 46 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents Potential noncompliance with evolving federal and state laws governing cannabis-related businesses (“CRBs”) could subject Fifth Third to liabilities. While a significant majority of states have legalized some form of marijuana, it remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law. Hemp is no longer classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law; however, the regulatory scheme governing hemp has not been fully developed. Further, the “naked eye” cannot distinguish between legal hemp and illegal marijuana under federal law. There are a number of states where Fifth Third operates with laws permitting medicinal or recreational marijuana, which increases the probability of individuals or entities using bank products or services to sell, distribute, cultivate, manufacture or profit from marijuana. This, and the divergence and continued changes in laws governing CRBs results in challenges to Fifth Third to maintain compliance with them, particularly in connection with Fifth Third's commercial and consumer lending and capital markets businesses. While Fifth Third monitors regulatory developments in this area to avoid noncompliance, Fifth Third cannot assure that it will be at all times fully compliant with CRB-related laws, which could result in significant fines, penalties or other losses. The COVID-19 pandemic creates significant risks and uncertainties for Fifth Third’s business. In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) a global pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the global economy, disrupted global supply chains, created significant volatility and disruption in financial markets and increased unemployment levels, all of which may become heightened concerns upon subsequent waves of infection or future developments. In addition, the pandemic resulted in temporary closures of many businesses and the institution of social distancing and sheltering in place requirements in many states and communities, including those in major markets in which the Bancorp is located or does business. As a result, the demand for the Bancorp’s products and services has been, and is expected to continue to be, significantly impacted. Furthermore, the pandemic could influence the recognition of credit losses in the Bancorp’s loan and lease portfolios and increase its allowance for credit losses as both businesses and consumers are negatively impacted by the economic downturn. In addition, governmental actions are meaningfully influencing the interest-rate environment, which could continue to adversely affect the Bancorp’s results of operations and financial condition. The business operations of subsidiaries of the Bancorp, such as Fifth Third Bank, National Association, have been, and may also be disrupted in the future, if significant portions of their workforce are unable to work effectively, including because of illness, quarantines, government actions, travel restrictions, technology limitations and/or disruptions or other restrictions in connection with the pandemic. Furthermore, the business operations of subsidiaries of the Bancorp have been, and may again in the future be, disrupted due to vendors and third-party service providers being unable to work or provide services effectively, including because of illness, quarantines, government actions, or other restrictions in connection with the pandemic. An increase in the remote work force due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the potential for a long-term change in Fifth Third’s remote work strategy may also increase risks related to cybersecurity and information security. State and local guidelines continue to evolve, and the operation of a hybrid workplace may negatively impact Fifth Third’s ability to attract and retain qualified personnel. Even after the market fully recovers from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, differences in the demands, expectations and priorities of the workforce may require Fifth Third to rethink and amend its recruiting and retention strategies in order to attract and keep new employees. In response to the pandemic, the Bancorp provided financial hardship relief to borrowers that were negatively impacted by the pandemic and its related economic impacts. These programs included payment deferrals and forbearances for both commercial and retail borrowers. The Bancorp had temporarily suspended initiating any new repossession actions on vehicles and temporarily suspended all residential foreclosure activity. Repossession actions and residential foreclosure activity have since resumed. It is uncertain how effective these programs have been in mitigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Bancorp’s customers and there is potential that these actions may adversely affect the Bancorp’s business and results of operations more substantially over a longer period of time. Governmental authorities have taken significant measures to provide economic assistance to households and businesses, to stabilize the markets and to support economic growth. For example, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the FRB and other U.S. state and federal financial regulatory agencies took action to mitigate the resulting disruptions to economic activity and financial stability by implementing a number of facilities to provide emergency liquidity to various segments of the U.S. economy and financial markets. Many of these facilities expired on or before December 31, 2020 or were extended for brief periods into 2021. The expiration of these facilities could have an adverse effect on U.S. economy and ultimately on the Bancorp’s business. Among other relief programs, the Bancorp participated in the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program. Paycheck Protection Program loans are fixed, unsecured, low interest rate loans that are guaranteed by the SBA and subject to numerous other regulatory requirements, and a borrower may apply to have all or a portion of the loan forgiven. If Paycheck Protection Program borrowers fail to qualify for loan forgiveness, the Bancorp faces a heightened risk of holding these loans at unfavorable interest rates for an extended period of time. While the Paycheck Protection Program loans are guaranteed by the SBA, the Bancorp’s ability to fully recover against the loan guarantee or to seek full recourse against the borrower may be limited in certain circumstances. If a borrower defaults on a Paycheck Protection Program loan, these requirements and uncertainties may limit the Bancorp’s ability to fully recover against the loan guarantee or to seek full recourse against the borrower. These assistance efforts may adversely affect the Bancorp’s revenue and results of operations and may make the Bancorp’s results more difficult to forecast. Further, the timing and amount of forgiveness to which the Bancorp’s borrowers will be entitled cannot be predicted. The Paycheck Protection Program and other government programs in which the Bancorp may participate are complex and the Bancorp’s participation may lead to governmental and regulatory scrutiny, negative publicity and damage to the Bancorp’s reputation. 47 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents In recent months, infection and hospitalization rates in certain regions in the U.S., Europe and elsewhere have been fluctuating, in many cases notwithstanding concurrently increasing rates of vaccination, largely due to the emergence of discovered variants that are thought to be more contagious (such as the increasingly widespread “Delta variant” and the more recent “Omicron variant”). Vaccines for COVID-19 have been developed and are being administered in the U.S. and other countries around the world, but the expansion of administering these vaccines to additional people within these and other countries, the long-term efficacy of these vaccines, and the receptivity of many people to receiving these vaccines all remain uncertain. The Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has withdrawn their Emergency Temporary Standard that would have required private employers with at least 100 employees to mandate vaccinations and/or testing for employees after the Supreme Court stayed its enforcement. However, the mandate is still a proposed rule and may go into effect in part or in full in the future, in which case the Bancorp’s labor needs, revenues, costs, and operations could be affected. Additional vaccine mandates may also be implemented in jurisdictions in which the Bancorp operates. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacts the Bancorp’s business, results of operations, and financial condition, as well as its regulatory capital and liquidity ratios, will depend on highly uncertain future developments, including the scope and duration of the pandemic (including the possibility of further surges of COVID-19 and any virus variants, which may or may not respond to available vaccinations), the timing and efficacy of the vaccination program in the U.S. and further actions taken by governmental authorities and other third parties in response to the pandemic. Government actions to mitigate the economic suffering caused by the COVID-19 pandemic may not be successful or may result in increased pressure on the banking sector, which could adversely affect the Bancorp’s business, results of operations and financial condition more substantially over a longer period of time. In addition, the unique historical nature of the pandemic and the unprecedented level of governmental response may also significantly impact the Bancorp’s ability to effectively manage its business or predict future performance. As the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, the U.S. economy may require some time to fully recover from its effects, the length of which is unknown. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic may heighten many of the other risks described in Item 1A. Risk Factors of the Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or Current Report on Form 8-K, including, but not limited to, risks of credit deterioration, interest rate changes, rating agency actions, governmental actions, market volatility, theft, fraud, security breaches and technology interruptions. 48 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS There are no SEC staff comments regarding the Bancorp’s periodic or current reports under the Exchange Act that are pending resolution. ITEM 2. PROPERTIES The Bancorp’s executive offices and the main office of the Bank are located on Fountain Square Plaza in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio in a 32- story office tower and a five-story office building with an attached parking garage known as the Fifth Third Center and the William S. Rowe Building, respectively. The Bancorp’s main operations campus is located in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is comprised of a three-story building with an attached parking garage known as the George A. Schaefer, Jr. Operations Center, and a two-story building with surface parking known as the Madisonville Office Building. The Bank owns 100% of these buildings. At December 31, 2021, the Bancorp, through its banking and non-banking subsidiaries, operated 1,117 banking centers, of which 767 were owned, 224 were leased and 126 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, West Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. The Bancorp’s significant owned properties are owned free from mortgages and major encumbrances. ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS Refer to Note 19 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report for information regarding legal proceedings, which is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES Not applicable. 49 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS 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, 2022 are listed below along with their business experience during the past five years: Greg D. Carmichael, 60. Chairman of the Board since February 2018 and Chief Executive Officer of the Bancorp since November 2015. Previously, Mr. Carmichael was President of the Bancorp from September 2012 to October 2020, 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. Kristine R. Garrett, 63. Executive Vice President and Head of Wealth & Asset Management since November 2020. Previously she was Senior Vice President and Head of Wealth & Asset Management from July 2019 to November 2020 and Head of Fifth Third Private Bank from October 2017 until July 2019. Previously, she was President of Private Wealth in Chicago at CIBC U.S. from 2009 to 2017. Kala J. Gibson, 49. Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer since February 2022. Mr. Gibson has been an Executive Vice President of the Bancorp since June 2019. Previously, Mr. Gibson served as Head of Business Banking and Chief Enterprise Corporate Responsibility Officer from December 2020 to February 2022, Head of Business Banking from September 2013 to December 2020, Senior Vice President from September 2011 to June 2019, and Business Banking Executive for Fifth Third’s East Michigan Region from July 2011 to September 2013. Howard Hammond, 56. Executive Vice President and Head of Consumer Bank since February 2021. Previously, he was Senior Vice President and Head of Retail Banking and Retail Brokerage from April 2020 through February 2021, Head of Retail and Brokerage Distribution from June 2019 through April 2020, and Head Managing Director of Fifth Third Securities from March 2006 through June 2019. Mark D. Hazel, 56. Executive Vice President and Controller of the Bancorp since February 2010. Mr. Hazel has been an Executive Vice President of the Bancorp since September 2021. Previously, Mr. Hazel was the Assistant Bancorp Controller since 2006 and was the Controller of Nonbank entities since 2003. Kevin P. Lavender, 60. Executive Vice President and Head of Commercial Banking of the Bancorp since January 2020. Mr. Lavender has been Executive Vice President of the Bank since 2016 and was the Head of Corporate Banking from 2016 to January 2020. Previously, Mr. Lavender was Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Large Corporate and Specialized Lending from January 2009 to 2016 and the Senior Vice President and Head of National Healthcare Lending from December 2005 to January 2009. James C. Leonard, 52. Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since November 2020. Mr. Leonard has been an Executive Vice President of the Bancorp since September 2015. Previously, Mr. Leonard was Chief Risk Officer from February 2020 to November 2020, Treasurer of the Bancorp from October 2013 to January 2020, 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 2006. Nancy C. Pinckney, 58. Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer since September 2021. Previously, Ms. Pinckney was Senior Vice President and Director of Human Capital Business Consulting from February 2012 through September 2021 and Director of Employee Relations from March 2010 to February 2012. Prior to that, she held various positions within Fifth Third’s human resources division. Jude A. Schramm, 49. Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer since March 2018. Previously, Mr. Schramm served as Chief Information Officer for GE Aviation and held various positions at GE beginning in 2001. Robert P. Shaffer, 52. Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer since November 2020. Previously, Mr. Shaffer was Chief Human Resource Officer from February 2017 to November 2020 and Chief Auditor from August 2007 to February 2017. He was named Executive Vice President in 2010 and Senior Vice President in 2004. Prior to that, he held various positions within Fifth Third’s audit division. Timothy N. Spence, 43. President since October 2020. Previously, Mr. Spence was Executive Vice President and Head of Consumer Bank, Payments, and Strategy of the Bancorp from August 2018 to October 2020, Head of Payments, Strategy and Digital Solutions from 2017 to 2020, and Chief Strategy Officer of the Bancorp from September 2015 to October 2020. He also previously served as a senior partner in the Financial Services practice at Oliver Wyman since 2006, a global strategy and risk management consulting firm. Richard L. Stein, 52. Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer since November 2020. Mr. Stein has been an Executive Vice President of the Bancorp since April 2016. Previously, Mr. Stein was Chief Credit Officer from March 2018 through November 2020, Head of the Commercial Bank from March 2016 through March 2018 and Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer from November 2014 through March 2016. 50 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents Melissa S. Stevens, 47. Executive Vice President and Chief Digital Officer and Head of Digital, Marketing, Design and Innovation since November 2020. Previously, Ms. Stevens served as Senior Vice President, Chief Digital Officer, and Head of Omnichannel Banking Experiences, Design, and Innovation from May 2016 through November 2020. Prior to joining Fifth Third, she served in several senior management positions at Citigroup, including Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of Citi FinTech from November 2015 through April 2016. Susan B. Zaunbrecher, 62. Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer of the Bancorp since May 2018. Previously, Ms. Zaunbrecher was a partner at the law firm Dinsmore and Shohl LLP, where she practiced for 28 years and served as the Chair of the Corporate Department and a member of the firm’s board of directors and executive committee. 51 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents 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. 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, which is incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, as of December 31, 2021, the Bancorp had 35,266 common shareholders of record. Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities Period October 1 - October 31, 2021 November 1 - November 30, 2021 December 1 - December 31, 2021 Total Total Number of Shares Purchased(a) 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 6,302,831 18,150 1,133,783 7,454,764 $ $ 43.39 44.30 43.37 43.39 6,211,841 — 1,072,572 7,284,413 41,857,841 41,857,841 40,785,269 40,785,269 (a) Include 170,351 shares repurchased during the fourth quarter of 2021 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. See further discussion on share repurchase transactions and stock-based compensation in Note 24 and Note 25 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, which is incorporated herein by reference. 52 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents 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 five and ten year periods ended December 31, 2021, respectively, compared to the S&P 500 Stock, the S&P Banks and the KBW Banks indices. FIFTH THIRD BANCORP VS. MARKET INDICES 53 Fifth Third Bancorp Total Return Index5 Year ReturnFITBS&P 500 (SPX)S&P Banks Index (BIX)KBW Banks Index (BKX)201620172018201920202021(20)%0%20%40%60%80%100%120%140%Total Return Index10 Year ReturnFITBS&P 500 (SPX)S&P Banks Index (BIX)KBW Bank Index (BKX)20112012201320142015201620172018201920202021(50)%0%50%100%150%200%250%300%350%400%Table of Contents 2021 ANNUAL REPORT FINANCIAL CONTENTS Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Overview Non-GAAP Financial Measures Recent Accounting Standards Critical Accounting Policies Statements of Income Analysis Business Segment Review Balance Sheet Analysis Risk Management - Overview Credit Risk Management Interest Rate and Price Risk Management Liquidity Risk Management Operational Risk Management Legal and Regulatory Compliance Risk Management Capital Management Report 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 Dividends and Capital Actions Investment Securities Loans and Leases Credit Quality and the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses Bank Premises and Equipment Operating Lease Equipment Lease Obligations – Lessee Goodwill Intangible Assets Variable Interest Entities Sales of Receivables and Servicing Rights Derivative Financial Instruments Other Assets Short-Term Borrowings 132 Long-Term Debt 147 Commitments, Contingent Liabilities and Guarantees 147 Legal and Regulatory Proceedings 148 Related Party Transactions 151 Income Taxes 153 Retirement and Benefit Plans 164 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income 165 Common, Preferred and Treasury Stock 165 Stock-Based Compensation 167 Other Noninterest Income and Other Noninterest Expense 168 Earnings Per Share 169 Fair Value Measurements 172 Regulatory Capital Requirements and Capital Ratios 174 Parent Company Financial Statements 180 Business Segments 181 Management’s Assessment as to the Effectiveness of Internal Control over Financial Reporting Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Consolidated Ten Year Comparison Directors and Officers Corporate Information 225 226 234 235 54 Fifth Third Bancorp 55 56 62 64 64 69 77 84 91 92 111 117 119 120 121 124 126 127 128 129 131 182 186 190 193 194 196 199 201 203 207 208 209 218 219 221 Table of Contents GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS Condition and Results of Operations IPO: Initial Public Offering IRC: Internal Revenue Code IRLC: Interest Rate Lock Commitment IRS: Internal Revenue Service ISDA: International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. LIBOR: London Interbank Offered Rate LIHTC: Low-Income Housing Tax Credit LLC: Limited Liability Company LTV: Loan-to-Value Ratio MD&A: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial 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. ACL: Allowance for Credit Losses AFS: Available-For-Sale ALCO: Asset Liability Management Committee ALLL: Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses AOCI: Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) APR: Annual Percentage Rate ARM: Adjustable Rate Mortgage ASC: Accounting Standards Codification ASU: Accounting Standards Update ATM: Automated Teller Machine BHC: Bank Holding Company BOLI: Bank Owned Life Insurance bps: Basis Points CARES: Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security CCAR: Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review CD: Certificate of Deposit CDC: Fifth Third Community Development Corporation CECL: Current Expected Credit Loss CET1: Common Equity Tier 1 CFPB: United States Consumer Financial Protection Bureau C&I: Commercial and Industrial DCF: Discounted Cash Flow DTCC: Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation DTI: Debt-to-Income Ratio ERM: Enterprise Risk Management ERMC: Enterprise Risk Management Committee EVE: Economic Value of Equity FASB: Financial Accounting Standards Board FDIC: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation FHA: Federal Housing Administration FHLB: Federal Home Loan Bank FHLMC: Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation FICO: Fair Isaac Corporation (credit rating) FINRA: Financial Industry Regulatory Authority FNMA: Federal National Mortgage Association FOMC: Federal Open Market Committee FRB: Federal Reserve Bank FTE: Fully Taxable Equivalent FTP: Funds Transfer Pricing FTS: Fifth Third Securities, Inc. GDP: Gross Domestic Product GNMA: Government National Mortgage Association GSE: United States Government Sponsored Enterprise HTM: Held-To-Maturity MSR: Mortgage Servicing Right N/A: Not Applicable NAV: Net Asset Value NII: Net Interest Income NM: Not Meaningful 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 PCD: Purchased Credit Deteriorated PPP: Paycheck Protection Program PSA: Performance Share Award RCC: Risk and Compliance Committee ROU: Right-of-Use RSA: Restricted Stock Award RSU: Restricted Stock Unit SAR: Stock Appreciation Right SBA: Small Business Administration SEC: United States Securities and Exchange Commission SOFR: Secured Overnight Financing Rate TBA: To Be Announced TDR: Troubled Debt Restructuring TILA: Truth in Lending Act TRA: Tax Receivable Agreement TruPS: Trust Preferred Securities U.S.: United States of America USD: United States Dollar U.S. GAAP: United States Generally Accepted Accounting VA: United States Department of Veterans Affairs VIE: Variable Interest Entity VRDN: Variable Rate Demand Note Principles 55 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS ITEM 7. 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. The Bancorp’s banking subsidiary is referred to as the Bank. OVERVIEW 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 understanding of trends, events, commitments, uncertainties, 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, net interest rate spread 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 leases 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 FTE basis for presenting net interest income is a non-GAAP measure. For further information, refer to the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of MD&A. The Bancorp’s revenues are dependent on both net interest income and noninterest income. For the year ended December 31, 2021, net interest income on an FTE basis and noninterest income provided 61% and 39% of total revenue, respectively. The Bancorp derives the majority of its revenues within the U.S. from customers domiciled in the U.S. Revenue from foreign countries and external customers domiciled in foreign countries was immaterial to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2021. 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 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 loss 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. Noninterest income is derived from commercial banking revenue, service charges on deposits, wealth and asset management revenue, card and processing revenue, leasing business revenue, mortgage banking net revenue, other noninterest income and net securities gains or losses. Noninterest expense includes compensation and benefits, technology and communications, net occupancy expense, equipment expense, leasing business expense, marketing expense, card and processing expense and other noninterest expense. COVID-19 Global Pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic created significant economic uncertainty and financial disruptions during the year ended December 31, 2020, which continued during 2021. Government and public responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, including temporary closures of businesses and the implementation of social distancing protocols, caused reductions and instability in economic activity that resulted in increased unemployment levels in certain industries and volatility in the financial markets. Markets continue to remain volatile as a result of the pandemic and its evolving impacts, including inflationary concerns as well as stresses in labor markets and supply chains. During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, low interest rates, reduced economic activity and market volatility have had the most immediate negative impacts on the Bancorp’s performance. The Bancorp is unable to estimate the extent of the impact that these factors have had on its operating results since the pandemic began and these factors may adversely impact its future operating results. Although the increased availability of COVID-19 vaccinations has begun to mitigate the public health effects of the pandemic, there has been a rise of certain variants of COVID-19 and slowing progress on vaccination rates. The recovery from the related economic crisis continues to disproportionately affect certain industries, geographies and demographics more than others, and when combined with the unprecedented nature of the government response to the pandemic, it becomes difficult to predict the extent to which the pandemic will continue to adversely impact the Bancorp and its customers. Furthermore, resurgence risk remains as new virus variants are identified. The Bancorp continues to closely monitor the pandemic and its effects on customers, employees, communities and markets. 56 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The Bancorp has provided a variety of relief options for both commercial and consumer customers that were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including loan covenant relief, loan maturity extensions, payment deferrals, forbearances and fee waivers. For further information about these programs, refer to the Credit Risk Management subsection of the Risk Management section of MD&A included herein, and also Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Government Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic Congress, the FRB and the other U.S. state and federal financial regulatory agencies have taken actions to mitigate disruptions to economic activity and financial stability resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The descriptions below summarize certain significant government actions taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The descriptions are qualified in their entirety by reference to the particular statutory or regulatory provisions or government programs summarized. The CARES Act The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020 and has subsequently been amended several times, including by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. Among other provisions, the CARES Act included funding for the SBA to expand lending, relief from certain U.S. GAAP requirements to allow COVID-19-related loan modifications to not be categorized as TDRs, direct stimulus payments and a range of incentives to encourage deferment, forbearance or modification of consumer credit and mortgage contracts. One of the key CARES Act programs is the Paycheck Protection Program, discussed further below, which temporarily expanded the SBA’s business loan guarantee program. The CARES Act contained additional protections for homeowners and renters of properties with federally-backed mortgages, including a 60- day moratorium on the initiation of foreclosure proceedings beginning on March 18, 2020 and a 120-day moratorium on initiating eviction proceedings effective March 27, 2020. Borrowers of federally-backed mortgages had the right under the CARES Act to request up to 360 days of forbearance on their mortgage payments if they experienced financial hardship directly or indirectly due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. The foreclosure moratorium and forbearance provisions of the CARES Act expired in 2020 but the FHA and Federal Housing Finance Agency independently extended these assistance programs. The extended foreclosure moratorium expired in the third quarter of 2021. COVID-19 related forbearance opportunities for new enrollees were set to expire on September 30, 2021, though this has been revised and currently the program has no set end date. The provisions set forth in Section 4013 of the CARES Act related to TDRs expired on January 1, 2022. Future loan modifications will be assessed based on existing TDR evaluation policies as appropriate. Also pursuant to the CARES Act, the U.S. Treasury had authority to provide loans, guarantees and other investments in support of eligible businesses, states and municipalities affected by the economic effects of COVID-19. Some of these funds have been used to support several FRB programs and facilities described below or additional programs or facilities that are established by its authority under Section 13(3) of the Federal Reserve Act that meet certain criteria. FRB Actions The FRB has taken a range of actions to support the flow of credit to households and businesses, offset forced liquidations and restore liquidity in the financial markets due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, on March 15, 2020, the FRB reduced the target range for the federal funds rate to 0 to 0.25% and announced that it would increase its holdings of U.S. Treasury securities and agency mortgage-backed securities and begin purchasing agency commercial mortgage-backed securities. The FRB has also encouraged depository institutions to borrow from the discount window and has lowered the primary credit rate for such borrowings by 150 basis points while extending the term of such loans up to 90 days. Reserve requirement ratios were reduced to zero effective March 26, 2020. During late 2021, the FRB stated that it will begin to reduce some of the monetary stimulus put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which could include raising the target range for the federal funds rate and reducing the size of its holdings of securities. The FRB has indicated that it has no plans to re- impose reserve requirements but may do so in the future if conditions warrant. In addition, the FRB established a range of facilities and programs to support the U.S. economy and U.S. marketplace participants in response to economic disruptions associated with COVID-19. Through these facilities and programs, the FRB, relying on its authority under Section 13(3) of the Federal Reserve Act, has taken steps to directly or indirectly purchase assets from, or make loans to, U.S. companies, financial institutions, municipalities and other market participants. Paycheck Protection Program The Bancorp is a participating lender in the PPP, which is a program administered by the SBA to provide forgivable, guaranteed loans to eligible borrowers that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. As of December 31, 2021, the Bancorp held PPP loans with a carrying amount of $1.3 billion under the program. PPP loans are available to a broader range of entities than ordinary SBA loans, require deferral of principal and interest repayment, and may be forgiven if the borrower demonstrates that the loan proceeds were used for qualified payroll costs and certain other expenses. The PPP was expanded to permit second and third rounds of funding, including for certain borrowers who have already received a PPP loan, subject to certain conditions. The PPP was closed to new originations during the second quarter of 2021. 57 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS American Rescue Plan Act The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which was signed into law on March 11, 2021, provided additional relief for businesses, states, municipalities and individuals by, among other things, allocating additional funds for the PPP, providing a third round of economic impact payments to individuals, extending supplemental federal unemployment benefits and providing advance payments of an expanded child tax credit. The impacts of the stimulus on the Bancorp’s business, results of operations and financial condition are highly uncertain and will depend on future developments, including the scope and duration of the pandemic and its impact on the economy in general. CFPB Final Rule for COVID-19 Mortgage Servicing The CFPB issued a final rule, effective August 31, 2021, that amended Regulation X to provide foreclosure protections to borrowers as the federally-backed COVID-19 foreclosure protections expire. The CFPB’s final rule effectively prohibited new foreclosure filings through December 31, 2021, unless certain procedural safeguards were met or an exception applied. Mortgage servicing rules generally prohibit servicers from offering a borrower a loss mitigation option based on the evaluation of an incomplete loss mitigation application; however, the final rule created a new exception that permits servicers to offer certain streamlined loan modifications to borrowers with COVID-19 related hardships based on the evaluation of an incomplete application. The final rule also made temporary changes to certain required servicer communications that borrowers receive regarding their loss mitigation options. Accelerated Share Repurchase Transactions The Bancorp entered into and settled a number of accelerated share repurchase transactions during the year ended December 31, 2021. 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. Refer to Note 24 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on share repurchase activity. The following table presents a summary of the Bancorp’s accelerated share repurchase transactions that were entered into and settled during the year ended December 31, 2021: TABLE 1: Summary of Accelerated Share Repurchase Transactions Repurchase Date January 26, 2021 April 23, 2021 July 27, 2021(a) October 29, 2021 Amount ($ in millions) $ 180 347 550 316 Shares Repurchased on Repurchase Date Shares Received from Forward Contract Settlement Total Shares Repurchased 4,951,456 7,894,807 13,065,958 6,211,841 366,939 675,295 1,413,211 1,072,572 5,318,395 8,570,102 14,479,169 7,284,413 Final Settlement Date March 31, 2021 June 11, 2021 September 29, 2021 December 2, 2021 (a) This accelerated share repurchase transaction consisted of two supplemental confirmations each with a notional amount of $275 million. Senior Notes Offering On November 1, 2021, the Bancorp issued and sold $500 million of fixed-rate/floating-rate senior notes which will mature on November 1, 2027. The senior notes bear a fixed rate of interest of 1.707% per annum to, but excluding, November 1, 2026. From, and including, November 1, 2026 until, but excluding, November 1, 2027, the senior notes will have an interest rate of compounded SOFR plus 0.685%. For more information, refer to Note 17 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. LIBOR Transition In July 2017, the Chief Executive of the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”), which regulates LIBOR, announced that the FCA will stop persuading or compelling banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR to the administrator of LIBOR after 2021. Since then, central banks around the world, including the Federal Reserve, have commissioned working groups of market participants and official sector representatives with the goal of finding suitable replacements for LIBOR. On March 5, 2021, the FCA and ICE Benchmark Administration, Limited announced that the publication of the one-week and two-month USD LIBOR maturities and non-USD LIBOR maturities would cease immediately after December 31, 2021, with the remaining USD LIBOR maturities ceasing immediately after June 30, 2023. In the United States, the Alternative Rates Reference Committee (the “ARRC”), a group of market participants convened in 2014 to help ensure a successful transition away from USD LIBOR, identified SOFR as its preferred alternative rate. SOFR is a measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight, collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities, and is based on directly observable U.S. Treasury-backed repurchase transactions. The composition and characteristics of SOFR are not the same as those of LIBOR, and SOFR is fundamentally different from LIBOR for two key reasons: (1) SOFR is a secured rate, while LIBOR is an unsecured rate, and (2) SOFR is an overnight rate, while LIBOR is a forward-looking rate that represents interbank funding over different maturities. As a result, there can be no assurance that SOFR, however calculated, will perform the same way as LIBOR would have at any time, including, as a result of changes in interest and yield rates in the market, market volatility, or global or regional economic, financial, political, regulatory, judicial or other events. 58 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS At this time, it is not possible to predict the effect of these changes, any establishment of alternative reference rates or other reforms to LIBOR that may be enacted in the United States, United Kingdom or elsewhere or, whether the COVID-19 pandemic will have further effect on LIBOR transition plans. The Bancorp’s LIBOR transition plan is organized around key work streams, including continued engagement with central banks and industry working groups and regulators, active client engagement, comprehensive review of legacy documentation, internal operational and technological readiness, and risk management, among other things, to facilitate the transition to alternative reference rates. Although the full impact of LIBOR reforms and actions remains unclear, as of December 31, 2021, the Bancorp has substantially discontinued entering into new LIBOR-based contracts in accordance with regulatory guidance, except for permissible limited use as part of hedging and risk management programs. During the fourth quarter of 2021, the Bancorp expanded its offering of alternative reference rate products, including SOFR. In addition, the Bancorp is continuing its transition of existing LIBOR-based exposures to an appropriate alternative reference rate on or before June 30, 2023. As of December 31, 2021, the Bancorp had substantial exposure to LIBOR-based products throughout several of its lines of business. These exposures included derivative contracts with a total notional value of approximately $110 billion, loans outstanding of approximately $53 billion, preferred stock of approximately $1.4 billion and long-term debt of approximately $535 million. The Bancorp currently estimates that approximately 20% of the existing exposures will mature before June 30, 2023. For the contracts that will not mature prior to June 30, 2023, an additional portion of these contracts is subject to contractual terms specifying alternative reference rates (“fallback provisions”) that would become effective upon cessation of LIBOR’s publication. Existing exposures without fallback provisions are expected to be amended prior to June 30, 2023 to include such terms or transition to an alternative reference rate. For a further discussion of the various risks the Bancorp faces in connection with the replacement of LIBOR on its operations, see “Risk Factors—Market Risks—The replacement of LIBOR could adversely affect Fifth Third’s revenue or expenses and the value of those assets or obligations.” in Item 1A. Risk Factors of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Key Performance Indicators The Bancorp, as a banking institution, utilizes various key indicators of financial condition and operating results in managing and monitoring the performance of the business. In addition to traditional financial metrics, such as revenue and expense trends, the Bancorp monitors other financial measures that assist in evaluating growth trends, capital strength and operational efficiencies. The Bancorp analyzes these key performance indicators against its past performance, its forecasted performance and with the performance of its peer banking institutions. These indicators may change from time to time as the operating environment and businesses change. The following are some of the key indicators used by management to assess the Bancorp’s business performance, including those which are considered in the Bancorp’s compensation programs: • • • • • • • • • CET1 Capital Ratio: CET1 capital divided by risk-weighted assets as defined by the Basel III standardized approach to risk- weighting of assets Return on Average Tangible Common Equity (non-GAAP): Tangible net income available to common shareholders divided by average tangible common equity Net Interest Margin (non-GAAP): Net interest income on an FTE basis divided by average interest-earning assets Efficiency Ratio (non-GAAP): Noninterest expense divided by the sum of net interest income on an FTE basis and noninterest income Earnings Per Share, Diluted: Net income allocated to common shareholders divided by average common shares outstanding after the effect of dilutive stock-based awards Nonperforming Portfolio Assets Ratio: Nonperforming portfolio assets divided by portfolio loans and leases and OREO Net Charge-off Ratio: Net losses charged-off divided by average portfolio loans and leases Return on Average Assets: Net income divided by average assets Loan-to-Deposit Ratio: Total loans divided by total deposits The list of indicators above is intended to summarize some of the most important metrics utilized by management in evaluating the Bancorp’s performance and does not represent an all-inclusive list of all performance measures that may be considered relevant or important to management or investors. 59 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS TABLE 2: Earnings Summary For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions, except per share data) Income Statement Data Net interest income (U.S. GAAP) Net interest income (FTE)(a)(b) Noninterest income Total revenue (FTE)(a)(b) (Benefit from) provision for credit losses Noninterest expense Net income 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 2021 2020 2019 $ $ 4,770 4,782 3,118 7,900 (377) 4,748 2,770 2,659 3.78 3.73 1.14 29.43 43.55 1.34 % 12.8 16.6 30.2 4,782 4,795 2,830 7,625 1,097 4,718 1,427 1,323 1.84 1.83 1.08 29.46 27.57 0.73 6.4 8.4 58.7 4,797 4,814 3,536 8,350 471 4,660 2,512 2,419 3.38 3.33 0.94 27.41 30.74 1.53 13.1 17.1 27.8 (a) Amounts presented on an FTE basis. The FTE adjustments were $12, $13 and $17 for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. (b) These are non-GAAP measures. For further information, refer to the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of MD&A. Earnings Summary The Bancorp’s net income available to common shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $2.7 billion, or $3.73 per diluted share, which was net of $111 million in preferred stock dividends. The Bancorp’s net income available to common shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $1.3 billion, or $1.83 per diluted share, which was net of $104 million in preferred stock dividends. Net interest income on an FTE basis (non-GAAP) was $4.8 billion for the year ended December 31, 2021, a decrease of $13 million compared to the same period in the prior year primarily due to the impact of lower market rates. In addition to market rate impacts on interest-earning assets, net interest income was also negatively impacted by decreases in average commercial and industrial loans, average credit card and average home equity. These negative impacts were partially offset by a decrease in rates paid on average interest-bearing liabilities, primarily driven by decreases in rates paid on average interest checking deposits and average money market deposits. Net interest income also benefited from increases in average residential mortgage loans and average indirect secured consumer loans as well as a decrease in average long-term debt. Interest income recognized from PPP loans also positively impacted net interest income. Net interest margin on an FTE basis (non-GAAP) was 2.59% for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to 2.78% for the year ended December 31, 2020. The benefit from credit losses was $377 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to a provision for credit losses of $1.1 billion in the prior year. Provision expense decreased for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the prior year primarily due to factors that caused decreases in the ACL during the year ended December 31, 2021, including improved economic forecasts, improved credit quality and changes in product mix. Net losses charged off as a percent of average portfolio loans and leases were 0.16% and 0.42% for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. At December 31, 2021, nonperforming portfolio assets as a percent of portfolio loans and leases and OREO decreased to 0.47% compared to 0.79% at December 31, 2020. For further discussion on credit quality 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. Noninterest income increased $288 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to increases in other noninterest income, commercial banking revenue, wealth and asset management revenue, card and processing revenue, service charges on deposits and leasing business revenue, partially offset by a decrease in mortgage banking net revenue. Noninterest expense increased $30 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to increases in compensation and benefits expense, other noninterest expense and technology and communications expense, partially offset by decreases in net occupancy expense and card and processing expense. For more information on net interest income, noninterest income and noninterest expense, refer to the Statements of Income Analysis section of MD&A. 60 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Capital Summary The Bancorp calculated its regulatory capital ratios under the Basel III standardized approach to risk-weighting of assets and pursuant to the five-year transition provision option to phase in the effects of CECL on regulatory capital as of December 31, 2021. As of December 31, 2021, the Bancorp’s capital ratios, as defined by the U.S. banking agencies, were: • • • • CET1 capital ratio: 9.54%; Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio: 10.91%; Total risk-based capital ratio: 13.42%; Leverage ratio: 8.27% 61 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES The following are non-GAAP financial measures which provide useful insight to the reader of the Consolidated Financial Statements but should be supplemental to primary U.S. GAAP measures and should not be read in isolation or relied upon as a substitute for the primary U.S. GAAP measures. The FTE basis adjusts for the tax-favored status of income from certain loans and leases 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 following table reconciles the non-GAAP financial measures of net interest income on an FTE basis, interest income on an FTE basis, net interest margin, net interest rate spread and the efficiency ratio to U.S. GAAP: TABLE 3: Non-GAAP Financial Measures - Financial Measures and Ratios on an FTE basis For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) Net interest income (U.S. GAAP) Add: FTE adjustment Net interest income on an FTE basis (1) $ $ 2021 Interest income (U.S. GAAP) Add: FTE adjustment Interest income on an FTE basis (2) Interest expense (3) Noninterest income (4) Noninterest expense (5) Average interest-earning assets (6) Average interest-bearing liabilities (7) Ratios: Net interest margin on an FTE basis (1) / (6) Net interest rate spread on an FTE basis ((2) / (6)) - ((3) / (7)) Efficiency ratio on an FTE basis (5) / ((1) + (4)) $ $ $ 4,770 12 4,782 5,211 12 5,223 441 3,118 4,748 184,378 115,469 2.59 % 2.45 60.1 2020 2019 4,782 13 4,795 5,572 13 5,585 790 2,830 4,718 172,688 119,018 2.78 2.57 61.9 4,797 17 4,814 6,254 17 6,271 1,457 3,536 4,660 145,404 104,708 3.31 2.92 55.8 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. This measure is useful for evaluating the performance of a business as it calculates the return available to common shareholders without the impact of intangible assets and their related amortization. The following table reconciles the non-GAAP financial measure of return on average tangible common equity to U.S. GAAP: TABLE 4: Non-GAAP Financial Measures - Return on Average Tangible Common Equity For the years ended December 31 ($ 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) $ $ Average Bancorp shareholders’ equity (U.S. GAAP) Less: Average preferred stock Average goodwill Average intangible assets Average tangible common equity (2) $ $ 2021 2020 2019 2,659 34 2,693 22,812 2,116 4,366 142 16,188 1,323 38 1,361 22,555 1,916 4,258 172 16,209 2,419 35 2,454 19,902 1,470 3,888 169 14,375 Return on average tangible common equity (1) / (2) 16.6 % 8.4 17.1 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 the U.S. banking agencies. These calculations are intended to complement the capital ratios defined by the U.S. banking agencies for both absolute and comparative purposes. As 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 62 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS by U.S. GAAP or codified in the federal banking regulations and, therefore, are considered to be non-GAAP financial measures. The Bancorp encourages readers to consider its Consolidated Financial Statements in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure. The following table reconciles non-GAAP capital ratios to U.S. GAAP: TABLE 5: Non-GAAP Financial Measures - Capital Ratios As of December 31 ($ in millions) Total Bancorp Shareholders’ Equity (U.S. GAAP) Less: Preferred stock Goodwill Intangible assets AOCI Tangible common equity, excluding AOCI (1) Add: Preferred stock Tangible equity (2) Total Assets (U.S. GAAP) Less: Goodwill Intangible assets AOCI, before tax Tangible assets, excluding AOCI (3) Ratios: Tangible equity as a percentage of tangible assets (2) / (3) Tangible common equity as a percentage of tangible assets (1) / (3) 2021 22,210 2,116 4,514 156 1,207 14,217 2,116 16,333 211,116 4,514 156 1,528 204,918 $ $ $ $ 2020 23,111 2,116 4,258 139 2,601 13,997 2,116 16,113 204,680 4,258 139 3,292 196,991 7.97 % 6.94 8.18 7.11 63 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents 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 standard applicable to the Bancorp during 2021 and the expected impact of significant accounting standards issued, but not yet required to be adopted. 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, valuation of servicing rights, fair value measurements, goodwill and legal contingencies. There have been no material changes to the valuation techniques or models described below during the year ended December 31, 2021. On January 1, 2020, the Bancorp adopted ASU 2016-13 (“Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”) and its related subsequent amendments, along with ASU 2017-04 (“Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment”). As a result of the adoption of these ASUs, the accounting policies for the ALLL, reserve for unfunded commitments and goodwill were updated as of January 1, 2020, and the related policies that were in effect for periods prior to January 1, 2020 are provided in the Critical Accounting Policies Applicable Prior to January 1, 2020 section below. ALLL The Bancorp disaggregates its portfolio loans and leases into portfolio segments for purposes of determining the ALLL. The Bancorp’s portfolio segments include commercial, residential 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 the amount of credit losses that are expected to be incurred over the remaining contractual terms of the related loans and leases. Contractual terms are adjusted for expected prepayments but are not extended for expected extensions, renewals or modifications except in circumstances where the Bancorp reasonably expects to execute a TDR with the borrower or where certain extension or renewal options are embedded in the original contract and not unconditionally cancellable by the Bancorp. Accrued interest receivable on loans is presented in the Consolidated Financial Statements as a component of other assets. When accrued interest is deemed to be uncollectible (typically when a loan is placed on nonaccrual status), interest income is reversed. The Bancorp follows established policies for placing loans on nonaccrual status, so uncollectible accrued interest receivable is reversed in a timely manner. As a result, the Bancorp has elected not to measure an allowance for credit losses for accrued interest receivable. For additional information on the Bancorp’s accounting policies related to nonaccrual loans and leases, refer to Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Credit losses are charged and recoveries are credited to the ALLL. 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 of loans and leases, including historical credit loss experience, current and forecasted market and economic conditions and consideration of various qualitative factors that, in management’s judgment, deserve consideration in estimating expected credit losses. Provisions for credit losses are recorded for the amounts necessary to adjust the ALLL to the Bancorp’s current estimate of expected credit losses on portfolio loans and leases. The Bancorp’s strategy for credit risk management includes a combination of conservative exposure limits significantly below legal lending limits and conservative underwriting, documentation and collections standards. The strategy also 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. The Bancorp’s methodology for determining the ALLL requires significant management judgment and includes an estimate of expected credit losses on a collective basis for groups of loans and leases with similar risk characteristics and specific allowances for loans and leases which are individually evaluated. Larger commercial loans and leases 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 individually evaluated for an ALLL. The Bancorp considers the current value of collateral, credit quality of any guarantees, the guarantor’s liquidity and willingness to cooperate, the loan or lease structure and other factors when determining the amount of the ALLL. Other factors may include the borrower’s susceptibility to risks presented by the forecasted macroeconomic environment, the industry and geographic region 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. Significant management judgment is required when evaluating which of these factors are most relevant in individual circumstances, and when estimating the amount of expected credit losses based on those factors. When loans and leases are individually evaluated, allowances are determined based on management’s estimate of the borrower’s ability to repay the loan or lease 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 individually evaluated loans and leases that are collateral- dependent are typically measured based on the fair value of the underlying collateral, less expected costs to sell where applicable. Individually evaluated loans and leases that are not collateral-dependent are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate. The Bancorp evaluates the collectability of both principal and interest when assessing the need for a loss accrual. Specific allowances on individually evaluated commercial loans and leases, including TDRs, are reviewed quarterly and adjusted as necessary based on changing borrower and/or collateral conditions and actual collection and charge-off experience. 64 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Consumer and residential mortgage loans that have been modified in a TDR are individually evaluated for an ALLL. Allowances for individually evaluated loans that are collateral-dependent are typically measured based on the fair value of the underlying collateral, less expected costs to sell where applicable. Individually evaluated loans that are not collateral-dependent are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate and a modeled expected credit loss amount. The Bancorp evaluates the collectability of both principal and interest when assessing the need for a loss accrual. Specific allowances on individually evaluated consumer and residential mortgage loans are reviewed quarterly and adjusted as necessary based on changing borrower and/or collateral conditions and actual collection and charge-off experience. Expected credit losses are estimated on a collective basis for loans and leases that are not individually evaluated. These include commercial loans and leases that do not meet the criteria for individual evaluation as well as homogeneous loans in the residential mortgage and consumer portfolio segments. For collectively evaluated loans and leases, the Bancorp uses models to forecast expected credit losses based on the probability of a loan or lease defaulting, the expected balance at the estimated date of default and the expected loss percentage given a default. The estimate of the expected balance at the time of default considers prepayments and, for loans with available credit, expected utilization rates. The Bancorp’s expected credit loss models were developed based on historical credit loss experience and observations of migration patterns for various credit risk characteristics (such as internal credit risk grades, external credit ratings or scores, delinquency status, loan-to-value trends, etc.) over time, with those observations evaluated in the context of concurrent macroeconomic conditions. The Bancorp developed its models from historical observations capturing a full economic cycle when possible. The Bancorp’s expected credit loss models consider historical credit loss experience, current market and economic conditions, and forecasted changes in market and economic conditions if such forecasts are considered reasonable and supportable. Generally, the Bancorp considers its forecasts to be reasonable and supportable for a period of up to three years from the estimation date. For periods beyond the reasonable and supportable forecast period, expected credit losses are estimated by reverting to historical loss information without adjustment for changes in economic conditions. This reversion is phased in over a two-year period. The Bancorp evaluates the length of its reasonable and supportable forecast period, its reversion period and reversion methodology at least annually, or more often if warranted by economic conditions or other circumstances. The Bancorp also considers qualitative factors in determining the ALLL. These considerations inherently require significant management judgment to determine the appropriate factors to be considered and the extent of their impact on the ALLL estimate. Qualitative factors are used to capture characteristics in the portfolio that impact expected credit losses but that are not fully captured within the Bancorp’s expected credit loss models. These include adjustments for changes in policies or procedures in underwriting, monitoring or collections, lending and risk management personnel and results of internal audit and quality control reviews. These may also include adjustments, when deemed necessary, for specific idiosyncratic risks such as geopolitical events, natural disasters and their effects on regional borrowers and changes in product structures. Qualitative factors may also be used to address the impacts of unforeseen events on key inputs and assumptions within the Bancorp’s expected credit loss models, such as the reasonable and supportable forecast period, changes to historical loss information or changes to the reversion period or methodology. When evaluating the adequacy of allowances, consideration is also given to regional geographic concentrations and the closely associated effect that changing economic conditions may have on the Bancorp’s customers. Overall, the collective evaluation process requires significant management judgment when determining the estimation methodology and inputs into the models, as well as in evaluating the reasonableness of the modeled results and the appropriateness of qualitative adjustments. The Bancorp’s forecasts of market and economic conditions and the internal risk grades assigned to loans and leases in the commercial portfolio segment are examples of inputs to the expected credit loss models that require significant management judgment. These inputs have the potential to drive significant variability in the resulting ALLL. 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. Reserve for Unfunded Commitments The reserve for unfunded commitments is maintained at a level believed by management to be sufficient to absorb estimated expected credit losses related to unfunded credit facilities and is included in other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The determination of the adequacy of the reserve is based upon expected credit losses over the remaining contractual life of the commitments, taking into consideration the current funded balance and estimated exposure over the reasonable and supportable forecast period. 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 the provision for credit losses in the Consolidated Statements of Income. 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. The Bancorp may also purchase servicing rights. The Bancorp has elected to measure all existing classes of its residential mortgage servicing rights at fair value at each reporting date with changes in the fair value of servicing rights reported in earnings in the period in which the changes occur. Servicing rights are valued using internal OAS models. Significant management judgment is necessary to 65 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS identify key economic assumptions used in estimating the fair value of the servicing rights including the prepayment speeds of the underlying loans, the weighted-average life, the OAS 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. In order to assist in the assessment of the fair value of servicing rights, the Bancorp obtains external valuations of the servicing rights portfolio from third parties and participates in peer surveys that provide additional confirmation of the reasonableness of key assumptions utilized in the internal OAS model. For additional information on servicing rights, refer to Note 13 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. The Bancorp employs various valuation approaches to measure fair value including the market, income and cost approaches. 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. 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 previous trades and overall review and assessments for reasonableness. The level of management judgment 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 judgment. The valuation of financial instruments when quoted market prices are not available (Levels 2 and 3) may require significant management judgment 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 6 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. TABLE 6: 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, 2021 December 31, 2020 $ $ Balance 43,685 21 % 2,310 1 % Level 3 Balance Level 3 1,287 1 222 — 43,079 21 1,527 1 878 — 209 — Refer to Note 28 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 recognition 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 common stock, the key financial performance metrics of the Bancorp’s 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 quantitative impairment test is required or the decision to bypass the qualitative assessment is elected, the Bancorp performs the goodwill 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, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total 66 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. A recognized impairment loss cannot be reversed in future periods even if the fair value of the reporting unit subsequently recovers. 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. 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. Refer to Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding the Bancorp’s goodwill. 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 19 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding the Bancorp’s legal proceedings. Critical Accounting Policies Applicable Prior to January 1, 2020 The following paragraphs describe the portions of the Bancorp’s critical accounting policies that were applicable prior to January 1, 2020 but were updated in conjunction with the prospective adoption of ASU 2016-13 and ASU 2017-04 on January 1, 2020. The following paragraphs do not include the portions of the respective policies that were not affected by the adoption of these new accounting standards. Refer to Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. ALLL The Bancorp maintained the ALLL to absorb probable loan and lease losses inherent in its portfolio segments. The ALLL was maintained at a level the Bancorp considered to be adequate and was based on ongoing quarterly assessments and evaluations of the collectability and historical loss experience of loans and leases. Credit losses were charged and recoveries were credited to the ALLL. Provisions for loan and lease losses were based on the Bancorp’s review of the historical credit loss experience and such factors that, in management’s judgment, deserved consideration under existing economic conditions in estimating probable credit losses. The Bancorp’s methodology for determining the ALLL required significant management judgment and was 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 and leases, TDRs and historical loss rates were reviewed quarterly and adjusted as necessary based on changing borrower and/or collateral conditions and actual collection and charge-off experience. An unallocated allowance was maintained to recognize the imprecision in estimating and measuring losses when evaluating allowances for pools of loans and leases. Larger commercial loans and leases included within aggregate borrower relationship balances exceeding $1 million that exhibited probable or observed credit weaknesses, as well as loans that had been modified in a TDR, were subject to individual review for impairment. The Bancorp considered the current value of collateral, credit quality of any guarantees, the guarantor’s liquidity and willingness to cooperate, the loan or lease structure and other factors when evaluating whether an individual loan or lease was impaired. Other factors might 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 Bancorp’s evaluation of the borrower’s management. When individual loans and leases were impaired, allowances were determined based on management’s estimate of the borrower’s ability to repay the loan or lease 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 and leases were 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 evaluated the collectability of both principal and interest when assessing the need for a loss accrual. Historical credit loss rates were applied to commercial loans and leases that were not impaired or were impaired, but smaller than the established threshold of $1 million and thus not subject to specific allowance allocations. The loss rates were derived from migration analyses for several portfolio stratifications, which tracked the historical net charge-off experience sustained on loans and leases according to their 67 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS internal risk grade. The risk grading system utilized for allowance analysis purposes encompassed ten categories, which were based on regulatory guidance for credit risk systems. Homogenous loans in the residential mortgage and consumer portfolio segments were not individually risk graded. Rather, standard credit scoring systems and delinquency monitoring were used to assess credit risks and allowances were established based on the expected net charge-offs. Loss rates were based on the trailing twelve-month net charge-off history by loan category. Historical loss rates were adjusted for certain prescriptive and qualitative factors that, in management’s judgment, were necessary to reflect losses inherent in the portfolio. The prescriptive loss rate factors included adjustments for delinquency trends, LTV trends, refreshed FICO score trends and product mix. The Bancorp also considered qualitative factors in determining the ALLL. These included adjustments for changes in policies or procedures in underwriting, monitoring or collections, economic conditions, portfolio mix, lending and risk management personnel, results of internal audit and quality control reviews, collateral values, geographic concentrations, estimated loss emergence period and specific portfolio loans backed by enterprise valuations and private equity sponsors. The Bancorp considered home price index trends in its footprint and the volatility of collateral valuation trends when determining the collateral value qualitative factor. Reserve for unfunded commitments The reserve for unfunded commitments was maintained at a level believed by management to be sufficient to absorb estimated probable losses related to unfunded credit facilities and was included in other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The determination of the adequacy of the reserve was 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 took into consideration the same risk elements that were analyzed in the determination of the adequacy of the Bancorp’s ALLL, as previously discussed. Net adjustments to the reserve for unfunded commitments were included in provision for credit losses in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Goodwill Impairment existed when a reporting unit’s carrying amount of goodwill exceeded its implied fair value. In testing goodwill for impairment, U.S. GAAP permitted the Bancorp to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it was more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit was less than its carrying amount. In this qualitative assessment, the Bancorp evaluated events and circumstances which might include, but were 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 determined it was not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit was less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test would be unnecessary. However, if the Bancorp concluded otherwise or elected 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 compared the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeded its fair value, Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test was necessary to measure the amount of impairment loss, which was equal to any excess of the carrying amount of goodwill over its implied fair value with such loss limited to the carrying amount of goodwill. The fair value of a reporting unit was 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 were publicly traded, individual reporting unit fair value determinations could not be directly correlated to the Bancorp’s stock price. To determine the fair value of a reporting unit, the Bancorp employed 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 was necessary in the preparation of each reporting unit’s forecasted cash flows surrounding expectations for earnings projections, growth and credit loss expectations. Additionally, the Bancorp determined 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 compared 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. 68 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents 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 incurred on core deposits (including transaction deposits and CDs $250,000 or less) and wholesale funding (including CDs over $250,000, 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. Tables 7 and 8 present the components of net interest income, net interest margin and net interest rate spread for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, as well as the relative impact of changes in the average balance sheet and changes in interest rates on net interest income. Nonaccrual loans and leases and loans and leases 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 included in average other assets. Net interest income on an FTE basis (non-GAAP) was $4.8 billion for the year ended December 31, 2021, a decrease of $13 million compared to the same period in the prior year primarily due to the impact of lower market rates. Monetary policy actions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including lowering the target range of the federal funds rate and the FRB’s bond purchase programs, have continued to adversely impact market rates since March of 2020. Yields on total average loans and leases decreased 30 bps from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily as a result of decreases in yields on average commercial loans and leases and average consumer loans of 21 bps and 50 bps, respectively. The Bancorp has significant portfolios of floating interest rate loans (primarily LIBOR- or Prime-based) that have been impacted by decreases in benchmark interest rates. The Bancorp’s portfolios of fixed interest rate loans also decreased in yield as a result of increased refinance activity and lower yields on new originations due to lower overall market rates. In addition to market rate impacts on interest-earning assets, net interest income was also negatively impacted by decreases in average commercial and industrial loans, average credit card and average home equity of $4.8 billion, $447 million and $1.1 billion, respectively, from the year ended December 31, 2020. These negative impacts were partially offset by a decrease in rates paid on average interest-bearing liabilities, primarily driven by decreases in rates paid on average interest checking deposits and average money market deposits of 21 bps and 25 bps, respectively, from the year ended December 31, 2020. Net interest income also benefited from increases in average residential mortgage loans and average indirect secured consumer loans of $3.5 billion and $2.7 billion, respectively, and a decrease in average long-term debt of $2.9 billion from the year ended December 31, 2020. Interest income recognized from PPP loans also positively impacted net interest income by $189 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $97 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Net interest rate spread on an FTE basis (non-GAAP) was 2.45% during the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to 2.57% during the year ended December 31, 2020. Yields on average interest-earning assets decreased 40 bps partially offset by a 28 bps decrease in rates paid on average interest-bearing liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. Net interest margin on an FTE basis (non-GAAP) was 2.59% for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to 2.78% for the year ended December 31, 2020. Net interest margin for the year ended December 31, 2021 was negatively impacted by increases in low-yielding reserves held at the FRB reported in other short-term investments, which were primarily driven by increased levels in average demand deposits and average savings deposits for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. Net interest margin results are expected to increase as excess cash balances begin to normalize with COVID-19 related government relief programs ending and the central bank expected to begin shrinking their balance sheet. Interest income on an FTE basis (non-GAAP) from loans and leases decreased $349 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 driven by the previously mentioned decreases in yields and changes in the composition of average balances of loans and leases. 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 on an FTE basis (non-GAAP) from investment securities and other short-term investments decreased $13 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to a decrease in yields on average taxable securities partially offset by increases in the average balances of securities exempt from income taxes and other short-term investments. Interest expense on core deposits decreased $238 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to a decrease in the cost of average interest-bearing core deposits to 5 bps for the year ended December 31, 2021 from 29 bps for the year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease in the cost of average interest-bearing core deposits was primarily due to decreases in rates paid on average interest checking deposits and 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 decreased $111 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to decreases in average balances of long-term debt and CDs over $250,000. Refer to the Borrowings subsection of the Balance Sheet Analysis section of MD&A for additional information on the Bancorp’s borrowings. During the year ended December 31, 2021, average wholesale funding represented 13% of average interest-bearing liabilities compared to 17% for the year ended December 31, 2020. For more information on the Bancorp’s interest rate risk management, including estimated earnings sensitivity to changes in market interest rates, see the Interest Rate and Price Risk Management subsection of the Risk Management section of MD&A. 69 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS TABLE 7: Consolidated Average Balance Sheet and Analysis of Net Interest Income on an FTE Basis For the years ended December 31 2020 2021 2019 ($ 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 Indirect secured consumer loans Credit card Other consumer loans Total consumer loans 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 CDs $250,000 or less(c) Total interest-bearing core deposits CDs over $250,000(c) Other deposits Federal funds purchased Securities sold under repurchase agreements Derivative collateral and other secured borrowings Long-term debt Total interest-bearing liabilities Demand deposits Other liabilities Total liabilities Total equity Total liabilities and equity Net interest income (FTE)(b) Net interest margin (FTE)(b) Net interest rate spread (FTE)(b) Interest-bearing liabilities to interest-earning assets Average Balance Revenue/ Cost Average Yield/ Rate Average Balance Revenue/ Cost Average Yield/ Rate Average Balance Revenue/ Cost Average Yield/ Rate $ 48,966 10,396 5,783 3,130 68,275 21,359 4,565 15,156 1,783 2,979 45,842 $ 114,117 $ 36,164 854 33,243 $ 184,378 3,055 21,050 (2,159) $ 206,324 $ 45,850 20,531 30,631 164 3,214 100,390 530 — 333 594 513 13,109 $ 115,469 62,028 6,015 $ 183,512 $ 22,812 $ 206,324 1,735 313 181 92 2,321 695 164 508 219 180 1,766 4,087 1,074 20 42 5,223 3.54 % $ 53,814 11,011 3.01 5,509 3.13 3,038 2.94 73,372 3.40 17,828 3.26 5,679 3.59 12,454 3.35 2,230 12.28 2,848 6.03 3.85 41,039 3.58 % $ 114,411 2.97 % $ 36,109 233 2.33 21,935 0.13 2.83 % $ 172,688 1,954 391 201 104 2,650 622 222 490 260 192 1,786 4,436 1,114 6 29 5,585 3.63 % $ 50,168 9,905 3.54 5,174 3.65 3,578 3.43 68,825 3.61 17,337 3.49 6,286 3.90 10,345 3.93 2,437 11.64 2,564 6.76 4.35 38,969 3.88 % $ 107,794 3.08 % $ 35,429 41 2.61 2,140 0.13 3.23 % $ 145,404 2,313 476 278 119 3,186 635 324 423 304 196 1,882 5,068 1,160 2 41 6,271 4.61 % 4.81 5.37 3.31 4.63 3.66 5.16 4.08 12.49 7.63 4.83 4.70 % 3.28 % 3.97 1.91 4.31 % 2,978 20,933 (2,369) $ 194,230 2,748 16,903 (1,119) $ 163,936 26 4 12 — 10 52 7 — — — 2 380 441 0.06 % $ 46,890 16,440 0.02 29,879 0.04 185 0.04 5,247 0.31 98,641 0.05 2,208 1.30 71 — 385 0.12 610 0.02 1,099 0.30 2.89 16,004 0.38 % $ 119,018 126 10 88 — 66 290 31 1 2 5 9 452 790 0.27 % $ 36,658 14,041 0.06 25,879 0.29 209 0.21 7,390 1.25 84,177 0.29 2,584 1.41 265 0.76 1,267 0.58 503 0.79 543 0.82 2.82 15,369 0.66 % $ 104,708 396 22 272 1 137 828 58 6 29 9 19 508 1,457 1.08 % 0.16 1.05 0.63 1.85 0.98 2.26 2.27 2.26 1.74 3.54 3.30 1.39 % 47,111 5,546 $ 171,675 $ 22,555 $ 194,230 34,343 4,897 $ 143,948 $ 19,988 $ 163,936 $ 4,782 $ 4,795 $ 4,814 2.59 % 2.45 62.63 2.78 % 2.57 68.92 3.31 % 2.92 72.01 (a) The FTE adjustments included in the above table were $12, $13 and $17 for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. (b) Net interest income (FTE), net interest margin (FTE) and net interest rate spread (FTE) are non-GAAP measures. For further information, refer to the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of MD&A. (c) Fifth Third has elected to record CDs $250,000 or less within core deposits, consistent with minimum FDIC insurance coverage. Fifth Third had previously recorded certificates $100,000 or less as “other time” within core deposits. Prior periods have been adjusted to conform to current period presentation. 70 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS TABLE 8: Changes in Net Interest Income Attributable to Volume and Yield/Rate(a) 2021 Compared to 2020 For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) Yield/Rate Assets: Interest-earning assets: Loans and leases: Volume Total 2020 Compared to 2019 Yield/Rate Volume Total Commercial and industrial loans Commercial mortgage loans Commercial construction loans Commercial leases Total commercial loans and leases Residential mortgage loans Home equity Indirect secured consumer loans Credit card Other consumer loans Total consumer loans Total loans and leases Securities: Taxable Exempt from income taxes Other short-term investments Total change in interest income Liabilities: Interest-bearing liabilities: Interest checking deposits Savings deposits Money market deposits Foreign office deposits CDs $250,000 or less(b) Total interest-bearing core deposits CDs over $250,000(b) Other deposits Federal funds purchased Securities sold under repurchase agreements Derivative collateral and other secured borrowings Long-term debt Total change in interest expense Total change in net interest income $ $ $ $ $ $ $ (172) (22) 10 3 (181) 117 (41) 97 (55) 9 127 (54) 1 15 14 (24) (3) 2 2 — (19) (18) (22) (1) — — (3) (83) (127) 103 (47) (56) (30) (15) (148) (44) (17) (79) 14 (21) (147) (295) (41) (1) (1) (338) (97) (8) (78) — (37) (220) (2) — (2) (5) (4) 11 (222) (116) (219) (78) (20) (12) (329) 73 (58) 18 (41) (12) (20) (349) (40) 14 13 (362) (100) (6) (76) — (56) (238) (24) (1) (2) (5) (7) (72) (349) (13) 159 50 17 (19) 207 17 (28) 83 (24) 20 68 275 23 5 58 361 88 3 37 — (34) 94 (8) (2) (13) 1 11 20 103 258 (518) (135) (94) 4 (743) (30) (74) (16) (20) (24) (164) (907) (69) (1) (70) (1,047) (358) (15) (221) (1) (37) (632) (19) (3) (14) (5) (21) (76) (770) (277) (359) (85) (77) (15) (536) (13) (102) 67 (44) (4) (96) (632) (46) 4 (12) (686) (270) (12) (184) (1) (71) (538) (27) (5) (27) (4) (10) (56) (667) (19) (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. (b) Fifth Third has elected to record CDs $250,000 or less within core deposits, consistent with minimum FDIC insurance coverage. Fifth Third had previously recorded certificates $100,000 or less as “other time” within core deposits. Prior periods have been adjusted to conform to current period presentation. Provision for Credit Losses The Bancorp provides, as an expense, an amount for expected credit losses within the loan and lease portfolio and the portfolio of unfunded loan commitments and letters of credit that is based on factors discussed in the Critical Accounting Policies section of MD&A. The provision is recorded to bring the ALLL and reserve for unfunded commitments to a level deemed appropriate by the Bancorp to cover losses expected in the portfolios. Actual credit losses on loans and leases are charged against the ALLL. The amount of loans and leases actually removed from the Consolidated Balance Sheets are referred to as charge-offs. Net charge-offs include current period charge-offs less recoveries on previously charged-off loans and leases. The benefit from credit losses was $377 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to a provision for credit losses of $1.1 billion in the prior year. Provision expense decreased for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the prior year primarily due to factors that caused decreases in the ACL during the year ended December 31, 2021, including improved economic forecasts, improved credit quality and changes in product mix. The economic forecasts used to estimate the ACL at December 31, 2021 were generally more favorable than those used at December 31, 2020, reflecting improvements in the macroeconomic environment and diminishing negative impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. Asset quality improved during the year ended December 31, 2021 when compared to the prior year with lower levels of net charge-offs, commercial criticized assets and consumer delinquencies. Changes in product mix also resulted in a decrease to the ACL during the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily driven by a shift in consumer behavior toward lower-risk products. 71 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Provision expense was elevated in 2020 as the Bancorp increased its ACL in response to deterioration and uncertainty in the forecasted macroeconomic environment as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, continued pressure on energy prices and the resulting impact of these factors on commercial asset quality, which was reflected in increased levels of commercial criticized assets. The ALLL decreased $561 million from December 31, 2020 to $1.9 billion at December 31, 2021. At December 31, 2021, the ALLL as a percent of portfolio loans and leases decreased to 1.69%, compared to 2.25% at December 31, 2020. The reserve for unfunded commitments increased $10 million from December 31, 2020 to $182 million at December 31, 2021. The ACL as a percent of portfolio loans and leases decreased to 1.85% at December 31, 2021, compared to 2.41% at December 31, 2020. 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 credit losses, including an analysis of loan and lease 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 determining the level of the ACL. Noninterest Income Noninterest income increased $288 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The following table presents the components of noninterest income: TABLE 9: Components of Noninterest Income For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) Commercial banking revenue Service charges on deposits Wealth and asset management revenue Card and processing revenue Leasing business revenue Mortgage banking net revenue Other noninterest income Securities (losses) gains, net Securities (losses) gains, net - non-qualifying hedges on mortgage servicing rights Total noninterest income 2021 2020 2019 $ $ 637 600 586 402 300 270 332 (7) (2) 3,118 528 559 520 352 276 320 211 62 2 2,830 460 565 487 360 270 287 1,064 40 3 3,536 Commercial banking revenue Commercial banking revenue increased $109 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to increases in loan syndication fees and business lending fees as well as an increase in institutional sales, which was primarily driven by an increase in merger and acquisition advisory revenue. Service charges on deposits Service charges on deposits increased $41 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020 due primarily to increases in both commercial treasury management fees and consumer deposit fees. Wealth and asset management revenue Wealth and asset management revenue increased $66 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to increases in private client service fees and broker income, partially offset by a decrease in institutional fees, which was primarily driven by the sale of the Bancorp’s 401(k) recordkeeping business in the fourth quarter of 2020. The Bancorp’s trust and registered investment advisory businesses had approximately $554 billion and $434 billion in total assets under care as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and managed $65 billion and $54 billion in assets for individuals, corporations and not-for- profit organizations as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Card and processing revenue Card and processing revenue increased $50 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to an increase in debit and credit card interchange, partially offset by increased reward costs, all of which were driven by an increase in consumer and business card spend volumes. Leasing business revenue Leasing business revenue increased $24 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily driven by an increase in lease syndication fees, partially offset by a decrease in lease remarketing fees. Mortgage banking net revenue Mortgage banking net revenue decreased $50 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. 72 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following table presents the components of mortgage banking net revenue: TABLE 10: Components of Mortgage Banking Net Revenue For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) Origination fees and gains on loan sales Net mortgage servicing revenue: Gross mortgage servicing fees Net valuation adjustments on MSRs and free-standing derivatives purchased to economically hedge MSRs Net mortgage servicing revenue Total mortgage banking net revenue 2021 2020 2019 $ $ 285 247 (262) (15) 270 315 263 (258) 5 320 175 267 (155) 112 287 Origination fees and gains on loan sales decreased $30 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily driven by decreases in gain on sale margins partially offset by gains from sales of forbearance loans that were repurchased from GNMA. Residential mortgage loan originations increased to $19.0 billion for the year ended December 31, 2021 from $15.9 billion for the year ended December 31, 2020. Net mortgage servicing revenue decreased $20 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to a decrease in gross mortgage servicing fees as well as an increase in net negative valuation adjustments. Refer to Table 11 for the components of net valuation adjustments on the MSR portfolio and the impact of the non-qualifying hedging strategy. TABLE 11: Components of Net Valuation Adjustments on MSRs For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) Changes in fair value and settlement of free-standing derivatives purchased to economically 2021 2020 2019 hedge the MSR portfolio Changes in fair value: Due to changes in inputs or assumptions(a) Other changes in fair value(b) $ (123) 142 (281) (262) 307 (311) (254) (258) 221 (203) (173) (155) Net valuation adjustments on MSRs and free-standing derivatives purchased to economically hedge MSRs $ (a) Primarily reflects changes in prepayment speed and OAS assumptions which are updated based on market interest rates. (b) Primarily reflects changes due to realized cash flows and the passage of time. For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Bancorp recognized losses of $139 million and $565 million respectively, in mortgage banking net revenue for valuation adjustments on the MSR portfolio. The valuation adjustments on the MSR portfolio included an increase of $142 million and a decrease of $311 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, due to changes in market rates and other inputs in the valuation model, including future prepayment speeds and OAS assumptions. Mortgage rates increased during the year ended December 31, 2021 which caused a reduction in modeled prepayment speeds. Additionally, mortgage swap spreads narrowed during the year ended December 31, 2021 which caused modeled OAS assumptions to decrease. The fair value of the MSR portfolio also decreased $281 million and $254 million as a result of contractual principal payments and actual prepayment activity for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Further detail on the valuation of MSRs can be found in Note 13 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 of the MSR portfolio. Refer to Note 14 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 acquires various securities as a component of its non-qualifying hedging strategy. The Bancorp recognized net losses of $2 million and net gains of $2 million during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, recorded in securities (losses) gains, net - non-qualifying hedges on mortgage servicing rights in the Bancorp’s Consolidated Statements of Income. The Bancorp’s total residential mortgage loans serviced at December 31, 2021 and 2020 were $106.8 billion and $86.6 billion, respectively, with $89.2 billion and $68.8 billion, respectively, of residential mortgage loans serviced for others. 73 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Other noninterest income The following table presents the components of other noninterest income: TABLE 12: Components of Other Noninterest Income For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) Private equity investment income Gains on contract sales BOLI income Cardholder fees Income from the TRA associated with Worldpay, Inc. Equity method investment income Banking center income Consumer loan fees Insurance income Loss on swap associated with the sale of Visa, Inc. Class B Shares Net losses on disposition and impairment of bank premises and equipment Gain on sale of Worldpay, Inc. shares Other, net Total other noninterest income 2021 2020 2019 $ $ 81 62 61 50 46 30 23 17 7 (86) (4) — 45 332 75 2 63 44 74 12 20 20 20 (103) (31) — 15 211 65 — 60 58 346 12 22 23 19 (107) (23) 562 27 1,064 Other noninterest income increased $121 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to the recognition of gains on contract sales, a decrease in net losses on disposition and impairment of bank premises and equipment, an increase in equity method investment income and a decrease in losses recognized on the swap associated with the sale of Visa, Inc. Class B shares. These increases were partially offset by decreases in income from the TRA associated with Worldpay, Inc. and insurance income. Gains on contract sales for the year ended December 31, 2021 primarily included the recognition of a $60 million gain on the sale of the Bancorp’s HSA deposit portfolio, which was completed in the third quarter of 2021. Net losses on disposition and impairment of bank premises and equipment decreased $27 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily driven by the impact of lower impairment charges during the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. For additional information, refer to Note 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Equity method investment income increased $18 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to gains and proportional earnings recognized on certain equity method investments. The Bancorp recognized negative valuation adjustments of $86 million related to the Visa total return swap during the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to negative valuation adjustments of $103 million during the year ended December 31, 2020. For additional information on the valuation of the swap associated with the sale of Visa, Inc. Class B Shares, refer to Note 28 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Income from the TRA associated with Worldpay Inc. was $46 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $74 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. For additional information, refer to Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Insurance income decreased $13 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the prior year primarily driven by the sale of the Bancorp’s property and casualty insurance business in the fourth quarter of 2020. 74 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Noninterest Expense Noninterest expense increased $30 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to increases in compensation and benefits expense, other noninterest expense and technology and communications expense, partially offset by decreases in net occupancy expense and card and processing expense. The following table presents the components of noninterest expense: TABLE 13: Components of Noninterest Expense For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) Compensation and benefits Technology and communications Net occupancy expense Equipment expense Leasing business expense Marketing expense Card and processing expense Other noninterest expense Total noninterest expense Efficiency ratio on an FTE basis(a) 2021 2020 2019 $ $ 2,626 388 312 138 137 107 89 951 4,748 60.1 % 2,590 362 350 130 140 104 121 921 4,718 61.9 2,418 422 332 129 133 162 130 934 4,660 55.8 (a) This is a non-GAAP measure. For further information, refer to the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of MD&A. Compensation and benefits expense increased $36 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to an increase in performance-based compensation as well as an increase in medical expenses, partially offset by a decrease in base compensation due to a decline in full-time equivalent employees. Full-time equivalent employees totaled 19,112 at December 31, 2021 compared to 19,872 at December 31, 2020. Technology and communications expense increased $26 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily driven by increased investment in strategic initiatives and technology. Net occupancy expense decreased $38 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to a reduction of leased square footage. Card and processing expense decreased $32 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to contract renegotiations with a third-party vendor. The following table presents the components of other noninterest expense: TABLE 14: Components of Other Noninterest Expense For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) Loan and lease FDIC insurance and other taxes Data processing Losses and adjustments Professional service fees Intangible amortization Postal and courier Travel Donations Recruitment and education Insurance Supplies Other, net Total other noninterest expense 2021 2020 2019 $ $ 217 114 79 69 63 44 37 34 26 21 17 12 218 951 162 118 75 100 49 48 36 27 36 21 15 13 221 921 142 81 70 102 70 45 38 68 30 28 14 14 232 934 Other noninterest expense increased $30 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to increases in loan and lease expense and professional service fees, partially offset by a decrease in losses and adjustments. Loan and lease expense increased $55 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to an increase in loan servicing expenses associated with the Bancorp’s purchases of certain government-guaranteed residential mortgage loans in forbearance programs. Professional service fees increased $14 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily driven by increases in consulting fees and legal fees. Losses and adjustments decreased $31 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to a decline in credit valuation adjustments on derivatives associated with customer accommodation contracts, partially offset by an increase in legal settlements. 75 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Applicable Income Taxes Applicable income tax expense for all periods presented includes the benefit from tax-exempt income, tax-advantaged investments, certain gains on sales of leveraged leases that are exempt from federal taxation and tax credits (and other related tax benefits), partially offset by the effect of proportional amortization of qualifying LIHTC investments and certain nondeductible expenses. The tax credits are primarily 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, 2021 and 2020 were primarily impacted by $193 million and $175 million, respectively, of low-income housing tax credits and other tax benefits and $23 million and $27 million, respectively, of tax benefits from tax exempt income and were partially offset by $163 million and $150 million, respectively, of proportional amortization related to qualifying LIHTC investments. The increase in the effective tax rate from the year ended December 31, 2020 was attributable to an increase in state income taxes. The Bancorp’s income before income taxes, applicable income tax expense and effective tax rate are as follows: TABLE 15: Applicable Income Taxes For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) Income before income taxes Applicable income tax expense Effective tax rate 2021 2020 2019 $ 3,517 747 21.2 % 1,797 370 20.6 3,202 690 21.6 76 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents 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 Wealth and Asset Management. Additional information on each business segment is included in Note 31 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 and businesses change. The Bancorp manages interest rate risk centrally at the corporate level. By employing an FTP methodology, the business segments are insulated from most benchmark interest rate volatility, enabling them to focus on serving customers through the origination of loans and acceptance of deposits. The FTP methodology assigns charge and credit rates to classes of assets and liabilities, respectively, based on the estimated amount and timing of cash flows for each transaction. Assigning the FTP rate based on matching the duration of cash flows allocates interest income and interest expense to each business segment so its resulting net interest income is insulated from future changes in benchmark interest rates. The Bancorp’s FTP methodology also allocates the contribution to net interest income of the asset-generating and deposit-providing businesses on a duration-adjusted basis to better attribute the driver of the performance. As the asset and liability durations are not perfectly matched, the residual impact of the FTP methodology is captured in General Corporate and Other. The charge and credit rates are determined using the FTP rate curve, which is based on an estimate of Fifth Third’s marginal borrowing cost in the wholesale funding markets. The FTP curve is constructed using the U.S. swap curve, brokered CD pricing and unsecured debt pricing. 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 behavioral assumptions, such as prepayment rates on interest-earning assets and the estimated durations for indeterminate-lived deposits. Key assumptions, including the credit rates provided for deposit accounts, are reviewed annually. Credit rates for deposit products and charge rates for loan products may be reset more frequently in response to changes in market conditions. In general, the charge rates on assets have declined since December 31, 2020 as they were affected by the prevailing level of interest rates and by the duration and repricing characteristics of the portfolio. The credit rates for deposit products also modestly declined due to lower interest rates and modified assumptions. Thus, net interest income for asset-generating business segments improved while deposit-providing business segments were negatively impacted during the year ended December 31, 2021. The Bancorp’s methodology for allocating provision for credit losses expense to the business segments includes charges or benefits associated with changes in criticized commercial loan levels in addition to actual net charge-offs experienced by the loans and leases owned by each business segment. Provision for credit losses expense attributable to loan and lease growth and changes in ALLL factors is 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 relationship depth opportunities and funding operations by accessing the capital markets as a collective unit. The following table summarizes net income by business segment: TABLE 16: Net Income by Business Segment For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) Income Statement Data Commercial Banking Branch Banking Consumer Lending Wealth and Asset Management General Corporate and Other Net income 2021 2020 2019 $ $ 1,519 114 141 94 902 2,770 387 251 117 102 570 1,427 1,424 860 92 112 24 2,512 77 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents 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: TABLE 17: Commercial Banking For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) Income Statement Data Net interest income (FTE)(a) (Benefit from) provision for credit losses Noninterest income: Commercial banking revenue Service charges on deposits Leasing business revenue Other noninterest income Noninterest expense: Compensation and benefits Leasing business expense Other noninterest expense Income before income taxes (FTE) 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 Certificates of deposit Foreign office deposits 2021 2020 2019 $ $ $ 1,506 (583) 626 363 300 158 586 137 932 1,881 362 1,519 60,452 33,063 21,285 6,094 94 163 1,916 1,050 524 343 276 158 557 140 1,024 446 59 387 66,552 24,352 25,769 6,695 154 184 2,377 183 455 308 270 154 466 133 1,022 1,760 336 1,424 65,475 16,424 18,259 4,904 332 209 Includes FTE adjustments of $8, $13 and $17 for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. (a) (b) Applicable income tax expense for all periods includes the tax benefit from tax-exempt income, tax-advantaged investments and tax credits partially offset by the effect of certain nondeductible expenses. Refer to the Applicable Income Taxes subsection of the Statements of Income Analysis section of MD&A for additional information. Net income was $1.5 billion for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to net income of $387 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in net income was primarily driven by a decrease in provision for credit losses as well as an increase in noninterest income and a decrease in noninterest expense, partially offset by a decrease in net interest income on an FTE basis. Net interest income on an FTE basis decreased $410 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily driven by decreases in yields on and average balances of commercial loans and leases as well as decreases in FTP credit rates on interest checking deposits, demand deposits and savings and money market deposits. These negative impacts were partially offset by decreases in FTP charge rates on loans and leases as well as decreases in rates paid on and average balances of interest checking deposits and savings and money market deposits. The benefit from credit losses was $583 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to a provision for credit losses of $1.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease for the year ended December 31, 2021 was primarily driven by a decrease in commercial criticized asset levels as well as decreases in net charge-offs on commercial loans and leases. Net charge-offs as a percent of average portfolio loans and leases decreased to 7 bps for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to 35 bps for the year ended December 31, 2020. Noninterest income increased $146 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 driven by increases in commercial banking revenue, leasing business revenue and service charges on deposits. Commercial banking revenue increased $102 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to increases in loan syndication fees, business lending fees and institutional sales partially offset by a decrease in bridge fees. Leasing business revenue increased $24 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to an increase in lease syndication fees partially offset by a decrease in lease remarketing fees. Service charges on deposits increased $20 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to an increase in commercial deposit fees primarily due to growth in volume-based service revenues, with continued benefit from lower earnings credit rates. 78 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Noninterest expense decreased $66 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily driven by a decrease in other noninterest expense partially offset by an increase in compensation and benefits. Other noninterest expense decreased $92 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily as a result of decreases in allocated expenses related to cash management services and a decline in credit valuation adjustments on derivatives associated with customer accommodation contracts. Compensation and benefits increased $29 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily as a result of increases in incentive compensation and employee benefits expense driven by strong performance in fees related to business growth and expansion initiatives during the year ended December 31, 2021. Average commercial loans and leases decreased $6.1 billion from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to decreases in average commercial and industrial loans and average commercial mortgage loans partially offset by an increase in average commercial construction loans. Average commercial and industrial loans decreased from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily driven by elevated revolving line of credit utilization during the year ended December 31, 2020 as well as paydowns in excess of loan originations. Average commercial mortgage loans decreased from the year ended December 31, 2020 as payoffs exceeded loan originations. Average commercial construction loans increased from the year ended December 31, 2020 as draws on existing commitments exceeded payoffs. Average deposits increased $3.5 billion from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to an increase in average demand deposits, partially offset by decreases in average interest checking deposits and average savings and money market deposits. Average demand deposits increased $8.7 billion from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily as a result of commercial customers maintaining increased levels of liquidity driven by the amount of fiscal and monetary stimulus, as well as growth in the number of accounts and migration of balances from interest checking deposits. Average interest checking deposits decreased $4.5 billion from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily as a result of the aforementioned balance migration into demand deposits and lower average balances per commercial customer account. Average savings and money market deposits decreased $601 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily as a result of a decline in average balances per commercial customer account. Branch Banking Branch Banking provides a full range of deposit and loan products to individuals and small businesses through 1,117 full-service banking centers. Branch Banking offers depository and loan products, such as checking and savings accounts, home equity loans and lines of credit, credit cards and loans for automobiles and other personal financing needs, as well as products designed to meet the specific needs of small businesses, including cash management services. The following table contains selected financial data for the Branch Banking segment: TABLE 18: Branch Banking For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) Income Statement Data Net interest income Provision for credit losses Noninterest income: Card and processing revenue Service charges on deposits Wealth and asset management revenue Other noninterest income Noninterest expense: Compensation and benefits 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 Commercial loans, including held for sale Demand deposits Interest checking deposits Savings and money market deposits Certificates of deposit 2021 2020 2019 $ 1,221 97 1,667 231 329 236 206 122 646 229 86 913 143 29 114 11,878 3,050 26,002 15,800 42,379 3,316 283 215 172 81 649 217 116 887 318 67 251 12,777 2,268 19,755 12,608 37,030 5,370 $ $ 2,371 224 285 260 158 99 601 221 123 915 1,089 229 860 13,200 2,170 15,802 10,716 33,173 7,532 79 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Net income was $114 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to net income of $251 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease was primarily driven by a decrease in net interest income, partially offset by an increase in noninterest income and a decrease in provision for credit losses. Net interest income decreased $446 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to decreases in FTP credit rates on deposits, decreases in average balances of credit card and home equity and decreases in yields on average home equity and average other consumer loans. These negative impacts were partially offset by decreases in the rates paid on average interest-bearing deposits and a decrease in FTP charge rates on loans and leases. Provision for credit losses decreased $134 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to decreases in net charge-offs on credit card, other consumer loans, commercial and industrial loans and home equity as well as a decrease in commercial criticized asset levels for the year ended December 31, 2021. Net charge-offs as a percent of average portfolio loans and leases decreased to 83 bps for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to 135 bps for the year ended December 31, 2020. Noninterest income increased $142 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily driven by increases in card and processing revenue, other noninterest income, wealth and asset management revenue and service charges on deposits. Card and processing revenue increased $46 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily as a result of an increase in consumer customer spend volume, partially offset by increased reward costs. Other noninterest income increased $41 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily driven by decreases in net losses on disposition and impairment of bank premises and equipment as well as increases in cardholder fees and banking center income. Wealth and asset management revenue increased $34 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to increases in broker income and private client service fees. Service charges on deposits increased $21 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 driven by increases in both commercial deposit fees and consumer deposit fees. Noninterest expense increased $5 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to increases in other noninterest expense and net occupancy and equipment expense, partially offset by a decrease in card and processing expense. Other noninterest expense increased $26 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to increases in losses and adjustments, loan and lease expense and marketing expense. These increases were partially offset by decreases in allocated expenses primarily related to cash management services. Net occupancy and equipment expense increased $12 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to increases in allocated occupancy costs. Card and processing expense decreased $30 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily driven by contract renegotiations with a third-party vendor. Average consumer loans decreased $899 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily driven by a decrease in average home equity as payoffs exceeded loan originations, as well as a decrease in average credit card primarily driven by the cumulative impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, including accelerated paydown activity due to the amount of fiscal stimulus programs and lower consumer demand for credit. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in average residential mortgage loans primarily as a result of an increase in loan originations. Average commercial loans increased $782 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily driven by increases in average commercial mortgage loans and average commercial and industrial loans. Average deposits increased $12.7 billion from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily driven by increases in average demand deposits, average savings and money market deposits and average interest checking deposits, partially offset by a decrease in average CDs. Average demand deposits increased $6.2 billion, average savings and money market deposits increased $5.3 billion and average interest checking deposits increased $3.2 billion from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily as a result of higher balances per customer account due to the amount of fiscal stimulus, uncertainty regarding the COVID-19 pandemic as well as decreased consumer outflows. Average CDs decreased $2.1 billion from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to lower offering rates on certificates. 80 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Consumer Lending Consumer Lending includes the Bancorp’s residential mortgage, automobile and other indirect lending activities. Residential mortgage activities within Consumer Lending include the origination, retention and servicing of residential mortgage loans, sales and securitizations of those loans and all associated hedging activities. Residential mortgages are primarily originated through a dedicated sales force and through third-party correspondent lenders. Automobile and other indirect lending activities include extending loans to consumers through automobile dealers, motorcycle dealers, powersport dealers, recreational vehicle dealers and marine dealers. The following table contains selected financial data for the Consumer Lending segment: TABLE 19: Consumer Lending For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) Income Statement Data Net interest income Provision for credit losses Noninterest income: Mortgage banking net revenue Other noninterest income Noninterest expense: Compensation and benefits Other noninterest expense Income before income taxes Applicable income tax expense Net income Average Balance Sheet Data Residential mortgage loans, including held for sale Home equity Indirect secured consumer loans $ $ $ 2021 2020 2019 562 9 257 7 245 394 178 37 141 381 34 307 12 221 297 148 31 117 325 49 279 17 196 259 117 25 92 16,012 147 15,036 13,182 192 12,273 13,027 220 10,109 Net income was $141 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to net income of $117 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase was primarily driven by an increase in net interest income and a decrease in provision for credit losses, partially offset by an increase in noninterest expense and a decrease in noninterest income. Net interest income increased $181 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily driven by a decrease in FTP charge rates on loans and leases and increases in the average balances of residential mortgage loans and indirect secured consumer loans. These increases were partially offset by decreases in yields on average indirect secured consumer loans and average residential mortgage loans. Provision for credit losses decreased $25 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily driven by decreases in net charge-offs on indirect secured consumer loans and residential mortgage loans. Net charge-offs as a percent of average portfolio loans and leases decreased to 4 bps for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to 14 bps for the year ended December 31, 2020. Noninterest income decreased $55 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily driven by decreases in mortgage banking net revenue and other noninterest income. Refer to the Noninterest Income subsection of the Statements of Income Analysis section of MD&A for additional information on the fluctuations in mortgage banking net revenue. Other noninterest income decreased $5 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily as a result of net losses recognized on securities related to non-qualifying hedges on MSRs for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to net gains recognized during the year ended December 31, 2020. Noninterest expense increased $121 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 due to increases in other noninterest expense and compensation and benefits. Other noninterest expense increased $97 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily driven by increases in loan and lease expense driven by an increase in loan servicing expenses associated with the Bancorp’s purchases of certain government-guaranteed residential mortgage loans in forbearance programs and corporate overhead allocations. Compensation and benefits increased $24 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to increases in base compensation and incentive compensation resulting from the increased mortgage origination activity for the year ended December 31, 2021. Average consumer loans increased $5.5 billion from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to increases in average residential mortgage loans and average indirect secured consumer loans. Average residential mortgage loans increased $2.8 billion from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to an increase in residential mortgage loans held for sale as the Bancorp purchased government-guaranteed loans in forbearance programs, partially offset by higher runoff in residential mortgage portfolio loans due to payoffs exceeding loan originations. Average indirect secured consumer loans increased $2.8 billion from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily driven by higher demand and other favorable market conditions, which contributed to increased loan production. 81 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Wealth and Asset Management Wealth and Asset Management provides a full range of wealth management services for individuals, companies and not-for- profit organizations. Wealth and Asset Management is made up of three main businesses: FTS, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bancorp; Fifth Third Private Bank; and Fifth Third Institutional Services. FTS offers full service retail brokerage services to individual clients and broker-dealer services to the institutional marketplace. Fifth Third Private Bank offers wealth management strategies to high net worth and ultra-high net worth clients through wealth planning, investment management, banking, insurance, trust and estate services. Fifth Third Institutional Services provides advisory services for institutional clients including middle market businesses, non-profits, states and municipalities. The following table contains selected financial data for the Wealth and Asset Management segment: TABLE 20: Wealth and Asset Management For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) Income Statement Data Net interest income (Benefit from) provision for credit losses Noninterest income: Wealth and asset management revenue Other noninterest income Noninterest expense: Compensation and benefits Other noninterest expense Income before income taxes Applicable income tax expense Net income Average Balance Sheet Data Loans and leases, including held for sale Deposits 2021 2020 2019 88 (1) 558 12 205 335 119 25 94 139 3 498 28 218 315 129 27 102 182 — 469 20 217 312 142 30 112 3,852 11,480 3,659 11,085 3,580 9,972 $ $ $ Net income was $94 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to net income of $102 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease in net income was primarily driven by a decrease in net interest income and an increase in noninterest expense partially offset by an increase in noninterest income and a decrease in provision for credit losses. Net interest income decreased $51 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily driven by decreases in FTP credit rates on deposits as well as decreases in yields on average loans and leases. These negative impacts were partially offset by decreases in rates paid on average interest-bearing deposits as well as decreases in FTP charge rates on loans and leases. The benefit from credit losses was $1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to a provision for credit losses of $3 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease was primarily driven by a decrease in net charge-offs on residential mortgage loans. Noninterest income increased $44 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 due to an increase in wealth and asset management revenue partially offset by a decrease in other noninterest income. Wealth and asset management revenue increased $60 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily as a result of increases in private client service fees and broker income partially offset by a decrease in institutional fees. Other noninterest income decreased $16 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to a decrease in insurance income driven by the sale of the Bancorp’s property and casualty insurance business in the fourth quarter of 2020. Noninterest expense increased $7 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 due to an increase in other noninterest expense partially offset by a decrease in compensation and benefits. Other noninterest expense increased $20 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to increases in expenses associated with intercompany revenue sharing agreements. Compensation and benefits decreased $13 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily as a result of a decrease in base compensation which included a decline due to the sale of the Bancorp’s property and casualty insurance business in the fourth quarter of 2020. Average loans and leases increased $193 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily driven by increases in average other consumer loans and average residential mortgage loans as a result of higher loan production, partially offset by a decrease in average home equity. Average deposits increased $395 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily driven by increases in average savings and money market deposits, average interest checking deposits and average demand deposits as a result of higher average balances per customer account due to the amount of fiscal stimulus, uncertainty regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and decreased consumer spending. 82 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 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, unallocated provision for credit losses expense or a benefit from the reduction of the ACL, the payment of preferred stock dividends and certain support activities and other items not attributed to the business segments. Net interest income on an FTE basis increased $709 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily driven by decreases in FTP credit rates on deposits allocated to the business segments, an increase in interest income on loans and leases and decreases in interest expense on long-term debt and deposits. These positive impacts were partially offset by a decrease in the benefit related to FTP charge rates on loans and leases allocated to the business segments and a decrease in interest income on investment securities. The provision for credit losses was $101 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to a benefit from credit losses of $221 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase for the year ended December 31, 2021 was primarily driven by an increase in the benefits provided to the business segments associated with the decline in the level of commercial criticized assets owned by the business segments. Noninterest income increased $38 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily driven by the recognition of a gain on the sale of the Bancorp’s HSA deposit portfolio in the third quarter of 2021, an increase in private equity investment income, a decrease in the loss on the swap associated with the sale of Visa, Inc. Class B shares and a decrease in net losses on disposition and impairment of bank premises and equipment. These impacts were partially offset by the recognition of securities losses of $15 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to securities gains of $62 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Noninterest expense decreased $10 million from the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily driven by a decrease in net occupancy expense, partially offset by a decrease in corporate overhead allocations from General Corporate and Other to the other business segments and increases in technology and communications expense and equipment expense. 83 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS BALANCE SHEET ANALYSIS Loans and Leases The Bancorp classifies its commercial loans and leases based upon primary purpose and consumer loans based upon product or collateral. Table 21 summarizes end of period loans and leases, including loans and leases held for sale and Table 22 summarizes average total loans and leases, including average loans and leases held for sale. TABLE 21: Components of Total Loans and Leases (including loans and leases held for sale) As of December 31 ($ in millions) Commercial loans and leases: 2021 2020 Commercial and industrial loans(a) Commercial mortgage loans Commercial construction loans Commercial leases Total commercial loans and leases Consumer loans: Residential mortgage loans(b) Home equity Indirect secured consumer loans Credit card Other consumer loans Total consumer loans Total loans and leases Total portfolio loans and leases (excluding loans and leases held for sale) $ $ $ 51,666 10,329 5,241 3,053 70,289 20,791 4,084 16,783 1,766 2,752 46,176 116,465 112,050 49,895 10,609 5,815 2,954 69,273 20,393 5,183 13,653 2,007 3,014 44,250 113,523 108,782 (a) (b) Includes $1.3 billion and $4.8 billion as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, related to the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program. Includes $39, as of December 31, 2020, of residential mortgage loans previously sold to GNMA for which the Bancorp was deemed to have regained effective control over under ASC Topic 860, but did not exercise its option to repurchase. Refer to Note 16 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. Total loans and leases, including loans and leases held for sale, increased $2.9 billion, or 3%, from December 31, 2020. The increase from December 31, 2020 was the result of increases of $1.9 billion, or 4%, in consumer loans and $1.0 billion, or 1%, in commercial loans and leases. Commercial loans and leases increased $1.0 billion from December 31, 2020 due to increases in commercial and industrial loans and commercial leases, partially offset by decreases in commercial construction loans and commercial mortgage loans. Commercial and industrial loans increased $1.8 billion, or 4%, from December 31, 2020 primarily as a result of strong production and increased revolving line of credit utilization, partially offset by PPP loan forgiveness and paydowns. Commercial leases increased $99 million, or 3%, from December 31, 2020 primarily as a result of an increase in lease originations. Commercial construction loans decreased $574 million, or 10%, from December 31, 2020 as payoffs exceeded draws on existing commitments and loan originations. Commercial mortgage loans decreased $280 million, or 3%, from December 31, 2020 as payoffs exceeded loan originations. Consumer loans increased $1.9 billion from December 31, 2020 due to increases in indirect secured consumer loans and residential mortgage loans, partially offset by decreases in home equity, other consumer loans and credit card. Indirect secured consumer loans increased $3.1 billion, or 23%, from December 31, 2020 primarily driven by higher demand and other favorable market conditions, which contributed to increased loan production. Residential mortgage loans increased $398 million, or 2%, from December 31, 2020 primarily due to increases in residential mortgage loans held for sale as the Bancorp purchased government-guaranteed loans in forbearance programs. Home equity decreased $1.1 billion, or 21%, from December 31, 2020 as payoffs exceeded loan originations. Other consumer loans decreased $262 million, or 9%, from December 31, 2020 primarily as a result of payoffs exceeding loan originations. Credit card decreased $241 million, or 12%, from December 31, 2020 primarily due to the cumulative impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, including accelerated paydown activity driven by the amount of fiscal stimulus programs and lower consumer demand for credit. 84 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS TABLE 22: Components of Average Loans and Leases (including average loans and leases held for sale) For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) Commercial loans and leases: 2021 2020 Commercial and industrial loans Commercial mortgage loans Commercial construction loans Commercial leases Total commercial loans and leases Consumer loans: Residential mortgage loans Home equity Indirect secured consumer loans Credit card Other consumer loans Total consumer loans Total average loans and leases Total average portfolio loans and leases (excluding loans and leases held for sale) $ $ $ 48,966 10,396 5,783 3,130 68,275 21,359 4,565 15,156 1,783 2,979 45,842 114,117 108,737 53,814 11,011 5,509 3,038 73,372 17,828 5,679 12,454 2,230 2,848 41,039 114,411 112,993 Average loans and leases, including average loans and leases held for sale, decreased $294 million from December 31, 2020 as the result of a $5.1 billion, or 7%, decrease in average commercial loans and leases, partially offset by a $4.8 billion, or 12%, increase in average consumer loans. Average commercial loans and leases decreased $5.1 billion from December 31, 2020 due to decreases in average commercial and industrial loans and average commercial mortgage loans, partially offset by increases in average commercial construction loans and average commercial leases. Average commercial and industrial loans decreased $4.8 billion, or 9%, from December 31, 2020 primarily driven by elevated revolving line of credit utilization during the year ended December 31, 2020 as well as paydowns in excess of loan originations. Average commercial mortgage loans decreased $615 million, or 6%, from December 31, 2020 as payoffs exceeded loan originations. Average commercial construction loans increased $274 million, or 5%, from December 31, 2020 as draws on existing commitments exceeded payoffs. Average commercial leases increased $92 million, or 3%, from December 31, 2020 primarily as a result of an increase in lease originations. Average consumer loans increased $4.8 billion from December 31, 2020 due to increases in average residential mortgage loans, average indirect secured consumer loans and average other consumer loans, partially offset by decreases in average home equity and average credit card. Average residential mortgage loans increased $3.5 billion, or 20%, from December 31, 2020 primarily due to increases in residential mortgage loans held for sale as the Bancorp purchased government-guaranteed loans in forbearance programs. Average indirect secured consumer loans increased $2.7 billion, or 22%, from December 31, 2020 primarily driven by higher demand and other favorable market conditions, which contributed to increased loan production. Average other consumer loans increased $131 million, or 5%, from December 31, 2020 primarily as a result of purchases of portfolios of point-of-sale loans. Average home equity decreased $1.1 billion, or 20%, from December 31, 2020 as payoffs exceeded loan originations. Average credit card decreased $447 million, or 20%, from December 31, 2020 primarily due to the cumulative impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, including accelerated paydown activity driven by the amount of fiscal stimulus programs and lower consumer demand for credit. Investment Securities The Bancorp uses investment securities as a means of managing interest rate risk, providing collateral for pledging purposes and for liquidity risk management. Total investment securities were $39.0 billion and $38.4 billion at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The taxable available-for-sale debt and other investment securities portfolio had an effective duration of 4.8 at December 31, 2021 compared to 4.4 at December 31, 2020. Debt 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 that management has the intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity and reported at amortized cost. Debt securities are classified as trading when bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term. At December 31, 2021, the Bancorp’s investment portfolio consisted primarily of AAA-rated available-for-sale debt and other securities. The Bancorp held an immaterial amount of below-investment grade available-for-sale debt and other securities at both December 31, 2021 and 2020. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Bancorp recognized $19 million of impairment losses on available-for-sale debt and other securities, included in securities (losses) gains, net, in the Consolidated Statements of Income. These losses related to certain securities in unrealized loss positions that the Bancorp intended to sell prior to recovery of their amortized cost bases. The Bancorp did not consider these losses to be credit-related. 85 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS At both December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Bancorp completed its evaluation of the available-for-sale debt and other securities in an unrealized loss position and did not recognize an allowance for credit losses. The Bancorp did not recognize provision expense for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 related to available-for-sale debt and other securities in an unrealized loss position. Prior to adoption of ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, investment securities were evaluated for OTTI with any identified OTTI recognized as a charge to income and a direct reduction of the amortized cost basis of the securities. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Bancorp recognized $1 million of OTTI on its available-for-sale debt and other securities, included in securities (losses) gains, net, in the Consolidated Statement of Income. The following table summarizes the end of period components of investment securities: TABLE 23: Components of Investment Securities As of December 31 ($ in millions) Available-for-sale debt and other securities (amortized cost basis): 2021 2020 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 Other securities(a) Total available-for-sale debt 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 debt securities (fair value): U.S. Treasury and federal agencies securities Obligations of states and political subdivisions securities Agency residential mortgage-backed securities Asset-backed securities and other debt securities Total trading debt securities Total equity securities (fair value) $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 85 18 8,432 18,236 4,364 5,287 519 36,941 6 2 8 84 32 105 291 512 376 74 17 11,147 16,745 3,323 3,152 524 34,982 9 2 11 81 10 30 439 560 313 (a) Other securities consist of FHLB, FRB and DTCC restricted stock holdings that are carried at cost. On an amortized cost basis, available-for-sale debt and other securities increased $2.0 billion from December 31, 2020 primarily due to increases in asset-backed securities and other debt securities and agency commercial mortgage-backed securities, partially offset by a decrease in agency residential mortgage-backed securities. On an amortized cost basis, available-for-sale debt and other securities were 20% and 19% of total interest-earning assets at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The estimated weighted-average life of the debt securities in the available-for-sale debt and other securities portfolio was 6.6 years and 5.7 years at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. In addition, at December 31, 2021 and 2020 the debt securities in the available-for-sale debt and other securities portfolio had a weighted-average yield of 2.77% and 3.05%, respectively. Information presented in Table 24 is on a weighted-average life basis, anticipating future prepayments. Yield information is presented on an FTE basis and is computed using amortized cost balances and reflects the impact of prepayments. Maturity and yield calculations for the total available-for-sale debt and other securities portfolio exclude other securities that have no stated yield or maturity. Total net unrealized gains on the available-for-sale debt and other securities portfolio were $1.2 billion at December 31, 2021 compared to $2.5 billion at December 31, 2020. The fair value of investment securities is impacted by interest rates, credit spreads, market volatility and liquidity conditions. The fair value of the Bancorp’s investment securities portfolio generally increases when interest rates decrease or when credit spreads contract. 86 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS TABLE 24: Characteristics of Available-for-Sale Debt and Other Securities As of December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) U.S. Treasury and federal agencies securities: Average life within one year Average life after one year through five years Total Obligations of states and political subdivisions securities: Average life after one year through five years Average life after ten years Total Agency residential mortgage-backed securities: Average life within one year Average life after one year through five years Average life after five years through ten years Average life after ten years Total Agency commercial mortgage-backed securities:(a) Average life within one year Average life after one year through five years Average life after five years through ten years Average life after ten years Total Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities: Average life within one year Average life after one year through five years Average life after five years through ten years Total Asset-backed securities and other debt securities: Average life within one year Average life after one year through five years Average life after five years through ten years Average life after ten years Total Other securities Total available-for-sale debt and other securities $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Amortized Cost Fair Value Weighted-Average Life (in years) Weighted-Average Yield 10 75 85 17 1 18 384 3,148 4,141 759 8,432 555 6,499 5,993 5,189 18,236 35 3,117 1,212 4,364 406 2,191 1,146 1,544 5,287 519 36,941 10 76 86 17 1 18 389 3,245 4,343 805 8,782 569 6,770 6,315 5,297 18,951 35 3,237 1,207 4,479 404 2,190 1,140 1,541 5,275 519 38,110 0.1 1.1 1.0 1.2 14.9 2.0 0.6 3.4 6.6 12.7 5.7 0.5 3.0 7.0 13.5 7.2 0.7 3.1 9.0 4.7 0.5 3.5 6.4 16.0 7.5 6.6 0.01 % 2.12 1.87 % 1.80 7.00 2.12 % 3.53 3.01 2.98 2.93 3.01 % 4.16 3.36 2.80 2.43 2.93 % 2.94 3.17 2.19 2.90 % 2.69 1.73 1.69 1.47 1.72 % 2.77 % (a) Taxable-equivalent yield adjustments included in the above table are 0.09% and 0.03% for securities with an average life greater than 10 years and in total, respectively. Other Short-Term Investments Other short-term investments primarily include overnight interest-earning investments, including reserves held at the FRB. The Bancorp uses other short-term investments as part of its liquidity risk management tools. Other short-term investments were $34.6 billion and $33.4 billion at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The increase of $1.2 billion from December 31, 2020 was primarily attributable to core deposit growth, which was partially offset by loan growth and paydowns of long-term debt during the year ended December 31, 2021. Deposits The Bancorp’s deposit balances represent an important source of funding and revenue growth opportunity. The Bancorp continues to focus on core deposit growth in its retail and commercial franchises by improving customer satisfaction, building full relationships and offering competitive rates. Average core deposits represented 79% and 75% of the Bancorp’s average asset funding base for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. 87 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following table presents the end of period components of deposits: TABLE 25: Components of Deposits As of December 31 ($ in millions) Demand Interest checking Savings Money market Foreign office Total transaction deposits CDs $250,000 or less(a) Total core deposits CDs over $250,000(a) Total deposits 2021 2020 $ $ 65,088 48,870 22,227 30,263 121 166,569 2,486 169,055 269 169,324 57,711 47,270 18,258 30,650 143 154,032 3,740 157,772 1,309 159,081 (a) Fifth Third has elected to record CDs $250,000 or less within core deposits, consistent with minimum FDIC insurance coverage. Fifth Third had previously recorded certificates $100,000 or less as “other time” within core deposits. Prior periods have been adjusted to conform to current period presentation. Core deposits increased $11.3 billion, or 7%, from December 31, 2020, driven by an increase in transaction deposits, partially offset by a decrease in CDs $250,000 or less. Transaction deposits increased $12.5 billion, or 8%, from December 31, 2020 primarily due to increases in demand deposits, savings deposits and interest checking deposits, partially offset by a decrease in money market deposits. Demand deposits increased $7.4 billion, or 13%, from December 31, 2020 primarily as a result of customers maintaining increased levels of liquidity driven by the amount of fiscal and monetary stimulus, as well as growth in the number of accounts and migration of balances from interest checking deposits during the year ended December 31, 2021. Savings deposits increased $4.0 billion, or 22%, from December 31, 2020 primarily as a result of higher balances per customer account due to the amount of fiscal stimulus as well as decreased consumer outflows. Interest checking deposits increased $1.6 billion, or 3%, from December 31, 2020 primarily as a result of higher balances per consumer customer account due to the amount of fiscal stimulus as well as decreased consumer outflows, partially offset by lower balances per commercial customer account as well as the aforementioned balance migration into demand deposits. Money market deposits decreased $387 million, or 1%, from December 31, 2020 primarily as a result of lower balances per commercial customer account, partially offset by higher balances per consumer customer account due to the amount of fiscal stimulus and decreased consumer outflows. CDs $250,000 or less decreased $1.3 billion, or 34%, from December 31, 2020 primarily due to lower offering rates. CDs over $250,000 decreased $1.0 billion, or 79%, from December 31, 2020 primarily due to maturities which were not replaced with new issuances given current market conditions and liquidity levels. The following table presents the components of average deposits for the years ended December 31: TABLE 26: Components of Average Deposits ($ in millions) Demand Interest checking Savings Money market Foreign office Total transaction deposits CDs $250,000 or less(a) Total core deposits CDs over $250,000(a) Other deposits Total average deposits 2021 2020 $ $ 62,028 45,850 20,531 30,631 164 159,204 3,214 162,418 530 — 162,948 47,111 46,890 16,440 29,879 185 140,505 5,247 145,752 2,208 71 148,031 (a) Fifth Third has elected to record CDs $250,000 or less within core deposits, consistent with minimum FDIC insurance coverage. Fifth Third had previously recorded certificates $100,000 or less as “other time” within core deposits. Prior periods have been adjusted to conform to current period presentation. On an average basis, core deposits increased $16.7 billion, or 11%, from December 31, 2020 due to an increase of $18.7 billion, or 13%, in average transaction deposits, partially offset by a decrease of $2.0 billion, or 39%, in average CDs $250,000 or less. The increase in average transaction deposits was primarily driven by increases in average demand deposits, average savings deposits and average money market deposits, partially offset by a decrease in average interest checking deposits. Average demand deposits increased $14.9 billion, or 32%, from December 31, 2020 primarily as a result of customers maintaining increased levels of liquidity driven by the amount of fiscal and monetary stimulus, as well as growth in the number of accounts and migration of balances from interest checking deposits. Average savings deposits increased $4.1 billion, or 25%, from December 31, 2020 primarily as a result of higher average balances per customer account due to the 88 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS amount of fiscal stimulus as well as decreased consumer outflows. Average money market deposits increased $752 million, or 3%, from December 31, 2020 primarily as a result of higher average balances per consumer customer account due to the amount of fiscal stimulus and decreased consumer outflows. Average interest checking deposits decreased $1.0 billion, or 2%, from December 31, 2020 primarily as a result of the aforementioned balance migration into demand deposits and lower average balances per commercial customer account, partially offset by higher average balances per consumer customer account due to the previously mentioned impacts of fiscal stimulus. Average CDs $250,000 or less decreased $2.0 billion, or 39%, primarily due to lower offering rates. Average CDs over $250,000 decreased $1.7 billion, or 76%, from December 31, 2020 primarily due to maturities which were not replaced with new issuances given current market conditions and liquidity levels. Contractual maturities The contractual maturities of CDs as of December 31, 2021 are summarized in the following table: TABLE 27: Contractual Maturities of CDs(a) ($ in millions) Next 12 months 13-24 months 25-36 months 37-48 months 49-60 months After 60 months Total CDs (a) Includes CDs $250,000 or less and CDs over $250,000. $ $ 2,267 272 100 68 44 4 2,755 Deposit insurance The FDIC generally provides a standard amount of insurance of $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, for each account ownership category defined by the FDIC. Depositors may qualify for coverage of accounts over $250,000 if they have funds in different ownership categories and all FDIC requirements are met. All deposits that an account holder has in the same ownership category at the same bank are added together and insured up to the standard insurance amount. As of December 31, 2021, approximately $80.2 billion of the Bancorp’s domestic deposits were uninsured, including $468 million of time deposits. Where information is not readily available to determine the amount of insured deposits, the amount of uninsured deposits is estimated, consistent with the methodologies and assumptions utilized in providing information to the Bank’s regulators. Borrowings The Bancorp accesses a variety of short-term and long-term funding sources. Borrowings with original maturities of one year or less are classified as short-term and include federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings. Total average borrowings as a percent of average interest-bearing liabilities were 13% at December 31, 2021 compared to 15% at December 31, 2020. The following table summarizes the end of period components of borrowings: TABLE 28: Components of Borrowings As of December 31 ($ in millions) Federal funds purchased Other short-term borrowings Long-term debt Total borrowings 2021 2020 $ $ 281 980 11,821 13,082 300 1,192 14,973 16,465 Total borrowings decreased $3.4 billion, or 21%, from December 31, 2020 primarily due to decreases in long-term debt and other short-term borrowings. Long-term debt decreased $3.2 billion from December 31, 2020 primarily driven by the early redemptions under the par call options of $3.2 billion of notes and $374 million of paydowns on long-term debt associated with automobile loan securitizations during the year ended December 31, 2021. These increases were partially offset by the issuance of $500 million of senior fixed-rate/floating-rate notes in November of 2021. For additional information regarding the long-term debt issuances, refer to Note 17 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Other short-term borrowings decreased $212 million from December 31, 2020 primarily due to decreased short-term funding needs resulting from core deposit growth. The level of other short-term borrowings can fluctuate significantly from period to period depending on funding needs and the sources that are used to satisfy those needs. For further information on the components of other short- term borrowings, refer to Note 16 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 89 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following table summarizes the components of average borrowings: TABLE 29: Components of Average Borrowings For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) Federal funds purchased Other short-term borrowings Long-term debt Total average borrowings 2021 2020 $ $ 333 1,107 13,109 14,549 385 1,709 16,004 18,098 Total average borrowings decreased $3.5 billion, or 20%, compared to December 31, 2020 primarily due to decreases in average long-term debt and average other short-term borrowings. Average long-term debt decreased $2.9 billion compared to December 31, 2020 primarily driven by the early redemptions under the par call options of $3.2 billion of notes and $374 million of paydowns on long-term debt associated with automobile loan securitizations during the year ended December 31, 2021. These increases were partially offset by the issuance of $500 million of senior fixed-rate/floating-rate notes in November of 2021. Average other short-term borrowings decreased $602 million compared to December 31, 2020 primarily due to decreased short-term funding needs resulting from core deposit growth as well as the Bancorp exercising repurchase options on certain loans previously sold to GNMA for which an obligation had been recognized under ASC Topic 860. Information on the average rates paid on borrowings is discussed 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. 90 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS RISK MANAGEMENT – OVERVIEW Effective risk management is critical to the Bancorp’s ongoing success and ensures that the Bancorp operates in a safe and sound manner, complies with applicable laws and regulations and safeguards the Bancorp’s brand and reputation. Risks are inherent in the Bancorp’s business and are influenced by both internal and external factors. The Bancorp is responsible for managing these risks effectively to deliver through-the-cycle value and performance for the Bancorp’s shareholders, customers, employees and communities. Fifth Third’s Enterprise Risk Management Framework, which is approved annually by the Capital Committee, ERMC, RCC and the Board of Directors, includes the following key elements: • • • • • • • The Bancorp ensures transparency and escalation of risk through defined risk policies and a governance structure that includes the RCC, ERMC and other management-level risk committees and councils. The Bancorp establishes a risk appetite in alignment with its strategic, financial and capital plans. The Bancorp’s risk appetite is defined using quantitative metrics and qualitative measures to ensure prudent risk taking and drive balanced decision making. The Bancorp’s goal is to ensure that aggregate residual risks do not exceed the Bancorp’s risk appetite, and that risks taken are supportive of the Bancorp’s portfolio diversification and profitability objectives. The Board and executive management approve the risk appetite, which is considered in the development of business strategies and forms the basis for enterprise risk management. The core principles that define the Bancorp’s risk appetite are as follows: ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ Act with integrity in all activities. Understand the risks taken and ensure that they are in alignment with the Bancorp’s business strategies and risk appetite. Avoid risks that cannot be understood, managed or monitored. Provide transparency of risk to the Bancorp’s management and Board by escalating risks and issues as necessary. Ensure Fifth Third’s products and services are aligned to the Bancorp’s core customer base and are designed, delivered and maintained to provide value and benefit to the Bancorp’s customers and to Fifth Third. Only offer products or services that are appropriate or suitable for the Bancorp’s customers. Focus on providing operational excellence by providing reliable, accurate and efficient services to meet the Bancorp’s customers’ needs. ◦ Maintain a strong financial position to ensure the Bancorp meets its strategic objectives through all economic cycles and is ◦ ◦ able to access the capital markets at all times, even under stressed conditions. Protect the Bancorp’s reputation by thoroughly understanding the consequences of business strategies, products and processes. Conduct the Bancorp’s business in compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations and in alignment with internal policies and procedures. Fifth Third’s core values and culture provide the foundation for sound risk management practices by establishing expectations for appropriate conduct and accountability across the organization. All employees are expected to conduct themselves in alignment with Fifth Third’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which may be found on www.53.com, while carrying out their responsibilities. Fifth Third’s Corporate Responsibility and Reputation Committee provides oversight of business conduct policies, programs and strategies, and monitors reporting of potential misconduct, trends or themes across the enterprise. Prudent risk management is a responsibility that is expected from all employees and is a foundational element of Fifth Third’s culture. The Bancorp manages eight defined risk types to a prescribed appetite. The risk types are credit risk, liquidity risk, interest rate risk, price risk, legal and regulatory compliance risk, operational risk, reputation risk and strategic risk. The Bancorp identifies and monitors existing and potential risks that may impact the company’s risk profile, including emerging risks that create uncertainties and/or would have broad implications if materialized (e.g. global pandemics, climate change, etc.). Enhanced monitoring and action plans are implemented as necessary to proactively mitigate risk. Fifth Third’s Risk Management Process provides a consistent and integrated approach for managing risks. The five components of the Risk Management Process are: identify, assess, manage, monitor and report. The Bancorp has also established processes and programs to manage and report concentration risks, to ensure robust talent, performance and compensation management, and to aggregate risks across the enterprise. Fifth Third drives accountability for managing risk through its Three Lines of Defense structure: • • • The first line of defense is comprised of front-line units (and enterprise-wide functions that support front-line units) that create risk or are involved in risk-taking activities and are accountable for managing risk. These groups are the Bancorp’s primary risk takers and are responsible for implementing effective internal controls and maintaining processes for identifying, assessing, and managing the risks associated with their activities consistent with established risk appetite and limits. The second line of defense, or Independent Risk Management, consists of Risk Management, Compliance and Credit Risk Review. The second line is responsible for developing frameworks and policies to govern risk-taking activities, overseeing risk-taking of the organization, advising on controlling that risk and providing input on key risk decisions. Risk Management complements the front line’s management of risk-taking activities through its monitoring and reporting responsibilities, including adherence to the risk appetite. Additionally, Risk Management is responsible for identifying, assessing, managing, monitoring and reporting on aggregate risks enterprise-wide. The third line of defense is Internal Audit, which provides oversight of the first and second lines of defense, and independent assurance to the Board on the effectiveness of governance, risk management and internal controls. 91 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 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 is based on three core principles: conservatism, diversification and monitoring. The Bancorp believes that effective credit risk management begins with conservative lending practices which are described below. These practices include the use of intentional risk-based limits for single name exposures and counterparty selection criteria designed to reduce or eliminate exposure to borrowers who have higher than average default risk and defined weaknesses in financial performance. The Bancorp carefully designs and monitors 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 are centrally managed, and ERM manages the policy and the authority delegation process directly. The Credit Risk Review function provides independent and 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 estimated losses expected 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 allowance for credit losses and record 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. In addition, stress testing is performed on various commercial and consumer portfolios utilizing various models. For certain portfolios, such as real estate and leveraged lending, stress testing is performed by Credit department personnel at the individual loan level during credit underwriting. The following tables provide a summary of potential problem portfolio loans and leases: TABLE 30: Potential Problem Portfolio Loans and Leases As of December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) Commercial and industrial loans Commercial mortgage loans Commercial construction loans Commercial leases Total potential problem portfolio loans and leases TABLE 31: Potential Problem Portfolio Loans and Leases As of December 31, 2020 ($ in millions) Commercial and industrial loans Commercial mortgage loans Commercial construction loans Commercial leases Total potential problem portfolio loans and leases Carrying Value Unpaid Principal Balance Exposure 1,587 783 339 59 2,768 1,589 787 339 59 2,774 2,842 791 357 60 4,050 Carrying Value Unpaid Principal Balance Exposure 2,641 784 240 72 3,737 2,651 798 240 72 3,761 3,687 792 252 72 4,803 $ $ $ $ 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 first of these risk grading systems encompasses ten categories, which are based on regulatory guidance for credit risk systems. These ratings are used by the Bancorp to monitor and manage its credit risk. 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 assessing a borrower’s creditworthiness. A “through-the-cycle” rating philosophy uses a grading scale that assigns ratings based on average default rates through an entire business cycle for borrowers with similar financial performance. The dual risk rating system includes thirteen probabilities of default grade categories and an additional eleven 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 regulatory risk rating system. The Bancorp utilizes internally developed models to estimate expected credit losses for portfolio loans and leases. For loans and leases that are collectively evaluated, the Bancorp utilizes these models to forecast expected credit losses over a reasonable and supportable forecast period based on the probability of a loan or lease defaulting, the expected balance at the estimated date of default and the expected loss percentage given a default. Refer to Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about the Bancorp’s processes for developing these models, estimating credit losses for periods beyond the reasonable and supportable forecast period and for estimating credit losses for individually evaluated loans. 92 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS For the commercial portfolio segment, the estimated probabilities of default are primarily based on the probability of default ratings assigned under the through-the-cycle dual risk rating system and historical observations of how those ratings migrate to a default over time in the context of macroeconomic conditions. For loans with available credit, the estimate of the expected balance at the time of default considers expected utilization rates, which are primarily based on macroeconomic conditions and the utilization history of similar borrowers under those economic conditions. The estimates for loss severity are primarily based on collateral type and coverage levels and the susceptibility of those characteristics to changes in macroeconomic conditions. For collectively evaluated loans in the consumer and residential mortgage portfolio segments, the Bancorp’s expected credit loss models primarily utilize the borrower’s FICO score and delinquency history in combination with macroeconomic conditions when estimating the probability of default. The estimates for loss severity are primarily based on collateral type and coverage levels and the susceptibility of those characteristics to changes in macroeconomic conditions. The expected balance at the estimated date of default is also especially impactful in the expected credit loss models for portfolio classes which generally have longer terms (such as residential mortgage loans and home equity) and portfolio classes containing a high concentration of loans with revolving privileges (such as home equity). The estimate of the expected balance at the time of default considers expected prepayment and utilization rates where applicable, which are primarily based on macroeconomic conditions and the utilization history of similar borrowers under those economic conditions. The Bancorp also utilizes various scoring systems, analytical tools and portfolio performance monitoring processes to assess the credit risk of the consumer and residential mortgage portfolios. Overview Although the rise of Omicron and other variants of COVID-19 may present some downside risk to the economic outlook, the underlying fundamentals of the economy continue to strengthen as consumers and businesses return to more normal levels of activity. The consensus outlook expects strong economic growth in 2022 as the benefits from the extraordinary fiscal and monetary policy to fight COVID-19 continue to support strong consumer and business spending. Meanwhile, an easing of supply chain constraints is expected to alleviate some inflationary pressures and allow the Federal Reserve to tighten monetary policy at a measured pace. Consumer demand remained robust throughout 2021 as stimulative fiscal policies, along with a strong job market and record high asset prices, helped retail sales rise 19.3% compared to 2020. Although the pace of retail sales is expected to slow from 2021, the tightness of the labor market, along with the availability of credit, is expected to continue supporting strong consumer spending in 2022. With the economy gaining momentum, the unemployment rate declined to 3.9% as of December 2021, down from 5.9% in June 2021, and average hourly earnings increased 4.7% year-over-year. Labor supply constraints are more binding than anticipated, slowing job growth and boosting wages along with inflation. Robust demand, combined with labor shortages and supply chain constraints, is leading to more persistent inflationary pressures throughout the economy. Monetary policy remained highly accommodative throughout 2021 with the federal funds rate at the zero lower bound and the Federal Reserve continuing its asset purchase program. With unemployment and wages continuing to improve and inflationary trends becoming more persistent, Federal Reserve officials pivoted to a tighter monetary policy in December. In addition to the potential for aggressive rate hikes, FOMC officials indicated a plan for reducing the balance sheet would be announced during 2022. Although FOMC members are concerned about the persistence of inflationary pressures in the economy, Federal Reserve officials continue to expect the factors causing the elevated inflation readings to ease in 2022 as supply chain constraints and labor markets improve. COVID-19 Hardship Relief Programs In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bancorp began providing financial hardship relief in March 2020 to borrowers that were negatively impacted by the pandemic and its related economic impacts. For retail borrowers, these relief programs included three-month payment deferrals for non-real estate secured and unsecured portfolios, six-month payment deferrals for home equity loans and lines of credit and six-month forbearances for residential mortgages. The Bancorp also temporarily waived fees for certain products and services, suspended initiating any new repossession actions on vehicles and suspended all residential foreclosure activity. The fee waiver, repossession suspension and payment deferral programs for non-real estate secured and unsecured and home equity loans and lines of credit were discontinued early in the third quarter of 2020. However, new programs to assist consumer customers have been offered in response to the uniqueness of the economic environment. These primarily include a short-term hardship program which allows for a reduced payment amount for six months with full payments resuming thereafter or placement into a loan modification program that could include permanent rate reductions or maturity extensions. In most cases, these offers were not classified as TDRs if qualified for the TDR relief provisions provided by the CARES Act. The provisions set forth in Section 4013 of the CARES Act related to TDRs expired on January 1, 2022. Future loan modifications will be assessed based on existing TDR evaluation policies as appropriate. For further discussion on COVID-19 hardship relief programs and the Bancorp’s policies related to accounting for restructured loans, see Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. As of December 31, 2021, substantially all of these borrowers have resumed making payments except for certain residential mortgage loans which continue to be in forbearance. The Bancorp currently plans to continue to offer a forbearance program for its residential mortgage borrowers in alignment with the forbearances offered for federally-backed mortgage loans under the provisions of the CARES Act and GSE servicing guidance. Under the provisions of the CARES Act, borrowers with federally-backed residential mortgage loans were able to request a six-month forbearance with 93 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS an option to extend the forbearance period for an additional period of up to six months. The GSEs have also permitted certain forbearances to be extended for an additional six months for a total of up to 18 months. Additionally, the Bancorp will continue to follow the specific GSE guidance for other non-forbearance COVID-19 pandemic relief programs when servicing its residential mortgage portfolio. The Bancorp offered a variety of relief options to its commercial borrowers that had been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. While these offers were individually negotiated and tailored to each borrower’s specific facts and circumstances, the most commonly offered relief measures included temporary covenant waivers and/or deferrals of principal and/or interest payments for up to 90 days. After the deferral program, a customer had the option to resume normal payments, enter into a formal loan modification program or restructure the loan arrangement. These relief options were discontinued in 2021. The following table provides a summary of residential mortgage and consumer portfolio loans as of December 31, 2021, by class, that have received payment deferrals or forbearances as part of the Bancorp’s COVID-19 pandemic hardship relief programs: TABLE 32: Residential Mortgage and Consumer Portfolio Loans Enrolled In Hardship Relief Programs December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) Residential mortgage loans(b) Consumer loans: Home equity Indirect secured consumer loans(d) Credit card Other consumer loans Amortized Cost Basis of Loans and Leases Total that Have Received Payment Relief(b) In Active Relief Period(a) Current(c) 30-89 Days Past Due(c) 90 Days or More Total Past Due 63 1,029 849 19 161 180 Completed Relief Period $ 966 155 655 74 87 1,937 1 58 9 3 134 156 713 83 90 2,071 144 668 71 87 1,819 4 40 6 3 72 8 5 6 — 180 12 45 12 3 252 Total residential mortgage and consumer portfolio loans $ Includes loans that are still in the initial payment relief period and loans that have requested additional relief. (a) (b) Excludes $490 of loans previously sold to GNMA that the Bancorp had the option to repurchase as a result of forbearance, all of which were repurchased and are classified as held for sale. (c) For loans which are still in an active relief period, past due status is based on the borrower’s status as of March 1, 2020, as adjusted based on the borrower’s (d) compliance with modified loan terms. Indirect secured consumer loans which are still in an active relief period as of December 31, 2021 are required to make payments but at a reduced amount from original contractual terms. As of December 31, 2021, $1.0 billion of the Bancorp’s residential mortgage portfolio loans had been enrolled in a COVID-19 forbearance program (either active or completed). These loans had a weighted-average FICO score of approximately 687 and a weighted-average origination LTV of approximately 81%. Approximately 75% of these borrowers made at least one payment since entering forbearance and 82% of balances are reported as current as of December 31, 2021. The Bancorp had $63 million of these loans in an active relief period as of December 31, 2021 and these loans had a weighted-average FICO score of approximately 632 and a weighted-average origination LTV of approximately 84%. Approximately one third of borrowers in an active forbearance period have made at least one payment since entering forbearance and approximately 62% of the residential mortgage loans still in an active relief period have completed the initial six-month forbearance period and have requested an extended forbearance. 94 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Commercial Portfolio The Bancorp’s credit risk management strategy seeks to minimize 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. The risk within the commercial loan and lease portfolio is managed and monitored through an underwriting process utilizing detailed origination policies, continuous loan level reviews, monitoring of industry concentration and product type limits and continuous portfolio risk management reporting. The Bancorp provides loans to a variety of customers ranging from large multinational firms to middle market businesses, sole proprietors and high net worth individuals. The origination policies for commercial and industrial loans outline the risks and underwriting requirements for loans to businesses in various industries. Included in the policies are maturity and amortization terms, collateral and leverage requirements, cash flow coverage measures and hold limits. The Bancorp aligns credit and sales teams with specific industry expertise to better monitor and manage different industry segments of the portfolio. Certain industries have experienced increased stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These include consumer-driven industries that require gathering or congregation such as leisure and recreation (including casinos, restaurants, sports, fitness, hotels and other industries), non- essential retail and leisure travel (primarily including airlines and cruise lines). Certain segments of the healthcare industry (including skilled nursing, physician offices and surgery/outpatient centers, among others) have also been impacted by the pandemic given delays and restrictions on in-person visits and elective procedures. Many affected businesses that have reopened are experiencing labor shortages, which create wide-ranging effects on several industries, including decreased hours of service and increased labor costs. The following table presents industries impacted the most severely within the Bancorp’s commercial and industrial and commercial real estate loan portfolios as of December 31, 2021: TABLE 33: Industries Impacted the Most Severely by the COVID-19 Pandemic Exposure ($ in millions) Commercial and industrial loans:(a) Balance Industry Classification(b) Leisure and recreation(c) Retail - non-essential Healthcare Leisure travel $ Total commercial and industrial loans Commercial real estate owner-occupied loans: Leisure and recreation(c) Retail - non-essential Healthcare Total commercial real estate owner-occupied loans Commercial real estate nonowner-occupied loans: Leisure and recreation(c) Retail - non-essential Healthcare Total commercial real estate nonowner-occupied loans: Total $ 3,464 760 1,295 360 5,879 350 93 1,501 1,944 1,794 814 125 2,733 10,556 7,518 3,415 2,051 544 13,528 399 103 1,713 2,215 1,993 841 143 2,977 18,720 (a) Excludes loans related to the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program. (b) As defined by the North American Industry Classification System. (c) Balances include exposures to casinos, restaurants, sports, fitness, hotels and other. Accommodation and food / Entertainment and recreation Retail trade Healthcare Transportation and warehousing Accommodation and food / Entertainment and recreation Real estate Healthcare Accommodation and food / Entertainment and recreation Real estate Healthcare 95 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following table provides detail on commercial loans 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 34: Commercial Loan and Lease Portfolio (excluding loans and leases held for sale) As of December 31 ($ in millions) By Industry: Manufacturing Real estate Financial services and insurance Business services Healthcare Wholesale trade Accommodation and food Retail trade Communication and information Construction Transportation and warehousing Mining Utilities Entertainment and recreation Other services Public administration Agribusiness Other Individuals Total By Loan Size: Less than $1 million $1 million to $5 million $5 million to $10 million $10 million to $25 million $25 million to $50 million Greater than $50 million Total By State: Illinois Ohio Florida California Texas Michigan Indiana Georgia Tennessee North Carolina Kentucky South Carolina Other Total Outstanding 2021 Exposure Nonaccrual Outstanding 2020 Exposure Nonaccrual $ $ 11,131 10,370 9,196 5,149 5,011 4,733 4,354 4,053 2,969 2,918 2,774 2,512 1,446 1,401 1,140 606 355 89 61 70,268 5 % 8 6 15 24 42 100 % 11 % 10 8 8 8 6 3 3 3 2 2 2 34 100 % 22,082 16,067 18,562 9,481 7,608 9,266 7,089 10,001 6,665 6,111 4,628 5,023 3,698 2,948 1,501 856 616 90 93 132,385 3 6 5 14 24 48 100 9 12 7 8 8 5 4 4 3 2 2 1 35 100 82 37 — 23 6 6 28 2 24 6 8 16 — 86 8 3 1 1 — 337 14 14 8 42 22 — 100 29 4 2 2 6 9 2 8 3 1 1 — 33 100 10,699 11,416 6,868 5,344 5,168 4,204 4,166 3,651 3,128 2,631 2,846 2,626 1,162 2,248 1,362 880 394 127 77 68,997 7 9 7 18 24 35 100 14 11 8 7 7 6 4 3 2 3 2 2 31 100 21,986 16,865 15,113 9,114 7,874 7,990 6,600 8,871 5,802 6,053 4,596 4,171 3,011 3,537 1,770 1,428 616 129 123 125,649 5 7 6 16 23 43 100 12 12 7 7 7 6 4 4 3 2 2 1 33 100 68 143 — 66 41 25 35 6 39 4 13 94 — 84 7 — 10 2 1 638 10 18 14 27 31 — 100 28 4 1 1 10 7 1 7 1 3 4 — 33 100 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), 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 96 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS exceeding $1 million are reviewed quarterly to assess the appropriateness of the value ascribed in the assessment of charge-offs and specific reserves. 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 commercial mortgage loans that are individually evaluated. The Bancorp does not typically aggregate the LTV ratios for commercial mortgage loans less than $1 million. TABLE 35: Commercial Mortgage Loans Outstanding by LTV, Loans Greater Than $1 Million As of December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) Commercial mortgage owner-occupied loans Commercial mortgage nonowner-occupied loans Total $ $ LTV > 100% LTV 80-100% LTV < 80% 166 46 212 416 120 536 3,164 4,197 7,361 TABLE 36: Commercial Mortgage Loans Outstanding by LTV, Loans Greater Than $1 Million As of December 31, 2020 ($ in millions) Commercial mortgage owner-occupied loans Commercial mortgage nonowner-occupied loans Total LTV > 100% 121 51 172 $ $ LTV 80-100% 310 72 382 LTV < 80% 3,209 4,757 7,966 The Bancorp views non-owner-occupied commercial real estate as a higher credit risk product compared to some other commercial loan portfolios due to the higher volatility of the industry. The following tables provide an analysis of nonowner-occupied commercial real estate loans by state (excluding loans held for sale): TABLE 37: Nonowner-Occupied Commercial Real Estate (excluding loans held for sale)(a) As of December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) Outstanding Exposure 90 Days Past Due Nonaccrual For the Year Ended December 31, 2021 Net (Recoveries) Charge-offs By State: Illinois Ohio Florida Michigan Texas Georgia Indiana North Carolina All other states Total $ $ 1,498 1,165 1,126 844 735 326 307 239 3,847 10,087 1,711 1,536 1,753 1,049 1,132 766 563 403 5,330 14,243 — — — — — — — — — — 21 — — — — — — 1 10 32 2 — — — — — — — (3) (1) (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. 97 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS TABLE 38: Nonowner-Occupied Commercial Real Estate (excluding loans held for sale)(a) As of December 31, 2020 ($ in millions) Outstanding Exposure 90 Days Past Due Nonaccrual Net Charge-offs For the Year Ended December 31, 2020 By State: Illinois Ohio Florida Michigan Texas Georgia Indiana North Carolina All other states Total $ $ 2,099 1,072 1,272 803 556 375 264 423 4,166 11,030 2,464 1,597 1,844 1,005 930 798 544 544 5,849 15,575 1 — — — — — — — — 1 45 4 — 1 — 1 — 2 25 78 5 — — — — — — — 36 41 (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. Consumer Portfolio Consumer credit risk management utilizes a framework that encompasses consistent processes for identifying, assessing, managing, monitoring and reporting credit risk. These processes are supported by a credit risk governance structure that includes Board oversight, policies, risk limits and risk committees. The Bancorp’s consumer portfolio is materially comprised of five categories of loans: residential mortgage loans, home equity, indirect secured consumer loans, credit card and other consumer loans. The Bancorp has identified certain credit characteristics within these five categories of loans which it believes represent a higher level of risk compared to the rest of the consumer loan portfolio. The Bancorp does not update LTVs for the consumer portfolio subsequent to origination except as part of the charge-off process for real estate secured loans. The Bancorp actively manages the consumer portfolio through concentration limits, which mitigate credit risk through limiting the exposure to lower FICO scores, higher LTVs and specific geographic concentration risks. The Bancorp enhanced its credit underwriting guidelines across the entire consumer portfolio in response to the economic stress created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The current set of credit guidelines have generally returned to pre-pandemic levels as the Bancorp continues to ensure that underwriting standards reflect forward-looking outlooks on both risks and market opportunities, support strategic objectives, provide value to consumers and ensure adherence to risk appetite. These guidelines will be monitored and adjusted as deemed appropriate in response to the prevailing economic conditions while remaining within the Bancorp’s risk tolerance limits. Residential mortgage portfolio The Bancorp manages credit risk in the residential mortgage portfolio through underwriting guidelines that limit exposure to higher LTVs and lower FICO scores. Additionally, the portfolio is governed by concentration limits that ensure geographic, product and channel diversification. The Bancorp may also package and sell loans in the portfolio. The Bancorp does not originate residential mortgage loans that permit customers to defer principal payments or make payments that are less than the accruing interest. The Bancorp originates both fixed-rate and ARM loans. Within the ARM portfolio, approximately $520 million of ARM loans will have rate resets during the next twelve months. Of these resets, 75% are expected to experience an increase in rate, with an average increase of approximately 0.25%. Underlying characteristics of these borrowers are relatively strong with a weighted-average origination DTI of 36% and weighted-average origination LTV of 74%. Certain residential mortgage products have characteristics that may increase the Bancorp’s credit loss rates in the event of a decline in housing values. These types of mortgage products offered by the Bancorp include loans with high LTVs, multiple loans secured by the same collateral that when combined result in an LTV greater than 80% and interest-only loans. The Bancorp has deemed residential mortgage loans with greater than 80% LTVs and no mortgage insurance as loans that represent a higher level of risk. The Bancorp continues to work with borrowers that are experiencing financial difficulties by utilizing GSE-defined loss mitigation programs which include modifications, payment deferrals and forbearance programs. Additionally, the Bancorp follows GSE guidance related to foreclosure activities which have resumed since October 2021. 98 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following table provides an analysis of the residential mortgage portfolio loans outstanding by LTV at origination: TABLE 39: Residential Mortgage Portfolio Loans by LTV at Origination As of December 31 ($ in millions) LTV ≤ 80% LTV > 80%, with mortgage insurance(a) LTV > 80%, no mortgage insurance Total (a) Includes loans with either borrower or lender paid mortgage insurance. 2021 2020 Outstanding Weighted- Average LTV Outstanding Weighted- Average LTV $ $ 12,207 2,227 1,963 16,397 62.5 % $ 94.9 90.8 70.9 % $ 11,336 2,535 2,057 15,928 65.2 % 95.5 91.1 73.9 % The following tables provide an analysis of the residential mortgage portfolio loans outstanding by state with a greater than 80% LTV at origination and no mortgage insurance: TABLE 40: Residential Mortgage Portfolio Loans, LTV Greater Than 80% at Origination, No Mortgage Insurance As of December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) Outstanding 90 Days Past Due Nonaccrual Net (Recoveries) Charge-offs For the Year Ended December 31, 2021 By State: Ohio Illinois Florida Michigan Indiana North Carolina Kentucky All other states Total $ $ 460 398 305 153 135 134 104 274 1,963 5 3 2 2 2 — 1 3 18 4 2 1 — — — — 1 8 TABLE 41: Residential Mortgage Portfolio Loans, LTV Greater Than 80% at Origination, No Mortgage Insurance As of December 31, 2020 ($ in millions) Outstanding 90 Days Past Due Nonaccrual Net Charge-offs For the Year Ended December 31, 2020 By State: Ohio Illinois Florida Michigan Indiana North Carolina Kentucky All other states Total $ $ 459 410 306 180 147 139 92 324 2,057 4 3 1 2 1 2 1 3 17 4 1 2 1 1 — — 2 11 — (1) — — — — — — (1) 2 — — — — — — — 2 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. Approximately 48% of the outstanding balances of the Bancorp’s portfolio of home equity lines of credit have a balloon structure at maturity. Peak maturity years for the balloon home equity lines of credit are 2025 to 2028 and approximately 20% of the balances mature before 2025. The ALLL provides coverage for expected 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 determined on a pooled basis using a probability of default, loss given default and exposure at default model framework to generate expected losses. The expected losses for the home equity portfolio are dependent upon loan delinquency, FICO scores, LTV, loan age and their historical correlation with macroeconomic variables including unemployment and the home price index. The expected losses generated from models are adjusted by certain qualitative adjustment factors to reflect risks associated 99 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS with current conditions and trends. The qualitative factors include adjustments for changes in policies or procedures in underwriting, monitoring or collections, economic conditions, portfolio mix, lending and risk management personnel, results of internal audit and quality control reviews, collateral values and geographic concentrations. The home equity portfolio is managed in two primary groups: loans outstanding with a combined LTV greater than 80% and those loans with an LTV of 80% or less based upon appraisals at origination. For additional information on these loans, refer to Table 43 and Table 44. Of the total $4.1 billion of outstanding home equity loans: • • • • 80% reside within the Bancorp’s Midwest footprint of Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois as of December 31, 2021; 42% are in senior lien positions and 58% are in junior lien positions at December 31, 2021; 78% of non-delinquent borrowers made at least one payment greater than the minimum payment during the year ended December 31, 2021; and The portfolio had a weighted-average refreshed FICO score of 742 at December 31, 2021. The Bancorp actively manages lines of credit and makes adjustments 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 LTVs 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 ongoing 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. Refer to the Analysis of Nonperforming Assets subsection of the Risk Management section of MD&A and Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information. The following table provides an analysis of home equity portfolio loans outstanding disaggregated based upon refreshed FICO score: TABLE 42: Home Equity Portfolio Loans Outstanding by Refreshed FICO Score As of December 31 ($ in millions) Senior Liens: FICO ≤ 659 FICO 660-719 FICO ≥ 720 Total senior liens Junior Liens: FICO ≤ 659 FICO 660-719 FICO ≥ 720 Total junior liens Total 2021 2020 Outstanding % of Total Outstanding % of Total $ $ 143 228 1,333 1,704 245 430 1,705 2,380 4,084 3 % $ 6 33 42 6 10 42 58 100 % $ 174 284 1,546 2,004 339 610 2,230 3,179 5,183 3 % 6 30 39 6 12 43 61 100 % The Bancorp believes that home equity portfolio loans with a greater than 80% combined LTV 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 43: 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 100 Fifth Third Bancorp 2021 2020 Outstanding Weighted- Average LTV Outstanding Weighted- Average LTV $ $ 1,485 219 1,704 1,479 901 2,380 4,084 53.5 % $ 88.8 58.3 66.4 89.7 76.0 68.4 % $ 1,728 276 2,004 1,864 1,315 3,179 5,183 53.8 % 89.1 58.8 66.5 89.8 77.1 69.8 % Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following tables provide an analysis of home equity portfolio loans outstanding by state with a combined LTV greater than 80% at origination: TABLE 44: Home Equity Portfolio Loans Outstanding with an LTV Greater than 80% at Origination As of December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) By State: Ohio Michigan Illinois Indiana Kentucky Florida All other states Total Outstanding Exposure 90 Days Past Due Nonaccrual For the Year Ended December 31, 2021 Net (Recoveries) Charge-offs $ $ 351 190 181 108 89 79 122 1,120 894 468 373 256 223 170 275 2,659 — — 1 — — — — 1 8 4 5 3 2 1 4 27 — (1) (1) — — (1) (1) (4) TABLE 45: Home Equity Portfolio Loans Outstanding with an LTV Greater than 80% at Origination As of December 31, 2020 ($ in millions) By State: Ohio Michigan Illinois Indiana Kentucky Florida All other states Total Outstanding Exposure 90 Days Past Due Nonaccrual $ $ 493 283 251 148 126 113 177 1,591 1,109 590 468 318 280 220 347 3,332 — — 2 — — — — 2 9 4 7 3 1 3 4 31 For the Year Ended December 31, 2020 Net Charge-offs (Recoveries) 1 (1) — — — — — — Indirect secured consumer portfolio The indirect secured consumer portfolio is comprised of $15.4 billion of automobile loans and $1.3 billion of indirect motorcycle, powersport, recreational vehicle and marine loans as of December 31, 2021. All concentration and guideline changes are monitored monthly to ensure alignment with original credit performance and return projections. The following table provides an analysis of indirect secured consumer portfolio loans outstanding disaggregated based upon FICO score at origination: TABLE 46: Indirect Secured Consumer Portfolio Loans Outstanding by FICO Score at Origination As of December 31 ($ in millions) FICO ≤ 659 FICO 660-719 FICO ≥ 720 Total 2021 2020 Outstanding % of Total Outstanding % of Total $ $ 312 3,745 12,726 16,783 2 % $ 22 76 100 % $ 417 3,568 9,668 13,653 3 % 26 71 100 % As of December 31, 2021, 93% of the indirect secured consumer loan portfolio is comprised of automobile loans, powersport loans and motorcycle loans. It is a common industry practice to advance on these types of loans an amount in excess of the collateral value due to the inclusion of negative equity trade-in, maintenance/warranty products, taxes, title and other fees paid at closing. The Bancorp monitors its exposure to these higher risk loans. The remainder of the indirect secured consumer loan portfolio is comprised of marine and recreational vehicle loans. The Bancorp’s credit policies limit the maximum advance rate on these to 100% of collateral value. 101 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following table provides an analysis of indirect secured consumer portfolio loans outstanding by LTV at origination: TABLE 47: Indirect Secured Consumer Portfolio Loans Outstanding by LTV at Origination 2021 2020 As of December 31 ($ in millions) LTV ≤ 100% LTV > 100% Total Outstanding Weighted- Average LTV Outstanding Weighted- Average LTV $ $ 12,327 4,456 16,783 79.5 % $ 111.1 88.1 % $ 9,371 4,282 13,653 80.3 % 112.7 90.8 % The following table provides an analysis of the Bancorp’s indirect secured consumer portfolio loans outstanding with an LTV greater than 100% at origination as of and for the years ended: TABLE 48: Indirect Secured Consumer Portfolio Loans Outstanding with an LTV Greater than 100% at Origination ($ in millions) December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Outstanding 90 Days Past Due and Accruing Nonaccrual $ 4,456 4,282 6 6 Net Charge-offs 11 26 16 10 Credit card portfolio The credit card portfolio consists of predominantly prime accounts with 98% and 97% of balances existing within the Bancorp’s footprint at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, 72% and 69%, respectively, of the outstanding balances were originated through branch-based relationships with the remainder coming from direct mail campaigns and online acquisitions. The following table provides an analysis of outstanding credit card portfolio disaggregated based upon FICO score at origination: TABLE 49: Credit Card Portfolio Loans Outstanding by FICO Score at Origination As of December 31 ($ in millions) FICO ≤ 659 FICO 660-719 FICO ≥ 720 Total 2021 2020 Outstanding % of Total Outstanding % of Total $ $ 82 518 1,166 1,766 5 % $ 29 66 100 % $ 94 654 1,259 2,007 5 % 32 63 100 % Other consumer portfolio loans Other consumer portfolio loans are comprised of secured and unsecured loans originated through the Bancorp’s branch network as well as point-of-sale loans originated or purchased in connection with third-party financial technology companies. The Bancorp had $226 million in unfunded commitments associated with loans originated in connection with third-party financial technology companies as of December 31, 2021. The Bancorp closely monitors the credit performance of point-of-sale loans. Loans originated in connection with one third-party financial technology company are impacted by certain credit loss protection coverage provided by that company. In the event that the origination agreement with this third-party technology company is terminated, loans with an outstanding balance of $1.3 billion at December 31, 2021 would become subject to a 90-day call option that gives the third-party technology company the right, but not the obligation, to purchase loans from the Bancorp at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest less service fees. The following table provides an analysis of other consumer portfolio loans outstanding by product type: TABLE 50: Other Consumer Portfolio Loans Outstanding by Product Type 2021 2020 Outstanding % of Total Outstanding % of Total $ $ 491 797 1,464 2,752 18 % $ 29 53 100 % $ 683 774 1,557 3,014 23 % 26 51 100 % As of December 31 ($ in millions) Unsecured Other secured Point-of-sale Total 102 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 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, credit card and certain consumer 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. A 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 $542 million at December 31, 2021 compared to $870 million at December 31, 2020. At December 31, 2021, $15 million of nonaccrual loans were held for sale, compared to $6 million at December 31, 2020. Nonperforming portfolio assets as a percent of portfolio loans and leases and OREO were 0.47% as of December 31, 2021 compared to 0.79% as of December 31, 2020. Nonaccrual loans and leases secured by real estate were 33% of nonaccrual loans and leases as of December 31, 2021 compared to 36% as of December 31, 2020. Portfolio commercial nonaccrual loans and leases were $337 million at December 31, 2021, a decrease of $301 million from December 31, 2020. Portfolio consumer nonaccrual loans were $161 million at December 31, 2021, a decrease of $35 million from December 31, 2020. Refer to Table 52 for a rollforward of the portfolio nonaccrual loans and leases. OREO and other repossessed property was $29 million at December 31, 2021, compared to $30 million at December 31, 2020. The Bancorp recognized $6 million and $7 million in losses on the transfer, sale or write-down of OREO properties during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, approximately $33 million and $38 million, respectively, of interest income would have been recognized if the nonaccrual and renegotiated loans and leases on nonaccrual status had been current in accordance with their original terms. Although these values help demonstrate the costs of carrying nonaccrual credits, the Bancorp does not expect to recover the full amount of interest as nonaccrual loans and leases are generally carried below their principal balance. 103 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS TABLE 51: Summary of Nonperforming Assets and Delinquent Loans and Leases As of December 31 ($ in millions) Nonaccrual portfolio loans and leases: Commercial and industrial loans Commercial mortgage loans Commercial construction loans Commercial leases Residential mortgage loans(a) Home equity Indirect secured consumer loans Other consumer loans Nonaccrual portfolio restructured loans: Commercial and industrial loans Commercial mortgage loans Commercial construction loans Residential mortgage loans(a) Home equity Indirect secured consumer loans Credit card Total nonaccrual portfolio loans and leases(b) OREO and other repossessed property Total nonperforming portfolio loans and leases and OREO Nonaccrual loans held for sale Nonaccrual restructured loans held for sale Total nonperforming assets Portfolio loans and leases 90 days past due and still accruing: Commercial and industrial loans Commercial mortgage loans Commercial construction loans Commercial leases Residential mortgage loans(a) Home equity Indirect secured consumer loans Credit card Other consumer loans Total portfolio loans and leases 90 days past due and still accruing Nonperforming portfolio assets as a percent of portfolio loans and leases and OREO Nonperforming portfolio loans and leases as a percent of portfolio loans and leases ACL as a percent of nonperforming portfolio loans and leases ACL as a percent of nonperforming portfolio assets 2021 2020 $ $ $ $ 116 42 6 4 10 47 5 1 163 6 — 23 30 22 23 498 29 527 15 — 542 17 1 1 — 72 1 9 15 1 117 0.47 % 0.44 416 394 230 82 — 7 25 52 9 2 243 75 1 35 34 7 32 834 30 864 5 1 870 39 8 — 1 70 2 10 31 2 163 0.79 0.77 315 304 (a) (b) Information for all periods presented excludes advances made pursuant to servicing agreements for GNMA mortgage pools whose repayments are insured by the FHA or guaranteed by the VA. These advances were $349 and $317 as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Bancorp recognized losses of $2 and $3 for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, due to claim denials and curtailments associated with these insured or guaranteed loans. Includes $26 and $29 of nonaccrual government insured commercial loans whose repayments are insured by the SBA at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, of which $11 and $17 were restructured nonaccrual government insured commercial loans at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. 104 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following tables provide a rollforward of portfolio nonaccrual loans and leases, by portfolio segment: TABLE 52: Rollforward of Portfolio Nonaccrual Loans and Leases For the year ended December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) Balance, beginning of period Transfers to nonaccrual status Transfers to accrual status Transfers to held for sale Loan paydowns/payoffs Transfers to OREO Charge-offs Draws/other extensions of credit Balance, end of period TABLE 53: Rollforward of Portfolio Nonaccrual Loans and Leases For the year ended December 31, 2020 ($ in millions) Balance, beginning of period Transfers to nonaccrual status Transfers to accrual status Transfers to held for sale Loan paydowns/payoffs Transfers to OREO Charge-offs Draws/other extensions of credit Balance, end of period Commercial Residential Mortgage Consumer Total 638 239 (27) (90) (333) (1) (119) 30 337 60 43 (68) — (1) (2) — 1 33 136 163 (88) — (54) — (30) 1 128 834 445 (183) (90) (388) (3) (149) 32 498 Commercial Residential Mortgage Consumer Total 397 794 (34) (46) (216) (1) (282) 26 638 91 136 (149) — (8) (7) (3) — 60 130 170 (85) — (47) — (34) 2 136 618 1,100 (268) (46) (271) (8) (319) 28 834 $ $ $ $ Troubled Debt Restructurings 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. TDRs include concessions granted under reorganization, arrangement or other provisions of the Federal Bankruptcy Act. 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. At the time of modification, the Bancorp maintains certain consumer loan TDRs (including certain 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. Loans discharged in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy and not reaffirmed by the borrower are classified as collateral-dependent TDRs and placed on nonaccrual status regardless of the borrower’s payment history or capacity to repay in the future. These loans are returned to accrual status provided there is a sustained payment history of twelve months after bankruptcy and collectability is reasonably assured for all remaining contractual payments. 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. Refer to the Regulatory Developments Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic section of Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on loans that were modified related to the COVID-19 pandemic but not classified as TDRs. Consumer restructured loans on accrual status totaled $675 million and $796 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. As of December 31, 2021, the percentages of restructured residential mortgage loans, home equity and credit card that are past due 30 days or more from their modified terms were 29%, 20% and 27%, respectively. 105 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following tables summarize portfolio TDRs by loan type and delinquency status: TABLE 54: Accruing and Nonaccruing Portfolio TDRs As of December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) Commercial loans(a) Residential mortgage loans(b) Home equity Indirect secured consumer loans Credit card Total Accruing 30-89 Days Past Due 90 Days or More Past Due Current Nonaccruing Total $ $ 156 328 141 66 18 709 — 17 5 4 3 29 1 92 1 — — 94 169 23 30 22 23 267 326 460 177 92 44 1,099 (a) Excludes restructured nonaccrual loans held for sale. (b) 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, 2021, these advances represented $144 of current loans, $14 of 30-89 days past due loans and $69 of 90 days or more past due loans. TABLE 55: Accruing and Nonaccruing Portfolio TDRs As of December 31, 2020 ($ in millions) Commercial loans(a) Residential mortgage loans(b) Home equity Indirect secured consumer loans Credit card Total Accruing 30-89 Days Past Due Current 90 Days or More Past Due Nonaccruing Total $ $ 92 462 171 5 15 745 — 32 7 — 2 41 — 102 — — — 102 319 35 34 7 32 427 411 631 212 12 49 1,315 (a) Excludes restructured nonaccrual loans held for sale. (b) 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, 2020, these advances represented $276 of current loans, $28 of 30-89 days past due loans and $78 of 90 days or more past due loans. Analysis of Net Loan Charge-offs Net charge-offs were 16 bps and 42 bps of average portfolio loans and leases for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Table 56 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 10 bps during the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to 36 bps during the year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease was primarily due to decreases in net charge-offs on commercial and industrial loans and commercial mortgage loans of $138 million and $37 million, respectively, compared to the same period in the prior year. The ratio of consumer loan net charge-offs to average portfolio consumer loans decreased to 26 bps for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to 52 bps for the year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease was primarily due to decreases in net charge-offs on credit card and indirect secured consumer loans of $56 million and $18 million, respectively, compared to the same period in the prior year. The decreases for the year ended December 31, 2021 included the impact of government stimulus programs and the Bancorp’s hardship programs. Additionally, the Bancorp continued to see increased used car values which has directly impacted loss severity during 2021. 106 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS TABLE 56: Summary of Credit Loss Experience For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) Losses charged-off: Commercial and industrial loans Commercial mortgage loans Commercial leases Residential mortgage loans Home equity Indirect secured consumer loans Credit card Other consumer loans(a) Total losses charged-off Recoveries of losses previously charged-off: Commercial and industrial loans Commercial mortgage loans Commercial leases Residential mortgage loans Home equity Indirect secured consumer loans Credit card Other consumer loans(a) Total recoveries of losses previously charged-off Net losses charged-off: Commercial and industrial loans Commercial mortgage loans Commercial leases Residential mortgage loans Home equity Indirect secured consumer loans Credit card Other consumer loans 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 leases Total commercial loans and leases Residential mortgage loans Home equity Indirect secured consumer loans Credit card Other consumer loans Total consumer loans Total net losses charged-off as a percent of average portfolio loans and leases 2021 2020 2019 $ $ $ $ $ $ (103) (13) (3) (3) (7) (51) (91) (73) (344) 43 5 4 7 11 37 21 42 170 (60) (8) 1 4 4 (14) (70) (31) (174) 0.12 % 0.08 (0.02) 0.10 % (0.03) (0.09) 0.09 3.93 1.06 0.26 % 0.16 % (210) (46) (26) (9) (14) (67) (147) (92) (611) 12 1 3 7 9 35 21 52 140 (198) (45) (23) (2) (5) (32) (126) (40) (471) 0.37 0.41 0.76 0.36 0.02 0.08 0.26 5.63 1.39 0.52 0.42 (120) — (7) (9) (28) (81) (156) (109) (510) 17 2 — 5 10 31 22 54 141 (103) 2 (7) (4) (18) (50) (134) (55) (369) 0.20 (0.02) 0.21 0.16 0.03 0.28 0.48 5.49 2.16 0.68 0.35 (a) For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, the Bancorp recorded $33, $42 and $48, respectively, in both losses charged off and recoveries of losses charged off related to customer defaults on point-of-sale consumer loans for which the Bancorp obtained recoveries under third-party credit enhancements. Allowance for Credit Losses The allowance for credit losses is comprised of the ALLL and the reserve for unfunded commitments. The Bancorp adopted ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020 which established a new approach for estimating credit losses on certain types of financial instruments. After adoption of this amended guidance, the Bancorp maintains the ALLL to absorb the amount of credit losses that are expected to be incurred over the remaining contractual terms of the related loans and leases (as adjusted for prepayments and reasonably expected TDRs). The Bancorp’s methodology for determining the ALLL includes an estimate of expected credit losses on a collective basis for groups of loans and leases with similar risk characteristics and specific allowances for loans and leases which are individually evaluated. For collectively evaluated loans and leases, the Bancorp uses quantitative models to forecast expected credit losses based on the probability of a loan or lease defaulting, the expected balance at the estimated date of default and the expected loss percentage given a default. The Bancorp’s expected credit loss models consider 107 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS historical credit loss experience, current market and economic conditions, and forecasted changes in market and economic conditions if such forecasts are considered reasonable and supportable. The Bancorp also considers qualitative factors in determining the ALLL. Qualitative adjustments are used to capture characteristics in the portfolio that impact expected credit losses which are not fully captured within the Bancorp’s expected credit loss models. These factors include adjustments for changes in policies or procedures in underwriting, monitoring or collections, lending and risk management personnel and results of internal audit and quality control reviews. In addition, the qualitative adjustment framework can be utilized to address specific idiosyncratic risks such as geopolitical events, natural disasters or changes in current economic conditions that are not reflected in the quantitative credit loss models, and their effects on regional borrowers and changes in product structures. Qualitative factors may also be used to address the impacts of unforeseen events on key inputs and assumptions within the Bancorp’s expected credit loss models, such as the reasonable and supportable forecast period, changes to historical loss information or changes to the reversion period or methodology. Refer to Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of the accounting policies for the ALLL and reserve for unfunded commitments for periods prior to January 1, 2020. 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 the provision for credit losses in the Consolidated Statements of Income. For the commercial portfolio segment, the estimates for probability of default are primarily based on internal ratings assigned to each commercial borrower on a 13-point scale and historical observations of how those ratings migrate to a default over time in the context of macroeconomic conditions. For loans with available credit, the estimate of the expected balance at the time of default considers expected utilization rates, which are primarily based on macroeconomic conditions and the utilization history of similar borrowers under those economic conditions. The estimates for loss severity are primarily based on collateral type and coverage levels and the susceptibility of those characteristics to changes in macroeconomic conditions. For collectively evaluated loans in the consumer and residential mortgage portfolio segments, the Bancorp’s expected credit loss models primarily utilize the borrower’s FICO score and delinquency history in combination with macroeconomic conditions when estimating the probability of default. The estimates for loss severity are primarily based on collateral type and coverage levels and the susceptibility of those characteristics to changes in macroeconomic conditions. The expected balance at the estimated date of default is also especially impactful in the expected credit loss models for portfolio classes which generally have longer terms (such as residential mortgage loans and home equity) and portfolio classes containing a high concentration of loans with revolving privileges (such as home equity). The estimate of the expected balance at the time of default considers expected prepayment and utilization rates where applicable, which are primarily based on macroeconomic conditions and the utilization history of similar borrowers under those economic conditions. Day 1 Adoption Impact Upon adoption of ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, the Bancorp used three forward-looking economic scenarios during the reasonable and supportable forecast period in its expected credit loss models to address the inherent imprecision in macroeconomic forecasting. Each of the three scenarios was developed by a third party that is subject to the Bancorp’s Third-Party Risk Management program including oversight by the Bancorp’s independent model risk management group. The scenarios included a most likely outcome (Baseline) and two less probable scenarios with one being more favorable than the Baseline and the other being less favorable. The more favorable alternative scenario (Upside) depicted a stronger near-term growth outlook while the less favorable outlook (Downside) depicted a moderate recession. The Baseline scenario was assigned a probability weighting of 80% with each of the Upside and Downside scenarios being assigned a 10% weighting. The Baseline scenario was developed such that the expectation is that the economy will perform better than the projection 50% of the time and worse than the projection 50% of the time. The Upside scenario was developed such that there is a 10% probability that the economy will perform better than the projection and a 90% probability that it will perform worse. The Downside scenario was developed such that there is a 90% probability that the economy will perform better than the projection and a 10% probability that it will perform worse. 108 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS December 31, 2021 ACL The ACL as of December 31, 2021 was impacted by several factors, including continued improvement in credit quality, a relatively stable Baseline and Upside economic outlook, and some deterioration observed in the forecast for the Downside scenario. As a result of these factors, the Bancorp incorporated a combination of quantitative model-based estimates and qualitative adjustments. For the quantitative estimates, the Bancorp incorporated three scenarios developed by the third party in November 2021 that included estimates of the expected impacts of the changes in economic conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Baseline scenario was assigned a probability weighting of 60%, with a more favorable scenario (Upside) assigned a probability weighting of 20% and a less favorable scenario (Downside) assigned a probability of 20%. The Baseline scenario assumed that the worst of the Delta variant of COVID-19 had passed and that a $1.75 trillion Build Back Better deal would be approved by the U.S. Congress. In the fourth quarter of 2021, the real GDP growth forecast in the Baseline scenario is now expected to be 6.6% at an annualized rate versus 6.3% in the prior quarter. The Baseline scenario also assumes an average unemployment rate of 4.5% in the fourth quarter of 2021, increasing to 5.4% in 2022. The Upside scenario assumes that additional stimulus will boost the economy more than expected, resulting in improved consumer sentiment and increased spending. The Upside scenario also assumes that on an average annual basis, the change in real GDP is 6.2% in 2022 and 2.7% in 2023, and a full- employment rate is expected to be achieved by the second quarter of 2022. The Downside scenario includes increasing cases of COVID-19 as a result of the emergence of vaccine-resistant virus variants along with resultant government restrictions. This results in a reduction in consumer spending on travel, retail, and hotels, rising unemployment rates, and the economy dropping into recession in the first quarter of 2022. The Downside scenario assumes that real GDP will decline through the third quarter of 2022, with the change in real GDP on an average annual basis at 5.1% in 2021 and (0.9%) in 2022. The Downside scenario unemployment rate peaks at 9.0% in the first quarter of 2023. The Bancorp’s quantitative credit loss models are sensitive to changes in economic forecast assumptions over the reasonable and supportable forecast period. Applying a 100% probability weighting to the Downside scenario rather than using the probability-weighted three scenario approach would result in an increase in the quantitative ACL of approximately $960 million. This sensitivity calculation only reflects the impact of changing the probability weighting of the scenarios in the quantitative credit loss models and excludes any additional considerations associated with the qualitative component of the ACL that might be warranted if probability weights were adjusted. At December 31, 2021, the qualitative component of the ACL included consideration of certain factors that represent emerging risks specifically associated with the current economic environment and the COVID-19 pandemic. These considerations resulted in qualitative adjustments to increase the ACL, primarily related to commercial borrowers experiencing prolonged distress and commercial borrowers in certain industries which have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The following table provides a rollforward of the Bancorp’s ACL: TABLE 57: Changes in Allowance for Credit Losses For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) ALLL: Balance, beginning of period Losses charged-off(a) Recoveries of losses previously charged-off(a) (Benefit from) provision for loan and lease losses Impact of adoption of ASU 2016-13 Balance, end of period Reserve for unfunded commitments: Balance, beginning of period Provision for the reserve for unfunded commitments Impact of adoption of ASU 2016-13 Reserve for acquired unfunded commitments Balance, end of period 2021 2020 2019(b) $ $ $ $ 2,453 (344) 170 (387) — 1,892 172 10 — — 182 1,202 (611) 140 1,079 643 2,453 144 18 10 — 172 1,103 (510) 141 468 — 1,202 131 5 — 8 144 (a) For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, the Bancorp recorded $33, $42 and $48, respectively, in both losses charged-off and recoveries of losses charged-off related to customer defaults on point-of-sale consumer loans for which the Bancorp obtained recoveries under third-party credit enhancements. (b) The ALLL and Reserve for unfunded commitments were calculated under the incurred loss methodology for periods ending prior to January 1, 2020. 109 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following table provides an attribution of the Bancorp’s ALLL to portfolio loans and leases: TABLE 58: Attribution of Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses to Portfolio Loans and Leases As of December 31 ($ in millions) Attributed ALLL: 2021 2020 Commercial and industrial loans Commercial mortgage loans Commercial construction loans Commercial leases Residential mortgage loans Home equity Indirect secured consumer loans Credit card Other consumer loans Total ALLL Portfolio loans and leases: Commercial and industrial loans Commercial mortgage loans Commercial construction loans Commercial leases Residential mortgage loans Home equity Indirect secured consumer loans Credit card Other consumer loans 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 Indirect secured consumer loans Credit card Other consumer loans Total ALLL as a percent of portfolio loans and leases Total ACL as a percent of portfolio loans and leases $ $ 711 304 72 15 235 123 119 209 104 1,892 $ 51,659 10,316 5,241 3,052 16,397 4,084 16,783 1,766 2,752 $ 112,050 1.38 % 2.95 1.37 0.49 1.43 3.01 0.71 11.83 3.78 1.69 % 1.85 901 402 124 29 294 201 131 252 119 2,453 49,665 10,602 5,815 2,915 15,928 5,183 13,653 2,007 3,014 108,782 1.81 3.79 2.13 0.99 1.85 3.88 0.96 12.56 3.95 2.25 2.41 The Bancorp’s ALLL may vary significantly from period to period based on changes in economic conditions, economic forecasts and the composition and credit quality of the Bancorp’s loan and lease portfolio. For additional information on the Bancorp’s methodology for measuring the ACL, refer to Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 110 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS INTEREST RATE AND PRICE RISK MANAGEMENT Interest rate risk is the risk to earnings or capital arising from movement of interest rates. This risk primarily impacts the Bancorp’s income categories through changes in interest income on earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities, and through fee items that are related to interest sensitive activities such as mortgage origination and servicing income and through earnings credits earned on commercial deposits that offset commercial deposit fees. Price risk is the risk to earnings or capital arising from changes in the value of financial instruments and portfolios due to movements in interest rates, volatilities, foreign exchange rates, equity prices and commodity prices. Management considers interest rate risk a prominent market risk in terms of its potential impact on earnings. Interest rate risk may occur for any one or more of the following reasons: • • • Assets and liabilities mature or reprice at different times; Short-term and long-term market interest rates change by different amounts; or The expected maturities of various assets or liabilities shorten or lengthen as interest rates change. In addition to the direct impact of interest rate changes on NII and interest-sensitive fees, interest rates can impact earnings through their effect on loan and deposit demand, credit losses, mortgage origination volumes, the value of servicing rights and other sources of the Bancorp’s earnings. Changes in interest rates and other market factors can impact earnings through changes in the value of portfolios, if not appropriately hedged. Stability of the Bancorp’s net income is largely dependent upon the effective management of interest rate risk and to a lesser extent price risk. Management continually reviews the Bancorp’s on- and off-balance sheet composition, earnings flows, and hedging strategies and models interest rate risk and price risk exposures, and possible actions to manage these risks, given numerous possible future interest rate and market factor scenarios. A series of Policy Limits and Key Risk Indicators are employed to ensure that risks are managed within the Bancorp’s risk tolerance for interest rate risk and price risk. In addition to the traditional forms of interest rate risk discussed in this section, the Bancorp is exposed to interest rate risk associated with the retirement and replacement of LIBOR. For more information on the LIBOR transition, refer to the Overview section of MD&A. The Commercial and Wealth and Asset Management lines of business manage price risk for capital markets sales and trading activities related to their respective businesses. The Mortgage line of business manages price risk for the origination and sale of conforming residential mortgage loans to government agencies and government-sponsored enterprises. The Bancorp’s Treasury department manages interest rate risk and price risk for all other activities. Independent oversight is provided by ERM, and key risk indicators and Board-approved policy limits are used to ensure risks are managed within the Bancorp’s risk tolerance. The Bancorp’s Market Risk Management Committee, which includes senior management representatives, is accountable to the ERMC, provides oversight and monitors price risk for the capital markets sales and trading activities. The Bancorp’s ALCO, which includes senior management representatives and is accountable to the ERMC, provides oversight and monitors interest rate and price risks for Mortgage and Treasury 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 NII to changes in interest rates. The model is based on contractual and estimated 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, deviations from projected assumptions as well as from changes in market conditions and management strategies. As of December 31, 2021, the Bancorp’s interest rate risk exposure is governed by a risk framework that utilizes the change in NII over 12- month and 24-month horizons assuming a 200 bps parallel ramped increase in interest rates. Given the unlikely probability associated with a potential negative rate environment, the Bancorp does not have a policy limit for scenarios that include negative rates. Therefore, the Bancorp has no policy limit for a scenario with a decrease in interest rates currently in effect as the Federal Funds target range is currently between zero and 25 basis points. However, the Bancorp routinely analyzes various potential and extreme scenarios, including parallel ramps and shocks as well as steepening and other non-parallel shifts in rates, including negative rate scenarios, to assess where risks to net interest income persist or develop as changes in the balance sheet and market rates evolve. Additionally, the Bancorp routinely evaluates its exposures to changes in the bases between interest rates. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant changes to interest rates, volatilities and the composition of the Bancorp’s balance sheet, including significant increases in deposit funding related to stimulus programs, which has resulted in an excess liquidity position. The excess liquidity is likely to continue negatively impacting net interest margin if short-term interest rates hold steady or move lower but these negative impacts may be partially offset by the amortization of fees related to PPP loans and investment opportunities should the yield curve steepen. In order to recognize the risk of noninterest-bearing demand deposit balance run-off in a rising interest rate environment, the Bancorp’s NII sensitivity modeling assumes that approximately $5 billion of additional demand deposit balances run-off over 24 months above what is included in senior management’s baseline projections for each 100 bps increase in short-term market interest rates. Similarly, the Bancorp’s 111 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS NII sensitivity modeling incorporates approximately $5 billion of incremental growth in noninterest-bearing deposit balances over 24 months above senior management’s baseline projections for each 100 bps decrease in short-term market interest rates. The incremental balance run- off and growth are modeled to flow into and out of funding products that reprice in conjunction with short-term market rate changes and reflect the Bank’s excess liquidity position. Another important deposit modeling assumption is the amount by which interest-bearing deposit rates will increase or decrease when market interest rates increase or decrease. This deposit repricing sensitivity is known as the beta, and it represents the expected amount by which Bancorp deposit rates will change for a given change in short-term market rates. At December 31, 2021, dynamic deposit beta models were implemented and utilized to adjust assumed pricing sensitivity depending on market rate levels. This change preserves alignment to prior rate hike cycles and adjusts expectations for a wide range of scenarios. Using this approach, the Bancorp’s NII sensitivity modeling assumes weighted-average rising-rate interest-bearing deposit betas at the end of the ramped parallel scenarios of 30% and 36%, for a 100 bps and 200 bps increase in rates, respectively. In the event of further rate cuts by the FRB into negative territory, this approach assumes a weighted- average falling-rate interest-bearing deposit beta at the end of the ramped 25 bps decrease in rates of 13% at December 31, 2021, while maintaining that deposit rates themselves will not become negative. In addition, the modeling assumes there is no lag between the timing of changes in market rates and the timing of deposit repricing despite such timing lags having occurred in prior rate cycles. The Bancorp continually evaluates the sensitivity of its interest rate risk measures to these important deposit modeling assumptions. The Bancorp also regularly monitors the sensitivity of other important modeling assumptions, such as loan and security prepayments and early withdrawals on fixed-rate customer liabilities. The following table shows the Bancorp’s estimated NII sensitivity profile and ALCO policy limits as of December 31: TABLE 59: Estimated NII Sensitivity Profile and ALCO Policy Limits Change in Interest Rates (bps) + 200 Ramp over 12 months + 100 Ramp over 12 months – 25 Ramp over 3 months 2021 2020 % Change in NII (FTE) 12 Months 10.68 % 6.13 (2.12) 13-24 Months 20.60 12.66 (2.99) ALCO Policy Limits 13-24 Months (6.00) N/A N/A 12 Months (4.00) N/A N/A % Change in NII (FTE) 12 Months 2.93 % 1.69 (1.93) 13-24 Months 7.73 4.95 (2.88) ALCO Policy Limits 13-24 Months (6.00) N/A N/A 12 Months (4.00) N/A N/A At December 31, 2021, the Bancorp’s NII would benefit significantly in both year one and year two under the parallel rate ramp increases. The Bancorp maintains an asymmetric NII sensitivity profile, which is attributable to the level of floating-rate assets, including the predominantly floating-rate commercial loan portfolio, exceeding the level of floating-rate liabilities due to the increased amount of deposit rates near zero in this low interest rate environment and other fixed-rate borrowings. Reductions in the yield of the commercial loan portfolio would be expected to be only partially offset by a decline in the cost of interest-bearing deposits in a falling-rate scenario. However, proactive management of the securities and derivatives portfolios has reduced the ongoing near-term risk to declining market rates and provided significant protection from the decline in rates experienced as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded. The changes in the estimated NII sensitivity profile compared to December 31, 2020 were primarily attributable to a revision of the static deposit beta assumptions in the first quarter of 2021, which were further refined during the fourth quarter of 2021 with the dynamic beta implementation mentioned previously. Continued increases in noninterest-bearing and low-cost interest-bearing deposits were also large contributors. Tables 60 and 61 provide the sensitivity of the Bancorp’s estimated NII profile at December 31, 2021 to changes to certain deposit balance and deposit repricing sensitivity (betas) assumptions. The following table includes the Bancorp’s estimated NII sensitivity profile with an immediate $5 billion decrease and an immediate $5 billion increase in demand deposit balances as of December 31, 2021: TABLE 60: Estimated NII Sensitivity Profile at December 31, 2021 with a $5 Billion Change in Demand Deposit Assumption % Change in NII (FTE) Immediate $5 Billion Balance Decrease Immediate $5 Billion Balance Increase 12 Months 13-24 Months 12 Months 13-24 Months 9.61 % 5.60 (2.37) 18.48 11.60 (3.26) 11.74 6.66 (1.88) 22.72 13.72 (2.73) Change in Interest Rates (bps) + 200 Ramp over 12 months + 100 Ramp over 12 months – 25 Ramp over 3 months 112 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following table includes the Bancorp’s estimated NII sensitivity profile with a 25% increase and a 25% decrease to the corresponding deposit beta assumptions as of December 31, 2021: TABLE 61: Estimated NII Sensitivity Profile at December 31, 2021 with Deposit Beta Assumptions Changes % Change in NII (FTE) Change in Interest Rates (bps) + 200 Ramp over 12 months + 100 Ramp over 12 months – 25 Ramp over 3 months Betas 25% Higher(a) Betas 25% Lower(b) 12 Months 13-24 Months 12 Months 13-24 Months 8.79 % 5.34 (2.08) 16.85 11.14 (2.95) 12.56 6.93 (2.16) 24.36 14.18 (3.03) (a) (b) Includes weighted-average dynamic interest-bearing deposit betas of 45%, 37%, and 17% in the order of scenarios shown top to bottom. Includes weighted-average dynamic interest-bearing deposit betas of 27%, 22%, and 10% in the order of scenarios shown top to bottom. Economic Value of Equity Sensitivity The Bancorp also uses EVE as a measurement tool in managing interest rate risk. Whereas the NII sensitivity analysis highlights the impact on forecasted NII on an FTE basis (non-GAAP) over one- and two-year time horizons, EVE is a point-in-time analysis of the economic sensitivity of 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 balance 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 indeterminate- lived deposits. The following table shows the Bancorp’s estimated EVE sensitivity profile as of December 31: TABLE 62: Estimated EVE Sensitivity Profile Change in Interest Rates (bps) + 200 Shock + 100 Shock – 25 Shock 2021 2020 % Change in EVE 4.51 % 3.16 (1.24) ALCO Policy Limit % Change in EVE (0.05) % 0.64 (0.92) (12.00) N/A N/A ALCO Policy Limit (12.00) N/A N/A The EVE sensitivity is significantly positive in a +200 bps rising-rate scenario at December 31, 2021. The changes in the estimated EVE sensitivity profile from December 31, 2020 were primarily related to a revision of the static deposit beta assumptions in the first quarter of 2021, which were further refined during the fourth quarter of 2021 with the dynamic beta implementation mentioned previously. Continued growth in noninterest-bearing and low-cost interest-bearing deposits were also large contributors. These items were partially offset by continued repositioning of the investment portfolio into securities with less principal cash flows in the near term. While an instantaneous shift in interest rates is 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 account for 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 actual changes in interest rates. The Bancorp regularly evaluates its exposures to a static balance sheet forecast, LIBOR, SOFR, Prime Rate and other basis risks, yield curve twist risks and embedded options risks. In addition, the impacts on NII on an FTE basis and EVE of extreme changes in interest rates are modeled, wherein the Bancorp employs the use of yield curve shocks and environment-specific scenarios. Use of Derivatives to Manage Interest Rate Risk An integral component of the Bancorp’s interest rate risk 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 interest rate swaps, interest rate floors, interest rate caps, forward contracts, forward starting interest rate swaps, options, swaptions and TBA securities. Tables 63 and 64 show all swap and floor positions that are utilized for purposes of managing the Bancorp’s exposures to the variability of interest rates. These positions are used to convert the contractual interest rate index of agreed-upon amounts of assets and liabilities (i.e., notional amounts) to another interest rate index, to hedge the exposure to changes in fair value of a recognized asset attributable to changes in 113 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS the benchmark interest rate or to hedge forecasted transactions for the variability in cash flows attributable to the contractually specified interest rate. The volume, maturity and mix of portfolio swaps change frequently as the Bancorp adjusts its broader interest rate risk management objectives and the balance sheet positions to be hedged. For further information, including the notional amount and fair values of these derivatives, refer to Note 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The following tables present additional information about the interest rate swaps and floors used in Fifth Third’s asset and liability management activities: TABLE 63: Weighted-Average Maturity, Receive Rate and Pay Rate on Qualifying Hedging Instruments As of December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) Interest rate swaps related to C&I loans – cash flow – receive-fixed Interest rate swaps related to commercial mortgage and commercial construction loans – cash flow – receive-fixed Interest rate swaps related to long-term debt – fair value – receive-fixed Interest rate swaps related to available-for-sale debt and other securities – fair value – receive-floating / pay-fixed $ Total interest rate swaps Interest rate floors – cash flow – receive-fixed $ $ Notional Amount 8,000 4,000 1,955 445 14,400 $ 3,000 Fair Value (1) Remaining (years) 2.0 3.1 8.4 7.4 3.0 Fixed Rate 3.02 % Index 1 ML 0.99 4.93 2.40 2.25 1 ML 1 ML / 3 ML 1 ML 1 ML — 391 7 397 122 TABLE 64: Weighted-Average Maturity, Receive Rate and Pay Rate on Qualifying Hedging Instruments As of December 31, 2020 ($ in millions) $ Interest rate swaps related to C&I loans – cash flow – receive-fixed Interest rate swaps related to long-term debt – fair value – receive-fixed $ $ Interest rate floors – cash flow – receive-fixed Total interest rate swaps Notional Amount 8,000 1,955 9,955 3,000 Fair Value 14 528 542 244 Remaining (years) 3.0 8.1 4.0 Fixed Rate 3.02 % 5.35 Index 1 ML 1 ML / 3 ML 2.25 1 ML Additionally, as part of its overall risk management strategy relative to its residential mortgage banking activities, the Bancorp enters into forward contracts accounted for as free-standing derivatives to economically hedge IRLCs that are also considered free-standing derivatives. The Bancorp economically hedges its exposure to residential mortgage loans held for sale through the use of forward contracts and mortgage options as well. See the Residential Mortgage Servicing Rights and Price Risk section for the discussion of the use of derivatives to economically hedge this exposure. The Bancorp also enters into derivative contracts with major financial institutions to economically hedge market risks assumed in interest rate derivative contracts with commercial customers. Generally, these contracts have similar terms in order to protect the Bancorp from market volatility. Credit risk arises from the possible inability of the counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts, which the Bancorp minimizes through collateral arrangements, approvals, limits and monitoring procedures. The Bancorp has risk limits and 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 interest rate volatility and credit equivalent exposure on these contracts and counterparty credit approvals performed by independent risk management. For further information, including the notional amount and fair values of these derivatives, refer to Note 14 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. 114 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following table summarizes the carrying value of the Bancorp’s portfolio loans and leases, excluding interest receivable, disaggregated by scheduled principal repayment, as of December 31, 2021: TABLE 65: Cash Flows from Portfolio Loans and Leases ($ in millions) Commercial and industrial loans Commercial mortgage loans Commercial construction loans Commercial leases Total commercial loans and leases Residential mortgage loans Home equity Indirect secured consumer loans Credit card Other consumer loans Total consumer loans Total portfolio loans and leases Due in 1 year or less $ $ 10,542 2,770 1,524 849 15,685 711 72 3,477 1,766 1,031 7,057 22,742 Due after 1 year through 5 years 39,371 6,396 3,366 1,862 50,995 2,892 996 11,390 — 1,047 16,325 67,320 Due after 5 years through 15 years 1,745 1,101 323 263 3,432 6,532 999 1,815 — 575 9,921 13,353 Due after 15 years Total 1 49 28 78 156 6,262 2,017 101 — 99 8,479 8,635 51,659 10,316 5,241 3,052 70,268 16,397 4,084 16,783 1,766 2,752 41,782 112,050 The following table displays a summary of cash flows, excluding interest receivable, occurring after one year for both fixed and floating/ adjustable-rate loans and leases as of December 31, 2021: TABLE 66: Cash Flows from Portfolio Loans and Leases Occurring After One 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 Indirect secured consumer loans Credit card Other consumer loans Total consumer loans Total portfolio loans and leases Interest Rate Fixed Floating or Adjustable $ $ 4,249 1,316 48 2,203 7,816 13,421 193 13,288 — 1,459 28,361 36,177 36,868 6,230 3,669 — 46,767 2,265 3,819 18 — 262 6,364 53,131 Residential Mortgage Servicing Rights and Price Risk The fair value of the residential MSR portfolio was $1.1 billion and $656 million at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, 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. For further information on the significant drivers and components of the valuation adjustments on MSRs, refer to the Noninterest Income subsection of the Statements of Income Analysis section of MD&A. 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. The Bancorp recognized net losses of $125 million and net gains of $309 million on its non-qualifying hedging strategy during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. These amounts included net losses of $2 million and net gains of $2 million during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, on securities related to the Bancorp’s non-qualifying hedging strategy. 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 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion on servicing rights and the instruments used to hedge price 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, 2021 and 2020 was $995 million and $655 million, respectively. The Bancorp also enters into foreign exchange contracts for the benefit of commercial customers to hedge their exposure to foreign currency fluctuations. Similar to the hedging of price risk from interest rate derivative contracts entered into with commercial customers, the Bancorp also enters into foreign exchange contracts with major financial institutions to economically hedge a substantial portion of the exposure from client driven foreign exchange activity. The Bancorp has risk limits and internal controls in place to 115 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 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 performed by independent risk management. Commodity Risk The Bancorp also enters into commodity contracts for the benefit of commercial customers to hedge their exposure to commodity price fluctuations. Similar to the hedging of foreign exchange and price risk from interest rate derivative contracts, the Bancorp also enters into commodity contracts with major financial institutions to economically hedge a substantial portion of the exposure from client driven commodity activity. The Bancorp may also offset this risk with exchange-traded commodity contracts. The Bancorp has risk limits and internal controls in place to help ensure excessive risk is not taken in providing this service to customers. These controls include an independent determination of commodity volatility and credit equivalent exposure on these contracts and counterparty credit approvals performed by independent risk management. 116 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents 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 and 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 18 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The Bancorp’s Treasury department manages funding and liquidity based on point-in-time metrics as well as forward-looking projections, which incorporate different sources and uses of funds under base and stress scenarios. Liquidity risk is monitored and managed by the Treasury department with independent oversight provided by ERM, and a series of Policy Limits and Key Risk Indicators are established to ensure risks are managed within the Bancorp’s risk tolerance. The Bancorp maintains a contingency funding plan that provides for liquidity stress testing, which assesses the liquidity needs under varying market conditions, time horizons, asset growth rates and other events. 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. The contingency plan also outlines the Bancorp’s response to various levels of liquidity stress and actions that should be taken during various scenarios. Liquidity risk is monitored and managed for both Fifth Third Bancorp and its subsidiaries. The Bancorp receives substantially all of its liquidity from dividends from its subsidiaries, primarily Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Subsidiary dividends are supplemented with term debt to enable the Bancorp to maintain sufficient liquidity to meet its cash obligations, including debt service and scheduled maturities, common and preferred dividends, unfunded commitments to subsidiaries and other planned capital actions in the form of share repurchases. Liquidity resources are more limited at the Bancorp, making its liquidity position more susceptible to market disruptions. Bancorp liquidity is assessed using a cash coverage horizon, ensuring the entity maintains sufficient liquidity to withstand a period of sustained market disruption while meeting its anticipated obligations over an extended stressed horizon. The Bancorp’s ALCO, which includes senior management representatives and is accountable to the ERMC, monitors and manages liquidity and funding risk within Board-approved policy limits. In addition to the risk management activities of ALCO, the Bancorp has a liquidity risk management function as part of ERM that provides independent oversight of liquidity risk management. 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 65 of the Interest Rate and Price Risk Management subsection of the Risk Management section of MD&A presents information about the timing of cash flows from loan and lease repayments. Of the $38.1 billion of securities in the Bancorp’s available-for-sale debt and other securities portfolio at December 31, 2021, $4.6 billion in principal and interest is expected to be received in the next 12 months and an additional $4.2 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 mortgage loans, certain commercial loans and leases, home equity loans, automobile loans and other consumer loans are also capable of being securitized or sold. The Bancorp sold loans and leases totaling $17.5 billion during the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $12.3 billion during the year ended December 31, 2020. For further information, refer to Note 13 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 90% and 87% of its average total assets for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. 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. Management does not rely on any one source of liquidity and manages availability in response to changing balance sheet needs. As of December 31, 2021, $4.2 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 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 November 1, 2021 the Bancorp issued and sold $500 million of fixed-rate/floating-rate senior notes. For further information, refer to Note 17 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 117 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS As of December 31, 2021, the Bank’s global bank note program had a borrowing capacity of $25.0 billion, of which $22.0 billion was available for issuance. Additionally, at December 31, 2021, the Bank had approximately $49.5 billion of borrowing capacity available through secured borrowing sources, including the FRB and FHLB. Current Liquidity Position The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the economic environment, although financial markets, initially supported by Federal Reserve programs, have been stable and well-functioning following the onset of the crisis aided by significant monetary and fiscal policy support. The Bancorp maintains a strong liquidity profile driven by strong core deposit funding and over $100 billion in current available liquidity. The Bancorp is managing liquidity prudently in the current environment and maintains a liquidity profile focused on core deposit and stable long-term funding sources which allows for the effective management of concentration and rollover risk. As of December 31, 2021, the Bancorp (parent company) has sufficient liquidity to meet contractual obligations and all preferred and common dividends without accessing the capital markets or receiving upstream dividends from the Bank subsidiary for 24 months. The Bancorp and its subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, have certain obligations and commitments to make future payments under various types of contracts. In addition to commitments to extend credit and letters of credit (which are further discussed in Note 18 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements), these include deposits, lease obligations, partnership investment commitments, derivative contracts, borrowings, and pension benefit payments. Refer to the Deposits subsection of the Balance Sheet Analysis section of MD&A and Notes 9, 12, 14, 16, 17 and 22 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on these contractual obligations. Credit Ratings The cost and availability of financing to the Bancorp and Bank are impacted by its credit ratings. A downgrade to the Bancorp’s or Bank’s credit ratings could affect its ability to access the credit markets and increase its borrowing costs, thereby adversely impacting the Bancorp’s or Bank’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. The Bancorp’s and Bank’s credit ratings are summarized in Table 67. The ratings reflect the ratings agency’s view on the Bancorp’s and Bank’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 67: Agency Ratings As of February 25, 2022 Fifth Third Bancorp: Short-term borrowings Senior debt Subordinated debt Fifth Third Bank, National Association: Short-term borrowings Short-term deposit Long-term deposit Senior debt Subordinated debt Moody’s No rating Baa1 Baa1 P-2 P-1 A1 A3 A3 Standard and Poor’s A-2 BBB+ BBB A-2 No rating No rating A- BBB+ Rating Agency Outlook for Fifth Third Bancorp and Fifth Third Bank, National Association: Stable Stable Fitch F1 A- BBB+ F1 F1 A A- BBB+ Stable DBRS Morningstar R-1L A AL R-1M No rating AH AH A Stable 118 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OPERATIONAL RISK MANAGEMENT Operational risk is the risk to current or projected financial condition and resilience arising from inadequate or failed internal processes or systems, human errors or misconduct or adverse 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, poor design or delivery of products and services, cyber- security or physical security incidents and privacy breaches or failure of third parties 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 Enterprise 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 providing independent oversight of its implementation (second line of defense). Business Controls groups are in place in each of the lines of business to ensure consistent implementation and execution of managing day-to-day operational risk (first line of defense). The Bancorp’s enterprise 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 Risk is responsible for developing and overseeing the 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 programs and systems as they relate to operational risk management, such as risk and control self-assessments, product delivery risk assessment, scenario analysis, new product/initiative risk reviews, key risk indicators, Third-Party Risk Management, cyber-security risk management and review of operational losses. The function 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 enterprise 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. The Bancorp also maintains a robust information security program to support the management of cyber-security risk within the organization with a focus on prevention, detection and recovery processes. Fifth Third utilizes a wide array of techniques to secure its operations and proprietary information such as Board-approved policies and programs, network monitoring and testing, access controls and dedicated security personnel. Fifth Third has adopted the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework for the management and deployment of cyber-security controls and is an active participant in the financial sector information sharing organization structure, known as the Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Center. To ensure resiliency of key Bancorp functions, Fifth Third also employs redundancy protocols that include a robust business continuity function that works to mitigate any potential impacts to Fifth Third customers and its systems. Fifth Third also focuses on the reporting and escalation of operational control issues to senior management and the Board of Directors. The Operational Risk Committee is the key committee that oversees and supports Fifth Third in the management of operational risk across the enterprise. The Information Security Governance Committee and Model Risk Committee report to the Operational Risk Committee and are responsible for governance of information security and model risks. The Operational Risk Committee reports to the ERMC, which reports to the RCC of the Board of Directors of Fifth Third Bancorp and Fifth Third Bank, National Association. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to put pressure on operational risk including cyber, fraud and third-party risks driven by factors such as remote work strategies, relief programs and outsourced service providers. Additionally, increased external threats have elevated fraud and cyber-security risks. These risks continue to be carefully managed and monitored to ensure effective controls are in place, with appropriate oversight and governance by the second line of defense. Fifth Third has a defined pandemic plan and a robust business continuity management process, which have been leveraged to support the continuity of processes across the Bank. The Bancorp is aware of and actively monitoring climate-related risks. Climate-related risks could impact the Bancorp in the form of physical risks due to acute or chronic weather related events that could disrupt the operations of the Bancorp, or could impair the ability of clients to meet financial obligations. The Bancorp also faces transition risk resulting from economic transition towards a lower-carbon future which may negatively impact some clients or present credit, strategic or reputational risks to the Bancorp. Climate risk is a priority for management and accordingly the Board oversees both the RCC and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The RCC is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of Fifth Third’s Enterprise Risk Management Framework including climate risks. In the course of business, the Bancorp’s Environmental Risk Group works with partners to manage or mitigate environmental risks including climate-related risks. As part of its larger environmental, social and governance responsibilities the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for overseeing climate strategy and climate-related issues in the context of stakeholder concerns. 119 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS LEGAL AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE RISK MANAGEMENT Legal and regulatory compliance risk is 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. Legal risks include the risk of actions against the institution that result in unenforceable contracts, lawsuits, legal sanctions, or adverse judgments, which disrupt or otherwise negatively affect the operations or condition of the institution. Failure to effectively manage such risks can elevate the risk level or manifest itself as other types of key risks, including reputational or operational risk. Fifth Third focuses on managing legal and regulatory compliance risk in accordance with the Bancorp’s integrated enterprise 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. To mitigate such risks, Compliance Risk Management provides independent oversight to foster consistency and sufficiency in the execution of the program, and ensures that lines of business and support functions are adequately identifying, assessing and monitoring legal and regulatory compliance risks and adopting proper mitigation strategies. Moreover, such strategies are modified from time to time to respond to new or emerging risks in the environment. Compliance Risk Management and the Legal Division provide guidance to the lines of business and enterprise functions, which are ultimately responsible for managing such risks associated with their areas. The Chief Compliance Officer is responsible for formulating and directing the strategy, development, implementation, communication and maintenance of the Compliance Risk Management program, which implements key compliance processes, including but not limited to, executive- and board-level governance and reporting routines, compliance-related policies, risk assessments, key risk indicators, issues tracking, regulatory change management and regulatory compliance testing and monitoring. As part of Compliance Risk Management, the Financial Crimes Division conducts and oversees anti-money laundering and economic sanctions processes. Compliance Risk Management partners with the Community and Economic Development team to oversee the Bancorp’s compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act. Fifth Third also reports and escalates legal and regulatory compliance issues to senior management and the Board of Directors. The Management Compliance Committee, which is chaired by the Chief Compliance Officer, is the key committee that oversees and supports Fifth Third in the management of compliance risk across the enterprise. The Management Compliance Committee oversees Bancorp-wide compliance issues, industry best practices, legislative developments, regulatory concerns and other leading indicators of legal and regulatory compliance risk. The Management Compliance Committee reports to the ERMC, which reports to the RCC of the Board of Directors of Fifth Third Bancorp and Fifth Third Bank, National Association. 120 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 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 and oversight of the capital actions of the capital plan. Regulatory Capital Ratios The Basel III Final Rule sets minimum regulatory capital ratios as well as defines the measure of “well-capitalized” for insured depository institutions. TABLE 68: Prescribed Capital Ratios CET1 capital: Fifth Third Bancorp Fifth Third Bank, National Association Tier 1 risk-based capital: Fifth Third Bancorp Fifth Third Bank, National Association Total risk-based capital: Fifth Third Bancorp Fifth Third Bank, National Association Leverage: Fifth Third Bancorp Fifth Third Bank, National Association Minimum Well-Capitalized 4.50 % 4.50 6.00 6.00 8.00 8.00 4.00 4.00 N/A 6.50 6.00 8.00 10.00 10.00 N/A 5.00 On October 1, 2020, the Bancorp became subject to the stress capital buffer requirement. Institutions subject to the stress capital buffer requirement must maintain capital ratios above their respective buffered minimum (regulatory minimum plus stress capital buffer) in order to avoid certain limitations on capital distributions and discretionary bonuses to executive officers. The FRB uses the supervisory stress test to determine the Bancorp’s stress capital buffer, subject to a floor of 2.5%. The Bancorp’s stress capital buffer requirement has been 2.5% since the introduction of this framework and was most recently affirmed on June 24, 2021. The Bancorp’s capital ratios have exceeded the stress capital buffer requirement for all periods presented. As part of a final rule effective July 1, 2019, the federal banking regulators have provided transitional arrangements to permit banking organizations to phase in the day-one impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-13, referred to as CECL, on regulatory capital over a period of three years. The phase-in provisions of the final rule are optional for a banking organization that experiences a reduction in retained earnings due to CECL adoption as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which the banking organization adopts CECL. A banking organization that elects the phase-in provisions of the final rule for regulatory capital purposes must phase in 25% of the transitional amounts impacting regulatory capital in the first year of adoption of CECL, 50% in the second year, 75% in the third year, with full impact beginning in the fourth year. In March 2020, the banking agencies issued an interim final rule for additional transitional relief to regulatory capital related to the impact of the adoption of CECL given the disruption in economic activity caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The interim final rule provided banking organizations that adopt CECL in the 2020 calendar year with the option to delay for two years the estimated impact of CECL on regulatory capital, followed by the aforementioned three-year transition period to phase out the aggregate amount of benefit during the initial two-year delay for a total five-year transition. The estimated impact of CECL on regulatory capital (modified CECL transitional amount) is calculated as the sum of the day-one impact on retained earnings upon adoption of CECL (CECL transitional amount) and the calculated change in the ACL relative to the day-one ACL upon adoption of CECL multiplied by a scaling factor of 25%. The scaling factor is used to approximate the difference in the ACL under CECL relative to the incurred loss methodology. The modified CECL transitional amount was calculated each quarter for the first two years of the five-year transition. The amount of the modified CECL transition amount was then fixed as of December 31, 2021 and that amount will be subject to the three-year phase out. The Bancorp adopted ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020 and elected the five-year transition phase-in option for the impact of CECL on regulatory capital with its regulatory filings as of March 31, 2020. The impact of the modified CECL transition amount on the Bancorp’s regulatory capital at December 31, 2021 was an increase in capital of approximately $498 million. On a fully phased-in basis, the Bancorp’s CET1 ratio would be reduced by 31 basis points as of December 31, 2021. The CECL transition amount will begin to phase in during the fiscal year starting January 1, 2022 and will be fully phased in by January 1, 2025. 121 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following table summarizes the Bancorp’s capital ratios as of December 31: TABLE 69: Capital Ratios ($ in millions) Average total Bancorp shareholders’ equity as a percent of average assets Tangible equity as a percent of tangible assets(a)(b) Tangible common equity as a percent of tangible assets(a)(b) Regulatory capital:(c) CET1 capital Tier 1 capital Total regulatory capital Risk-weighted assets Regulatory capital ratios:(c) CET1 capital Tier 1 risk-based capital Total risk-based capital Leverage 2021 2020 2019 $ 11.06 % 7.97 6.94 14,781 16,897 20,789 154,860 9.54 % 10.91 13.42 8.27 11.61 8.18 7.11 14,682 16,797 21,412 141,974 10.34 11.83 15.08 8.49 12.14 9.52 8.44 13,847 15,616 19,661 142,065 9.75 10.99 13.84 9.54 (a) These are non-GAAP measures. For further information, refer to the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of MD&A. (b) Excludes AOCI. (c) Regulatory capital ratios as of December 31, 2021 are calculated pursuant to the five-year transition provision option to phase in the effects of CECL on regulatory capital. Capital Planning 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. Furthermore, each BHC must 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 conditions. On October 10, 2019, the Federal Reserve Board adopted final rules to tailor certain prudential standards for large domestic and foreign banking organizations. As a result of the EPS Tailoring Rule, the Bancorp is subject to Category IV standards, under which the Bancorp is no longer required to file semi-annual, company-run stress tests with the FRB and publicly disclose the results. However, the Bancorp is required to develop and maintain a capital plan approved by the Board of Directors on an annual basis. As an institution subject to Category IV standards, the Bancorp is subject to the FRB’s supervisory stress tests every two years, the Board capital plan rule and certain FR Y-14 reporting requirements. The supervisory stress tests are forward-looking quantitative evaluations of the impact of stressful economic and financial market conditions on the Bancorp’s capital. The Bancorp became subject to Category IV standards on December 31, 2019, and the requirements outlined above apply to the stress test cycle that started on January 1, 2020. The Bancorp was not subject to the 2021 supervisory stress test conducted by the FRB but submitted its Board-approved capital plan as required. In June 2020, the FRB took several actions in connection with its announcement of stress test results in light of the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, for the third quarter of 2020, the FRB required large banking organizations, including the Bancorp, to suspend share repurchases, cap dividend payments to the amount paid during the second quarter of 2020, and further limit dividends according to a formula based on recent income. These restrictions were extended, quarterly, with certain modifications, throughout the remainder of 2020. The FRB extended these restrictions into the first and second quarters of 2021, with certain modifications to permit a limited amount of share repurchases. During the first and second quarters of 2021, the Bancorp was authorized to pay dividends and execute share repurchases according to a formula based on recent income provided the Bancorp did not increase the amount of its common dividend. In June 2021, the FRB lifted the COVID-19 pandemic induced capital distribution limitations, which prohibited increases to the common dividend and placed limitations on share repurchases, and authorized the Bancorp, beginning July 1, 2021, to make capital distributions that are consistent with the requirements in the Board’s capital plan rule, inclusive of the Bancorp’s stress capital buffer requirement. The Bancorp maintains a comprehensive process for managing capital and expects the stress capital buffer framework to provide greater flexibility for the Bancorp to assess and deploy capital. 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 and 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 $1.14 and $1.08 during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. 122 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS In June of 2019, 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. Under this authorization, the Bancorp entered into and settled a number of accelerated share repurchase transactions during the year ended December 31, 2021. Refer to Note 24 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the accelerated share repurchase activity. The following table summarizes shares authorized for repurchase as part of publicly announced plans or programs: TABLE 70: Share Repurchases For the years ended December 31 Shares authorized for repurchase at January 1 Additional authorizations Share repurchases(a) Shares authorized for repurchase at December 31 Average price paid per share(a) 2021 76,437,348 — (35,652,079) 40,785,269 39.07 $ 2020 76,437,348 — — 76,437,348 — (a) Excludes 2,793,463 and 1,915,872 shares repurchased during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, 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. ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK This information is set forth in the Interest Rate and Price Risk Management section of Item 7 (Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations) of this Report and is incorporated herein by reference. This information contains certain statements that we believe are forward-looking statements. Refer to page 19 for cautionary information regarding forward-looking statements. ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA 123 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of Fifth Third Bancorp: Opinion on the Financial Statements We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Fifth Third Bancorp and subsidiaries (the “Bancorp”) as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Bancorp as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021, 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) (PCAOB), the Bancorp’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on 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, 2022 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Bancorp’s internal control over financial reporting. Change in Accounting Principle As discussed in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Bancorp has changed its method of accounting for financial assets measured at amortized cost in 2020 due to adoption of ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. Basis for Opinion These financial statements are the responsibility of the Bancorp’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Bancorp’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Bancorp in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. Critical Audit Matter The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates. Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses (“ALLL”) — Qualitative Factors — Commercial Loans—Refer to Note 1 and Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Critical Audit Matter Description The Bancorp maintains the ALLL to absorb the amount of credit losses that are expected to be incurred over the remaining contractual terms of the related loans and leases. The Bancorp’s methodology for determining the ALLL includes an estimate of expected credit losses on a collective basis for groups of loans and leases with similar risk characteristics and specific allowances for loans and leases which are individually evaluated. For loans that are not individually evaluated, the Bancorp develops its estimate of expected credit losses using quantitative models, subject to certain qualitative adjustments. The expected credit loss models consider historical credit loss experience, current market and economic conditions, and forecasted changes in market and economic conditions to the extent such forecasts are considered reasonable and supportable. 124 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents Qualitative factors are used to capture characteristics in the portfolio that impact expected credit losses but that are not fully captured within the Bancorp’s quantitative models. At December 31, 2021, the key qualitative factors included adjustments associated with the current economic environment and the COVID-19 pandemic. These qualitative factors primarily address the incremental loss exposures relating to commercial borrowers in certain industries which have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic or are otherwise experiencing prolonged distress. The ALLL for the commercial portfolio segment was $1.1 billion at December 31, 2021, which includes adjustments for the qualitative factors noted above. Considering the estimation and judgment in determining adjustments for such qualitative factors, our audit of the ALLL and the related disclosures involved subjective judgment about the qualitative adjustments to the commercial portfolio segment ALLL. How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit Our audit procedures related to the qualitative adjustments for the commercial portfolio segment ALLL included the following, among others: • We tested the effectiveness of the Bancorp’s controls over the qualitative adjustments to the ALLL. • We assessed the reasonableness of, and evaluated support for, key qualitative adjustments based on market conditions, external market data and commercial portfolio performance metrics. • We tested the completeness and accuracy and evaluated the relevance of the key data used as inputs to the direct impact qualitative adjustment estimation process, including: ◦ ◦ Portfolio segment loan balances and other borrower-specific data Relevant macroeconomic indicators and data • With the assistance of our credit specialists, we evaluated the methodology and tested the mathematical accuracy of the underlying support used as a basis for the qualitative adjustments. /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP Cincinnati, Ohio February 25, 2022 We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1970. 125 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS As of December 31 ($ in millions, except share data) Assets Cash and due from banks Other short-term investments(a) Available-for-sale debt and other securities(b) Held-to-maturity securities(c) Trading debt securities Equity securities Loans and leases 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(g) Total deposits 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 Equity Total Liabilities and Equity 2021 2020 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 2,994 34,572 38,110 8 512 376 4,415 112,050 (1,892) 110,158 2,120 616 4,514 156 1,121 11,444 211,116 65,088 104,236 169,324 281 980 2,233 4,267 11,821 188,906 2,051 2,116 3,624 20,236 1,207 (7,024) 22,210 211,116 3,147 33,399 37,513 11 560 313 4,741 108,782 (2,453) 106,329 2,088 777 4,258 139 656 10,749 204,680 57,711 101,370 159,081 300 1,192 2,614 3,409 14,973 181,569 2,051 2,116 3,635 18,384 2,601 (5,676) 23,111 204,680 (a) Includes $24 and $55 of other short-term investments, $322 and $756 of portfolio loans and leases, $(2) and $(7) of ALLL, $2 and $5 of other assets, $1 and $2 of other liabilities and $263 and $656 of long-term debt from consolidated VIEs that are included in their respective captions above at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. For further information, refer to Note 12. (b) Amortized cost of $36,941 and $34,982 at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. (c) Fair value of $8 and $11 at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) Common shares: Stated value $2.22 per share; authorized 2,000,000,000; outstanding at December 31, 2021 – 682,777,664 (excludes 241,114,917 treasury Includes $1,023 and $1,481 of residential mortgage loans held for sale measured at fair value at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Includes $154 and $161 of residential mortgage loans measured at fair value at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Includes $24 and $35 of bank premises and equipment held for sale at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. For further information, refer to Note 7. Includes $351 of interest checking deposits held for sale at December 31, 2020. (i) shares), 2020 – 712,760,325 (excludes 211,132,256 treasury shares). 500,000 shares of no par value preferred stock were authorized at both December 31, 2021 and 2020. There were 422,000 unissued shares of undesignated no par value preferred stock at both December 31, 2021 and 2020. Each issued share of no par value preferred stock has a liquidation preference of $25,000. 500,000 shares of no par value Class B preferred stock were authorized at both December 31, 2021 and 2020. There were 300,000 unissued shares of undesignated no par value Class B preferred stock at both December 31, 2021 and 2020. Each issued share of no par value Class B preferred stock has a liquidation preference of $1,000. Refer to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 126 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME For the years ended December 31 ($ 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 (Benefit from) provision for credit losses Net Interest Income After (Benefit from) Provision for Credit Losses Noninterest Income Commercial banking revenue Service charges on deposits Wealth and asset management revenue Card and processing revenue Leasing business revenue Mortgage banking net revenue Other noninterest income Securities (losses) gains, net Securities (losses) gains, net - non-qualifying hedges on mortgage servicing rights Total noninterest income Noninterest Expense Compensation and benefits Technology and communications Net occupancy expense Equipment expense Leasing business expense Marketing expense Card and processing expense Other noninterest expense Total noninterest expense Income Before Income Taxes Applicable income tax expense Net Income 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 Refer to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. $ 2021 2020 2019 4,079 1,090 42 5,211 59 — 2 380 441 4,770 (377) 5,147 637 600 586 402 300 270 332 (7) (2) 3,118 4,424 1,119 29 5,572 322 2 14 452 790 4,782 1,097 3,685 528 559 520 352 276 320 211 62 2 2,830 5,051 1,162 41 6,254 892 29 28 508 1,457 4,797 471 4,326 460 565 487 360 270 287 1,064 40 3 3,536 2,626 388 312 138 137 107 89 951 4,748 3,517 747 2,770 111 2,659 3.78 3.73 702,188,552 711,197,805 2,590 362 350 130 140 104 121 921 4,718 1,797 370 1,427 104 1,323 1.84 1.83 714,729,585 719,735,415 2,418 422 332 129 133 162 130 934 4,660 3,202 690 2,512 93 2,419 3.38 3.33 710,433,611 720,065,498 $ $ $ 127 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) Net Income Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net of Tax: Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale debt securities: Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the year Reclassification adjustment for net losses (gains) included in net income Net unrealized gains on cash flow hedge derivatives: Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the year Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income Defined benefit pension plans, net: Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during the year Reclassification of amounts to net periodic benefit costs Other Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax Comprehensive Income Refer to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 2021 2020 2019 $ 2,770 1,427 2,512 (1,043) 3 (142) (223) 4 7 — (1,394) 1,376 $ 1,153 (34) 483 (187) (9) 7 (4) 1,409 2,836 1,046 (7) 275 (13) (5) 8 — 1,304 3,816 128 Fifth Third Bancorp 242 197 712 2,447 3,159 197 3,356 197 (197) — Table of Contents CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY ($ in millions, except per share data) Balance at December 31, 2018 Impact of cumulative effect of change in accounting principle Balance at January 1, 2019 Net income Other comprehensive income, net of tax Cash dividends declared: Common stock ($0.94 per share) Preferred stock:(a) Series H ($1,275.00 per share) Series I ($1,656.24 per share) Series J ($1,559.42 per share) Series K ($357.50 per share) Class B, Series A ($20.83 per share) Other(b) ($30.00 per share) Shares acquired for treasury Issuance of preferred stock Conversion of outstanding preferred stock issued by a Bancorp subsidiary Impact of MB Financial, Inc. acquisition Impact of stock transactions under stock compensation plans, net Other Balance at December 31, 2019 Impact of cumulative effect of change in accounting principle Balance at January 1, 2020 Net income Other comprehensive income, net of tax Cash dividends declared: Common stock ($1.08 per share) Preferred stock:(a) Series H ($1,275.00 per share) Series I ($1,656.24 per share) Series J ($1,043.48 per share) Series K ($1,237.52 per share) Series L ($468.75 per share) Class B, Series A ($60.00 per share) Issuance of preferred stock Impact of stock transactions under stock compensation plans, net Bancorp Shareholders’ Equity Capital Surplus Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Common Stock $ 2,051 Preferred Stock 1,331 2,873 16,578 10 $ 2,051 1,331 2,873 16,588 (112) (6,471) 1,304 2,512 (691) (30) (30) (19) (4) (4) (6) (1,763) 14 2 (3) 1,770 3,599 18,315 56 7 (5,724) 1,192 $ 2,051 $ 2,051 (472) 1,770 3,599 17,843 1,427 (780) (31) (30) (12) (12) (7) (12) 346 36 1,192 (5,724) 1,409 46 2 (5,676) 2,601 Other Balance at December 31, 2020 $ 2,051 (2) 2,116 3,635 18,384 Treasury Stock (6,471) (112) Total Bancorp Shareholders’ Equity Non- Controlling Interests Total Equity — 16,250 16,250 10 16,260 2,512 1,304 (691) (30) (30) (19) (4) (4) (6) (1,763) 242 10 — 16,260 2,512 1,304 (691) (30) (30) (19) (4) (4) (6) (1,763) 242 72 4 21,203 (472) 20,731 1,427 1,409 (780) (31) (30) (12) (12) (7) (12) 346 82 — 23,111 72 4 — 21,203 (472) — 20,731 1,427 1,409 (780) (31) (30) (12) (12) (7) (12) 346 82 — — 23,111 129 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (continued) ($ in millions, except per share data) Balance at December 31, 2020 Net income Other comprehensive loss, net of tax Cash dividends declared: Common stock ($1.14 per share) Preferred stock:(a) Series H ($1,275.00 per share) Series I ($1,656.24 per share) Series J ($839.62 per share) Series K ($1,237.50 per share) Series L ($1,125.00 per share) Class B, Series A ($60.00 per share) Shares acquired for treasury Impact of stock transactions under stock compensation plans, net Other Balance at December 31, 2021 Capital Surplus Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Treasury Stock Total Equity Common Stock $ 2,051 Preferred Stock 2,116 3,635 18,384 2,601 (5,676) (1,394) 2,770 (805) (31) (30) (10) (12) (16) (12) $ 2,051 2,116 (11) (2) 3,624 20,236 1,207 (1,393) 44 1 (7,024) 23,111 2,770 (1,394) (805) (31) (30) (10) (12) (16) (12) (1,393) 33 (1) 22,210 (a) Refer to Note 24 for further information on dividends declared for preferred stock. (b) Dividends declared for Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series C, of MB Financial, Inc., previously a subsidiary of the Bancorp. Refer to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 130 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents 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: (Benefit from) provision for credit losses Depreciation, amortization and accretion Stock-based compensation expense Benefit from deferred income taxes Securities losses (gains), net MSR fair value adjustment 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 and operating lease equipment Gain on sale of HSA deposit portfolio Gain on sale of Worldpay, Inc. shares Gain on the TRA associated with Worldpay, Inc. Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale Loans originated or purchased for sale, net of repayments Dividends representing return on equity investments Net change in: Equity and trading debt securities Other assets Accrued taxes, interest and expenses and other liabilities Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities Investing Activities Proceeds from sales: AFS securities and other investments Loans and leases Bank premises and equipment Proceeds from repayments / maturities of AFS and HTM securities and other investments Purchases: AFS securities and other investments Bank premises and equipment MSRs Proceeds from settlement of BOLI Proceeds from sales and dividends representing return of equity investments Cash (paid on) received for acquisitions and divestitures Net cash paid on sale of HSA deposit portfolio Net change in: Other short-term investments and federal funds sold Portfolio loans and leases Operating lease equipment Net Cash Used in Investing Activities Financing Activities Net change in deposits Net change in other short-term borrowings and federal funds purchased Dividends paid on common and preferred stock Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt Repayment of long-term debt Repurchases of treasury stock and related forward contract Issuance of preferred stock Other Net Cash Provided by (Used in) 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 2021 2020 2019 $ 2,770 1,427 2,512 (377) 349 120 (14) 16 139 (335) 10 (60) — (46) 17,204 (16,888) 55 15 (37) (217) 2,704 3,125 718 19 6,079 (11,713) (309) (381) 24 63 (297) (431) 1,097 492 123 (162) (69) 565 (291) 26 — — (74) 12,481 (14,767) 17 12 (855) 349 371 1,743 157 33 3,646 (5,266) (305) (44) 19 69 (4) — (1,172) (3,721) 28 (7,968) (31,446) (451) (53) (31,902) 10,734 (193) (897) 562 (3,603) (1,393) — (99) 5,111 (153) 3,147 2,994 32,019 182 (858) 2,557 (2,799) — 346 (47) 31,400 (131) 3,278 3,147 $ 471 472 132 (246) (50) 376 (137) 24 — (562) (346) 8,157 (8,896) 66 (29) 20 (140) 1,824 10,596 259 90 2,271 (13,959) (243) (26) 28 1,057 1,210 — (612) (1,407) (61) (797) 3,742 (1,494) (753) 3,866 (4,212) (1,763) 242 (58) (430) 597 2,681 3,278 Refer to the 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. 131 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents 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 as well as through other offices, telephone sales, the internet and mobile applications. 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 fair value unless the investment does not have a readily determinable fair value. The Bancorp accounts for equity investments without a readily determinable fair value using the measurement alternative to fair value, representing the cost of the investment minus any impairment recorded, if any, and plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. Intercompany transactions and balances among consolidated entities have been eliminated. 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. Updates to Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies In conjunction with the prospective adoption of ASU 2016-13 and ASU 2017-04 on January 1, 2020, the Bancorp updated its accounting and reporting policies for investment securities, portfolio loans and leases, the ALLL, the reserve for unfunded commitments and goodwill. The accounting and reporting policies for these sections for periods prior to January 1, 2020 are provided in the Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies Applicable Prior to January 1, 2020 section below. Further, for loans and leases that were part of the Bancorp’s COVID-19 customer relief programs, the Bancorp has elected certain accounting relief provisions that were provided by the FASB and/or various national banking regulatory agencies. Refer to the Regulatory Developments Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic section for additional information. 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. Investment Securities Debt 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. Debt 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. Debt securities are classified as trading when bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term. Trading debt securities are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in noninterest income. Available-for-sale debt securities are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of related deferred income taxes, included in OCI. For available-for-sale debt securities hedged in a fair value hedge, the amortized cost basis of the hedged items (excluding unrealized gains and losses) includes the cumulative fair value hedging basis adjustments. Changes in the fair value of these securities which are attributable to changes in the hedged risk are recognized in earnings instead of OCI. Accrued interest receivable on investment securities is presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a component of other assets. Available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses are reviewed quarterly to determine if the decline in fair value is the result of a credit loss or other factors. An allowance for credit losses is recorded against available-for-sale securities to reflect the amount of the unrealized loss attributable to credit; however, this impairment is limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Any remaining unrealized loss is recognized through OCI. Changes in the allowance for credit losses are recognized in earnings. The determination of whether or not a credit loss exists is based on consideration of the cash flows expected to be collected from the debt security. The Bancorp develops these expectations after considering various factors such as agency ratings, the financial condition of the issuer or underlying obligors, payment history, payment structure of the security, industry and market conditions, underlying collateral and other factors which may be relevant based on the facts and circumstances pertaining to individual securities. 132 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS If the Bancorp intends to sell the debt security or will more likely than not be required to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, then the allowance for credit losses, if previously recorded, is written off and the security’s amortized cost is written down to the security’s fair value at the reporting date, with any incremental impairment recorded as a charge to noninterest income. Held-to-maturity debt securities are assessed periodically to determine if a valuation allowance is necessary to absorb credit losses expected to occur over the remaining contractual life of the securities. The carrying amount of held-to-maturity debt securities is presented net of the valuation allowance for credit losses when such an allowance is deemed necessary. Equity securities with readily determinable fair values not accounted for under the equity method are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in noninterest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Equity securities without readily determinable fair values are measured at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes as a result of an observable price change for the identical or similar investment of the same issuer. At each quarterly reporting period, the Bancorp performs a qualitative assessment to evaluate whether impairment indicators are present. If qualitative indicators are identified, the investment is measured at fair value with the impairment loss included in noninterest income in the Consolidated Statements of 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. Premiums on purchased callable debt securities are amortized to the earliest call date if the call feature meets certain criteria. Otherwise, premiums are amortized to maturity similar to discounts on callable debt securities. 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. Portfolio Loans and Leases Basis of accounting Portfolio loans and leases are generally reported at the principal amount outstanding, net of unearned income, deferred direct loan origination fees and costs and any direct principal charge-offs. Direct loan 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 and leases acquired by the Bancorp through a purchase business combination are recorded at fair value as of the acquisition date. Purchased loans and finance leases (including both sales-type leases and direct financing leases) are evaluated for evidence of credit deterioration at acquisition and recorded at their initial fair value. For loans and finance leases that do not exhibit evidence of more-than- insignificant credit deterioration since origination, the Bancorp does not carry over the acquired company’s ALLL, but upon acquisition will record an ALLL and provision for credit losses reflective of credit losses expected to be incurred over the remaining contractual life of the acquired loans. Premiums and discounts reflected in the initial fair value are amortized over the contractual life of the loan as an adjustment to yield. For loans and finance leases that exhibit evidence of more-than-insignificant credit quality deterioration since origination, the Bancorp’s estimate of expected credit losses is added to the ALLL upon acquisition and to the initial purchase price of the loans and leases to determine the initial amortized cost basis for the purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. Any resulting difference between the initial amortized cost basis (as adjusted for expected credit losses) and the par value of the loans and leases at the acquisition date represents the non-credit premium or discount, which is amortized over the contractual life of the loan or lease as an adjustment to yield. This method of accounting for loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality does not apply to loans carried at fair value or residential mortgage loans held for sale. The Bancorp’s lease portfolio consists of sales-type, direct financing and leveraged leases. Leases are classified as sales-type if the Bancorp transfers control of the underlying asset to the lessee. The Bancorp classifies leases that do not meet any of the criteria for a sales-type lease as a direct financing lease if the present value of the sum of the lease payments and any residual value guaranteed by the lessee and/or any other third party equals or exceeds substantially all of the fair value of the underlying asset and the collection of the lease payments and residual value guarantee is probable. Sales-type and direct financing leases are carried at the aggregate of lease payments plus estimated residual value of the leased property, less unearned income. Interest income on sales-type and 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, entered into before January 1, 2019, 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. Leveraged lease accounting is no longer applied for leases entered into or modified after the Bancorp’s adoption of ASU 2016-02, Leases, on January 1, 2019. 133 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 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 direct loan origination fees or costs 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 nonaccrual 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. Loans discharged in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy and not reaffirmed by the borrower are classified as collateral-dependent TDRs and placed on nonaccrual status regardless of the borrower’s payment history or capacity to repay in the future. Residential mortgage, home equity, automobile and other consumer loans 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 amortized cost basis 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 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 when cash is received, to the extent such income 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 loans on nonaccrual status, including those 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 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. TDRs include concessions granted under reorganization, arrangement or other provisions of the Federal Bankruptcy Act. 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. Upon modification of a loan, the Bancorp measures the expected credit loss as either the difference between the amortized cost of the loan and the fair value of collateral less cost to sell or 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. Except for loans discharged in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy that are not reaffirmed by the borrower, 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. Loans discharged in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy and not reaffirmed by the borrower are classified as collateral-dependent TDRs and placed on nonaccrual status regardless of the 134 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS borrower’s payment history or capacity to repay in the future. These loans are returned to accrual status provided there is a sustained payment history of twelve months after bankruptcy and collectability is reasonably assured for all remaining contractual payments. 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 or more prior to the modification in accordance with the modified terms and collectability is reasonably assured for all remaining contractual payments under the modified terms. TDRs of commercial loans and credit card loans 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. Residential mortgage loans that were restructured after receiving a forbearance related to the COVID-19 pandemic but that were not classified as a TDR as a result of the CARES Act are placed on nonaccrual status if they subsequently become past due 90 days unless the loan is both well-secured and in the process of collection, consistent with the Bancorp’s treatment of residential mortgage loan TDRs which subsequently become past due. Refer to the Regulatory Developments Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic section for additional information. Loans and Leases Held for Sale Loans and leases 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 and leases 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 groups of loans held for sale under the fair value option, including certain residential mortgage loans originated as held for sale and certain purchased commercial loans designated as held for sale at acquisition. 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 certain ARM loans, DCF models that may incorporate the 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 in the Consolidated Statements of Income. For residential mortgage loans that it has originated as held for sale, the Bancorp generally has commitments to sell these loans in the secondary market. Gains or losses on sales are recognized in mortgage banking net revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Income. 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, thereafter, reported within the Bancorp’s residential mortgage class of portfolio loans and leases. In such cases, if the fair value election was made, 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 and leases 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 in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, represents property acquired through foreclosure or other proceedings and branch-related real estate no longer intended to be used for banking purposes. OREO 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 Bancorp’s portfolio segments include commercial, residential 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, indirect secured consumer, credit card and other consumer loans. 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 the amount of credit losses that are expected to be incurred over the remaining contractual terms of the related loans and leases. Contractual terms are adjusted for expected prepayments but are not extended for expected extensions, 135 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS renewals or modifications except in circumstances where the Bancorp reasonably expects to execute a TDR with the borrower or where certain extension or renewal options are embedded in the original contract and not unconditionally cancellable by the Bancorp. Accrued interest receivable on loans is presented in the Consolidated Financial Statements as a component of other assets. When accrued interest is deemed to be uncollectible (typically when a loan is placed on nonaccrual status), interest income is reversed. The Bancorp follows established policies for placing loans on nonaccrual status, so uncollectible accrued interest receivable is reversed in a timely manner. As a result, the Bancorp has elected not to measure an allowance for credit losses for accrued interest receivable. Refer to the Portfolio Loans and Leases section for additional information. Credit losses are charged and recoveries are credited to the ALLL. 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 of loans and leases, including historical credit loss experience, current and forecasted market and economic conditions and consideration of various qualitative factors that, in management’s judgment, deserve consideration in estimating credit losses. Provisions for credit losses are recorded for the amounts necessary to adjust the ALLL to the Bancorp’s current estimate of expected credit losses on portfolio loans and leases. The Bancorp’s methodology for determining the ALLL includes an estimate of expected credit losses on a collective basis for groups of loans and leases with similar risk characteristics and specific allowances for loans and leases which are individually evaluated. Larger commercial loans and leases 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 individually evaluated for an ALLL. 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 determining the amount of ALLL. Other factors may include the borrower’s susceptibility to risks presented by the forecasted macroeconomic environment, the industry and geographic region 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. When loans and leases are individually evaluated, allowances are determined based on management’s estimate of the borrower’s ability to repay the loan or lease 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 individually evaluated loans and leases that are collateral-dependent are measured based on the fair value of the underlying collateral, less expected costs to sell where applicable. Individually evaluated loans and leases that are not collateral-dependent are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate. The Bancorp evaluates the collectability of both principal and interest when assessing the need for a loss accrual. Specific allowances on individually evaluated commercial loans and leases, including TDRs, are reviewed quarterly and adjusted as necessary based on changing borrower and/or collateral conditions and actual collection and charge-off experience. Consumer and residential mortgage loans that have been modified in a TDR are individually evaluated for an ALLL. Allowances for individually evaluated loans that are collateral-dependent are typically measured based on the fair value of the underlying collateral, less expected costs to sell where applicable. Individually evaluated loans that are not collateral-dependent are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate and a modeled expected credit loss amount. The Bancorp evaluates the collectability of both principal and interest when assessing the need for a loss accrual. Specific allowances on individually evaluated consumer and residential mortgage loans are reviewed quarterly and adjusted as necessary based on changing borrower and/or collateral conditions and actual collection and charge-off experience. Expected credit losses are estimated on a collective basis for loans and leases that are not individually evaluated. These include commercial loans and leases that do not meet the criteria for individual evaluation as well as homogeneous loans and leases in the residential mortgage and consumer portfolio segments. For collectively evaluated loans and leases, the Bancorp uses models to forecast expected credit losses based on the probability of a loan or lease defaulting, the expected balance at the estimated date of default and the expected loss percentage given a default. The estimate of the expected balance at the time of default considers prepayments and, for loans with available credit, expected utilization rates. The Bancorp’s expected credit loss models were developed based on historical credit loss experience and observations of migration patterns for various credit risk characteristics (such as internal credit risk grades, external credit ratings or scores, delinquency status, loan-to-value trends, etc.) over time, with those observations evaluated in the context of concurrent macroeconomic conditions. The Bancorp developed its models from historical observations capturing a full economic cycle when possible. The Bancorp’s expected credit loss models consider historical credit loss experience, current market and economic conditions, and forecasted changes in market and economic conditions if such forecasts are considered reasonable and supportable. Generally, the Bancorp considers its forecasts to be reasonable and supportable for a period of up to three years from the estimation date. For periods beyond the reasonable and supportable forecast period, expected credit losses are estimated by reverting to historical loss information without adjustment for changes in economic conditions. This reversion is phased in over a two-year period. The Bancorp evaluates the length of its reasonable and supportable forecast period, its reversion period and reversion methodology at least annually, or more often if warranted by economic conditions or other circumstances. The Bancorp also considers qualitative factors in determining the ALLL. Qualitative factors are used to capture characteristics in the portfolio that impact expected credit losses but that are not fully captured within the Bancorp’s expected credit loss models. These include adjustments 136 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for changes in policies or procedures in underwriting, monitoring or collections, lending and risk management personnel and results of internal audit and quality control reviews. These may also include adjustments, when deemed necessary, for specific idiosyncratic risks such as geopolitical events, natural disasters and their effects on regional borrowers, and changes in product structures. Qualitative factors may also be used to address the impacts of unforeseen events on key inputs and assumptions within the Bancorp’s expected credit loss models, such as the reasonable and supportable forecast period, changes to historical loss information or changes to the reversion period or methodology. When evaluating the adequacy of allowances, consideration is also given to regional geographic concentrations and the closely associated effect changing economic conditions have on the Bancorp’s customers. Reserve for Unfunded Commitments The reserve for unfunded commitments is maintained at a level believed by management to be sufficient to absorb estimated expected credit losses related to unfunded credit facilities and is included in other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The determination of the adequacy of the reserve is based upon expected credit losses over the remaining contractual life of the commitments, taking into consideration the current funded balance and estimated exposure over the reasonable and supportable forecast period. 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 the provision for credit losses 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 Consolidated 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 12 for further information on consolidated and non-consolidated VIEs. The Bancorp’s loan sales and securitizations are generally structured with servicing retained, which often results in the recording of servicing rights. The Bancorp may also purchase servicing rights. The Bancorp has elected to measure all existing classes of its residential mortgage servicing rights portfolio at fair value with changes in the fair value of servicing rights reported in mortgage banking net revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Income in the period in which the changes occur. Servicing rights are valued using internal OAS models. Key economic assumptions used in estimating the fair value of the servicing rights include the prepayment speeds of the underlying loans, the weighted-average life, the OAS 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. In order to assist in the assessment of the fair value of servicing rights, the Bancorp obtains external valuations of the servicing rights portfolio from third parties and participates in peer surveys that provide additional confirmation of the reasonableness of the key assumptions utilized in the internal OAS model. 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 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 137 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS included in other noninterest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income at the time of sale. Updates to the reserve are recorded in other noninterest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. 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. Bank Premises and Equipment and Other Long-Lived Assets Bank premises and equipment, including leasehold improvements, and operating lease equipment 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 is used for income tax purposes. 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 to noninterest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income as incurred. Lease payments received for operating lease equipment are recognized in leasing business revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Income over the lease term on a straight-line basis unless another systematic and rational basis is more representative of the pattern in which benefit is expected to be derived from use of the underlying equipment. Lessee Accounting ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized for all leases unless the initial term of the lease is twelve months or less. Lease costs for operating leases are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term unless another systematic basis is more representative of the pattern of consumption. The lease term includes any renewal period that the Bancorp is reasonably certain to exercise. The Bancorp uses its incremental borrowing rate to discount the lease payments if the rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable. Variable lease payments associated with operating leases are recognized in the period in which the obligation for payments is incurred. For finance leases, the lease liability is measured using the effective interest method such that the liability is increased for interest based on the discount rate that is implicit in the lease or the Bancorp’s incremental borrowing rate if the implicit rate cannot be readily determined, offset by a decrease in the liability resulting from the periodic lease payments. The ROU asset associated with the finance lease is amortized on a straight-line basis unless there is another systematic and rational basis that better reflects how the benefits of the underlying assets are consumed over the lease term. The period over which the ROU asset is amortized is generally the lesser of the remaining lease term or the remaining useful life of the leased asset. Variable lease payments associated with finance leases are recognized in the period in which the obligation for those payments is incurred. When the lease liability is remeasured to reflect changes to the lease payments as a result of a lease modification, the ROU asset is adjusted for the amount of the lease liability remeasurement. If a lease modification reduces the scope of a lease, the ROU asset would be reduced proportionately based on the change in the lease liability and the difference between the lease liability adjustment and the resulting ROU asset adjustment would be recognized as a gain or loss in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Additionally, the amortization of the ROU asset is adjusted prospectively from the date of remeasurement. The Bancorp performs impairment assessments for ROU assets when events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying values may not be recoverable. Any impairment loss is recognized in net occupancy expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Refer to the Bank Premises and Equipment and Other Long-Lived Assets section of this note for further information. Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedge Accounting 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 Bancorp designates 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 are recorded in AOCI and subsequently reclassified to net income in the same period(s) that the hedged transaction impacts net income. For free-standing derivative instruments, changes in fair values are reported in current period net income. 138 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS When entering into a hedge transaction, the Bancorp formally documents the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item, as well as the risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge transaction before the end of the quarter in which the transaction is consummated. 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 the inception of the hedge as to the effectiveness of the derivative instrument in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged item. The Bancorp continues to assess hedge effectiveness on an ongoing basis using either a qualitative or a quantitative assessment (regression analysis). Additionally, the Bancorp may also utilize the shortcut method to evaluate hedge effectiveness for certain qualifying hedges with matched terms that permit the assumption of perfect offset. If the shortcut method is no longer appropriate, the Bancorp would apply the long-haul method identified at inception of the hedging transaction for assessing hedge effectiveness as long as the hedge is highly effective. If it is determined that the derivative instrument is not highly effective as a hedge, hedge accounting is discontinued. For fair value hedges, if hedge accounting is discontinued, the cumulative basis adjustments related to the hedged asset or liability are amortized to earnings in the same manner as other components of the carrying amount of that asset of liability. For cash flow hedges, upon discontinuation of hedge accounting, any amounts in AOCI related to that relationship should affect earnings at the same time and in the same manner in which the hedged transaction affects earnings. However, if it becomes probable that the forecasted transaction will not occur, any related amounts in AOCI are reclassified to earnings immediately. Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects The Bancorp invests in projects to create affordable housing, revitalize business and residential areas and preserve historic landmarks. These investments are classified as other assets on the Bancorp’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Investments in affordable housing projects that qualify for LIHTC are accounted for using the proportional amortization method. Under the proportional amortization method, the initial cost of the investment is amortized in proportion to the tax credits and other benefits received and recognized as a component of applicable income tax expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Investments which do not meet the qualification criteria for the proportional amortization method are accounted for using the equity method of accounting with impairment associated with the investments recognized in other noninterest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Income Taxes The Bancorp accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for expected future tax consequences. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined by applying the federal and state tax rates to the differences between financial statement carrying amounts and the corresponding tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are also recorded for any tax attributes, such as tax credits and net operating loss carryforwards. The net balances of deferred tax assets and liabilities are reported in other assets and accrued taxes, interest and expenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Any effect of a change in federal or state tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income tax expense in the period that includes the enactment date. The Bancorp reflects the expected amount of income tax to be paid or refunded during the year as current income tax expense or benefit. Accrued taxes represent the net expected amount due to and/or from taxing jurisdictions and are reported in accrued taxes, interest and expenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Bancorp uses the deferral method of accounting on investments that generate investment tax credits. Under this method, the investment tax credits are recognized as a reduction to the related asset. The Bancorp evaluates the realization of deferred tax assets based on all positive and negative evidence available at the balance sheet date. Realization of deferred tax assets is based on the Bancorp’s judgment about relevant factors affecting their realization, including the taxable income within any applicable carry back periods, future projected taxable income, the reversal of taxable temporary differences and tax planning strategies. The Bancorp records a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets where the Bancorp does not believe that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. Income tax benefits from uncertain tax positions are recognized in the financial statements only if the Bancorp believes that it is more likely than not that the uncertain tax position will be sustained based solely on the technical merits of the tax position and consideration of the relevant taxing authority’s widely understood administrative practices and precedents. If the Bancorp does not believe that it is more likely than not that an uncertain tax position will be sustained, the Bancorp records a liability for the uncertain tax position. If the Bancorp believes that it is more likely than not that an uncertain tax position will be sustained, the Bancorp only records a tax benefit for the portion of the uncertain tax position where the likelihood of realization is greater than 50% upon settlement with the relevant taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. The Bancorp recognizes interest expense, interest income and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within applicable income tax expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Refer to Note 21 for further discussion regarding income taxes. 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 outstanding, adjusted for the impact of potentially dilutive common shares arising from the exercise or settlement of stock-based awards and the settlement of outstanding forward contracts. 139 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 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 recognition 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. 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 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 quantitative impairment test is required or the decision to bypass the qualitative assessment is elected, the Bancorp performs the goodwill 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, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. A recognized impairment loss cannot be reversed in future periods even if the fair value of the reporting unit subsequently recovers. 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. 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 determination of the fair value of the Bancorp’s reporting units includes both an income-based approach and a market-based approach. The income-based approach utilizes 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. Refer to Note 10 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. The Bancorp employs various valuation approaches to measure fair value including the market, income and cost approaches. 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: 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. 140 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability for which there is little, if any, market activity at the measurement date. Unobservable inputs reflect the 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 previous trades and overall review and assessments for reasonableness. The Bancorp may, as a practical expedient, measure the fair value of certain investments on the basis of the net asset value per share of the investment, or its equivalent. Any investments which are valued using this practical expedient are not classified in the fair value hierarchy. Refer to Note 28 for further information on fair value measurements. 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 over the requisite service period. 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 recognizes 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 25. 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 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. Revenue Recognition The Bancorp’s interest income is derived from loans and leases, securities and other short-term investments. The Bancorp recognizes interest income in accordance with the applicable guidance in U.S. GAAP for these assets. Refer to the Portfolio Loans and Leases and Investment Securities sections of this footnote for further information. The Bancorp generally measures noninterest income revenue based on the amount of consideration the Bancorp expects to be entitled for the transfer of goods or services to a customer, then recognizes this revenue when or as the Bancorp satisfies its performance obligations under the contract, except in transactions where U.S. GAAP provides other applicable guidance. When the amount of consideration is variable, the Bancorp will only recognize revenue to the extent that it is probable that the cumulative amount recognized will not be subject to a significant reversal in the future. Substantially all of the Bancorp’s contracts with customers have expected durations of one year or less and payments are typically due when or as the services are rendered or shortly thereafter. When third parties are involved in providing goods or services to customers, the Bancorp recognizes revenue on a gross basis when it has control over those goods or services prior to transfer to the customer; otherwise, revenue is recognized for the net amount of any fee or commission. The Bancorp excludes sales taxes from the recognition of revenue and recognizes the incremental costs of obtaining contracts as an expense if the period of amortization for those costs would be one year or less. The following provides additional information about the components of noninterest income: • • Commercial banking revenue consists primarily of service fees and other income related to loans to commercial clients, underwriting revenue recognized by the Bancorp’s broker-dealer subsidiary and fees for other services provided to commercial clients. Revenue related to loans is recognized in accordance with the Bancorp’s policies for portfolio loans and leases. Underwriting revenue is generally recognized on the trade date, which is when the Bancorp’s performance obligations are satisfied. Service charges on deposits consist primarily of treasury management fees for commercial clients, monthly service charges on consumer deposit accounts, transaction-based fees (such as overdraft fees and wire transfer fees), and other deposit account-related charges. The Bancorp’s performance obligations for treasury management fees and consumer deposit account service charges are typically satisfied over time while performance obligations for transaction-based fees are typically satisfied at a point in time. Revenues are recognized on an accrual basis when or as the services are provided to the customer, net of applicable discounts, waivers and reversals. Payments are typically collected from customers directly from the related deposit account at the time the transaction is processed and/or at the end of the customer’s statement cycle (typically monthly). • Wealth and asset management revenue consists primarily of service fees for investment management, custody, and trust administration services provided to commercial and consumer clients. The Bancorp’s performance obligations for these services are 141 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS • generally satisfied over time and revenues are recognized monthly based on the fee structure outlined in individual contracts. Transaction prices are most commonly based on the market value of assets under management or care and/or a fee per transaction processed. The Bancorp also offers certain services for which the performance obligations are satisfied and revenue is recognized at a point in time, when the services are performed. Wealth and asset management revenue also includes trailing commissions received from investments and annuities held in customer accounts, which are recognized in revenue when the Bancorp determines that it has satisfied its performance obligations and has sufficient information to estimate the amount of the commissions to which it expects to be entitled. Card and processing revenue consists primarily of ATM fees and interchange fees earned when the Bancorp’s credit and debit cards are processed through card association networks. The Bancorp’s performance obligations are generally complete when the transactions generating the fees are processed. Revenue is recognized on an accrual basis as such services are performed, net of certain costs not controlled by the Bancorp (primarily interchange fees charged by credit card associations and expenses of certain transaction-based rewards programs offered to customers). Leasing business revenue consists primarily of operating lease income, leasing business solutions revenue, lease remarketing fees and lease syndication fees from lease arrangements to commercial clients. Revenue related to leases is recognized either in accordance with the Bancorp’s policies for portfolio loans and leases or when the Bancorp’s performance obligations are satisfied. • Mortgage banking net revenue consists primarily of origination fees and gains on loan sales, mortgage servicing fees and the impact of MSRs. Refer to the Loans and Leases Held for Sale and Loan Sales and Securitizations sections of this footnote for further information. Other noninterest income includes certain fees derived from loans, BOLI income, gains and losses on other assets, and other miscellaneous revenues and gains. • • Other Securities and other property held by Fifth Third Wealth and Asset Management, 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. Other short-term investments have original maturities less than one year and primarily include interest-bearing balances that are funds on deposit at other depository institutions or the FRB. The Bancorp uses other short-term investments as part of its liquidity risk management activities. 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. 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. 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. Intangible assets are amortized on either a straight-line or an accelerated basis over their estimated useful lives and, based on the type of intangible asset, the amortization expense may be recorded in either leasing business revenue or other noninterest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Bancorp reviews intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that carrying amounts may not be recoverable. 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. Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies Applicable Prior to January 1, 2020 The following paragraphs describe the portions of the Bancorp’s accounting and reporting policies that were applicable prior to January 1, 2020 but were updated in conjunction with the prospective adoption of ASU 2016-13 and ASU 2017-04 on January 1, 2020. The following paragraphs do not include the portions of the respective policies that were not affected by the adoption of these new accounting standards. Investment securities Available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities with unrealized losses were reviewed quarterly for possible OTTI. If the Bancorp intended to sell the debt security or would more likely than not be required to sell the debt security before recovery of the entire amortized cost basis, then an OTTI was deemed to have occurred. However, even if the Bancorp did not intend to sell the debt security and would not likely be required to sell the debt security before recovery of its entire amortized cost basis, the Bancorp evaluated expected cash flows to be received to determine if a credit loss had occurred. In the event of a credit loss, the credit component of the impairment was recognized within noninterest income and the non-credit component was recognized through OCI. 142 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Portfolio loans and leases – basis of accounting Loans acquired by the Bancorp through a purchase business combination were recorded at fair value as of the acquisition date. The Bancorp did not carry over the acquired company’s ALLL, nor did the Bancorp add to its existing ALLL as part of purchase accounting. Purchased loans were 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 was amortized over the contractual life of the loan as an adjustment to yield. For loans acquired with evidence of credit deterioration, the Bancorp determined 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 was 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 were recognized prospectively as interest income over the remaining life of the loan. The present values of any decreases in expected cash flows resulting directly from a change in the contractual interest rate were recognized prospectively as a reduction of the accretable yield. The present values of any decreases in expected cash flows after the acquisition date as a result of credit deterioration were recognized by recording an ALLL or a direct charge-off. Subsequent to the acquisition date, the methods utilized to estimate the required ALLL were similar to originated loans. This method of accounting for loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality did not apply to loans carried at fair value, residential mortgage loans held for sale and loans under revolving credit agreements. Impaired loans and leases A loan was considered to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it was probable that the Bancorp would be unable to collect all amounts due (including both principal and interest) according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impaired loans generally consisted of nonaccrual loans and leases, loans modified in a TDR and loans over $1 million that were currently on accrual status and not yet modified in a TDR, but for which the Bancorp had determined that it was probable that it would 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 referred to the terms specified in the original loan agreement. A loan restructured in a TDR was no longer considered impaired in years after the restructuring if the restructuring agreement specified 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 was not impaired based on the terms specified by the restructuring agreement. Refer to the following ALLL section for discussion regarding the Bancorp’s methodology for identifying impaired loans and determination of the need for a loss accrual. ALLL The Bancorp maintained the ALLL to absorb probable loan and lease losses inherent in its portfolio segments. The ALLL was maintained at a level the Bancorp considered to be adequate and was based on ongoing quarterly assessments and evaluations of the collectability and historical loss experience of loans and leases. Credit losses were charged and recoveries were credited to the ALLL. Provisions for loan and lease losses were based on the Bancorp’s review of the historical credit loss experience and such factors that, in management’s judgment, deserved consideration under existing economic conditions in estimating probable credit losses. The Bancorp’s methodology for determining the ALLL required significant management judgment and was 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 and leases, TDRs and historical loss rates were reviewed quarterly and adjusted as necessary based on changing borrower and/or collateral conditions and actual collection and charge-off experience. An unallocated allowance was maintained to recognize the imprecision in estimating and measuring losses when evaluating allowances for pools of loans and leases. Larger commercial loans and leases included within aggregate borrower relationship balances exceeding $1 million that exhibited probable or observed credit weaknesses, as well as loans that had been modified in a TDR, were subject to individual review for impairment. The Bancorp considered the current value of collateral, credit quality of any guarantees, the guarantor’s liquidity and willingness to cooperate, the loan or lease structure and other factors when evaluating whether an individual loan or lease was impaired. Other factors might 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 Bancorp’s evaluation of the borrower’s management. When individual loans and leases were impaired, allowances were determined based on management’s estimate of the borrower’s ability to repay the loan or lease 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 and leases were 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 evaluated the collectability of both principal and interest when assessing the need for a loss accrual. Historical credit loss rates were applied to commercial loans and leases that were not impaired or were impaired, but smaller than the established threshold of $1 million and thus not subject to specific allowance allocations. The loss rates were derived from migration analyses for several portfolio stratifications, which tracked the historical net charge-off experience sustained on loans and leases according to their 143 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS internal risk grade. The risk grading system utilized for allowance analysis purposes encompassed ten categories, which were based on regulatory guidance for credit risk systems. Homogenous loans in the residential mortgage and consumer portfolio segments were not individually risk graded. Rather, standard credit scoring systems and delinquency monitoring were used to assess credit risks and allowances were established based on the expected net charge-offs. Loss rates were based on the trailing twelve-month net charge-off history by loan category. Historical loss rates were adjusted for certain prescriptive and qualitative factors that, in management’s judgment, were necessary to reflect losses inherent in the portfolio. The prescriptive loss rate factors included adjustments for delinquency trends, LTV trends, refreshed FICO score trends and product mix. The Bancorp also considered qualitative factors in determining the ALLL. These included adjustments for changes in policies or procedures in underwriting, monitoring or collections, economic conditions, portfolio mix, lending and risk management personnel, results of internal audit and quality control reviews, collateral values, geographic concentrations, estimated loss emergence period and specific portfolio loans backed by enterprise valuations and private equity sponsors. The Bancorp considered home price index trends in its footprint and the volatility of collateral valuation trends when determining the collateral value qualitative factor. Reserve for unfunded commitments The reserve for unfunded commitments was maintained at a level believed by management to be sufficient to absorb estimated probable losses related to unfunded credit facilities and was included in other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The determination of the adequacy of the reserve was 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 took into consideration the same risk elements that were analyzed in the determination of the adequacy of the Bancorp’s ALLL, as previously discussed. Net adjustments to the reserve for unfunded commitments were included in provision for credit losses in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Goodwill Impairment existed when a reporting unit’s carrying amount of goodwill exceeded its implied fair value. In testing goodwill for impairment, U.S. GAAP permitted the Bancorp to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it was more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit was less than its carrying amount. In this qualitative assessment, the Bancorp evaluated events and circumstances which might include, but were 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 determined it was not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit was less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test would be unnecessary. However, if the Bancorp concluded otherwise or elected 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 compared the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeded its fair value, Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test was necessary to measure the amount of impairment loss, which was equal to any excess of the carrying amount of goodwill over its implied fair value with such loss limited to the carrying amount of goodwill. The fair value of a reporting unit was 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 were publicly traded, individual reporting unit fair value determinations could not be directly correlated to the Bancorp’s stock price. To determine the fair value of a reporting unit, the Bancorp employed 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 determined 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 compared 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. ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING DEVELOPMENTS Standards Adopted in 2021 The Bancorp adopted the following new accounting standard effective January 1, 2021: ASU 2019-12 – Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, which simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740. The amendments also clarify and amend existing guidance for other areas of Topic 740. The Bancorp adopted the amended guidance on January 1, 2021 on a modified retrospective basis, except for certain provisions of the amended guidance which were required to be adopted prospectively. The adoption of the amended guidance did not have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements. Reference Rate Reform and LIBOR Transition In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, which provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The amendments in the ASU apply only to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued 144 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS because of reference rate reform. Subsequently, in January 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-01, which clarified that the optional expedients and exceptions in Topic 848 for contract modifications and hedge accounting also apply to derivatives that are affected by the discounting transition. The expedients and exceptions provided by the amendments do not apply to contract modifications made and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated after December 31, 2022, except for hedging relationships existing as of December 31, 2022 for which an entity has elected certain optional expedients and that are retained through the end of the hedging relationship. The amendments in this ASU are effective for the Bancorp as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The Bancorp is in the process of evaluating and applying, as applicable, the optional expedients and exceptions in accounting for eligible contract modifications, eligible existing hedging relationships and new hedging relationships available through December 31, 2022. Significant Accounting Standards Issued but Not Yet Adopted The following significant accounting standards were issued but not yet adopted by the Bancorp as of December 31, 2021: ASU 2020-06 – Debt -Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging – Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Equity’s Own Equity In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, which simplifies the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity, including convertible instruments and contracts on an entity’s own equity. The Bancorp adopted the amended guidance on January 1, 2022 using the modified retrospective transition method. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Bancorp’s Consolidated Financial Statements. ASU 2021-08 – Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-08, which provided guidance on the accounting for revenue contracts with customers which are acquired in a business combination. The amendments generally state that an acquirer accounts for an acquired revenue contract with a customer as if it had originated the contract. The amendments also provide certain practical expedients for acquirers when recognizing and measuring acquired contract assets and liabilities. The amended guidance is effective for the Bancorp on January 1, 2023, with early adoption permitted, and is to be applied prospectively to business combinations occurring on or after the adoption date. The amended guidance may be applied retrospectively to the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption if early adopted in an interim period. Regulatory Developments Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic On March 22, 2020, various national banking regulatory agencies jointly issued an interagency statement addressing loan modifications and reporting for financial institutions working with customers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The statement described the agencies’ interpretation of how existing guidance in U.S. GAAP applied to certain loan modifications related to COVID-19. Among other things, the statement affirmed that short-term modifications (e.g., six months) made on a good faith basis in response to COVID-19 to borrowers who were less than 30 days past due on contractual payments at the time a modification program was implemented would not be considered TDRs. The statement also clarified that loans modified in response to the COVID-19 pandemic should be evaluated on the basis of their modified terms when reporting loans as past due and evaluating for nonaccrual status and charge-off. On March 27, 2020, the CARES Act was signed into law. Section 4013 of the CARES Act provided financial institutions the option to temporarily suspend certain requirements under U.S. GAAP related to TDRs for a limited period of time in certain circumstances. This temporary suspension could only be applied to modifications of loans that were not more than 30 days past due as of December 31, 2019 and could not be applied to modifications that were not related to the COVID-19 pandemic. If elected, the temporary suspension could be applied to eligible modifications executed during the period beginning on March 1, 2020 and ending on the earlier of December 31, 2020 or 60 days after the termination of the COVID-19 national emergency. The December 31, 2020 expiration date was subsequently extended to January 1, 2022 upon passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. On April 7, 2020, the national banking regulatory agencies revised their previously issued interagency statement to clarify the interactions with the provisions of Section 4013 of the CARES Act. The Bancorp elected to apply the temporary suspension of TDR requirements provided by the CARES Act for eligible loan modifications. For loan modifications that were not eligible for the suspension offered by the CARES Act or that were executed outside its applicable period, the Bancorp considered the interpretive guidance provided in the revised interagency statement to evaluate loan modifications within its scope, or existing TDR evaluation policies if the modification did not fall within the scope of the interagency statement. Loans and leases which received payment deferrals or forbearances as part of the Bancorp’s COVID-19 hardship relief programs were generally not reported as delinquent during the forbearance or deferral period if the loan or lease was less than 30 days past due at March 1, 2020 (the effective date of the COVID-19 national emergency declaration) unless the loan or lease subsequently becomes delinquent according to its modified terms. Those loans and leases that were 30 days or more past due at March 1, 2020 continued to be reported at their March 1, 2020 delinquency status unless the borrower made supplemental payments to resolve the delinquency. After the conclusion of the payment deferral or forbearance period, borrowers who were delinquent as of March 1, 2020 could be returned to current status once they demonstrated a willingness and ability to repay the loan according to its modified terms. This may be evidenced by payment history after the payment deferral or forbearance period, or by completing an evaluation of the borrower’s creditworthiness upon exit from the Bancorp’s hardship programs. Residential mortgage loans enrolled in a COVID-19 forbearance are generally not reported as more delinquent than the status as of the forbearance enrollment date so long as the borrower is in compliance with the terms of the forbearance. If a borrower fails to comply with the forbearance terms, then the delinquency status of the loan is remeasured based on the terms in the original loan contract. 145 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For loans that received payment deferrals or forbearances as part of the Bancorp’s COVID-19 hardship relief programs, the Bancorp continued to accrue interest and recognize interest income during the period of the deferral. Depending on the terms of each program, all or a portion of this accrued interest may be paid directly by the borrower (either during the relief period, at the end of the relief period or at maturity of the loan) or added to the customer’s outstanding balance. For certain programs, the maturity date of the loan may also be extended by the number of payments deferred. Interest income continued to be recognized at the original contractual interest rate unless that rate is concurrently modified upon entering the relief program (in which case, the modified rate would be used to recognize interest). On April 10, 2020, the FASB staff issued a question-and-answer document (Q&A) to address questions on the application of the lease accounting guidance for lease concessions related to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under Topic 842, subsequent changes to lease payments that are not stipulated in the original lease contract are generally accounted for as lease modifications. Some contracts may contain explicit or implicit enforceable rights and obligations that require lease concessions in certain circumstances and therefore would not be considered a lease modification. Given the significant cost and complexity in assessing the large volume of lease contracts for which concessions were being granted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the FASB clarified in this Q&A that an entity could elect to account for lease concessions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic as though enforceable rights and obligations for those concessions existed. This guidance eliminated the requirement to analyze each contract to determine whether enforceable rights and obligations to provide concessions existed and allowed an entity to elect to apply or not apply the lease modification guidance in Topic 842. This election was only available for concessions related to the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic that did not result in a substantial increase in the rights of the lessor or the obligations of the lessee. The Bancorp elected to not apply the lease modification accounting guidance in Topic 842 for lease concessions granted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic as the deferrals only affected the timing of the payments and the amount of consideration to be received was substantially the same as that required by the original contract. For commercial leases that received payment deferrals under the Bancorp’s COVID-19 hardship relief programs, the Bancorp continued to recognize interest income during the deferral period, but the yield was recalculated based on the timing and amount of remaining payments over the remaining lease term. The revised yield was used for prospectively recognizing interest income and adjusting the net investment in the lease. The Bancorp’s hardship relief programs for commercial leases affected the timing of payments but generally did not result in an increase in the rights of the lessor or the obligations of the lessee. Therefore, the Bancorp elected to forego certain requirements that would typically apply for lease modifications when accounting for the effects of the hardship relief programs. 146 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents 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 Transfers: Portfolio loans and leases to loans and leases held for sale(a) Loans and leases held for sale to portfolio loans and leases Portfolio loans and leases to OREO Loans and leases held for sale to OREO Bank premises and equipment to OREO Supplemental Disclosures: Net additions to lease liabilities under operating leases Net additions to lease liabilities under finance leases Right-of-use assets recognized at adoption of ASU 2016-02 Conversion of outstanding preferred stock issued by a Bancorp subsidiary 2021 2020 2019 $ $ $ 465 607 447 49 8 — 21 66 35 — — 825 491 926 49 12 2 2 47 106 — — 1,441 726 211 37 29 — 30 76 22 509 197 (a) Includes $167 and $794 for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, of residential mortgage loans previously sold to GNMA which the Bancorp was initially deemed to have regained effective control over under ASC Topic 860 and which were recorded as portfolio loans. The Bancorp subsequently repurchased these loans and classified them as held for sale. 3. Restrictions on Dividends and Capital Actions Restrictions on Cash Dividends 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 state and federal supervisory agencies. The Bancorp’s banking subsidiary paid the Bancorp’s nonbank subsidiary holding company, which in turn paid the Bancorp $3.0 billion and $1.3 billion in dividends during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. 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. Additionally, as discussed below, during 2020 and 2021, the FRB took actions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that limit the amount of cash dividends that the Bancorp may pay to its shareholders. Capital Actions The Bancorp is subject to restrictions on its capital actions, primarily as a result of supervisory policies set by the FRB. The Bancorp is required to develop and maintain a capital plan that governs its capacity to pay dividends and execute share repurchases and this plan is required to be submitted to the FRB periodically. In June 2020, the FRB took several actions in connection with its announcement of stress test results in light of the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, for the third quarter of 2020, the FRB required large banking organizations, including the Bancorp, to suspend share repurchases, cap dividend payments to the amount paid during the second quarter of 2020, and further limit dividends according to a formula based on recent income. These restrictions were extended, quarterly, with certain modifications, throughout the remainder of 2020. The FRB extended these restrictions into the first and second quarters of 2021, with certain modifications to permit a limited amount of share repurchases. During the first and second quarters of 2021, the Bancorp was authorized to pay dividends and execute share repurchases according to a formula based on recent income provided the Bancorp did not increase the amount of its common dividend. In June 2021, the FRB lifted the COVID-19 pandemic induced capital distribution limitations, which prohibited increases to the common dividend and placed limitations on share repurchases, and authorized the Bancorp, beginning July 1, 2021, to make capital distributions that are consistent with the requirements in the Board’s capital plan rule, inclusive of the Bancorp’s stress capital buffer requirement. As a result, in the third quarter of 2021 the Bancorp increased its quarterly common stock dividend to $0.30 per share. Additionally, the Bancorp entered into and settled accelerated share repurchase transactions during the year ended December 31, 2021. For more information related to these transactions, refer to Note 24. 147 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 4. Investment Securities The following tables provide the amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses and fair value for the major categories of the available-for- sale debt and other securities and held-to-maturity securities portfolios as of December 31: ($ in millions) Available-for-sale debt 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 Other securities(a) Total available-for-sale debt 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 Amortized Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value 2021 $ $ $ $ 85 18 8,432 18,236 4,364 5,287 519 36,941 6 2 8 1 — 368 784 128 32 — 1,313 — — — — — (18) (69) (13) (44) — (144) — — — 86 18 8,782 18,951 4,479 5,275 519 38,110 6 2 8 (a) Other securities consist of FHLB, FRB and DTCC restricted stock holdings of $30, $486 and $3, respectively, at December 31, 2021, that are carried at cost. ($ in millions) Available-for-sale debt 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 Other securities(a) Total available-for-sale debt 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 Amortized Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value 2020 $ $ $ $ 74 17 11,147 16,745 3,323 3,152 524 34,982 9 2 11 4 — 768 1,481 267 48 — 2,568 — — — — — (8) (5) — (24) — (37) — — — 78 17 11,907 18,221 3,590 3,176 524 37,513 9 2 11 (a) Other securities consist of FHLB, FRB and DTCC restricted stock holdings of $40, $482 and $2, respectively, at December 31, 2020, that are carried at cost. The following table provides the fair value of trading debt securities and equity securities as of December 31: ($ in millions) Trading debt securities Equity securities 2021 2020 $ 512 376 560 313 The amounts reported in the preceding tables exclude accrued interest receivable on investment securities of $82 million and $87 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, which are presented as a component of other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Bancorp uses investment securities as a means of managing interest rate risk, providing collateral for pledging purposes and for liquidity to satisfy regulatory requirements. As part of managing interest rate risk, the Bancorp acquires securities as a component of its MSR non- qualifying hedging strategy, with net gains or losses recorded in securities (losses) gains, net – non-qualifying hedges on mortgage servicing rights in the Consolidated Statements of Income. 148 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents The following table presents securities (losses) gains recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31: NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ($ in millions) Available-for-sale debt and other securities: Realized gains Realized losses Impairment losses(a) Net realized (losses) gains on available-for-sale debt and other securities Trading debt securities: Net realized (losses) gains Net unrealized losses Net trading debt securities (losses) gains Equity securities: Net realized gains Net unrealized (losses) gains Net equity securities gains Total (losses) gains recognized in income from available-for-sale debt and other securities, trading debt securities and equity securities(b) 2021 2020 2019 $ $ $ $ $ 34 (19) (19) (4) (2) (3) (5) 7 (7) — (9) 47 (2) — 45 2 — 2 10 7 17 64 60 (50) (1) 9 3 — 3 5 26 31 43 (a) Prior to adoption of ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, investment securities were evaluated for OTTI with any identified OTTI recognized as a charge to income and a direct reduction of the amortized cost basis of the securities. (b) Excludes $7 of net securities losses for the year ended December 31, 2021, and $5 and $7 of net securities gains for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, related to securities held by FTS to facilitate the timely execution of customer transactions. These (losses) gains are included in commercial banking revenue and wealth and asset management revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Bancorp recognized impairment losses on available-for-sale debt and other securities of $19 million during the year ended December 31, 2021. These losses related to certain securities in unrealized loss positions that the Bancorp intended to sell prior to recovery of their amortized cost bases. The Bancorp did not consider these losses to be credit-related. At both December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Bancorp completed its evaluation of the available-for-sale debt and other securities in an unrealized loss position and did not recognize an allowance for credit losses. The Bancorp did not recognize provision expense for both the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 related to available-for-sale debt and other securities in an unrealized loss position. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, investment securities with a fair value of $11.2 billion and $11.0 billion, respectively, were pledged to secure borrowings, public deposits, trust funds, derivative contracts and for other purposes as required or permitted by law. The expected maturity distribution of the Bancorp’s mortgage-backed securities and the contractual maturity distribution of the remainder of the Bancorp’s available-for-sale debt and other securities and held-to-maturity securities as of December 31, 2021 are shown in the following table: ($ in millions) Debt securities:(a) Due in 1 year or less Due after 1 year through 5 years Due after 5 years through 10 years Due after 10 years Other securities Total Available-for-Sale Debt and Other Fair Value Amortized Cost Held-to-Maturity Amortized Cost Fair Value $ $ 984 13,262 11,951 10,225 519 36,941 1,003 13,756 12,466 10,366 519 38,110 3 3 — 2 — 8 3 3 — 2 — 8 (a) Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities when a right to call or prepay obligations exists with or without call or prepayment penalties. 149 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The following table provides the fair value and gross unrealized losses on available-for-sale debt 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) 2021 Agency residential mortgage-backed securities Agency commercial mortgage-backed securities Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities Asset-backed securities and other debt securities Total 2020 Agency residential mortgage-backed securities Agency commercial mortgage-backed securities Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities Asset-backed securities and other debt securities Total Less than 12 months 12 months or more Total Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses $ $ $ $ 935 2,886 1,052 2,870 7,743 426 388 2 520 1,336 (10) (49) (13) (34) (106) (8) (5) — (7) (20) 161 424 — 367 952 1 — — 603 604 (8) (20) — (10) (38) — — — (17) (17) 1,096 3,310 1,052 3,237 8,695 427 388 2 1,123 1,940 (18) (69) (13) (44) (144) (8) (5) — (24) (37) At December 31, 2021 and 2020, $2 million and $1 million, respectively, of unrealized losses in the available-for-sale debt and other securities portfolio were related to non-rated securities. 150 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 5. Loans and Leases The Bancorp diversifies its loan and lease portfolio by offering a variety of loan and lease products with various payment terms and rate structures. The Bancorp’s commercial loan and lease portfolio consists of lending to various industry types. Management periodically reviews the performance of its loan and lease products to evaluate whether they are performing within acceptable interest rate and credit risk levels and changes are made to underwriting policies and procedures as needed. The Bancorp maintains an allowance to absorb loan and lease losses that are expected to be incurred over the remaining contractual terms of the related loans and leases. For further information on credit quality and the ALLL, refer to Note 6. The following table provides a summary of commercial loans and leases classified by primary purpose and consumer loans classified based upon product or collateral as of December 31: ($ in millions) Loans and leases held for sale: Commercial and industrial loans Commercial mortgage loans Commercial leases Residential mortgage loans Total loans and leases held for sale Portfolio loans and leases: Commercial and industrial loans(a) Commercial mortgage loans Commercial construction loans Commercial leases Total commercial loans and leases Residential mortgage loans(b) Home equity Indirect secured consumer loans Credit card Other consumer loans Total consumer loans Total portfolio loans and leases 2021 2020 $ $ $ $ 7 13 1 4,394 4,415 51,659 10,316 5,241 3,052 70,268 16,397 4,084 16,783 1,766 2,752 41,782 112,050 230 7 39 4,465 4,741 49,665 10,602 5,815 2,915 68,997 15,928 5,183 13,653 2,007 3,014 39,785 108,782 (a) (b) Includes $1.3 billion and $4.8 billion as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, related to the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program. Includes $39, as of December 31, 2020, of residential mortgage loans previously sold to GNMA for which the Bancorp was deemed to have regained effective control over under ASC Topic 860, but did not exercise its option to repurchase. Refer to Note 16 for further information. Portfolio loans and leases are recorded net of unearned income, which totaled $244 million and $280 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Additionally, portfolio loans and leases are recorded net of unamortized premiums and discounts, deferred direct loan origination 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 $498 million and $251 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The amortized cost basis of loans and leases excludes accrued interest receivable of $332 million and $350 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, which is presented as a component of other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Bancorp’s FHLB and FRB borrowings are primarily secured by loans. The Bancorp had loans of $15.3 billion and $15.5 billion at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, pledged at the FHLB, and loans of $50.9 billion and $37.8 billion at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, pledged at the FRB. 151 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents The following table presents a summary of the total loans and leases owned by the Bancorp and net charge-offs (recoveries) as of and for the years ended December 31: NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ($ in millions) Commercial and industrial loans Commercial mortgage loans Commercial construction loans Commercial leases Residential mortgage loans Home equity Indirect secured consumer loans Credit card Other consumer loans Total loans and leases Less: Loans and leases held for sale Total portfolio loans and leases Carrying Value 2021 2020 90 Days Past Due and Still Accruing(a) 2020 2021 Net Charge-Offs (Recoveries) 2021 2020 $ $ $ $ 51,666 10,329 5,241 3,053 20,791 4,084 16,783 1,766 2,752 116,465 4,415 112,050 49,895 10,609 5,815 2,954 20,393 5,183 13,653 2,007 3,014 113,523 4,741 108,782 17 1 1 — 72 1 9 15 1 117 39 8 — 1 70 2 10 31 2 163 60 8 — (1) (4) (4) 14 70 31 174 198 45 — 23 2 5 32 126 40 471 (a) Excludes government guaranteed residential mortgage loans. The following table presents the components of the net investment in portfolio leases as of December 31: ($ in millions)(a) Net investment in direct financing leases: Lease payment receivable (present value) Unguaranteed residual assets (present value) Net premium (discount) on acquired leases Net investment in sales-type leases: Lease payment receivable (present value) Unguaranteed residual assets (present value) 2021 2020 $ 886 147 1 1,678 55 1,400 181 (1) 976 36 (a) Excludes $285 and $323 of leveraged leases at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Interest income recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $42 million, $64 million and $88 million, respectively, for direct financing leases and $42 million, $28 million and $13 million, respectively, for sales-type leases. The following table presents undiscounted cash flows for both direct financing and sales-type leases for 2022 through 2026 and thereafter as well as a reconciliation of the undiscounted cash flows to the total lease receivables as follows: As of December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Thereafter Total undiscounted cash flows Less: Difference between undiscounted cash flows and discounted cash flows Present value of lease payments (recognized as lease receivables) Direct Financing Leases Sales-Type Leases $ $ $ 294 215 155 111 82 86 943 57 886 548 385 301 242 116 194 1,786 108 1,678 The lease residual value represents the present value of the estimated fair value of the leased equipment at the end of the lease. The Bancorp performs quarterly reviews of residual values associated with its leasing portfolio considering factors such as the subject equipment, structure of the transaction, industry, prior experience with the lessee and other factors that impact the residual value to assess for impairment. The Bancorp maintained an allowance of $15 million and $29 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, to cover the losses that are expected to be incurred over the remaining contractual terms of the related leases, including the potential losses related to the residual value, in the net investment in leases. Refer to Note 6 for additional information on credit quality and the ALLL. 152 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 6. Credit Quality and the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses The Bancorp disaggregates ALLL balances and transactions in the ALLL by portfolio segment. Credit quality related disclosures for loans and leases are further disaggregated by class. Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses The following tables summarize transactions in the ALLL by portfolio segment for the years ended December 31: 2021 ($ in millions) Balance, beginning of period Losses charged-off(a) Recoveries of losses previously charged-off(a) Benefit from loan and lease losses Balance, end of period Commercial Residential Mortgage Consumer Total $ $ 1,456 (119) 52 (287) 1,102 294 (3) 7 (63) 235 703 (222) 111 (37) 555 2,453 (344) 170 (387) 1,892 (a) The Bancorp recorded $33 in both losses charged-off and recoveries of losses previously charged-off related to customer defaults on point-of-sale consumer loans for which the Bancorp obtained recoveries under third-party credit enhancements. 2020 ($ in millions) Balance, beginning of period Impact of adoption of ASU 2016-13(a) Losses charged-off(b) Recoveries of losses previously charged-off(b) Provision for loan and lease losses Balance, end of period Commercial Residential Mortgage Consumer Unallocated Total $ $ 710 160 (282) 16 852 1,456 73 196 (9) 7 27 294 298 408 (320) 117 200 703 121 (121) — — — — 1,202 643 (611) 140 1,079 2,453 Includes $31, $2 and $1 in Commercial, Residential Mortgage and Consumer, respectively, related to the initial recognition of an ALLL on PCD loans. (a) (b) The Bancorp recorded $42 in both losses previously charged-off and recoveries of losses charged-off related to customer defaults on point-of-sale consumer loans for which the Bancorp obtained recoveries under third-party credit enhancements. 2019 ($ in millions) Balance, beginning of period Losses charged-off(a) Recoveries of losses previously charged-off(a) Provision for (benefit from) loan and lease losses Balance, end of period Commercial Residential Mortgage Consumer Unallocated Total $ $ 645 (127) 19 173 710 81 (9) 5 (4) 73 267 (374) 117 288 298 110 — — 11 121 1,103 (510) 141 468 1,202 (a) The Bancorp recorded $48 in both losses previously charged-off and recoveries of losses charged-off related to customer defaults on point-of-sale consumer loans for which the Bancorp obtained recoveries under third-party credit enhancements. The following tables provide a summary of the ALLL and related loans and leases classified by portfolio segment: As of December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) ALLL:(a) Individually evaluated Collectively evaluated Total ALLL Portfolio loans and leases:(b) Individually evaluated Collectively evaluated Total portfolio loans and leases Commercial Residential Mortgage Consumer Total $ $ $ $ 77 1,025 1,102 579 69,689 70,268 46 189 235 460 15,783 16,243 41 514 555 164 1,728 1,892 313 25,072 25,385 1,352 110,544 111,896 Includes $2 related to commercial leveraged leases at December 31, 2021. (a) (b) Excludes $154 of residential mortgage loans measured at fair value and includes $285 of commercial leveraged leases, net of unearned income, at December 31, 2021. 153 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS As of December 31, 2020 ($ in millions) ALLL:(a) Individually evaluated Collectively evaluated Total ALLL Portfolio loans and leases:(b) Individually evaluated Collectively evaluated Purchased credit deteriorated(c) Total portfolio loans and leases Commercial Residential Mortgage Consumer Total $ $ $ $ 114 1,342 1,456 962 67,701 334 68,997 68 226 294 628 15,073 66 15,767 43 660 703 225 2,228 2,453 273 1,863 23,569 106,343 415 23,857 108,621 15 Includes $3 related to commercial leveraged leases at December 31, 2020. (a) (b) Excludes $161 of residential mortgage loans measured at fair value and includes $323 of commercial leveraged leases, net of unearned income, at December 31, (c) 2020. Includes $39, as of December 31, 2020, of residential mortgage loans previously sold to GNMA for which the Bancorp was deemed to have regained effective control over under ASC Topic 860, but did not exercise its option to repurchase. Refer to Note 16 for further information. CREDIT RISK PROFILE Commercial Portfolio Segment For purposes of monitoring the credit quality and 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. To facilitate the monitoring of credit quality within 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. For loans and leases that are collectively evaluated, the Bancorp utilizes models to forecast expected credit losses over a reasonable and supportable forecast period based on the probability of a loan or lease defaulting, the expected balance at the estimated date of default and the expected loss percentage given a default. For the commercial portfolio segment, the estimates for probability of default are primarily based on internal ratings assigned to each commercial borrower on a 13-point scale and historical observations of how those ratings migrate to a default over time in the context of macroeconomic conditions. For loans with available credit, the estimate of the expected balance at the time of default considers expected utilization rates, which are primarily based on macroeconomic conditions and the utilization history of similar borrowers under those economic conditions. The estimates for loss severity are primarily based on collateral type and coverage levels and the susceptibility of those characteristics to changes in macroeconomic conditions. Refer to Note 1 for additional information about the Bancorp’s processes for developing these models, estimating credit losses for periods beyond the reasonable and supportable forecast period and for estimating credit losses for individually evaluated loans. 154 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents The following tables present the amortized cost basis of the Bancorp’s commercial portfolio segment, by class and vintage, disaggregated by credit risk grade: NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS As of December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) Commercial and industrial loans: Pass Special mention Substandard Doubtful Total commercial and industrial loans Commercial mortgage owner-occupied loans: Pass Special mention Substandard Doubtful Total commercial mortgage owner- occupied loans Commercial mortgage nonowner- occupied loans: Pass Special mention Substandard Doubtful Total commercial mortgage nonowner- occupied loans Commercial construction loans: Pass Special mention Substandard Doubtful Total commercial construction loans Commercial leases: Pass Special mention Substandard Doubtful Total commercial leases Total commercial loans and leases: Pass Special mention Substandard Doubtful Total commercial loans and leases $ $ $ $ Term Loans and Leases by Origination Year 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 Prior Revolving Loans Revolving Loans Converted to Term Loans $ 4,266 37 19 — $ 4,322 2,291 22 52 — 2,365 1,198 12 36 — 1,246 $ 1,082 — 22 — 804 31 38 — 471 46 3 — 552 29 69 — 650 296 17 12 — 356 22 52 — 430 183 2 3 — 752 5 115 — 872 331 40 27 — 39,486 665 1,623 — 41,774 1,141 69 91 — — — — — — — — — — Total 48,901 792 1,966 — 51,659 4,308 205 196 — $ 1,104 873 520 325 188 398 1,301 — 4,709 635 89 160 — 733 12 78 — 595 11 4 — 284 5 3 — 141 7 9 — 302 9 3 — 1,977 162 388 — — — — — 4,667 295 645 — 884 823 610 292 157 314 2,527 — 5,607 50 — 17 — 67 $ 1,019 4 7 — $ 1,030 69 39 — — 108 436 4 3 — 443 11 — — — 11 284 5 8 — 297 37 — — — 37 231 9 10 — 250 — — — — — 233 — 13 — 246 9 — — — 9 776 8 2 — 786 4,488 193 328 — 5,009 — — — — — $ 7,052 130 225 — $ 7,407 4,333 108 171 — 4,612 2,559 74 51 — 2,684 1,400 60 94 — 1,554 913 31 77 — 1,021 2,170 62 147 — 2,379 47,092 1,089 2,430 — 50,611 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 4,664 232 345 — 5,241 2,979 30 43 — 3,052 65,519 1,554 3,195 — 70,268 155 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS As of December 31, 2020 ($ in millions) Commercial and industrial loans: Pass Special mention Substandard Doubtful Total commercial and industrial loans Commercial mortgage owner-occupied loans: Pass Special mention Substandard Doubtful Total commercial mortgage owner- occupied loans Commercial mortgage nonowner- occupied loans: Pass Special mention Substandard Doubtful Total commercial mortgage nonowner- occupied loans Commercial construction loans: Pass Special mention Substandard Doubtful Total commercial construction loans Commercial leases: Pass Special mention Substandard Doubtful Total commercial leases Total commercial loans and leases: Pass Special mention Substandard Doubtful Total commercial loans and leases Term Loans and Leases by Origination Year 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 Prior Revolving Loans Converted to Term Loans Revolving Loans Total $ 7,042 66 119 — $ 7,227 2,144 46 80 2 2,272 1,114 167 107 9 1,397 $ 1,047 58 211 — 655 12 17 — 416 16 33 — 700 46 60 — 806 288 7 7 — 471 5 39 — 515 249 2 13 — 703 21 104 — 828 420 17 30 — 31,657 2,317 2,639 7 36,620 1,025 64 88 — — — — — — — — — — 43,831 2,668 3,148 18 49,665 4,100 176 399 — $ 1,316 684 465 302 264 467 1,177 — 4,675 $ 902 252 149 12 679 68 3 — 548 17 49 — 247 8 14 — 223 36 2 — 341 9 25 — 1,626 416 301 — — — — — 4,566 806 543 12 $ 1,315 750 614 269 261 375 2,343 — 5,927 $ $ $ $ 98 67 8 — 173 622 5 7 — 634 49 — — — 49 374 16 4 — 394 27 — — — 27 315 5 16 — 336 — — — — — 369 — 21 — 390 9 — — — 9 314 — 6 — 320 12 — — — 12 824 — 17 — 841 4,721 591 233 — 5,545 — — — — — $ 9,711 448 494 12 $ 10,665 3,901 142 104 2 4,149 2,420 205 205 9 2,839 1,604 61 102 — 1,767 1,266 43 60 — 1,369 2,300 47 176 — 2,523 39,029 3,388 3,261 7 45,685 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 4,916 658 241 — 5,815 2,818 26 71 — 2,915 60,231 4,334 4,402 30 68,997 156 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents Age Analysis of Past Due Commercial Loans and Leases The following tables summarize the Bancorp’s amortized cost basis in portfolio commercial loans and leases, by age and class: NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS As of December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) Commercial loans and leases: Commercial and industrial loans(b) Commercial mortgage owner-occupied loans Commercial mortgage nonowner-occupied loans Commercial construction loans Commercial leases Total portfolio commercial loans and leases Current Loans and Leases(a) 30-89 Days(a) Past Due 90 Days or More(a) Total Past Due Total Loans and Leases 90 Days Past Due and Still Accruing $ $ 51,549 4,701 5,606 5,241 3,035 70,132 61 4 — — 16 81 49 4 1 — 1 55 110 8 1 — 17 136 51,659 4,709 5,607 5,241 3,052 70,268 17 1 — 1 — 19 (a) (b) Includes accrual and nonaccrual loans and leases. Includes loans related to the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program, of which $20 were 30-89 days past due and $6 were 90 days or more past due. As of December 31, 2020 ($ 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 Total portfolio commercial loans and leases (a) Includes accrual and nonaccrual loans and leases. Current Loans and Leases(a) 30-89 Days(a) Past Due 90 Days or More(a) Total Past Due Total Loans and Leases 90 Days Past Due and Still Accruing $ $ 49,421 4,645 5,860 5,808 2,906 68,640 119 7 31 7 7 171 125 23 36 — 2 186 244 30 67 7 9 357 49,665 4,675 5,927 5,815 2,915 68,997 39 7 1 — 1 48 Residential Mortgage and Consumer Portfolio Segments For purposes of monitoring the credit quality and risk characteristics of its consumer portfolio segment, the Bancorp disaggregates the segment into the following classes: home equity, indirect secured consumer loans, credit card and other consumer loans. 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 and the performing versus nonperforming status is presented in the following table. Loans and leases which received payment deferrals or forbearances as part of the Bancorp’s COVID-19 customer relief programs are generally not reported as delinquent during the forbearance or deferral period if the loan or lease was less than 30 days past due at March 1, 2020 (the effective date of the COVID-19 national emergency declaration) unless the loan or lease subsequently becomes delinquent according to its modified terms. Refer to Note 1 for additional information. For collectively evaluated loans in the consumer and residential mortgage portfolio segments, the Bancorp’s expected credit loss models primarily utilize the borrower’s FICO score and delinquency history in combination with macroeconomic conditions when estimating the probability of default. The estimates for loss severity are primarily based on collateral type and coverage levels and the susceptibility of those characteristics to changes in macroeconomic conditions. The expected balance at the estimated date of default is also particularly significant for portfolio classes which generally have longer terms (such as residential mortgage loans and home equity) and portfolio classes containing a high concentration of loans with revolving privileges (such as home equity). The estimate of the expected balance at the time of default considers expected prepayment and utilization rates where applicable, which are primarily based on macroeconomic conditions and the utilization history of similar borrowers under those economic conditions. Refer to Note 1 for additional information about the Bancorp’s process for developing these models and its process for estimating credit losses for periods beyond the reasonable and supportable forecast period. 157 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents The following tables present the amortized cost basis of the Bancorp’s residential mortgage and consumer portfolio segments, by class and vintage, disaggregated by both age and performing versus nonperforming status: NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS As of December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) Residential mortgage loans: Term Loans by Origination Year 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 Prior Revolving Loans Converted to Term Loans Total Revolving Loans Performing: Current(a) 30-89 days past due 90 days or more past due Total performing Nonperforming Total residential mortgage loans(b) Home equity: Performing: Current 30-89 days past due 90 days or more past due Total performing Nonperforming Total home equity Indirect secured consumer loans: $ 5,886 1 — 5,887 — $ 5,887 3,309 1 2 3,312 — 3,312 1,294 1 4 1,299 1 1,300 $ $ 2 — — 2 — 2 6 — — 6 — 6 13 — — 13 — 13 Performing: Current 30-89 days past due 90 days or more past due $ 8,732 26 2 8,760 — Total indirect secured consumer loans $ 8,760 Credit card: Total performing Nonperforming 4,206 24 2 4,232 12 4,244 2,221 25 2 2,248 5 2,253 — — — — — — 530 2 — 532 — 532 — — — — — — 275 3 1 279 — 279 $ — — — — — $ — $ 692 3 — 695 — 695 Performing: Current 30-89 days past due 90 days or more past due Total performing Nonperforming Total credit card Other consumer loans: Performing: Current 30-89 days past due 90 days or more past due Total performing Nonperforming Performing: Current 30-89 days past due 90 days or more past due Total performing Nonperforming Total residential mortgage and consumer loans(b) Total other consumer loans Total residential mortgage and consumer loans: $ 418 1 3 422 — 422 18 — — 18 — 18 902 17 2 921 5 926 — — — — — — 174 2 — 176 — 176 954 1 9 964 2 966 4,261 13 52 4,326 30 4,356 2 — — 2 — 2 389 8 1 398 3 401 — — — — — — 105 1 — 106 — 106 113 3 1 117 9 126 194 3 — 197 2 199 — — — — — — 47 — — 47 — 47 — — — — — — 3,815 22 — 3,837 67 3,904 — — — — — — 1,710 18 15 1,743 23 1,766 913 2 — 915 1 916 6,438 42 15 6,495 91 — — — — — — 12 — — 12 1 13 — — — — — — — — — — — — — 1 — 1 — 1 12 1 — 13 1 16,122 18 70 16,210 33 16,243 3,981 25 1 4,007 77 4,084 16,644 103 9 16,756 27 16,783 1,710 18 15 1,743 23 1,766 2,736 14 1 2,751 1 2,752 41,193 178 96 41,467 161 $ 15,312 30 2 15,344 — 8,051 27 4 8,082 12 3,803 29 7 3,839 6 1,512 20 5 1,537 5 1,450 10 10 1,470 5 4,615 19 53 4,687 41 $ 15,344 8,094 3,845 1,542 1,475 4,728 6,586 14 41,628 (a) 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, 2021, $49 of these loans were 30-89 days past due and $139 were 90 days or more past due. The Bancorp recognized $2 of losses during the year ended December 31, 2021 due to claim denials and curtailments associated with these insured or guaranteed loans. (b) Excludes $154 of residential mortgage loans measured at fair value at December 31, 2021. 158 Fifth Third Bancorp Term Loans by Origination Year 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 Prior Revolving Loans Revolving Loans Converted to Term Loans Total Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS As of December 31, 2020 ($ in millions) Residential mortgage loans: Performing: Current(a) 30-89 days past due 90 days or more past due Total performing Nonperforming Total residential mortgage loans(b) Home equity: Performing: Current 30-89 days past due 90 days or more past due Total performing Nonperforming Total home equity Indirect secured consumer loans: Performing: Current 30-89 days past due 90 days or more past due Total performing Nonperforming Total indirect secured consumer loans Credit card: Performing: Current 30-89 days past due 90 days or more past due Total performing Nonperforming Total credit card Other consumer loans: Performing: Current 30-89 days past due 90 days or more past due Total performing Nonperforming Total other consumer loans Total residential mortgage and consumer loans: Performing: Current 30-89 days past due 90 days or more past due Total performing Nonperforming $ 4,006 2,128 1 1 — 6 4,007 2,135 1 — $ 4,008 2,135 3 2 3 7 827 1,635 2,301 4,719 12 48 832 1,645 2,309 4,779 52 834 1,647 2,312 4,831 1 7 2 3 2 4 30 24 11 $ 2 — — — — — — — — — — 2 — — — — — 2 $ 24 30 11 24 11 30 4 4 41 2 25 1 $ 6,626 3,752 1,678 31 3 6,652 3,795 1,712 4 $ 6,653 3,800 1,716 1 5 860 17 2 879 3 882 372 7 1 380 2 382 153 3 2 158 10 168 214 4 1 219 1 220 — — — — — — 4,825 33 — 4,858 75 4,933 — — — — — — $ — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — $ — — — — — — 1,914 30 31 1,975 32 2,007 178 437 4 $ 883 2 — 885 32 40 546 5 2 — — 2 — — — — 40 180 1 41 32 — — — — — 32 $ 885 553 441 180 553 441 28 1 $ 11,526 6,450 2,972 2,677 2,707 5,126 19 51 11,555 6,507 3,015 2,708 2,723 5,196 64 47 10 22 9 38 5 8 8 5 5 6 2 5 878 2 — 880 1 881 7,617 65 31 7,713 108 — 15,616 21 — — 70 — 15,707 — 60 — 15,767 10 5,059 36 — — 2 10 5,097 86 1 11 5,183 — 13,502 125 — — 10 — 13,637 — 16 — 13,653 — 1,914 30 — — 31 — 1,975 — 32 — 2,007 1 2,995 — 15 2 — 1 3,012 — 2 1 3,014 11 39,086 227 — 115 — 11 39,428 196 1 12 39,624 Total residential mortgage and consumer loans(b) $ 11,557 6,512 3,021 2,713 2,728 5,260 7,821 (a) 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, 2020, $103 of these loans were 30-89 days past due and $242 were 90 days or more past due. The Bancorp recognized $3 of losses during the year ended December 31, 2020 due to claim denials and curtailments associated with these insured or guaranteed loans. (b) Excludes $161 of residential mortgage loans measured at fair value at December 31, 2020. 159 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Collateral-Dependent Loans and Leases The Bancorp considers a loan or lease to be collateral-dependent when the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral. When a loan or lease is collateral-dependent, its fair value is generally based on the fair value less cost to sell of the underlying collateral. The following table presents the amortized cost basis of the Bancorp’s collateral-dependent loans and leases, by portfolio class, as of: ($ 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 Total commercial loans and leases Residential mortgage loans Consumer loans: Home equity Indirect secured consumer loans Total consumer loans Total portfolio loans and leases December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 $ $ 467 22 31 56 3 579 60 58 8 66 705 810 101 82 19 6 1,018 80 71 9 80 1,178 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 loans which have not yet met the requirements to be returned to accrual status; certain restructured consumer and residential mortgage 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 amortized cost basis of the Bancorp’s nonaccrual loans and leases, by class, and OREO and other repossessed property, as of: ($ 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 Total nonaccrual portfolio commercial loans and leases Residential mortgage loans Consumer loans: Home equity Indirect secured consumer loans Credit card Other consumer loans Total nonaccrual portfolio consumer loans Total nonaccrual portfolio loans and leases(a)(b) OREO and other repossessed property Total nonperforming portfolio assets(a)(b) December 31, 2021 No Related ALLL With an ALLL Total December 31, 2020 No Related ALLL With an ALLL Total $ 151 128 279 213 260 10 22 6 3 192 14 53 21 23 1 98 304 — 304 $ $ $ $ 13 3 — 1 145 19 24 6 — — 30 194 29 223 23 25 6 4 337 33 77 27 23 1 128 498 29 527 20 34 1 6 274 11 55 8 32 2 97 382 — 382 60 43 — 1 364 49 31 8 — — 39 452 30 482 473 80 77 1 7 638 60 86 16 32 2 136 834 30 864 (a) Excludes $15 and $6 of nonaccrual loans held for sale as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. (b) Includes $26 and $29 of nonaccrual government insured commercial loans whose repayments are insured by the SBA as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, of which $11 and $17 are restructured nonaccrual government insured commercial loans as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. 160 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents The following table presents the interest income recognized on the Bancorp’s nonaccrual loans and leases as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, by class: NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ($ in millions) Commercial loans and leases: Commercial and industrial loans Commercial mortgage nonowner-occupied loans Commercial leases Total nonaccrual portfolio commercial loans and leases Residential mortgage loans Consumer loans: Home equity Indirect secured consumer loans Credit card Total nonaccrual portfolio consumer loans Total nonaccrual portfolio loans and leases For the years ended December 31, 2021 2020 $ $ $ $ 6 — 1 7 24 7 2 3 12 43 8 1 1 10 28 9 — 4 13 51 The Bancorp’s amortized cost basis of consumer mortgage loans secured by residential real estate properties for which formal foreclosure proceedings are in process according to local requirements of the applicable jurisdiction was $84 million and $136 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Troubled Debt Restructurings 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. TDRs include concessions granted under reorganization, arrangement or other provisions of the Federal Bankruptcy Act. 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, the extent of collateral, 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 information on the Bancorp’s ALLL methodology. Upon modification of a loan, the Bancorp measures the expected credit loss as either the difference between the amortized cost of the loan and the fair value of collateral less cost to sell or 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 allowance regardless of which is used 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 that is not collateral-dependent, the cash flows on the modified loan, using the pre-modification interest rate as the discount rate, often exceed the amortized cost basis of the loan. Conversely, upon a modification that reduces the stated interest rate on a loan that is not collateral-dependent, the Bancorp recognizes 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. Loans discharged in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy and not reaffirmed by the borrower are treated as nonaccrual collateral-dependent loans with a charge-off recognized to reduce the carrying values of such loans to the fair value of the related collateral less costs to sell. Certain loan modifications which were made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic were not evaluated for classification as a TDR. Refer to the Regulatory Developments Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic section of Note 1 for additional information. The Bancorp had commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers whose terms have been modified in a TDR, consisting of line of credit and letter of credit commitments of $121 million and $66 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2021 compared with $67 million and $72 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2020. 161 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents The following tables provide a summary of portfolio loans, by class, modified in a TDR by the Bancorp during the years ended December 31: NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2021 ($ in millions) Commercial loans: Commercial and industrial loans Commercial mortgage owner-occupied loans Commercial mortgage nonowner-occupied loans Commercial construction loans Residential mortgage loans Consumer loans: Home equity Indirect secured consumer loans Credit card Total portfolio loans Number of Loans Modified in a TDR During the Year(a) Amortized Cost Basis of Loans Modified in a TDR During the Year Increase (Decrease) to ALLL Upon Modification Charge-offs Recognized Upon Modification 86 $ 10 5 1 519 206 4,567 5,488 10,882 $ 150 8 29 34 93 10 96 30 450 1 — — — 4 (3) 1 9 12 — — — — — — — 1 1 (a) Represents number of loans post-modification and excludes loans previously modified in a TDR. 2020 ($ in millions) Commercial loans: Commercial and industrial loans Commercial mortgage owner-occupied loans Commercial mortgage nonowner-occupied loans Commercial construction loans Residential mortgage loans Consumer loans: Home equity Indirect secured consumer loans Credit card Total portfolio loans Number of Loans Modified in a TDR During the Year(a) Amortized Cost Basis of Loans Modified in a TDR During the Year Increase (Decrease) to ALLL Upon Modification Charge-offs Recognized Upon Modification 124 $ 43 19 3 424 147 70 5,701 6,531 $ 305 58 44 21 58 7 — 32 525 26 (11) (2) 1 1 (4) — 11 22 7 — — — — — — 1 8 (a) Represents number of loans post-modification and excludes loans previously modified in a TDR. 2019 ($ in millions)(a)(b) Commercial loans: Commercial and industrial loans Commercial mortgage owner-occupied loans Commercial mortgage nonowner-occupied loans Residential mortgage loans Consumer loans: Home equity Indirect secured consumer loans Credit card Total portfolio loans Number of Loans Modified in a TDR During the Year(c) Recorded Investment in Loans Modified in a TDR During the Year (Decrease) Increase to ALLL Upon Modification Charge-offs Recognized Upon Modification 97 $ 15 1 722 80 100 6,041 7,056 $ 223 12 — 101 4 — 34 374 (19) — — 1 — — 8 (10) 5 — — — — — 3 8 (a) Excludes all loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality which were accounted for within a pool. (b) Excludes loans classified as TDRs as a result of the Bancorp’s conformance to OCC guidance with regard to non-reaffirmed loans included in Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings. (c) Represents number of loans post-modification and excludes loans previously modified in a TDR. 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 evaluation for an ALLL, the applicable commercial models are applied for purposes of determining the ALLL as well as qualitatively assessing whether those loans are reasonably expected to be further restructured prior to their maturity date and, if so, the impact such a restructuring would have on the remaining contractual life of the loans. When a residential mortgage, home equity, indirect secured consumer 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 expected credit loss is generally limited to the expected net proceeds from the sale of the loan’s underlying 162 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS collateral and any resulting collateral shortfall is reflected as a charge-off or an increase in ALLL. The Bancorp recognizes an 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, 2021, 2020 and 2019 and were within 12 months of the restructuring date: December 31, 2021 ($ in millions)(a) Commercial loans: Commercial and industrial loans Commercial mortgage owner-occupied loans Commercial mortgage nonowner-occupied loans Residential mortgage loans Consumer loans: Home equity Indirect secured consumer loans Credit card Total portfolio loans Number of Contracts Amortized Cost 7 $ 3 2 82 28 130 215 467 $ (a) Excludes all loans held for sale and loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality which were accounted for within a pool. December 31, 2020 ($ in millions)(a) Commercial loans: Commercial and industrial loans Commercial mortgage owner-occupied loans Commercial mortgage nonowner-occupied loans Residential mortgage loans Consumer loans: Home equity Indirect secured consumer loans Credit card Total portfolio loans Number of Contracts Amortized Cost 13 $ 8 3 149 6 18 260 457 $ (a) Excludes all loans held for sale and loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality which were accounted for within a pool. December 31, 2019 ($ in millions)(a)(b) Commercial loans: Commercial and industrial loans Commercial mortgage owner-occupied loans Commercial mortgage nonowner-occupied loans Residential mortgage loans Consumer loans: Home equity Credit card Total portfolio loans Number of Contracts Recorded Investment 12 $ 4 1 274 15 655 961 $ 1 1 25 10 1 2 1 41 5 3 11 23 — — 1 43 20 1 — 42 — 3 66 (a) Excludes all loans held for sale and loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality which were accounted for within a pool. (b) Excludes loans classified as TDRs as a result of the Bancorp’s conformance to OCC guidance with regard to non-reaffirmed loans included in Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings. 163 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents 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) Equipment Buildings(a) Land and improvements(a) Leasehold improvements Construction in progress(a) Bank premises and equipment held for sale: Land and improvements Buildings Accumulated depreciation and amortization Total bank premises and equipment Estimated Useful Life 2 - 20 years 1 - 30 years 1 - 30 years 2021 2020 $ $ 2,392 1,668 645 517 84 18 6 (3,210) 2,120 2,302 1,612 636 467 108 27 8 (3,072) 2,088 (a) At December 31, 2021 and 2020, land and improvements, buildings and construction in progress included $39 and $46, respectively, associated with parcels of undeveloped land intended for future branch expansion. Depreciation and amortization expense related to bank premises and equipment, including amortization of finance lease ROU assets, was $270 million, $256 million and $255 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, 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 banking centers at certain 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. The Bancorp closed a total of 44 banking centers throughout its footprint during the year ended December 31, 2021. 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 $7 million, $30 million and $28 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The recognized impairment losses were recorded in other noninterest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income. 164 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 8. Operating Lease Equipment Operating lease equipment was $616 million and $777 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, net of accumulated depreciation of $304 million and $290 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Bancorp recorded lease income of $152 million, $156 million and $151 million relating to lease payments for operating leases in leasing business revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Depreciation expense related to operating lease equipment was $124 million, $126 million and $122 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Bancorp received payments of $155 million and $161 million related to operating leases during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. 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. As a result of these recoverability assessments, the Bancorp recognized $25 million, $7 million and $3 million of impairment losses associated with operating lease assets for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The recognized impairment losses were recorded in leasing business revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The following table presents future lease payments receivable from operating leases for 2022 through 2026 and thereafter: As of December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Thereafter Total operating lease payments Undiscounted Cash Flows $ $ 138 114 76 48 26 27 429 9. Lease Obligations - Lessee The Bancorp leases certain banking centers, ATM sites, land for owned buildings and equipment. The Bancorp’s lease agreements typically do not contain any residual value guarantees or any material restrictive covenants. The following table provides a summary of lease assets and lease liabilities as of December 31: ($ in millions) Assets Operating lease right-of-use assets Finance lease right-of-use assets Total right-of-use assets(a) Liabilities Operating lease liabilities Finance lease liabilities Total lease liabilities Consolidated Balance Sheets Caption 2021 2020 Other assets Bank premises and equipment Accrued taxes, interest and expenses Long-term debt $ $ $ $ 427 145 572 520 149 669 423 129 552 527 130 657 (a) Operating and finance lease right-of-use assets are recorded net of accumulated amortization of $198 and $47, respectively, as of December 31, 2021, and $152 and $29, respectively, as of December 31, 2020. The following table presents the components of lease costs for the years ended December 31: ($ in millions) Lease costs: Amortization of ROU assets Interest on lease liabilities Total finance lease costs Operating lease cost Short-term lease cost Variable lease cost Sublease income Total operating lease costs Total lease costs Consolidated Statements of Income Caption 2021 2020 2019 Net occupancy and equipment expense Interest on long-term debt Net occupancy expense Net occupancy expense Net occupancy expense Net occupancy expense $ $ $ $ $ 18 4 22 80 2 31 (3) 110 132 11 3 14 110 1 29 (3) 137 151 6 1 7 96 1 30 (3) 124 131 The Bancorp performs impairment assessments for ROU assets when events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying values may not be recoverable. In addition to the lease costs disclosed in the table above, the Bancorp recognized $3 million, $8 million and $15 million of impairment losses and termination charges for the ROU assets related to certain operating leases for the years ended 165 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The recognized losses were recorded in net occupancy expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The following table presents undiscounted cash flows for both operating leases and finance leases for 2022 through 2026 and thereafter as well as a reconciliation of the undiscounted cash flows to the total lease liabilities as follows: As of December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Thereafter Total undiscounted cash flows Less: Difference between undiscounted cash flows and discounted cash flows Present value of lease liabilities Operating Leases Finance Leases Total $ $ $ 87 80 72 64 55 238 596 76 520 21 18 18 12 7 111 187 38 149 The following table presents the weighted-average remaining lease term and weighted-average discount rate as of December 31: Weighted-average remaining lease term (years): Operating leases Finance leases Weighted-average discount rate: Operating leases Finance leases 2021 2020 8.92 14.70 2.88 % 2.74 The following table presents information related to lease transactions for the years ended December 31: ($ in millions) Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:(a) 2021 2020 2019 Operating cash flows from operating leases Operating cash flows from finance leases Financing cash flows from finance leases Gains on sale and leaseback transactions $ 88 4 16 2 91 3 11 3 108 98 90 76 62 349 783 114 669 9.06 12.93 3.05 2.39 97 1 5 5 (a) The cash flows related to short-term leases and variable lease payments are not included in the amounts in the table as they were not included in the measurement of lease liabilities. 166 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 10. Goodwill Business combinations entered into by the Bancorp typically result in the recognition of goodwill. Acquisition activity includes acquisitions in the respective period in addition to purchase accounting adjustments related to previous acquisitions. The Bancorp completed its annual goodwill impairment test as of September 30, 2021 by performing a qualitative assessment of goodwill at the reporting unit level to determine whether any indicators of impairment existed. In performing this qualitative assessment, the Bancorp evaluated events and circumstances since the last impairment analysis, macroeconomic conditions, banking industry and market conditions and key financial metrics of the Bancorp as well as reporting unit and overall Bancorp financial performance. After assessing the totality of the events and circumstances, the Bancorp determined that it was not more likely than not that the fair values of the Commercial Banking, Branch Banking and Wealth and Asset Management reporting units were less than their respective carrying amounts. Changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill, by reporting unit, for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 were as follows: ($ in millions) Goodwill Accumulated impairment losses Net carrying value as of December 31, 2019 Acquisition activity Sale of business Net carrying value as of December 31, 2020 Acquisition activity Net carrying value as of December 31, 2021 $ $ $ $ Commercial Banking Branch Banking Consumer Lending Wealth and Asset Management 2,704 (750) 1,954 26 — 1,980 — 1,980 2,046 — 2,046 1 — 2,047 256 2,303 215 (215) — — — — — — 252 — 252 1 (22) 231 — 231 General Corporate and Other — — — — — — — — Total 5,217 (965) 4,252 28 (22) 4,258 256 4,514 167 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 11. Intangible Assets Intangible assets consist of core deposit intangibles, developed technology, customer relationships, operating leases, non-compete agreements, trade names and books of business. Intangible assets are amortized on either a straight-line or an accelerated basis over their estimated useful lives and, based on the type of intangible asset, the amortization may be recorded in either leasing business revenue or other noninterest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The increase in the gross carrying amount of intangible assets during the year ended December 31, 2021 reflects acquisition activity during the year, which included the recognition of $62 million in developed technology. This asset will be amortized over its remaining useful life, which was estimated to be 8 years at the time of acquisition. The details of the Bancorp’s intangible assets are shown in the following table: ($ in millions) As of December 31, 2021 Core deposit intangibles Developed technology Customer relationships Operating leases Other Total intangible assets As of December 31, 2020 Core deposit intangibles Customer relationships Operating leases Other Total intangible assets Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount $ $ $ $ 229 62 25 11 4 331 229 24 17 3 273 (153) (3) (7) (9) (3) (175) (116) (5) (12) (1) (134) 76 59 18 2 1 156 113 19 5 2 139 As of December 31, 2021, all of the Bancorp’s intangible assets were being amortized. Amortization expense recognized on intangible assets was $47 million, $55 million and $54 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Bancorp’s projections of amortization expense shown in the following table are based on existing asset balances as of December 31, 2021. Future amortization expense may vary from these projections. Estimated amortization expense for the years ending December 31, 2022 through 2026 is as follows: ($ in millions) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Total $ 41 32 24 17 11 168 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 12. 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 at risk to finance their activities without additional subordinated financial support or the equity investors of the entities as a group lack any of the characteristics of a controlling interest. 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 Bancorp has consolidated VIEs related to certain automobile loan securitizations where it has determined that it is the primary beneficiary. The following table provides a summary of assets and liabilities carried on the Consolidated Balance Sheets for consolidated VIEs as of: ($ in millions) Assets: Other short-term investments Indirect secured consumer loans ALLL Other assets Total assets Liabilities: Other liabilities Long-term debt Total liabilities December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 $ $ $ $ 24 322 (2) 2 346 1 263 264 55 756 (7) 5 809 2 656 658 The Bancorp has previously completed securitization transactions in which the Bancorp transferred certain consumer automobile loans to bankruptcy remote trusts which were deemed to be VIEs. In each of these securitization transactions, 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 has consolidated these VIEs. The assets of the VIEs are restricted to the settlement of the asset-backed securities and other obligations of the VIEs. The third-party holders of the asset-backed 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 interest on the loans and the subordination of certain classes of asset-backed securities to other classes. 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, 2021 ($ in millions) CDC investments Private equity investments Loans provided to VIEs Lease pool entities December 31, 2020 ($ in millions) CDC investments Private equity investments Loans provided to VIEs Lease pool entities $ $ Total Assets Total Liabilities Maximum Exposure 1,705 133 3,386 68 580 — — — 1,705 257 4,873 68 Total Assets Total Liabilities Maximum Exposure 1,546 117 2,420 73 478 — — — 1,546 200 3,649 73 169 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CDC investments CDC, a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of the Bancorp, was created to invest in projects to create affordable housing and revitalize business and residential areas. 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. 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 managing members who exercise full and exclusive control of the operations of the VIEs. For information regarding the Bancorp’s accounting for these investments, refer to Note 1. 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 December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Bancorp’s CDC investments included $1.4 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively, of investments in affordable housing tax credits recognized in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The unfunded commitments related to these investments were $573 million and $478 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The unfunded commitments as of December 31, 2021 are expected to be funded from 2022 to 2039. The Bancorp has accounted for all of its qualifying LIHTC investments using the proportional amortization method of accounting. The following table summarizes the impact to the Consolidated Statements of Income related to these investments for the years ended December 31: Proportional amortization Tax credits and other benefits Consolidated Statements of Income Caption(a) 2021 2020 2019 Applicable income tax expense Applicable income tax expense $ 163 (193) 150 (175) 140 (163) (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, 2021, 2020 and 2019. Private equity investments The Bancorp invests as a limited partner in private equity investments which provide the Bancorp an opportunity to obtain higher rates of return on invested capital, while also providing strategic opportunities in certain cases. 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 investments. The funds finance primarily all of their activities from the partners’ capital contributions and investment returns. The Bancorp has determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of the funds because it does not have the obligation to absorb the funds’ expected losses or the right to receive the funds’ expected residual returns that could potentially be significant to the funds and lacks the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the funds. The Bancorp, as a limited partner, does not have substantive participating or substantive kick-out rights over the general partner. Therefore, the Bancorp accounts for its investments in these limited partnerships under the equity method of accounting. The Bancorp is exposed to losses arising from the negative performance of the underlying investments in the private equity investments. 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 amounts of these investments, which are included in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, are presented in previous tables. Also, at December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Bancorp’s unfunded commitment amounts to the private equity funds were $124 million and $83 million, respectively. As part of previous commitments, the Bancorp made capital contributions to private equity investments of $17 million and $19 million during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. 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 a 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. 170 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 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, 2021 and 2020, the Bancorp’s unfunded commitments to these entities were $1.5 billion and $1.2 billion, 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. Lease pool entities The Bancorp is a co-investor with other unrelated leasing companies in three LLCs designed for the purpose of purchasing pools of residual interests in leases which have been originated or purchased by the other investing member. For each LLC, the leasing company is the managing member and has full authority over the day-to-day operations of the entity. While the Bancorp holds more than 50% of the equity interests in each LLC, the operating agreements require both members to consent to significant corporate actions, such as liquidating the entity or removing the manager. In addition, the Bancorp has a preference with regards to distributions such that all of the Bancorp’s equity contribution for each pool must be distributed, plus a pre-defined rate of return, before the other member may receive distributions. The leasing company is also entitled to the return of its investment plus a pre-defined rate of return before any residual profits are distributed to the members. The lease pool entities are primarily subject to risk of losses on the lease residuals purchased. The Bancorp has determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs because it does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the entities. This power is held by the leasing company, who as managing member controls the servicing of the leases and collection of the proceeds on the residual interests. 171 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents 13. Sales of Receivables and Servicing Rights NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Residential Mortgage Loan Sales The Bancorp sold fixed and adjustable-rate residential mortgage loans during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019. 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 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. 2021 2020 2019 $ 16,900 11,827 7,781 285 247 315 263 175 267 Servicing Rights The Bancorp measures all of its servicing rights at fair value with changes in fair value reported in mortgage banking net revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The following table presents changes in the servicing rights related to residential mortgage loans for the years ended December 31: ($ in millions) Balance, beginning of period Servicing rights originated Servicing rights purchased Changes in fair value: Due to changes in inputs or assumptions(a) Other changes in fair value(b) Balance, end of period 2021 2020 $ $ 656 223 381 142 (281) 1,121 993 184 44 (311) (254) 656 (a) Primarily reflects changes in prepayment speed and OAS assumptions which are updated based on market interest rates. (b) Primarily reflects changes due to realized cash flows and the passage of time. 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 may include the purchase of free-standing derivatives and various available-for-sale debt and trading debt 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 OAS, earnings rates and prepayment speeds. The fair value of the servicing asset is based on the present value of expected future cash flows. The following table presents activity related to valuations of the MSR portfolio and the impact of the non-qualifying hedging strategy for the years ended December 31: ($ in millions) Securities (losses) gains, net - non-qualifying hedges on mortgage servicing rights Changes in fair value and settlement of free-standing derivatives purchased to economically hedge the MSR portfolio(a) MSR fair value adjustment due to changes in inputs or assumptions(a) $ 2021 2020 2019 (2) (123) 142 2 307 (311) 3 221 (203) (a) Included in mortgage banking net revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The key economic assumptions used in measuring the servicing rights related to residential mortgage loans that continued to be held by the Bancorp at the date of sale, securitization, or purchase resulting from transactions completed during the years ended December 31 were as follows: Weighted- Average Life (in years) 2021 Prepayment Speed (annual) 6.5 2.7 10.7 % 28.8 OAS (bps) 693 626 Weighted- Average Life (in years) 2020 Prepayment Speed (annual) 5.9 3.8 12.1 % 18.3 OAS (bps) 727 681 Fixed-rate Adjustable-rate 172 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Bancorp serviced $89.2 billion and $68.8 billion, respectively, of residential mortgage loans for other investors. The value of MSRs that continue to be held by the Bancorp is subject to credit, prepayment and interest rate risks on the sold financial assets. At December 31, 2021, the sensitivity of the current fair value of residual cash flows to immediate 10%, 20% and 50% adverse changes in prepayment speed assumptions and immediate 10% and 20% adverse changes in OAS for servicing rights related to residential mortgage loans are as follows: Prepayment Speed Assumption OAS Assumption ($ in millions)(a) Fixed-rate Adjustable-rate Fair Value $ 1,116 5 Weighted- Average Life (in years) 6.3 4.1 Rate 10.7 % $ 20.6 Impact of Adverse Change on Fair Value 10% 20% 50% (48) — (93) (1) OAS (bps) 686 (2) 1087 (211) Impact of Adverse Change on Fair Value 10% 20% $ (30) — (58) — (a) The impact of the weighted-average default rate on the current fair value of residual cash flows for all scenarios is immaterial. 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 that variations of these levels are reasonably possible; however, there is the potential that adverse changes in key assumptions could be even greater. 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 the Bancorp 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. 173 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 14. 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 Bancorp’s interest rate risk management strategy involves modifying the repricing characteristics of certain financial 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, swaptions and TBA securities. 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. 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 free-standing derivatives (principal-only swaps, interest rate swaptions, interest rate floors, mortgage options, TBA securities 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. TBA securities 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 loans denominated in foreign currencies. Derivative instruments that the Bancorp may use to economically hedge these foreign denominated loans include foreign exchange swaps and forward contracts. 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 currencies. Credit risk arises from the possible inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts. The Bancorp’s exposure is limited to the replacement value of the contracts rather than the notional, principal or contract amounts. Credit risk is minimized through credit approvals, limits, counterparty collateral and monitoring procedures. 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 with the exception of certain variation margin payments that are considered legal settlements of the derivative contracts. For derivative contracts cleared through certain central clearing parties who have modified their rules to treat variation margin payments as settlements, the variation margin payments are applied to net the fair value of the respective derivative contracts. 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, 2021 and 2020, the balance of collateral held by the Bancorp for derivative assets was $1.1 billion and $1.0 billion, respectively. For derivative contracts cleared through certain central clearing parties whose rules treat variation margin payments as settlement of the derivative contract, the payments for variation margin of $771 million and $1.1 billion were applied to reduce the respective derivative contracts and were also not included in the total amount of collateral held as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The credit component negatively impacting the fair value of derivative assets associated with customer accommodation contracts was $20 million and $42 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, 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, 2021 and 2020, the balance of collateral posted by the Bancorp for derivative liabilities was $1.3 billion and $463 million, respectively. Additionally, $570 million and $1.1 billion of variation margin payments were applied to the respective derivative contracts to reduce the Bancorp’s derivative liabilities as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and were also not included in the total amount of collateral posted. Certain of the Bancorp’s derivative liabilities contain credit-risk related contingent features that could result in the requirement to post additional collateral upon the occurrence of specified events. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the fair value of the additional collateral that could be required to be posted as a result of the credit-risk related contingent features being triggered was immaterial to the Bancorp’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The posting of collateral has been determined to remove the need for further consideration of credit risk. As a result, the Bancorp determined that the impact of the Bancorp’s credit risk to the valuation of its derivative liabilities was immaterial to the Bancorp’s Consolidated Financial Statements. 174 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The Bancorp holds certain derivative instruments that qualify for hedge accounting treatment and are designated as either fair value hedges or cash flow hedges. Derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, or for which hedge accounting is not established, are held as free-standing derivatives. All customer accommodation derivatives are held as free-standing derivatives. The following tables reflect the notional amounts and fair values for all derivative instruments included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of: December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) Derivatives Designated as Qualifying Hedging Instruments Fair value hedges: Interest rate swaps related to long-term debt Interest rate swaps related to available-for-sale debt and other securities $ Total fair value hedges Cash flow hedges: Interest rate floors related to C&I loans Interest rate swaps related to C&I loans Interest rate swaps related to commercial mortgage and commercial construction 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 MSR portfolio Forward contracts related to residential mortgage loans held for sale(b) Swap associated with the sale of Visa, Inc. Class B Shares Foreign exchange contracts Interest rate contracts for collateral management Interest rate contracts for LIBOR transition Total free-standing derivatives - risk management and other business purposes Free-standing derivatives - customer accommodation: Interest rate contracts(a) Interest rate lock commitments Commodity contracts TBA securities Foreign exchange contracts Total free-standing derivatives - customer accommodation Total derivatives not designated as qualifying hedging instruments Total Notional Amount Derivative Assets Derivative Liabilities Fair Value 1,955 445 3,000 8,000 4,000 6,260 1,952 3,545 158 12,000 2,372 76,061 673 12,376 55 23,148 $ 393 7 400 122 — — 122 522 140 2 — — 5 — 147 578 12 1,326 — 323 2,239 2,386 2,908 2 — 2 — 1 — 1 3 — 2 214 1 4 — 221 232 — 1,260 — 297 1,789 2,010 2,013 (a) Derivative assets and liabilities are presented net of variation margin of $104 and $472, respectively. (b) Includes forward sale and forward purchase contracts which are utilized to manage market risk on residential mortgage loans held for sale and the related interest rate lock commitments. 175 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS December 31, 2020 ($ in millions) Derivatives Designated as Qualifying Hedging Instruments Fair value hedges: Interest rate swaps related to long-term debt Total fair value hedges Cash flow hedges: Interest rate floors related to C&I loans 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 MSR portfolio Forward contracts related to residential mortgage loans held for sale(b) Swap associated with the sale of Visa, Inc. Class B Shares Foreign exchange contracts Interest rate contracts for collateral management Interest rate contracts for LIBOR transition Total free-standing derivatives - risk management and other business purposes Free-standing derivatives - customer accommodation: Interest rate contracts(a) Interest rate lock commitments Commodity contracts Foreign exchange contracts Total free-standing derivatives - customer accommodation Total derivatives not designated as qualifying hedging instruments Total Notional Amount Derivative Assets Derivative Liabilities Fair Value $ 1,955 3,000 8,000 6,910 2,903 3,588 204 12,000 2,372 77,806 1,830 7,762 14,587 $ 528 528 244 16 260 788 202 1 — — 3 — 206 1,238 57 375 255 1,925 2,131 2,919 — — — 2 2 2 1 16 201 3 1 — 222 265 — 359 224 848 1,070 1,072 (a) Derivative assets and liabilities are presented net of variation margin of $47 and $1,063, respectively. (b) Includes forward sale and forward purchase contracts which are utilized to manage market risk on residential mortgage loans held for sale and the related interest rate lock commitments. Fair Value Hedges The Bancorp may enter into interest rate swaps to convert its fixed-rate funding to floating-rate or to hedge the exposure to changes in fair value of a recognized asset attributable to changes in the benchmark interest rate. Decisions to enter into these interest rate swaps are made primarily through consideration of the asset/liability mix of the Bancorp, the desired asset/liability sensitivity and interest rate levels. As of December 31, 2021, certain interest rate swaps met the criteria required to qualify for the shortcut method of accounting that permits the assumption of perfect offset. For all designated fair value hedges of interest rate risk as of December 31, 2021 that were not accounted for under the shortcut method of accounting, the Bancorp performed an assessment of hedge effectiveness using regression analysis with changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument and changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability attributable to the hedged risk recorded in the same income statement line in current period net income. The following table reflects the changes in fair value of interest rate contracts, designated as fair value hedges and the changes in fair value of the related hedged items attributable to the risk being hedged, as well as the line items in the Consolidated Statements of Income in which the corresponding gains or losses are recorded: For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 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 Available-for-sale debt and other securities: Consolidated Statements of Income Caption 2021 2020 2019 Interest on long-term debt $ (138) 134 152 Interest on long-term debt 138 (133) (147) Change in fair value of interest rate swaps hedging available-for-sale debt and other securities Change in fair value of hedged available-for-sale debt and other securities attributable to the risk being hedged Interest on securities Interest on securities 7 (7) — — — — 176 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents The following amounts were recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets related to cumulative basis adjustments for fair value hedges as of December 31: NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ($ in millions) Long-term debt: Consolidated Balance Sheets Caption Carrying amount of the hedged items Cumulative amount of fair value hedging adjustments included in the carrying amount of the hedged items Long-term debt Long-term debt Available-for-sale debt and other securities: Carrying amount of the hedged items(a) Cumulative amount of fair value hedging adjustments included in the carrying amount of the hedged items Available-for-sale debt and other securities Available-for-sale debt and other securities 2021 2020 $ 2,339 2,478 396 465 (8) 534 — — (a) The carrying amount represents the amortized cost basis of the hedged items (which excludes unrealized gains and losses) plus the fair value hedging adjustments. 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 for the variability in cash flows attributable to the contractually specified interest rate. The assets or liabilities may be grouped 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, 2021, all hedges designated as cash flow hedges were assessed for effectiveness using regression analysis. The entire change in the fair value of the interest rate swap included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness is recorded in AOCI and reclassified from AOCI to current period earnings when the hedged item affects earnings. As of December 31, 2021, the maximum length of time over which the Bancorp is hedging its exposure to the variability in future cash flows is 37 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, 2021 and 2020, $353 million and $718 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, 2021, $212 million in net unrealized gains, net of tax, recorded in AOCI are expected to be reclassified into earnings during the next 12 months. This amount could differ from amounts actually recognized due to changes in interest rates, hedge de-designations or the addition of other hedges subsequent to December 31, 2021. During both the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, there were no gains or losses reclassified from AOCI into earnings associated with the discontinuance of cash flow hedges because it was probable that the original forecasted transaction would no longer occur by the end of the originally specified time period or within the additional period of time as defined by U.S. GAAP. The following table presents the pre-tax net (losses) gains recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income and in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income relating to derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges: For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) Amount of pre-tax net (losses) gains recognized in OCI Amount of pre-tax net gains reclassified from OCI into net income 2021 2020 2019 $ (185) 293 611 237 348 16 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, TBA securities and interest rate swaps) to economically hedge changes in fair value of its largely fixed-rate MSR portfolio. Principal-only swaps hedge the spread between mortgage rates and LIBOR 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 rates. These contracts generally settle within one year or less. 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 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 Shares. This total return swap is accounted for as a free-standing derivative. Refer to Note 28 for further discussion of significant inputs and assumptions used in the valuation of this instrument. 177 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The Bancorp entered into certain interest rate swap contracts for the purpose of managing its collateral positions across two central clearing parties. These interest rate swaps were perfectly offsetting positions that allowed the Bancorp to lower the cash posted as required initial margin at the clearing parties, which reduced its credit exposure to the clearing parties. Given that all relevant terms for these interest rate swaps are offsetting, these trades create no additional market risk for the Bancorp. As part of the LIBOR to SOFR transition, the Bancorp received certain interest rate swap contracts from the two central clearing parties that are moving from an Effective Federal Funds Rate discounting curve to a SOFR discounting curve. The purpose of these interest rate swaps was to neutralize the impact on collateral requirements due to the change in discounting curves implemented by the central clearing parties. The net (losses) gains 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 2021 2020 2019 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: Mortgage banking net revenue Mortgage banking net revenue $ 15 (123) (3) (12) 307 (3) 4 221 (7) Foreign exchange contracts for risk management purposes Other noninterest income Equity contracts: Swap associated with sale of Visa, Inc. Class B Shares Other noninterest income (86) (103) (107) 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, reputable, independent counterparties with substantially matching terms. The Bancorp hedges its interest rate exposure on commercial customer 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 commercial banking revenue or other noninterest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income. 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, 2021 and 2020, the total notional amount of the risk participation agreements was $3.8 billion and $3.4 billion, respectively, and the fair value was a liability of $8 million at both December 31, 2021 and 2020 which is included in other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2021, the risk participation agreements had a weighted-average remaining life of 3.8 years. The Bancorp’s maximum exposure in the risk participation agreements is contingent on the fair value of the underlying interest rate derivative contracts in an asset position at the time of default. The Bancorp monitors the credit risk associated with the underlying customers in the risk participation agreements through the same risk grading system currently utilized for establishing loss reserves in its loan and lease portfolio. Risk ratings of the notional amount of risk participation agreements under this risk rating system are summarized in the following table as of December 31: ($ in millions) Pass Special mention Substandard Total 178 Fifth Third Bancorp 2021 2020 $ $ 3,733 13 34 3,780 3,231 113 52 3,396 Table of Contents 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: Consolidated Statements of Income Caption 2021 2020 2019 Interest rate contracts for customers (contract revenue) Interest rate contracts for customers (credit portion of fair value adjustment) Interest rate lock commitments Commercial banking revenue $ Other noninterest expense Mortgage banking net revenue Commodity contracts: Commodity contracts for customers (contract revenue) Commodity contracts for customers (credit losses) Commodity contracts for customers (credit portion of fair value adjustment) Commercial banking revenue Other noninterest expense Other noninterest expense Foreign exchange contracts: Foreign exchange contracts for customers (contract revenue) Foreign exchange contracts for customers (contract revenue) Foreign exchange contracts for customers (credit portion of fair value adjustment) Commercial banking revenue Other noninterest expense Other noninterest expense 38 21 149 23 (1) — 61 2 — 36 (22) 271 15 (1) (2) 55 (11) (1) 40 (15) 144 8 — 1 49 12 — 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. However, for derivative contracts cleared through certain central clearing parties who have modified their rules to treat variation margin payments as settlements, the fair value of the respective derivative contracts is reported net of the variation margin payments. Collateral amounts included in the tables below consist primarily of cash and highly rated government-backed securities and do not include variation margin payments for derivative contracts with legal rights of setoff for both periods shown. The following table provides a summary of offsetting derivative financial instruments: As of December 31, 2021 Derivative assets Derivative liabilities As of December 31, 2020 Derivative assets Derivative liabilities Gross Amount Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets(a) Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Collateral(b) Derivatives Net Amount $ $ 2,896 2,013 2,862 1,072 (837) (837) (621) (621) (548) (712) (755) (221) 1,511 464 1,486 230 (a) Amount does not include 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 Sheets were excluded from this table. 179 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents 15. Other Assets The following table provides the components of other assets included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31: NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ($ in millions) Derivative instruments Accounts receivable and drafts-in-process Bank owned life insurance Partnership investments Accrued interest and fees receivable Operating lease right-of-use assets Worldpay, Inc. TRA receivable Income tax receivable Prepaid expenses OREO and other repossessed property Other Total other assets 2021 2020 $ $ 2,908 2,560 2,041 2,022 465 427 317 237 139 29 299 11,444 2,919 2,121 2,003 1,872 486 423 321 166 129 30 279 10,749 In conjunction with Worldpay, Inc.’s IPO in 2012, the Bancorp entered into two TRAs with Worldpay, Inc. The TRAs provide for payments by Worldpay, Inc. to the Bancorp of 85% of the cash savings actually realized as a result of the increase in tax basis that results from the historical or future purchase of equity in Worldpay Holding, LLC from the Bancorp or from the exchange of equity units in Worldpay Holding, LLC for cash or Class A Stock, as well as any tax benefits attributable to payments made under the TRA. During the fourth quarter of 2019, the Bancorp entered into an agreement with Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. and Worldpay, Inc. under which Worldpay, Inc. may be obligated to pay up to approximately $366 million to the Bancorp to terminate and settle a portion of the remaining TRA cash flows, totaling an estimated $720 million, upon the exercise of certain call options by Worldpay, Inc. or certain put options by the Bancorp. In 2019, the Bancorp recognized a gain of approximately $345 million in other noninterest income associated with these options. The Worldpay, Inc. TRA receivable associated with this transaction, recorded in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, was $317 million and $321 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Separate from the impact of the TRA settlement agreement discussed above, the Bancorp recognized $46 million, $74 million and $1 million in other noninterest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income associated with the TRA during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Bancorp expects to receive approximately $78 million of future payments through 2025 under the TRA that are not subject to the call or put options. These remaining cash flows will be recognized in future periods when the related uncertainties are resolved. 180 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 16. Short-Term Borrowings Borrowings with original maturities of one year or less are classified as short-term and include federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings. Federal funds purchased are excess balances in reserve accounts held at the FRB that the Bancorp purchased from other member banks on an overnight basis. Other short-term borrowings may include securities sold under repurchase agreements, derivative collateral, FHLB advances and other borrowings with original maturities of one year or less. The following table summarizes short-term borrowings and weighted-average rates: 2021 2020 Amount Rate Amount Rate ($ 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 $ $ $ 281 980 333 1,107 365 1,353 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 Other secured borrowings Total other short-term borrowings 0.13 % $ 0.04 0.12 % $ 0.15 0.14 % 0.19 0.58 % 0.81 300 1,192 385 1,709 1,625 4,542 2021 2020 544 436 — 980 679 474 39 1,192 $ $ $ The Bancorp’s securities sold under repurchase agreements are accounted for as secured borrowings and are collateralized by securities included in available-for-sale debt 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. As of both December 31, 2021 and 2020, all securities sold under repurchase agreements were secured by agency residential mortgage- backed securities and the repurchase agreements had an overnight remaining contractual maturity. The Bancorp’s other secured borrowings at December 31, 2020 primarily included obligations recognized by the Bancorp under ASC Topic 860 related to certain loans sold to GNMA and serviced by the Bancorp. Under ASC Topic 860, once the Bancorp has the unilateral right to repurchase the GNMA loans due to the borrower missing three consecutive payments, the Bancorp is considered to have regained effective control over the loan. As such, the Bancorp was required to recognize both the loan and the repurchase liability, regardless of the intent to repurchase the loans. The Bancorp repurchased these loans during 2021. 181 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents 17. Long-Term Debt The following table is a summary of the Bancorp’s long-term borrowings at December 31: NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ($ in millions) Parent Company Senior: Floating-rate notes(a) Fixed-rate notes Fixed-rate notes Fixed-rate notes Fixed-rate notes Fixed-rate notes Fixed-rate notes Fixed-rate/floating-rate notes(b) Fixed-rate notes Subordinated:(c) Fixed-rate notes Fixed-rate notes Subsidiaries Senior: Fixed-rate notes Fixed-rate notes Fixed-rate notes Floating-rate notes(a) Floating-rate notes(c)(d) Fixed-rate notes Fixed-rate notes Fixed-rate notes Subordinated:(c) Fixed-rate notes Fixed-rate notes Junior subordinated: Floating-rate debentures(c)(d) FHLB advances Notes associated with consolidated VIEs: Automobile loan securitizations: Fixed-rate notes Other Total Maturity Interest Rate 2021 2020 2021 2022 2022 2023 2024 2025 2027 2027 2028 2024 2038 2021 2021 2021 2021 2022 2023 2025 2027 2026 2027 0.70% 2.60% 3.50% 1.625% 3.65% 2.375% 2.55% 1.707% 3.95% 4.30% 8.25% 2.25% 2.875% 3.35% 0.655% 0.772% 1.80% 3.95% 2.25% 3.85% 4.00% 2035 2022 - 2047 1.62% - 1.89% 0.05% - 5.87% $ — 700 500 499 1,496 748 746 496 647 749 1,346 — — — — 300 649 795 598 748 172 54 44 250 699 499 498 1,494 747 746 — 647 748 1,433 1,249 849 506 300 300 648 836 598 748 172 54 67 2022 - 2026 2022 - 2052 2.03% - 2.69% Varies 250 284 $ 11,821 623 262 14,973 (a) These rates reflect the floating rates as of December 31, 2020. (b) This rate reflects the fixed rate in effect as of December 31, 2021. (c) In aggregate, $2.5 billion and $2.8 billion qualifies as Tier 2 capital for regulatory capital purposes for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. (d) These rates reflect the floating rates as of December 31, 2021. The Bancorp pays down long-term debt in accordance with contractual terms over maturity periods summarized in the previous table. The aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt obligations (based on final maturity dates) as of December 31, 2021 are presented in the following table: ($ in millions) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Thereafter Total Parent Company Subsidiaries Total $ $ 1,200 499 2,245 748 — 3,235 7,927 310 821 19 856 890 998 3,894 1,510 1,320 2,264 1,604 890 4,233 11,821 At December 31, 2021, the Bancorp’s long-term borrowings consisted of outstanding principal balances of $11.5 billion, net discounts of $16 million, debt issuance costs of $24 million and additions for mark-to-market adjustments on its hedged debt of $396 million. At 182 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS December 31, 2020, the Bancorp’s long-term borrowings consisted of outstanding principal balances of $14.5 billion, net discounts of $19 million, debt issuance costs of $31 million and additions for mark-to-market adjustments on its hedged debt of $534 million. The Bancorp was in compliance with all debt covenants at December 31, 2021 and 2020. Parent Company Long-Term Borrowings Senior notes On March 7, 2012, the Bancorp issued and sold $500 million of senior notes to third-party investors and entered 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 and that they 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. These fixed-rate senior 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. On June 15, 2017, the Bancorp issued and sold $700 million of senior notes to third-party investors. The senior notes bear a fixed-rate of interest of 2.60% 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 June 15, 2022. These fixed-rate senior 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. On March 14, 2018, the Bancorp issued and sold $650 million of senior notes to third-party investors. The senior notes bear a fixed-rate of interest of 3.95% 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 14, 2028. These fixed-rate senior 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. On January 25, 2019, the Bancorp issued and sold $1.5 billion of senior notes to third-party investors. The senior notes bear a fixed-rate of interest of 3.65% 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, 2024. These fixed-rate senior 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. On October 28, 2019, the Bancorp issued and sold $750 million of senior notes to third-party investors. The senior notes bear a fixed-rate of interest of 2.375% 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 28, 2025. These notes will be redeemable at the Bancorp’s option, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, on or after April 25, 2020, and prior to December 29, 2024, in each case at a redemption price, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date, equal to the greater of (i) 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes being redeemed on that redemption date; and (ii) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the notes being redeemed that would be due if the notes to be redeemed matured on December 29, 2024 discounted to the redemption date on a semi-annual basis at the applicable treasury rate plus 15 bps. Additionally, these 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 of the notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the redemption date. On May 5, 2020, the Bancorp issued and sold $1.25 billion in aggregate principal amount of senior fixed-rate notes. The notes consisted of $500 million of 1.625% senior fixed-rate notes, with a maturity of three years, due on May 5, 2023; and $750 million of 2.55% senior fixed- rate notes, with a maturity of seven years, due on May 5, 2027. The 1.625% and 2.55% senior fixed-rate notes will be redeemable on or after April 5, 2023 and April 5, 2027, respectively (the respective “Applicable Par Call Date”), in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at the Bancorp’s option at a redemption price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the senior fixed-rate notes being redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date. Additionally, the 1.625% and 2.55% senior fixed-rate notes will be redeemable at the Bancorp’s option, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, on or after November 2, 2020, and prior to the notes’ respective Applicable Par Call Date, in each case at a redemption price, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date, equal to the greater of: (a) 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the senior fixed-rate notes being redeemed on that redemption date; and (b) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the senior fixed-rate notes being redeemed that would be due if the senior fixed-rate notes to be redeemed matured on their respective Applicable Par Call Date (not including any portion of such payments of interest accrued to the redemption date) discounted to the redemption date on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the applicable Treasury Rate plus either 25 bps (for the 1.625% senior fixed-rate notes) or 35 bps (for the 2.55% senior fixed-rate notes), as the case may be. On November 1, 2021, the Bancorp issued and sold $500 million of fixed-rate/floating-rate senior notes which will mature on November 1, 2027. The senior notes bear a fixed rate of interest of 1.707% per annum to, but excluding, November 1, 2026. From, and including, November 1, 2026 until, but excluding, November 1, 2027, the senior notes will have an interest rate of compounded SOFR plus 0.685%. 183 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The Bancorp entered into interest-rate swaps to convert the fixed-rate period of the notes (to, but excluding, November 1, 2026) to a floating rate, which resulted in an original effective interest rate of one-month LIBOR plus 57 bps, and the Bancorp paid a rate of 0.67% at December 31, 2021. The notes will be redeemable in whole, but not in part, by the Bancorp on November 1, 2026, the date that is one year prior to the maturity date, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date. In addition, the notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part, by the Bancorp 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 of the notes being redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date. Subordinated debt The Bancorp has entered into interest rate swaps to convert part of its subordinated fixed-rate notes due in 2038 to a floating rate. Of the $1.0 billion in 8.25% subordinated fixed-rate notes due in 2038, $705 million were hedged to floating-rate, which resulted in an original effective interest rate of three-month LIBOR plus 305 bps, and the Bancorp paid a rate of 3.22% on the hedged portion of these notes at December 31, 2021. On November 20, 2013, the Bancorp issued and sold $750 million of 4.30% unsecured subordinated fixed-rate notes due on 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. 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. Under the Bancorp’s banking subsidiary’s global bank note program, the Bank’s capacity to issue its senior and subordinated unsecured bank notes is $25.0 billion. As of December 31, 2021, $22.0 billion was available for future issuance under the global bank note program. On March 15, 2016, the Bank issued and sold, under its bank notes program, $750 million of 3.85% subordinated fixed-rate notes due on March 15, 2026. 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 July 26, 2018 the Bank issued and sold, under its bank notes program, $750 million of 3.95% senior fixed-rate notes due on July 28, 2025. The Bank entered into interest rate swaps to convert these fixed-rate notes to a floating rate, which resulted in an original effective interest rate of one-month LIBOR plus 104 bps, and the Bancorp paid a rate of 1.14% at December 31, 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 February 1, 2019, the Bank issued and sold, under its bank notes program, $300 million in unsecured senior floating-rate bank notes due on February 1, 2022. The interest rate on the floating-rate notes is three-month LIBOR plus 64 bps. These 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 of the notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the redemption date. As a result of the MB Financial, Inc. acquisition, the Bank assumed $175 million of 4.00% subordinated fixed-rate notes due on December 1, 2027. These bank notes will be redeemable by the Bank, in whole or in part, on any interest payment date on or after December 1, 2022 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the redemption date. From December 1, 2022 until maturity, the bank notes pay interest quarterly on the first day of March, June, September and December. On January 31, 2020, the Bank issued and sold, under its bank notes program, $1.25 billion in aggregate principal amount of senior fixed-rate notes. The bank notes consisted of $650 million of 1.80% senior fixed-rate notes, with a maturity of three years, due on January 30, 2023; and $600 million of 2.25% senior fixed-rate notes, with a maturity of seven years, due on February 1, 2027. On or after the date that is 30 days before the maturity date, the 1.80% senior fixed-rate notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at the Bank’s option at a redemption price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the 1.80% senior fixed-rate notes being redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date. The 2.25% senior fixed-rate notes will be redeemable at the Bank’s option, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, on or after July 31, 2020, and prior to January 4, 2027 (the “Applicable Par Call Date”), in each case at a redemption price, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date, equal to the greater of: (a) 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2.25% senior fixed-rate notes being redeemed on that redemption date; and (b) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the 2.25% senior fixed-rate notes being redeemed that would be due if the 2.25% senior fixed-rate notes to be redeemed matured on the Applicable Par Call Date (not including any portion of such payments of interest accrued to the redemption date) discounted to the redemption date on a semiannual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the applicable Treasury Rate plus the Applicable Spread for the Notes to be redeemed. Additionally, on or after January 4, 2027, the 2.25% senior fixed-rate notes will also be redeemable, in whole 184 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS or in part, at any time and from time to time, at the Bank’s option at a redemption price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2.25% senior fixed-rate notes being redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date. Junior subordinated debt The junior subordinated floating-rate debentures due in 2035 were assumed by the Bancorp’s direct nonbank subsidiary holding company as part of the acquisition of First Charter in June 2008. The obligation was issued to First Charter Capital Trust I and II. 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 Bancorp’s nonbank subsidiary holding company 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, 2021, FHLB advances have rates ranging from 0.05% to 5.87%, with interest payable monthly. The Bancorp has pledged $16.0 billion of certain residential mortgage loans and securities to secure its borrowing capacity at the FHLB which is partially utilized to fund $44 million in FHLB advances that are outstanding. The FHLB advances mature as follows: $1 million in 2022, $30 million in 2023, an immaterial amount in 2024, $5 million in 2025, an immaterial amount in 2026, and $8 million thereafter. Notes associated with consolidated VIEs As discussed in Note 12, the Bancorp was determined to be the primary beneficiary of various VIEs associated with certain automobile loan securitizations. Third-party holders of this debt do not have recourse to the general assets of the Bancorp. Approximately $250 million of outstanding notes related to these VIEs are included in long-term debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2021. 185 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 18. Commitments, Contingent Liabilities and Guarantees The Bancorp, in the normal course of business, enters into financial instruments and various agreements to meet the financing needs of its customers. The Bancorp also enters into certain transactions and agreements to manage its interest rate and prepayment risks, provide funding, equipment and locations for its operations and invest in its communities. These instruments and agreements involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk, counterparty risk and market risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The creditworthiness of counterparties for all instruments and agreements is evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the Bancorp’s credit policies. The Bancorp’s significant commitments, contingent liabilities and guarantees in excess of the amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are discussed in the following sections. Commitments The Bancorp has certain commitments to make future payments under contracts. The following table reflects a summary of significant commitments as of December 31: ($ in millions) Commitments to extend credit Letters of credit Forward contracts related to residential mortgage loans held for sale Purchase obligations Capital commitments for private equity investments Capital expenditures $ 2021 2020 80,641 1,953 1,952 160 124 78 74,499 1,982 2,903 195 83 75 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 is exposed to credit risk in the event of nonperformance by the counterparty for the amount of the contract. Fixed-rate commitments are also subject to market risk resulting from fluctuations in interest rates and the Bancorp’s exposure is limited to the replacement value of those commitments. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Bancorp had a reserve for unfunded commitments, including letters of credit, totaling $182 million and $172 million, respectively, included in other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Bancorp monitors the credit risk associated with commitments to extend credit using the same standard regulatory risk rating systems utilized for its loan and lease portfolio. Risk ratings of outstanding commitments to extend credit under this risk rating system are summarized in the following table as of December 31: ($ in millions) Pass Special mention Substandard Doubtful Total commitments to extend credit 2021 2020 $ $ 78,298 1,058 1,285 — 80,641 71,386 2,049 1,063 1 74,499 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, 2021: ($ in millions) Less than 1 year(a) 1 - 5 years(a) Over 5 years Total letters of credit $ $ 985 967 1 1,953 (a) Includes $2 and $3 issued on behalf of commercial customers to facilitate trade payments in U.S. dollars and foreign currencies which expire in less than 1 year and between 1 - 5 years, respectively. Standby letters of credit accounted for approximately 99% of total letters of credit at both December 31, 2021 and 2020 and are considered guarantees in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Approximately 71% and 68% of the total standby letters of credit were collateralized as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. In the event of nonperformance by the customers, the Bancorp has rights to the underlying collateral, which can include commercial real estate, physical plant and property, inventory, receivables, cash and marketable securities. The reserve related to these standby letters of credit, which was included in the total reserve for unfunded commitments, was $24 million and $27 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Bancorp monitors the credit risk associated with letters of credit using the same standard regulatory risk rating systems utilized for its loan and lease portfolio. 186 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents Risk ratings of outstanding letters of credit under this risk rating system are summarized in the following table as of December 31: NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ($ in millions) Pass Special mention Substandard Total letters of credit 2021 2020 $ $ 1,778 40 135 1,953 1,739 111 132 1,982 At December 31, 2021 and 2020, 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, 2021 and 2020, total VRDNs, of which FTS was the remarketing agent for all, were $464 million and $385 million, respectively. As remarketing agent, FTS is responsible for actively remarketing VRDNs to other investors when they have been tendered. If another investor is not identified, FTS may choose to purchase the VRDNs into inventory at its discretion while it continues to remarket them. If FTS purchases the VRDNs into inventory, it can subsequently tender back the VRDNs to the issuer’s trustee with proper advance notice. The Bancorp issued letters of credit, as a credit enhancement, to $118 million and $142 million of the VRDNs remarketed by FTS at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. These letters of credit are included in the total letters of credit balance provided in the previous tables. The Bancorp held $1 million and zero of these VRDNs in its portfolio and classified them as trading debt securities at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Forward contracts related to residential mortgage loans held for sale 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. Other commitments The Bancorp has entered into a limited number of agreements for work related to banking center construction and to purchase goods or services. Contingent Liabilities 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 19 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 or 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. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Bancorp maintained reserves related to loans sold with representation and warranty provisions totaling $9 million and $8 million, respectively, included in other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Bancorp uses the best information available when estimating its mortgage representation and warranty reserve; however, the estimation process is inherently uncertain and imprecise and, accordingly, losses in excess of the amounts reserved as of December 31, 2021 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 $12 million in excess of amounts reserved. This estimate was derived by modifying the key assumptions 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 possible losses, depending on the outcome of various factors, including those previously discussed. During both the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Bancorp paid an immaterial amount in the form of make-whole payments and repurchased $42 million and $25 million, respectively, in outstanding principal of loans to satisfy investor demands. Total repurchase demand 187 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS requests during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 were $64 million and $32 million, respectively. Total outstanding repurchase demand inventory was $18 million and $5 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Margin accounts FTS, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of 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 balances held by the brokerage clearing agent were $20 million and $14 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. In the event of 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. 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, 2021 and 2020. 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 bylaws and in accordance with its membership agreements. In accordance with Visa’s bylaws prior to the IPO, the Bancorp could have been required to indemnify Visa for 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. 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 on 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, 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 28 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, 2021, 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 $214 million and $201 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Refer to Note 14 and Note 28 for further information. 188 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS After the Bancorp’s sale of the Class B Shares, Visa has funded additional amounts into the litigation escrow account which have resulted in further dilutive adjustments to the conversion of Class B Shares into Class A Shares, and along with other terms of the total return swap, required the Bancorp to make cash payments in varying amounts to the swap counterparty as follows: Period ($ in millions) Q2 2010 Q4 2010 Q2 2011 Q1 2012 Q3 2012 Q3 2014 Q2 2018 Q3 2019 Q4 2021 Visa Funding Amount $ 500 800 400 1,565 150 450 600 300 250 Bancorp Cash Payment Amount 20 35 19 75 6 18 26 12 (a) (a) The Bancorp made a cash payment of $11 million to the swap counterparty on January 7, 2022 as a result of the Visa escrow funding in the fourth quarter of 2021. 189 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents 19. Legal and Regulatory Proceedings NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Litigation Visa/MasterCard Merchant Interchange Litigation In 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 (In re: Payment Card Interchange Fee and Merchant Discount Antitrust Litigation, Case No. 5-MD-1720). 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 currently also subject to a possible indemnification obligation of Visa as discussed in Note 18 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 that was initially approved by the trial court but reversed by the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals and remanded to the district court for further proceedings. Pursuant to the terms of the overturned settlement agreement, the Bancorp had previously paid $46 million into a class settlement escrow account. Approximately 8,000 merchants requested exclusion from the class settlement, and therefore, pursuant to the terms of the overturned settlement agreement, approximately 25% of the funds paid into the class settlement escrow account had been already returned to the control of the defendants. The remaining settlement funds paid by the Bancorp have been maintained in the escrow account. More than 500 of the merchants who requested exclusion from the class filed separate federal lawsuits against Visa, MasterCard and certain other defendants alleging similar antitrust violations. These individual federal lawsuits were transferred to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. While the Bancorp is only named as a defendant in one of the individual federal lawsuits, it may have obligations pursuant to indemnification arrangements and/or the judgment or loss sharing agreements noted above. On September 17, 2018, the defendants in the consolidated class action signed a second settlement agreement (the “Amended Settlement Agreement”) resolving the claims seeking monetary damages by the proposed plaintiffs’ class (the “Plaintiff Damages Class”) and superseding the original settlement agreement entered into in October 2012. The Amended Settlement Agreement included, among other terms, a release from participating class members for liability for claims that accrue no later than five years after the Amended Settlement Agreement becomes final. The Amended Settlement Agreement provided for a total payment by all defendants of approximately $6.24 billion, composed of approximately $5.34 billion held in escrow plus an additional $900 million in new funds. Pursuant to the terms of the Settlement Agreement, $700 million of the additional $900 million has been returned to the defendants due to the level of opt-outs from the class. The Bancorp’s allocated share of the settlement is within existing reserves, including funds maintained in escrow. On December 13, 2019, the Court entered an order granting final approval for the settlement, which is currently pending appeal. The settlement does not resolve the claims of the separate proposed plaintiffs’ class seeking injunctive relief or the claims of merchants who have opted out of the proposed class settlement and are pursuing, or may in the future decide to pursue, private lawsuits. On September 27, 2021, the Court entered an order certifying a class of merchants pursuing claims for injunctive relief. The ultimate outcome in this matter, including the timing of resolution, remains uncertain. Refer to Note 18 for further information. Klopfenstein v. Fifth Third Bank On August 3, 2012, William Klopfenstein and Adam McKinney filed a lawsuit against Fifth Third Bank in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio (Klopfenstein et al. v. Fifth Third Bank), alleging that the 120% APR that Fifth Third disclosed on its Early Access program was misleading. Early Access is a deposit-advance program offered to eligible customers with checking accounts. The plaintiffs sought to represent a nationwide class of customers who used the Early Access program and repaid their cash advances within 30 days. On October 31, 2012, the case was transferred to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. In 2013, four similar putative class action lawsuits were filed against Fifth Third Bank in federal courts throughout the country (Lori and Danielle Laskaris v. Fifth Third Bank, Janet Fyock v. Fifth Third Bank, Jesse McQuillen v. Fifth Third Bank, and Brian Harrison v. Fifth Third Bank). Those four lawsuits were transferred to the Southern District of Ohio and consolidated with the original lawsuit as In re: Fifth Third Early Access Cash Advance Litigation (Case No. 1:12-CV-851). On behalf of a putative class, the plaintiffs sought unspecified monetary and statutory damages, injunctive relief, punitive damages, attorneys’ fees, and pre- and post-judgment interest. On March 30, 2015, the court dismissed all claims alleged in the consolidated lawsuit except a claim under the TILA. On May 28, 2019, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the dismissal of plaintiffs’ breach of contract claim and remanded for further proceedings. The plaintiffs’ claimed damages for the alleged breach of contract claim exceed $280 million. On March 26, 2021, the trial court granted plaintiffs’ motion for class certification. No trial date has been set. Helton v. Fifth Third Bank On August 31, 2015, trust beneficiaries filed an action against Fifth Third Bank, as trustee, in the Probate Court for Hamilton County, Ohio (Helen Clarke Helton, et al. v. Fifth Third Bank, Case No. 2015003814). The plaintiffs alleged breach of the duty to diversify, breach of the duty of impartiality, breach of trust/fiduciary duty, and unjust enrichment, based on Fifth Third’s alleged failure to diversify assets held in two trusts for the plaintiffs’ benefit. The lawsuit sought over $800 million in alleged damages, attorneys’ fees, removal of Fifth Third as trustee, and injunctive relief. On April 20, 2018, the Court denied plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment and granted summary judgment to Fifth Third, dismissing the case in its entirety. On December 18, 2019, the Ohio Court of Appeals affirmed the Probate Court’s dismissal of all of plaintiffs’ claims based upon allegations of Fifth Third’s alleged failure to diversify assets held in two trusts for plaintiffs’ benefit. The appeals court reversed summary judgment on one claim related to Fifth Third’s alleged unjust enrichment through its receipt of certain fees in managing the trusts. The Court of Appeals remanded the case to the Probate Court for further consideration of the lone surviving claim, which comprises a small fraction of the damages originally sought by plaintiffs in the lawsuit. Plaintiffs filed an appeal to the Ohio Supreme 190 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Court, seeking review of the decision from the Ohio Court of Appeals. On April 14, 2020, the Ohio Supreme Court announced its denial of plaintiffs’ request for review, and subsequently denied plaintiffs’ request for reconsideration. Thereafter, the case returned to the trial court for further adjudication of the lone surviving claim. On July 28, 2021 the trial court issued an order granting summary judgment to Fifth Third on a portion of plaintiffs’ unjust enrichment claim, leaving the remainder of the claim to be resolved at trial. Plaintiffs have appealed the order granting partial summary judgment on the unjust enrichment claim and the trial court has vacated the trial date. Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection v. Fifth Third Bank, National Association On March 9, 2020, the CFPB filed a lawsuit against Fifth Third in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois entitled CFPB v. Fifth Third Bank, National Association, Case No. 1:20-CV-1683 (N.D. Ill.) (ABW), alleging violations of the Consumer Financial Protection Act, TILA, and Truth in Savings Act related to Fifth Third’s alleged opening of unspecified numbers of allegedly unauthorized credit card, savings, checking, online banking and early access accounts from 2010 through 2016. The CFPB seeks unspecified amounts of civil monetary penalties as well as unspecified customer remediation. On February 12, 2021, the court granted Fifth Third’s motion to transfer venue to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. The Bancorp was also subject to a consumer class action lawsuit related to the alleged opening of unauthorized accounts (Zanni v. Fifth Third Bank, et al., Case 1:21-cv-00173-DRC); however, this matter was voluntarily dismissed in July 2021. Shareholder Litigation On April 7, 2020, Plaintiff Lee Christakis filed a putative class action lawsuit against Fifth Third Bancorp, Fifth Third Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Greg D. Carmichael, and former Fifth Third Chief Financial Officer Tayfun Tuzun in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois entitled Lee Christakis, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. Fifth Third Bancorp, et al., Case No. 1:20-cv-2176 (N.D. Ill). The case brings two claims for violation of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, alleging that the Defendants made material misstatements and omissions in connection with the alleged unauthorized opening of credit card, savings, checking, online banking and early access accounts from 2010 through 2016. The plaintiff seeks certification of a class, unspecified damages, attorneys’ fees and costs. On June 29, 2020, the Court appointed Heavy & General Laborers’ Local 472 & 172 Pension and Annuity Funds as lead plaintiff, and Robins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP as lead counsel for the plaintiff. On September 14, 2020, the lead plaintiff filed its amended consolidated complaint. On April 27, 2021, the Court granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss and provided plaintiff with leave to amend to attempt to cure the deficiencies. On October 8, 2021, plaintiff filed an amended complaint. On July 31, 2020, a second putative shareholder class action lawsuit captioned Dr. Steven Fox, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. Fifth Third Bancorp, et al., Case No. 2020CH05219 was filed on behalf of former shareholders of MB Financial, Inc. in the Cook County, Illinois Circuit Court. The suit brings claims for violation of Sections 11 and 12(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, alleging that the Bancorp and certain of its officers and directors made material misstatements and omissions regarding the alleged improper cross-selling strategy in filings made in connection with the Bancorp’s merger with MB Financial, Inc. On March 19, 2021, the trial court denied the defendants’ motion to dismiss. In addition, shareholder derivative lawsuits have been filed seeking monetary damages on behalf of the Bancorp alleging certain claims against various officers and directors relating to an alleged improper cross-selling strategy. Five lawsuits have been consolidated into a single action pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois captioned In re Fifth Third Bancorp Derivative Litigation, Case No. 1:20-cv-04115. Those cases consist of: (1) Pemberton v. Carmichael, et al., Case No. 20-cv-4115 (filed July 13, 2020); (2) Meyer v. Carmichael, et al., Case No. 20-cv-4244 (filed July 17, 2020); (3) Cox v. Carmichael, et al., Case No. 20-cv-4660 (filed August 7, 2020); (4) Hansen v. Carmichael, et al., Case No. 20-cv-5339 (filed September 10, 2020); and (5) Reese v. Carmichael, et al., Case No. 1:21-cv-01631 (filed November 4, 2020 originally as Case No. 20-cv-866 in the Southern District of Ohio). Also pending in the Hamilton County, Ohio Court of Common Pleas is Sandys v. Carmichael, et al., Case No. A2004539 (filed December 28, 2020) and The City of Miami Firefighters’ and Police Officers’ Retirement Trust v. Carmichael, et al., Case No. A2200330 (filed January 27, 2022). The Bancorp has also received several shareholder demands under Ohio Rev. Code § 1701.37(c) and lawsuits have been filed arising out of the same. Finally, the Bancorp has received shareholder demands that the Bancorp’s Board of Directors investigate and commence a civil action for failure to detect and/or prevent the alleged illegal cross-selling strategy. One of those shareholders subsequently filed the aforementioned Sandys v. Carmichael, et al. matter. Other litigation 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 the 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. Governmental Investigations and Proceedings The Bancorp and/or its affiliates are or may become involved in information-gathering requests, reviews, investigations and proceedings (both formal and informal) by various governmental regulatory agencies and law enforcement authorities, including but not limited to the FRB, OCC, CFPB, SEC, FINRA, U.S. Department of Justice, etc., as well as state and other governmental authorities and self-regulatory bodies regarding their respective businesses. Additional matters will likely arise from time to time. Any of these matters may result in 191 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS material adverse consequences or reputational harm 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. Additionally, in some cases, regulatory authorities may take supervisory actions that are considered to be confidential supervisory information which may not be publicly disclosed. Reasonably Possible Losses in Excess of Accruals 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: 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 $60 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. 192 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 20. Related Party Transactions The Bancorp maintains written policies and procedures covering related party transactions with 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, 2021 and 2020, 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 2021 2020 $ $ $ 157 7 164 115 79 7 86 67 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. Worldpay, Inc. and Worldpay Holding, LLC On June 30, 2009, the Bancorp completed the sale of a majority interest in its processing business, Vantiv Holding, LLC (now Worldpay Holding, LLC). Advent International acquired an approximate 51% interest in Worldpay Holding, LLC for cash and a warrant. The Bancorp retained the remaining approximate 49% interest in Worldpay Holding, LLC. During the first quarter of 2012, Vantiv, Inc. (now Worldpay, Inc.) priced an IPO of its shares and contributed the net proceeds to Worldpay Holding, LLC for additional ownership interests, reducing the Bancorp’s ownership percentage to 39%. Subsequent to the IPO, the Bancorp consummated a series of sales transactions which culminated in the sale of all of its remaining interests in Worldpay Holding, LLC in the first quarter of 2019. The Bancorp recognized a gain of $562 million in other noninterest income during the first quarter of 2019 as a result of the final sale transaction. As of January 1, 2020, Worldpay Holding, LLC and Worldpay, Inc. were no longer considered related parties of the Bancorp as the Bancorp no longer beneficially owned any of Worldpay, Inc.’s equity securities. For further information on TRAs with Worldpay, Inc, refer to Note 15. The Bancorp and Worldpay Holding, LLC had various agreements in place covering services including interchange clearing, settlement and sponsorship. Worldpay Holding, LLC paid the Bancorp $87 million for these services for the year ended December 31, 2019. In addition to the previously mentioned services, the Bancorp previously entered into an agreement under which Worldpay Holding, LLC would provide processing services to the Bancorp. The total amount of fees relating to the processing services provided to the Bancorp by Worldpay Holding, LLC totaled $77 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. These fees were primarily reported as a component of card and processing expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Coforge Business Process Solutions Private Limited As of December 31, 2021, the Bancorp owns 100% of Fifth Third Mauritius Holdings Limited, which owns 40% of Coforge Business Process Solutions Private Limited (formerly known as SLK Global Solutions Private Limited), and accounts for this investment under the equity method of accounting. During the second quarter of 2021, Coforge Limited acquired a controlling interest in SLK Global Solutions Private Limited. As part of this transaction, the Bancorp sold a 9% interest in SLK Global Solutions Private Limited to Coforge Limited and recognized a gain of $12 million as a result of the transaction. The Bancorp recognized $3 million, $5 million and $3 million in other noninterest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income as part of its equity method investment in Coforge Business Process Solutions Private Limited for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Bancorp received cash distributions of $5 million and $1 million during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Bancorp’s investment in Coforge Business Process Solutions Private Limited was $19 million and $26 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Bancorp paid Coforge Business Process Solutions Private Limited $21 million, $27 million and $22 million for their process and software services during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, which are included in other noninterest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. CDC investments The Bancorp holds equity investments in non-consolidated VIEs related to CDC. The Bancorp had loans outstanding to these VIEs of $22 million and $18 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, as well as unfunded commitment balances of $36 million and 193 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS $39 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Bancorp also held $51 million and $63 million of deposits for these entities at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. For further information on CDC investments, refer to Note 12. 21. Income Taxes The Bancorp and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. The following is a summary of applicable income taxes included in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31: ($ 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 Applicable income tax expense 2021 2020 2019 $ $ 657 102 2 761 (21) 8 (1) (14) 747 463 69 — 532 (140) (23) 1 (162) 370 788 148 — 936 (212) (35) 1 (246) 690 The current U.S. Federal income taxes above include proportional amortization for qualifying LIHTC investments of $163 million, $150 million and $140 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The following is a reconciliation between the statutory U.S. Federal income tax rate and the Bancorp’s effective tax rate for the years ended December 31: Statutory tax rate Increase (decrease) resulting from: State taxes, net of federal benefit Tax-exempt income LIHTC investment and other tax benefits LIHTC investment proportional amortization Other tax credits Other, net Effective tax rate 2021 2020 2019 21.0 % 2.5 (0.6) (5.5) 4.6 (0.2) (0.6) 21.2 % 21.0 2.0 (1.5) (9.7) 8.3 (0.4) 0.9 20.6 21.0 2.8 (1.2) (5.0) 4.4 (0.2) (0.2) 21.6 Other tax credits in the rate reconciliation table include New Markets, Rehabilitation Investment and Qualified Zone Academy Bond tax credits. Tax-exempt income in the rate reconciliation table includes interest on municipal bonds, interest on tax-exempt lending, income on life insurance policies held by the Bancorp and certain gains on sales of leases that are exempt from federal taxation. The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of the Bancorp’s unrecognized tax benefits: ($ 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) 2021 2020 2019 $ $ 100 10 (4) 11 — (15) 102 65 29 (3) 12 (1) (2) 100 55 25 (3) 6 (9) (9) 65 (a) With the exception of $6 in 2020 and 2019, all amounts represent unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the annual effective tax rate. The Bancorp’s unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 primarily related to state income tax exposures from taking tax positions where the Bancorp believes it is likely that, upon examination, a state would take a position contrary to the position taken by the Bancorp. While it is reasonably possible that the amount of the unrecognized tax benefits with respect to certain of the Bancorp’s uncertain tax positions could increase or decrease during the next twelve months, the Bancorp believes it is unlikely that its unrecognized tax benefits will change by a material amount during the next twelve months. 194 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Deferred income taxes are comprised of the following items at December 31: ($ in millions) Deferred tax assets: Allowance for loan and lease losses Deferred compensation Reserve for unfunded commitments Reserves State net operating loss carryforwards State deferred taxes Other Total deferred tax assets Deferred tax liabilities: Lease financing Other comprehensive income MSRs and related economic hedges Goodwill and intangible assets Bank premises and equipment Investments in joint ventures and partnership interests State deferred taxes Other Total deferred tax liabilities Total net deferred tax liability 2021 2020 $ $ $ $ $ 397 $ 106 38 30 3 — 202 776 $ 553 $ 367 116 68 65 61 6 51 1,287 $ (511) $ 515 107 36 40 3 1 160 862 638 779 120 62 91 58 — 66 1,814 (952) At both December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Bancorp recorded deferred tax assets of $3 million related to state net operating loss carryforwards. The deferred tax assets relating to state net operating losses are presented net of specific valuation allowances of $4 million at both December 31, 2021 and 2020. If these carryforwards are not utilized, they will expire in varying amounts through 2041. The Bancorp has determined that a valuation allowance is not needed against the remaining deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2021 or 2020. 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, 2021 and 2020 will ultimately be realized. The Bancorp reached this conclusion as 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 is currently examining the Bancorp’s 2019 federal income tax return. The statute of limitations for the Bancorp’s federal income tax returns remains open for tax years 2018 through 2021. In addition, the statute of limitations remains open for an acquired entity’s federal income tax returns for tax years 2017 through 2019. 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 applicable income tax expense in the Consolidated Financial Statements. During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, the Bancorp recognized $1 million, $3 million and $1 million, respectively, of interest expense in connection with income taxes. At both December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Bancorp had accrued interest liabilities, net of the related tax benefits, of $7 million. No material liabilities were recorded for penalties related to income taxes. Retained earnings at both December 31, 2021 and 2020 included $157 million in allocations of earnings for bad debt deductions of former thrift subsidiaries for which no income tax has been provided. Under current tax law, if certain of the Bancorp’s subsidiaries use these bad debt reserves for purposes other than to absorb bad debt losses, they will be subject to federal income tax at the current corporate tax rate. 195 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 22. Retirement and Benefit Plans The Bancorp’s qualified defined benefit plan’s benefits were frozen in 1998, except for grandfathered employees. The Bancorp’s other defined benefit retirement plans consist of non-qualified plans which are frozen and funded on an as-needed basis. A majority of these plans were obtained in acquisitions and are included with the qualified defined benefit plan in the following tables (“the Plan”). The Bancorp recognizes the overfunded or underfunded status of the Plan in other assets and accrued taxes, interest and expenses, respectively, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following table summarizes the defined benefit retirement plans as of and for the years ended December 31: ($ 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) 2021 2020 $ $ $ $ $ $ 173 (3) 1 (12) (7) 152 203 4 (12) (12) (7) 176 (24) 176 175 13 2 (9) (8) 173 194 6 (9) 20 (8) 203 (30) 203 (a) Since the Plan’s benefits are 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, 2021 and 2020. 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 (gain) loss Amortization of net actuarial loss Settlement Total recognized in other comprehensive income Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income $ 2021 2020 2019 4 (4) 6 3 9 (5) (6) (3) (14) (5) 6 (4) 6 3 11 12 (6) (3) 3 14 7 (8) 6 3 8 5 (6) (3) (4) 4 Fair Value Measurements of Plan Assets The following tables summarize Plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31: 2021 ($ in millions) Cash equivalents Mutual and exchange-traded funds Debt securities: U.S. Treasury and federal agencies securities Mortgage-backed securities: Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities Asset-backed securities and other debt securities(b) Total debt securities Total Plan assets (a) For further information on fair value hierarchy levels, refer to Note 1. (b) Includes corporate bonds. 196 Fifth Third Bancorp Fair Value Measurements Using(a) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 $ $ $ 5 51 54 — — 54 110 — — 5 1 36 42 42 — — — — — — — Total Fair Value 5 51 59 1 36 96 152 Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020 ($ in millions) Cash equivalents Mutual and exchange-traded funds Debt securities: U.S. Treasury and federal agencies securities Mortgage-backed securities: Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities Asset-backed securities and other debt securities(b) Total debt securities Total Plan assets (a) For further information on fair value hierarchy levels, refer to Note 1. (b) Includes corporate bonds. Fair Value Measurements Using(a) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 $ $ $ 4 68 57 — — 57 129 — — 6 1 37 44 44 — — — — — — — Total Fair Value 4 68 63 1 37 101 173 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. Cash equivalents Cash equivalents are comprised of money market mutual funds that invest in short-term money market instruments that are issued and payable in U.S. dollars. The Plan measures its cash equivalent funds that are exchange-traded using the fund’s quoted price, which is in an active market. Therefore, these investments are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Mutual and exchange-traded funds The Plan measures its mutual and exchange-traded funds, which are registered with the SEC, using the funds’ quoted prices which are available in an active market. Therefore, these investments are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. The mutual and exchange- traded funds held by the Plan are open-ended funds and are required to publicly publish their NAV on a daily basis. The funds are also required to transact and use the daily NAV as a basis for transactions. Therefore, the NAV reflects the fair value of the Plan’s investment. 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 available, then fair values are estimated using pricing models which primarily utilize quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics. Examples of such instruments, which are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy, include federal agencies securities, non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities and other debt securities. 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. The following table summarizes the weighted-average plan assumptions for the years ended December 31: For measuring benefit obligations at year end: Discount rate For measuring net periodic benefit cost: Discount rate Expected return on plan assets 2021 2020 2019 2.85 % 2.26 2.43 2.26 3.05 2.64 3.05 4.10 5.50 Lowering both the expected rate of return on the plan assets and the discount rate by 0.25% would have increased the 2021 pension expense by approximately $1 million. Based on the actuarial assumptions, the Bancorp expects to contribute $2 million to the Plan in 2022. Estimated pension benefit payments are $17 million for 2022, $16 million for 2023, $15 million for 2024, $17 million for 2025 and $14 million for 2026. The total estimated payments for the years 2027 through 2031 is $59 million. 197 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 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, fixed-income securities (including U.S. Treasury and federal agencies securities, mortgage- backed securities, asset-backed securities, corporate bonds and municipal bonds), 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, with mutual and exchange-traded funds incorporated according to their underlying investments, for the years ended December 31: Equity securities Fixed-income securities Alternative strategies Cash or cash equivalents Total Targeted Range 0-55 % 50-100 0-5 0-100 2021 2020 — 96 — 4 100 % 3 90 — 7 100 Plan Management’s objective is to achieve and maintain a fully-funded status of the qualified defined benefit plan while also minimizing the risk of excess assets. As a result, the portfolio assets of the qualified defined benefit plan will continue to increase the weighting of long duration fixed income, or liability matching assets, as the funded status increases. There were no significant concentrations of risk associated with the investments of the Plan at December 31, 2021. 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 real estate investment trusts), equipment leasing and mortgages. The Plan utilizes derivative instruments including puts, calls, straddles or other option strategies, as approved by management. Fifth Third Bank, National Association, 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, 401(k) 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 investment management, accounting or administrative services provided by the Trustee. 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. Expenses recognized for matching contributions to the Bancorp’s qualified defined contribution savings plan were $108 million, $105 million and $90 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Bancorp did not make profit sharing contributions during both the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. The Bancorp recognized $4 million of profit sharing expense associated with the MB Financial, Inc. acquisition during the year ended December 31, 2019. 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 $5 million, $5 million and $6 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. 198 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents 23. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income The tables below present the activity of the components of OCI and AOCI for the years ended December 31: NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2021 ($ in millions) Unrealized holding losses on available-for-sale debt securities arising during the year Reclassification adjustment for net losses on available-for-sale debt securities included in net income Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale debt 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 Pre-tax Activity Total OCI Tax Effect Net Activity Beginning Balance Total AOCI Net Activity Ending Balance $ (1,366) 323 (1,043) 4 (1,362) (1) 322 3 (1,040) 1,931 (1,040) 891 (185) (293) (478) 5 9 14 43 70 113 (1) (2) (3) (142) (223) (365) 4 7 11 718 (365) 353 (44) 11 (33) Other Total — (1,826) $ — 432 — (1,394) (4) 2,601 — (1,394) (4) 1,207 2020 ($ in millions) Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale debt securities arising during the year Reclassification adjustment for net gains on available-for-sale debt securities included in net income Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale debt 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 Pre-tax Activity Total OCI Tax Effect Net Activity Beginning Balance Total AOCI Net Activity Ending Balance $ 1,514 (361) 1,153 (45) 1,469 11 (350) (34) 1,119 812 1,119 1,931 611 (128) 483 (237) 374 (12) 9 (3) 50 (78) 3 (2) 1 (187) 296 (9) 7 (2) 422 296 718 (42) (2) (44) Other Total (4) 1,836 $ — (427) (4) 1,409 — 1,192 (4) 1,409 (4) 2,601 199 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2019 ($ in millions) Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale debt securities arising during the year Reclassification adjustment for net gains on available-for-sale debt securities included in net income Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale debt 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 Pre-tax Activity Total OCI Tax Effect Net Activity Beginning Balance Total AOCI Net Activity Ending Balance $ 1,369 (323) 1,046 (9) 1,360 2 (321) (7) 1,039 (227) 1,039 812 348 (16) 332 (5) 9 4 1,696 $ (73) 3 (70) — (1) (1) (392) 275 (13) 262 (5) 8 3 1,304 160 262 422 (45) (112) 3 1,304 (42) 1,192 The table below presents reclassifications out of AOCI for the years ended December 31: ($ in millions) Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale debt securities:(a) Net (losses) gains included in net income Net unrealized gains on cash flow hedge derivatives:(a) Interest rate contracts related to C&I, commercial mortgage and commercial construction loans Net periodic benefit costs:(a) Amortization of net actuarial loss Settlements Total reclassifications for the period Consolidated Statements of Income Caption 2021 2020 2019 Securities (losses) gains, net Income before income taxes Applicable income tax expense Net income Interest and fees on loans and leases Income before income taxes Applicable income tax expense Net income Compensation and benefits(b) Compensation and benefits(b) Income before income taxes Applicable income tax expense Net income Net income $ $ (4) (4) 1 (3) 293 293 (70) 223 (6) (3) (9) 2 (7) 213 45 45 (11) 34 237 237 (50) 187 (6) (3) (9) 2 (7) 214 9 9 (2) 7 16 16 (3) 13 (6) (3) (9) 1 (8) 12 (a) Amounts in parentheses indicate reductions to net income. (b) This AOCI component is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. Refer to Note 22 for information on the computation of net periodic benefit cost. 200 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents 24. Common, Preferred and Treasury Stock The table presents a summary of the share activity within common, preferred and treasury stock for the years ended: NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ($ in millions, except share data) December 31, 2018 Shares acquired for treasury Issuance of preferred shares, Series K Conversion of outstanding preferred stock issued by a Bancorp subsidiary Impact of MB Financial, Inc. acquisition Impact of stock transactions under stock compensation plans, net Other December 31, 2019 Issuance of preferred shares, Series L Impact of stock transactions under stock compensation plans, net Other December 31, 2020 Shares acquired for treasury Impact of stock transactions under stock compensation plans, net Other December 31, 2021 Common Stock Preferred Stock Treasury Stock Value Shares Value Shares Value Shares $ 2,051 923,892,581 $ 1,331 — — — — — — — — — — — — $ 2,051 923,892,581 $ — — — — — — $ 2,051 923,892,581 $ — — — — — — — 242 197 — — — 1,770 346 — — 2,116 — — — $ 2,051 923,892,581 $ 2,116 $ 54,000 — 10,000 (6,471) 277,261,724 64,601,891 (1,763) — — 200,000 — — — 264,000 14,000 $ — — 278,000 $ — — — 278,000 $ — — 2,447 (122,848,442) 56 7 (4,258,132) 219,911 (5,724) 214,976,952 — — 46 2 (3,818,518) (26,178) (5,676) 211,132,256 35,652,079 (1,393) 44 1 (5,621,878) (47,540) (7,024) 241,114,917 Preferred Stock—Series L On July 30, 2020, the Bancorp issued in a registered public offering 350,000 depositary shares, representing 14,000 shares of 4.50% fixed- rate reset non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock, Series L, for net proceeds of approximately $346 million. Each preferred share has a $25,000 liquidation preference. The preferred stock accrues dividends on a non-cumulative basis at an annual rate of 4.50% through but excluding September 30, 2025. From, and including, September 30, 2025 and for each dividend reset period thereafter, dividends will accrue on the Series L preferred stock, on a non-cumulative basis, at a rate equal to the five-year U.S. Treasury rate as of the most recent reset dividend determination date plus 4.215%. Dividends will be payable, when, as and if declared by the Bancorp’s Board of Directors, quarterly in arrears on each of March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31, beginning on September 30, 2020. Subject to obtaining all required regulatory approvals, on any dividend payment date on or after September 30, 2025, the Bancorp may redeem the Series L preferred stock and the related depositary shares in whole or in part, at 100% of their liquidation preference, plus an amount equal to any declared and unpaid dividends, without accumulation of any undeclared dividends. In addition, the Series L preferred stock and the related depositary shares may be redeemed, subject to obtaining all required regulatory approvals, in whole but not in part, at any time, following the occurrence of a regulatory capital event, at 100% of their liquidation preference, plus an amount equal to any declared and unpaid dividends, without accumulation of any undeclared dividends. The Series L preferred shares are not convertible into Bancorp common shares or any other securities. Preferred Stock—Series K On September 17, 2019, the Bancorp issued, in a registered public offering 10,000,000 depositary shares, representing 10,000 shares of 4.95% non-cumulative Series K perpetual preferred stock, for net proceeds of approximately $242 million. Each preferred share has a $25,000 liquidation preference. Subject to any required regulatory approval, the Bancorp may redeem the Series K preferred shares at its option in whole or in part, on any dividend payment date on or after September 30, 2024 and may redeem in whole, but not in part, at any time following a regulatory capital event. The Series K preferred shares are not convertible into Bancorp common shares or any other securities. Preferred Stock—Class B, Series A On August 26, 2019, the Bancorp issued 200,000 shares of 6.00% non-cumulative perpetual Class B preferred stock, Series A. Each preferred share has a $1,000 liquidation preference. These shares were issued to the holders of MB Financial, Inc.’s 6.00% non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock, Series C, in conjunction with the merger of MB Financial, Inc. with and into Fifth Third Bancorp. This transaction resulted in the elimination of the noncontrolling interest in MB Financial, Inc. which was previously reported in the Bancorp’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The newly issued shares of Class B preferred stock, Series A were recognized by the Bancorp at the carrying value previously assigned to the MB Financial, Inc. Series C preferred stock prior to the transaction. 201 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 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 $25,000 liquidation preference. The preferred stock accrued 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 converted 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 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 $25,000 liquidation preference. The preferred stock accrues dividends, on a non-cumulative semi-annual basis, at an annual rate of 5.10% through but excluding June 30, 2023, at which time it converts to a quarterly floating-rate dividend of three-month LIBOR plus 3.033%. Subject to any required regulatory approval, the Bancorp may redeem the Series H preferred shares at its option in whole or in part, at any time on or after June 30, 2023 and may redeem in whole but not in part, following a regulatory capital event at any time prior to June 30, 2023. The Series H preferred shares are not convertible into Bancorp common shares or any other securities. Treasury Stock In June of 2019, the Board of Directors authorized the Bancorp to repurchase up to 100 million common shares in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions and to utilize any derivative or similar instrument to effect share repurchase transactions. Under this authorization, the Bancorp entered into and settled a number of accelerated share repurchase transactions during the year ended December 31, 2021. The Bancorp did not enter into any accelerated repurchase transactions during the year ended December 31, 2020. As part of these transactions, the Bancorp entered into forward contracts in which the final number of shares delivered at settlement was based generally on a discount to the average daily volume-weighted average price of the Bancorp’s common stock during the term of these repurchase agreements. The accelerated share repurchases were treated as two separate transactions: (i) the repurchase of treasury shares on the repurchase date and (ii) a forward contract indexed to the Bancorp’s common stock. The following table presents a summary of the Bancorp’s accelerated share repurchase transactions that were entered into and settled during the year ended December 31, 2021: Repurchase Date January 26, 2021 April 23, 2021 July 27, 2021(a) October 29, 2021 Amount ($ in millions) $ 180 347 550 316 Shares Repurchased on Repurchase Date Shares Received from Forward Contract Settlement Total Shares Repurchased 4,951,456 7,894,807 13,065,958 6,211,841 366,939 675,295 1,413,211 1,072,572 5,318,395 8,570,102 14,479,169 7,284,413 Final Settlement Date March 31, 2021 June 11, 2021 September 29, 2021 December 2, 2021 (a) This accelerated share repurchase transaction consisted of two supplemental confirmations each with a notional amount of $275 million. 202 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 25. Stock-Based Compensation 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 2021 Incentive Compensation Plan was approved by shareholders on April 13, 2021 and authorized the issuance of up to 50 million shares, as equity compensation and provides for SARs, RSAs, RSUs, stock options, performance share or unit awards, dividend or dividend equivalent rights and stock awards. As of December 31, 2021, there were 48.8 million shares available for future issuance. Based on total stock-based awards outstanding (including SARs, RSUs, stock options and PSAs) and shares remaining for future grants under the 2021 Incentive Compensation Plan, the potential dilution to which the Bancorp’s common shareholders 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, RSUs, stock options and PSAs outstanding represent 3% of the Bancorp’s issued shares at December 31, 2021. 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 terms up to ten years and vest and typically become exercisable ratably over a three or 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 are typically released after three or four years or ratably over three or four years of continued employment. RSAs include dividend and voting rights while RSUs receive dividend equivalents only. Dividend equivalents are accrued and paid in cash when the underlying shares are distributed, except for certain RSUs which have the rights to receive dividend equivalents paid in cash at each dividend payment date. For PSAs that are eligible to receive dividend equivalents, the accrued cash dividends are adjusted by the payout percentage achieved on the underlying awards. 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 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 in any one of the three years during the performance period, one-third of PSAs are forfeited. Additionally, if this threshold is not met, all SARs, RSAs and RSUs 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 Directors. The Bancorp met this threshold as of December 31, 2021. Under the terms of the merger agreement with MB Financial, Inc., the Bancorp granted stock-based awards to replace those awards previously granted by MB Financial, Inc. that were outstanding as of March 22, 2019. The replacement awards included RSAs, RSUs, and stock options. Approximately 1.65 replacement awards were granted to replace each outstanding MB Financial, Inc. award and the strike prices of replacement stock options were also adjusted to reflect this exchange ratio. Otherwise, the replacement awards were granted with substantially the same terms as the MB Financial, Inc. awards that were being replaced, including vesting and expiration dates. The fair value of the awards being replaced and the replacement awards were measured as of the date of the merger. The portion of the fair value of the awards being replaced which was attributable to pre-combination service was included as a component of the consideration paid in the merger. The portion attributable to post-combination service, in addition to any increased value of the replacement awards over the awards being replaced, was recognized as stock-based compensation expense over each award’s remaining service period. Stock-based compensation expense was $120 million, $123 million and $132 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and is included in compensation and benefits expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The total related income tax benefit recognized was $25 million, $26 million and $27 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, 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 2021 2020 2019 7 29 % 3.2 0.9 7 24 3.2 1.5 7 32 3.3 2.6 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-Scholes option-pricing model. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of SARs granted was $7.84, $6.82 and $7.38 per share for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The total grant-date 203 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS fair value of SARs that vested during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $8 million, $15 million and $20 million, respectively. At December 31, 2021, there was $1 million of stock-based compensation expense related to outstanding SARs not yet recognized. The expense is expected to be recognized over an estimated remaining weighted-average period at December 31, 2021 of 1.8 years. The following table summarizes SARs activity for the years ended December 31: 2021 2020 2019 SARs (in thousands, except per share data) Outstanding at January 1 Granted Exercised Forfeited or expired Outstanding at December 31 Exercisable at December 31 Number of SARs Weighted- Average Grant Price Per Share Number of SARs Weighted- Average Grant Price Per Share Number of SARs 19,258 $ 322 (8,367) (28) 11,185 $ 10,515 $ 18.83 33.53 17.20 23.01 20.47 19.80 21,449 $ 365 (2,420) (136) 19,258 $ 17,979 $ 18.38 29.64 16.10 25.50 18.83 18.19 Weighted- Average Grant Price Per Share 17.30 26.72 13.34 23.47 18.38 17.50 26,196 $ 399 (4,829) (317) 21,449 $ 18,249 $ The following table summarizes outstanding and exercisable SARs by grant price per share at December 31, 2021. Outstanding SARs Exercisable SARs SARs (in thousands, except per share data) $10.01-$20.00 $20.01-$30.00 $30.01-$40.00 All SARs Number of SARs Weighted- Average Grant Price Per Share 17.02 24.90 33.37 20.47 6,874 $ 3,761 550 11,185 $ Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) Number of SARs Weighted- Average Grant Price Per Share 17.02 24.51 33.15 19.80 Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) 2.6 4.1 6.1 3.2 2.6 4.4 7.9 3.5 6,874 $ 3,414 227 10,515 $ Restricted Stock Awards The total grant-date fair value of RSAs that were released was immaterial during both the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, and $16 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The Bancorp has not granted any RSAs in the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 or 2019 and the number of RSAs outstanding was zero and immaterial at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The following table summarizes RSAs activity for the year ended December 31: RSAs (in thousands, except per share data) Outstanding at January 1 Assumed Released Forfeited Outstanding at December 31 2019 Weighted- Average Grant- Date Fair Value Per Share Shares 868 $ 11 (867) (12) — $ 19.18 25.48 18.91 19.01 25.48 Restricted Stock Units The total grant-date fair value of RSUs that were released during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $99 million, $107 million and $73 million, respectively. At December 31, 2021, there was $134 million of stock-based compensation expense related to outstanding RSUs not yet recognized. The expense is expected to be recognized over an estimated remaining weighted-average period at December 31, 2021 of 2.4 years. 204 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents The following table summarizes RSUs activity for the years ended December 31: NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS RSUs (in thousands, except per unit data) Outstanding at January 1 Granted Assumed Released Forfeited Outstanding at December 31 2021 Weighted- Average Grant- Date Fair Value Per Unit Units 2020 Weighted- Average Grant- Date Fair Value Per Unit Units 2019 Weighted- Average Grant- Date Fair Value Per Unit Units 9,466 $ 4,186 — (3,432) (733) 9,487 $ 28.38 34.25 — 28.87 29.80 30.67 10,006 $ 4,177 — (4,076) (641) 9,466 $ 27.30 28.75 — 26.19 27.70 28.38 8,020 $ 4,375 1,476 (2,951) (914) 10,006 $ 27.04 26.68 25.48 24.76 27.41 27.30 The following table summarizes outstanding RSUs by grant-date fair value per unit at December 31, 2021. RSUs (in thousands) Under $15.00 $15.01-$20.00 $20.01-$25.00 $25.01-$30.00 $30.01-$35.00 $35.01 and over All RSUs Outstanding RSUs Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) Units 36 231 235 4,376 3,835 774 9,487 1.0 0.2 0.6 0.8 1.3 1.9 1.1 Stock Options There were no stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, except for replacement stock option awards assumed in conjunction with the MB Financial, Inc. acquisition. While the Bancorp has historically utilized the Black-Scholes option pricing model to measure the fair value of stock option grants, the fair value of these grants were measured using the Hull-White option pricing model as it was expected to provide a more precise estimate of fair value in a business combination scenario. The assumptions used in the valuation model varied for each grant tranche, but included expected volatility of 23%-29%, no expected dividend yield, risk-free interest rates of 2.34%-2.51%, a departure rate of 10% and exercise ratios of 2.2-2.8. The replacement stock option awards had a weighted-average time to maturity of 5.4 years as of March 22, 2019. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $7 million, $3 million and $7 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Cash received from stock options exercised was $6 million, $5 million and $11 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The tax benefit realized from exercised stock options was $1 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019. An immaterial amount of stock options vested during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019. As of December 31, 2021, the aggregate intrinsic value of both outstanding stock options and exercisable stock options was $9 million. The following table summarizes stock options activity for the years ended December 31: Stock Options (in thousands, except per share data) Outstanding at January 1 Assumed Exercised Forfeited or expired Outstanding at December 31 Exercisable at December 31 2021 2020 2019 Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share Number of Options Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share Number of Options Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share Number of Options 793 $ — (384) — 409 $ 386 $ 20.81 — 20.06 — 21.51 21.31 1,381 $ — (440) (148) 793 $ 725 $ 20.15 — 17.48 23.99 20.81 20.34 — $ 2,120 (660) (79) 1,381 $ 1,162 $ — 19.34 17.36 22.18 20.15 19.17 205 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The following table summarizes outstanding and exercisable stock options by exercise price per share at December 31, 2021. Outstanding Stock Options Exercisable Stock Options Stock Options (in thousands, except per share data) Under $10.00 $10.01-$20.00 $20.01-$30.00 All stock options Number of Options Weighted- Exercise Price Per Share 3 $ 222 184 409 $ 8.70 17.83 26.13 21.51 Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) Number of Options Weighted- Exercise Price Per Share Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) 4.6 3.0 3.8 3.4 3 $ 222 161 386 $ 8.70 17.83 26.31 21.31 4.6 3.0 3.5 3.2 Other Stock-Based Compensation PSAs are payable contingent upon the Bancorp achieving certain predefined performance targets over a three-year measurement period. Depending on performance, between zero and 1.2 million shares may be released to settle the PSAs outstanding at December 31, 2021 once the applicable performance periods are completed. Awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 will be entirely settled in stock. The performance targets are based on the Bancorp’s performance relative to a defined peer group. PSAs use a performance-based metric based on return on tangible common equity in relation to peers. During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, approximately 251 thousand, 280 thousand and 328 thousand PSAs, respectively, were granted by the Bancorp. These awards were granted at a weighted-average grant-date fair value of $33.53, $29.64 and $26.72 per unit during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. 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, 2021, 2020 and 2019, there were approximately 470 thousand, 884 thousand and 564 thousand shares, respectively, purchased by participants and the Bancorp recognized stock-based compensation expense of $2 million in each of the respective years. As of December 31, 2021, there were 3.3 million shares available for future issuance, which represents the remaining shares of Fifth Third common stock under the Bancorp’s 1993 Stock Purchase Plan, as amended and restated, including an additional 1.5 million shares approved by shareholders on March 28, 2007 and an additional 12 million shares approved by shareholders on April 21, 2009. 206 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 26. Other Noninterest Income and Other Noninterest Expense The following table presents the major components of other noninterest income and other noninterest expense for the years ended December 31: ($ in millions) Other noninterest income: Private equity investment income Gains on contract sales BOLI income Cardholder fees Income from the TRA associated with Worldpay, Inc. Equity method investment income Banking center income Consumer loan fees Insurance income Loss on swap associated with the sale of Visa, Inc. Class B Shares Net losses on disposition and impairment of bank premises and equipment Gain on sale of Worldpay, Inc. shares Other, net Total other noninterest income Other noninterest expense: Loan and lease FDIC insurance and other taxes Data processing Losses and adjustments Professional service fees Intangible amortization Postal and courier Travel Donations Recruitment and education Insurance Supplies Other, net Total other noninterest expense 2021 2020 2019 $ $ $ $ 81 62 61 50 46 30 23 17 7 (86) (4) — 45 332 217 114 79 69 63 44 37 34 26 21 17 12 218 951 75 2 63 44 74 12 20 20 20 (103) (31) — 15 211 162 118 75 100 49 48 36 27 36 21 15 13 221 921 65 — 60 58 346 12 22 23 19 (107) (23) 562 27 1,064 142 81 70 102 70 45 38 68 30 28 14 14 232 934 207 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 27. 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 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 Net income available to common shareholders plus assumed conversions Less: Income allocated to participating securities Net income allocated to common shareholders plus assumed conversions 2021 Average Shares Income Per Share Amount Income 2020 Average Shares Per Share Amount Income 2019 Average Shares Per Share Amount $ 2,659 7 1,323 6 2,419 21 $ 2,652 702 3.78 1,317 715 1.84 2,398 710 3.38 $ 2,659 1,323 2,419 — 9 — 5 — 10 2,659 7 1,323 6 2,419 21 $ 2,652 711 3.73 1,317 720 1.83 2,398 720 3.33 Shares are excluded from the computation of earnings 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, 2021, 2020 and 2019 excludes an immaterial amount, 7 million and 2 million shares, respectively, of stock-based awards because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. 208 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 28. 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 as of: December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) Assets: Available-for-sale debt 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 Available-for-sale debt and other securities(a) Trading debt securities: U.S. Treasury and federal agencies securities Obligations of states and political subdivisions securities Agency residential mortgage-backed securities Asset-backed securities and other debt securities Trading debt securities Equity securities Residential mortgage loans held for sale Residential mortgage loans(b) Servicing rights Derivative assets: Interest rate contracts Foreign exchange contracts Commodity contracts Derivative assets(c) Total assets Liabilities: Derivative liabilities: Interest rate contracts Foreign exchange contracts Equity contracts Commodity contracts Derivative liabilities(d) Short positions: U.S. Treasury and federal agencies securities Asset-backed securities and other debt securities Short positions(d) Total liabilities Fair Value Measurements Using Level 2 Level 1 Level 3 Total Fair Value $ $ $ $ 86 — — — — — 86 72 — — — 72 365 — — — 2 — 26 28 551 2 — — 285 287 96 — 96 383 — 18 8,782 18,951 4,479 5,275 37,505 12 32 105 291 440 11 1,023 — — 1,245 323 1,300 2,868 41,847 231 298 — 975 1,504 — 201 201 1,705 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 154 1,121 12 — — 12 1,287 8 — 214 — 222 — — — 222 86 18 8,782 18,951 4,479 5,275 37,591 84 32 105 291 512 376 1,023 154 1,121 1,259 323 1,326 2,908 43,685 241 298 214 1,260 2,013 96 201 297 2,310 (a) Excludes FHLB, FRB and DTCC restricted stock holdings totaling $30, $486 and $3, respectively, at December 31, 2021. Includes residential mortgage loans originated as held for sale and subsequently transferred to held for investment. (b) Included in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. (c) Included in other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. (d) 209 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS December 31, 2020 ($ in millions) Assets: Available-for-sale debt 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 Available-for-sale debt and other securities(a) Trading debt securities: U.S. Treasury and federal agencies securities Obligations of states and political subdivisions securities Agency residential mortgage-backed securities Asset-backed securities and other debt securities Trading debt securities Equity securities Residential mortgage loans held for sale Residential mortgage loans(b) Servicing rights Derivative assets: Interest rate contracts Foreign exchange contracts Commodity contracts Derivative assets(c) Total assets Liabilities: Derivative liabilities: Interest rate contracts Foreign exchange contracts Equity contracts Commodity contracts Derivative liabilities(d) Short positions: U.S. Treasury and federal agencies securities Asset-backed securities and other debt securities Short positions(d) Total liabilities Fair Value Measurements Using Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Total Fair Value $ $ $ $ 78 — — — — — 78 81 — — — 81 293 — — — 1 — 24 25 477 16 — — 55 71 63 — 63 134 — 17 11,907 18,221 3,590 3,176 36,911 — 10 30 439 479 20 1,481 — — 2,227 255 351 2,833 41,724 261 227 — 304 792 — 392 392 1,184 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 161 656 61 — — 61 878 8 — 201 — 209 — — — 209 78 17 11,907 18,221 3,590 3,176 36,989 81 10 30 439 560 313 1,481 161 656 2,289 255 375 2,919 43,079 285 227 201 359 1,072 63 392 455 1,527 (a) Excludes FHLB, FRB and DTCC restricted stock holdings totaling $40, $482 and $2, respectively, at December 31, 2020. Includes residential mortgage loans originated as held for sale and subsequently transferred to held for investment. (b) Included in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. (c) Included in other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. (d) 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 debt and other securities, trading debt securities and equity 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 equity securities. If quoted market prices are not available, then fair values are estimated using pricing models which primarily utilize quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics. Level 2 securities may include federal agencies securities, obligations of states and political subdivisions securities, agency residential mortgage-backed securities, agency and non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities and other debt securities and equity 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 loans, DCF models that may incorporate the anticipated portfolio 210 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 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 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. 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, interest rate risk and an 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 loans. Servicing rights 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 13 for further information on the assumptions used in the valuation of the Bancorp’s MSRs. 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. During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, derivatives classified as Level 3, which are valued using models containing unobservable inputs, consisted primarily of a total return swap associated with the Bancorp’s sale of Visa, Inc. Class B Shares as well as IRLCs, which utilize internally generated loan closing rate assumptions as a significant unobservable input in the valuation process. 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 the fair value of the derivative liability; conversely, a decrease in the loss estimate or an acceleration of the resolution of the Covered Litigation would result in a decrease in the fair value of the derivative liability. Refer to Note 18 for additional information on the Covered Litigation. The net asset fair value of the Bancorp’s IRLCs at December 31, 2021 was $12 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 $5 million and $9 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 $5 million and $11 million, respectively. The decrease in fair value of IRLCs due to immediate 10% and 20% adverse changes in the assumed loan closing rates would be approximately $1 million and $2 million, respectively, and the increase in fair value due to immediate 10% and 20% favorable changes in the assumed loan closing rates would be approximately $1 million and $2 million, respectively. These sensitivities are hypothetical and should be used with caution, as changes in fair value based on a variation in assumptions typically cannot be extrapolated because the relationship of the change in assumptions to the change in fair value may not be linear. Short positions Where quoted prices are available in an active market, short positions are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Level 1 securities include U.S. Treasury securities. If quoted market prices are not available, then fair values are estimated using pricing models which primarily utilize quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics and therefore are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. Level 2 securities include asset-backed and other debt securities. 211 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents The following tables are a reconciliation of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3): NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) Balance, beginning of period Total (losses) gains (realized/unrealized):(b) Included in earnings Purchases/originations Settlements Transfers into Level 3(c) 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 instruments still held at December 31, 2021 Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Residential Mortgage Loans Servicing Rights Interest Rate Derivatives, Net(a) Equity Derivatives Total Fair Value $ 161 656 53 (201) 669 (2) — (54) 49 154 (139) 604 — — 1,121 153 (3) (199) — 4 (86) — 73 — (214) (74) 601 (180) 49 1,065 (2) 78 15 (86) 5 $ $ (a) Net interest rate derivatives include derivative assets and liabilities of $12 and $8, respectively, as of December 31, 2021. (b) There were no unrealized gains or losses for the period included in other comprehensive income for instruments still held at December 31, 2021. (c) Includes certain residential mortgage loans originated as held for sale that were transferred to held for investment. For the year ended December 31, 2020 ($ in millions) Balance, beginning of period Total (losses) gains (realized/unrealized):(b) Included in earnings Purchases/originations Settlements Transfers into Level 3(c) Balance, end of period The amount of total (losses) gains for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to instruments still held at December 31, 2020 Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Residential Mortgage Loans Servicing Rights Interest Rate Derivatives, Net(a) Equity Derivatives Total Fair Value $ 183 993 10 (163) 1,023 3 — (74) 49 161 (565) 228 — — 656 272 4 (233) — 53 (103) — 65 — (201) (393) 232 (242) 49 669 3 (227) 58 (103) (269) $ $ (a) Net interest rate derivatives include derivative assets and liabilities of $61 and $8, respectively, as of December 31, 2020. (b) There were no unrealized gains or losses for the period included in other comprehensive income for instruments still held at December 31, 2020. (c) Includes certain residential mortgage loans originated as held for sale that were transferred to held for investment. For the year ended December 31, 2019 ($ in millions) Balance, beginning of period Total (losses) gains (realized/unrealized): Included in earnings Purchases/originations Settlements Transfers into Level 3(b) Balance, end of period The amount of total (losses) gains for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to instruments still held at December 31, 2019 Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Residential Mortgage Loans Servicing Rights Interest Rate Derivatives, Net(a) Equity Derivatives Total Fair Value $ 179 938 (1) (125) 991 (1) — (31) 36 183 (376) 431 — — 993 145 (3) (131) — 10 (107) — 69 — (163) (339) 428 (93) 36 1,023 (1) (250) 20 (107) (338) $ $ (a) Net interest rate derivatives include derivative assets and liabilities of $18 and $8, respectively, as of December 31, 2019. Includes certain residential mortgage loans originated as held for sale that were transferred to held for investment. (b) 212 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The total losses and gains included in earnings for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 as follows: ($ in millions) Mortgage banking net revenue Commercial banking revenue Other noninterest income Total losses 2021 2020 2019 $ $ 9 3 (86) (74) (291) 2 (104) (393) (235) 3 (107) (339) 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, 2021, 2020 and 2019 were recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income as follows: ($ in millions) Mortgage banking net revenue Commercial banking revenue Other noninterest income Total gains (losses) 2021 2020 2019 $ $ 88 3 (86) 5 (167) 2 (104) (269) (233) 2 (107) (338) The following tables present information about significant unobservable inputs related to the Bancorp’s material categories of Level 3 financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis: As of December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) Financial Instrument Residential mortgage loans Fair Value Valuation Technique Significant Unobservable Inputs $ 154 Loss rate model Interest rate risk factor Credit risk factor Range of Inputs (8.5) - 8.8% — - 28.5% Servicing rights 1,121 DCF Prepayment speed IRLCs, net Swap associated with the sale of Visa, Inc. Class B Shares 12 DCF (214) DCF OAS (bps) Loan closing rates Timing of the resolution of the Covered Litigation (a) Unobservable inputs were weighted by the relative carrying value of the instruments. (b) Unobservable inputs were weighted by the relative unpaid principal balance of the instruments. (c) Unobservable inputs were weighted by the relative notional amount of the instruments. (d) Unobservable inputs were weighted by the probability of the final funding date of the instruments. (Fixed) — - 100.0% (Adjustable) (Fixed) (Adjustable) 479 - 1,587 8.9 - 97.2% Q1 2023 - Q2 2025 Weighted-Average 0.4 % (a) 0.3 % (a) 10.7 % (b) 20.6 % (b) 686 (b) 1,087 (b) 80.9 % (c) Q1 2024 (d) As of December 31, 2020 ($ in millions) Financial Instrument Residential mortgage loans Fair Value Valuation Technique Significant Unobservable Inputs $ 161 Loss rate model Interest rate risk factor Credit risk factor Range of Inputs (8.2) - 7.8% — - 25.7% Servicing rights 656 DCF Prepayment speed 0.5 - 99.9% IRLCs, net Swap associated with the sale of Visa, Inc. Class B Shares 57 DCF (201) DCF OAS (bps) Loan closing rates Timing of the resolution of the Covered Litigation 536 - 1,587 18.1 - 97.2% Q3 2022 - Q3 2024 (a) Unobservable inputs were weighted by the relative carrying value of the instruments. (b) Unobservable inputs were weighted by the relative unpaid principal balance of the instruments. (c) Unobservable inputs were weighted by the relative notional amount of the instruments. (d) Unobservable inputs were weighted by the probability of the final funding date of the instruments. Weighted-Average (Fixed) (Adjustable) (Fixed) (Adjustable) 1.7 % (a) 0.6 % (a) 17.8 % (b) 22.6 % (b) 723 (b) 950 (b) 60.8 % (c) Q2 2023 (d) 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. 213 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents 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, 2021 and 2020 and for which a nonrecurring fair value adjustment was recorded during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, 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, 2021 ($ in millions) Commercial loans held for sale Commercial loans and leases Consumer and residential mortgage loans OREO Bank premises and equipment Operating lease equipment Private equity investments Total As of December 31, 2020 ($ in millions) Commercial loans held for sale Commercial loans and leases Consumer and residential mortgage loans OREO Bank premises and equipment Operating lease equipment Private equity investments Total $ $ $ $ Fair Value Measurements Using Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Total (Losses) Gains For the year ended December 31, 2021 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 1 1 2 236 125 7 11 13 14 408 Fair Value Measurements Using Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total — — — — — — — — 8 — — — — — 27 35 16 504 159 20 26 35 69 829 2 236 125 7 11 13 15 409 24 504 159 20 26 35 96 864 2 (29) (1) (6) (6) (21) 38 (23) Total (Losses) Gains For the year ended December 31, 2020 (5) (243) 1 (7) (30) (6) 18 (272) The following tables present information as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 about significant unobservable inputs related to the Bancorp’s material categories of Level 3 financial assets and liabilities measured on a nonrecurring basis: As of December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) Financial Instrument Commercial loans held for sale Commercial loans and leases Consumer and residential mortgage loans OREO Bank premises and equipment Operating lease equipment Private equity investments As of December 31, 2020 ($ in millions) Financial Instrument Commercial loans held for sale Commercial loans and leases Consumer and residential mortgage loans OREO Bank premises and equipment Operating lease equipment Private equity investments Fair Value $ Valuation Technique Significant Unobservable Inputs 2 Comparable company analysis Market comparable transactions 236 Appraised value 125 Appraised value 7 Appraised value 11 Appraised value 13 Appraised value 14 Comparable company analysis Market comparable transactions Collateral value Collateral value Appraised value Appraised value Appraised value Fair Value $ Valuation Technique Significant Unobservable Inputs 16 Comparable company analysis Market comparable transactions 504 Appraised value 159 Appraised value 20 Appraised value 26 Appraised value 35 Appraised value 69 Comparable company analysis Market comparable transactions Collateral value Collateral value Appraised value Appraised value Appraised value Ranges of Inputs Weighted- Average NM NM NM NM NM NM NM NM NM NM NM NM NM NM Ranges of Inputs Weighted- Average NM NM NM NM NM NM NM NM NM NM NM NM NM NM Commercial loans held for sale The Bancorp estimated the fair value of certain commercial loans held for sale during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, resulting in a positive fair value adjustment of $1 million and a negative fair value adjustment of $5 million during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. These valuations were based on quoted prices for similar assets in active markets (Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy), appraisals of the underlying collateral or by applying unobservable inputs such as an estimated market discount to the unpaid principal balance of the loans or the appraised values of the assets (Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy). The Bancorp recognized gains on the sale of 214 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS certain commercial loans held for sale of $1 million and an immaterial amount during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Portfolio loans and leases During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Bancorp recorded nonrecurring adjustments to certain collateral-dependent portfolio loans and leases. When a loan is collateral-dependent, the fair value of the loan is generally based on the fair value less cost to sell of the underlying collateral supporting the loan and therefore these loans were classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. In cases where the amortized cost basis of the loan or lease exceeds the estimated net realizable value of the collateral, then an ALLL is recognized, or a charge-off once the remaining amount is considered uncollectible. OREO During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Bancorp recorded nonrecurring adjustments to certain commercial and residential real estate properties and branch-related real estate no longer intended to be used for banking purposes 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, 2021 and 2020, these losses include $5 million and $3 million in losses, respectively, recorded as charge-offs on new OREO properties transferred from loans during the respective periods and $1 million and $4 million, respectively, recorded as negative fair value adjustments on OREO in other noninterest expense or other noninterest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income subsequent to their transfer into OREO. 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. 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. For further information on bank premises and equipment, refer to Note 7. Operating lease 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. 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 change in advancements associated with technological 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 generally based on appraised values of the assets, resulting in a classification within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. Private equity investments The Bancorp accounts for its private equity investments using the measurement alternative to fair value, except for those accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Under the measurement alternative, the Bancorp carries each investment at its cost basis minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments of the same issuer. The Bancorp recognized gains of $41 million and $23 million during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, resulting from observable price changes. The carrying value of the Bancorp’s private equity investments still held as of December 31, 2021 includes a cumulative $68 million of positive adjustments as a result of observable price changes since January 1, 2018. Because these adjustments are based on observable transactions in inactive markets, they are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. For private equity investments which are accounted for using the measurement alternative to fair value, the Bancorp qualitatively evaluates each investment quarterly to determine if impairment may exist. If necessary, the Bancorp then measures impairment by estimating the value of its investment and comparing that to the investment’s carrying value, whether or not the Bancorp considers the impairment to be temporary. These valuations are typically developed using a DCF method, but other methods may be used if more appropriate for the circumstances. These valuations are based on unobservable inputs and therefore are classified in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The Bancorp recognized impairments of $3 million and $9 million during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The carrying value of the Bancorp’s private equity investments still held as of December 31, 2021 includes a cumulative $24 million of impairment charges recognized since adoption of the measurement alternative to fair value on January 1, 2018. 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 215 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 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 residential mortgage loans held at December 31, 2021 and 2020 for which the fair value option was elected, as well as the changes in fair value of the underlying IRLCs, included gains of $28 million and $75 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 an immaterial amount and $1 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Interest on loans measured at fair value is accrued as it is earned using the effective interest method and is reported as interest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The following table summarizes the difference between the fair value and the unpaid principal balance for residential mortgage loans measured at fair value as of: ($ in millions) December 31, 2021 Residential mortgage loans measured at fair value Past due loans of 90 days or more Nonaccrual loans December 31, 2020 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 $ $ 1,177 3 — 1,642 3 — 1,149 3 — 1,567 3 — 28 — — 75 — — The Bancorp invests in certain hybrid financial instruments with embedded derivatives that are not clearly and closely related to the host contracts. The Bancorp has elected to measure the entire instrument at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings. The carrying value of these investments was $89 million as of December 31, 2021 and the investments are classified as trading debt securities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Fair value changes recognized in earnings included losses of $3 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, reported in securities (losses) gains, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income. 216 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Fair Value of Certain Financial Instruments The following tables summarize the carrying amounts and estimated fair values for certain financial instruments, excluding financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis: As of December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) Financial assets: Cash and due from banks Other short-term investments Other securities Held-to-maturity securities Loans and leases held for sale Portfolio loans and leases: Commercial loans and leases Consumer and residential mortgage loans Total portfolio loans and leases, net Financial liabilities: Deposits Federal funds purchased Other short-term borrowings Long-term debt As of December 31, 2020 ($ in millions) Financial assets: Cash and due from banks Other short-term investments Other securities Held-to-maturity securities Loans and leases held for sale Portfolio loans and leases: Commercial loans and leases Consumer and residential mortgage loans Total portfolio loans and leases, net Financial liabilities: Deposits Federal funds purchased Other short-term borrowings Long-term debt Net Carrying Amount $ $ $ 2,994 34,572 519 8 3,392 69,166 40,838 110,004 169,324 281 980 11,425 Net Carrying Amount $ $ $ 3,147 33,399 524 11 3,260 67,541 38,627 106,168 159,081 300 1,192 14,973 Fair Value Measurements Using Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 2,994 34,572 — — — — — — — 281 — 12,091 — — 519 — — — — — 169,316 — 980 387 — — — 8 3,405 69,924 41,632 111,556 — — — — Fair Value Measurements Using Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 3,147 33,399 — — — — — — — 300 — 15,606 — — 524 — — — — — 159,094 — 1,192 923 — — — 11 3,269 67,810 40,522 108,332 — — — — Total Fair Value 2,994 34,572 519 8 3,405 69,924 41,632 111,556 169,316 281 980 12,478 Total Fair Value 3,147 33,399 524 11 3,269 67,810 40,522 108,332 159,094 300 1,192 16,529 217 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 29. Regulatory Capital Requirements and Capital Ratios 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. These guidelines include quantitative measures that assign risk weightings to assets and off- balance sheet items, define and set minimum regulatory capital requirements as well as the measure of “well-capitalized” status. Additionally, the Banking Agencies issued similar guidelines for minimum regulatory capital requirements and “well-capitalized” measurements for banking subsidiaries. The following table summarizes the prescribed capital ratios for the Bancorp and its banking subsidiary. CET1 capital: Fifth Third Bancorp Fifth Third Bank, National Association Tier 1 risk-based capital: Fifth Third Bancorp Fifth Third Bank, National Association Total risk-based capital: Fifth Third Bancorp Fifth Third Bank, National Association Leverage: Fifth Third Bancorp Fifth Third Bank, National Association Minimum Well-Capitalized 4.50 % 4.50 6.00 6.00 8.00 8.00 4.00 4.00 N/A 6.50 6.00 8.00 10.00 10.00 N/A 5.00 Failure to meet the minimum capital requirements or falling below the “well-capitalized” measure can initiate certain actions by regulators that could have a direct material effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bancorp. On October 1, 2020, the Bancorp became subject to the stress capital buffer requirement. Institutions subject to the stress capital buffer requirement must maintain capital ratios above their respective buffered minimum (regulatory minimum plus stress capital buffer) in order to avoid certain limitations on capital distributions and discretionary bonuses to executive officers. The FRB uses the supervisory stress test to determine the Bancorp’s stress capital buffer, subject to a floor of 2.5%. The Bancorp’s stress capital buffer requirement has been 2.5% since the introduction of this framework and was most recently affirmed on June 24, 2021. The Bancorp’s capital ratios have exceeded the stress capital buffer requirement for all periods presented. The Bancorp and its banking subsidiary, Fifth Third Bank, National Association, had CET1 capital, Tier 1 risk-based capital, Total risk-based capital and Leverage ratios above the “well-capitalized” levels at both December 31, 2021 and 2020. 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) CET1 capital: Fifth Third Bancorp Fifth Third Bank, National Association Tier 1 risk-based capital: Fifth Third Bancorp Fifth Third Bank, National Association Total risk-based capital: Fifth Third Bancorp Fifth Third Bank, National Association Leverage:(a) Fifth Third Bancorp Fifth Third Bank, National Association 2021 2020 Amount Ratio Amount Ratio $ 14,781 16,723 16,897 16,723 20,789 18,917 16,897 16,723 9.54 % $ 10.90 10.91 10.90 13.42 12.33 8.27 8.29 14,682 17,253 16,797 17,253 21,412 19,915 16,797 17,253 10.34 % 12.28 11.83 12.28 15.08 14.17 8.49 8.85 (a) Quarterly average assets are a component of the Leverage ratio and for this purpose do not include goodwill and any other intangible assets and other investments that the Banking Agencies determine should be deducted from Tier 1 capital. 218 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 30. Parent Company Financial Statements Condensed Statements of Income (Parent Company Only) For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) Income Dividends from consolidated nonbank subsidiaries(a) Securities gains, net Interest Total income Expenses Interest Other Total expenses Income Before Income Taxes and Equity in Undistributed Earnings of Subsidiaries Applicable income tax benefit Income Before Equity in Undistributed Earnings of Subsidiaries Equity in undistributed earnings Net Income Attributable to Bancorp Other Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income Attributable to Bancorp 2021 2020 2019 $ $ $ 3,040 1 11 3,052 250 30 280 2,772 (62) 2,834 (64) 2,770 — 2,770 1,285 1 17 1,303 266 26 292 1,011 (65) 1,076 351 1,427 — 1,427 2,155 2 24 2,181 267 65 332 1,849 (69) 1,918 594 2,512 — 2,512 (a) The Bancorp’s indirect banking subsidiary paid dividends to the Bancorp’s direct nonbank subsidiary holding company of $3.0 billion, $1.3 billion and $2.0 billion for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Additionally, a $200 million dividend was paid by MB Financial, Inc. to the Bancorp during the year ended December 31, 2019. Condensed Balance Sheets (Parent Company Only) As of December 31 ($ in millions) Assets Cash Other short-term investments Equity securities Loans to nonbank subsidiaries Investment in nonbank subsidiaries Goodwill Other assets Total Assets Liabilities Other short-term borrowings Accrued expenses and other liabilities Long-term debt (external) Total Liabilities Equity Common stock Preferred stock Capital surplus Retained earnings Accumulated other comprehensive income Treasury stock Total Equity Total Liabilities and Equity 2021 2020 $ $ $ $ $ $ 122 6,234 49 192 23,877 80 431 30,985 361 487 7,927 8,775 2,051 2,116 3,624 20,236 1,207 (7,024) 22,210 30,985 120 5,578 49 350 25,214 80 479 31,870 450 548 7,761 8,759 2,051 2,116 3,635 18,384 2,601 (5,676) 23,111 31,870 219 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents 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: 2021 2020 2019 $ 2,770 1,427 2,512 Amortization and accretion (Benefit from) provision for deferred income taxes Securities gains, net Equity in undistributed earnings Net change in: Equity securities Other assets Accrued expenses and other liabilities Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities Investing Activities Net change in: Other short-term investments Loans to nonbank subsidiaries Net cash paid on acquisition Net Cash Used in Investing Activities Financing Activities Net change in other short-term borrowings Dividends paid on common and preferred stock Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt Repayment of long-term debt Issuance of preferred stock Repurchase of treasury stock and related forward contract Other, net Net Cash Used in Financing Activities Increase (Decrease) in Cash Cash at Beginning of Period Cash at End of Period 7 (1) (1) 64 1 (40) (80) 2,720 (656) 158 — (498) (89) (897) 498 (250) — (1,393) (89) (2,220) 2 120 122 7 — (1) (351) — (1) — 1,081 (855) 94 — (761) 91 (858) 1,243 (1,100) 346 — (40) (318) 2 118 120 7 (11) (2) (594) (49) (80) 127 1,910 (1,081) 127 (469) (1,423) 106 (753) 2,235 (500) 242 (1,763) (56) (489) (2) 120 118 $ 220 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 31. Business Segments The Bancorp reports on four business segments: Commercial Banking, Branch Banking, Consumer Lending and Wealth and Asset Management. 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 and businesses change. The Bancorp manages interest rate risk centrally at the corporate level. By employing an FTP methodology, the business segments are insulated from most benchmark interest rate volatility, enabling them to focus on serving customers through the origination of loans and acceptance of deposits. The FTP methodology assigns charge and credit rates to classes of assets and liabilities, respectively, based on the estimated amount and timing of the cash flows for each transaction. Assigning the FTP rate based on matching the duration of cash flows allocates interest income and interest expense to each business segment so its resulting net interest income is insulated from future changes in benchmark interest rates. The Bancorp’s FTP methodology also allocates the contribution to net interest income of the asset-generating and deposit-providing businesses on a duration-adjusted basis to better attribute the driver of the performance. As the asset and liability durations are not perfectly matched, the residual impact of the FTP methodology is captured in General Corporate and Other. The charge and credit rates are determined using the FTP rate curve, which is based on an estimate of Fifth Third’s marginal borrowing cost in the wholesale funding markets. The FTP curve is constructed using the U.S. swap curve, brokered CD pricing and unsecured debt pricing. 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 behavioral assumptions, such as prepayment rates on interest-earning assets and the estimated durations for indeterminate-lived deposits. Key assumptions, including the credit rates provided for deposit accounts, are reviewed annually. Credit rates for deposit products and charge rates for loan products may be reset more frequently in response to changes in market conditions. The Bancorp’s methodology for allocating provision for credit losses expense to the business segments includes charges or benefits associated with changes in criticized commercial loan levels in addition to actual net charge-offs experienced by the loans and leases owned by each business segment. Provision for credit losses expense attributable to loan and lease growth and changes in ALLL factors is 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 relationship depth opportunities and funding operations by accessing the capital markets as a collective unit. 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. Branch Banking provides a full range of deposit and loan and lease products to individuals and small businesses through 1,117 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 includes the Bancorp’s residential mortgage, automobile and other indirect lending activities. Residential mortgage activities within Consumer Lending include the origination, retention and servicing of residential mortgage loans, sales and securitizations of those loans and all associated hedging activities. Residential mortgages are primarily originated through a dedicated sales force and through third-party correspondent lenders. Automobile and other indirect lending activities include extending loans to consumers through automobile dealers, motorcycle dealers, powersport dealers, recreational vehicle dealers and marine dealers. Wealth and Asset Management provides a full range of wealth management services for individuals, companies and not-for-profit organizations. Wealth and Asset Management is made up of three main businesses: FTS, 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. Fifth Third Private Bank offers wealth management strategies to high net worth and ultra-high net worth clients through wealth planning, investment management, banking, insurance, trust and estate services. Fifth Third Institutional Services provides advisory services for institutional clients including middle market businesses, non-profits, states and municipalities. 221 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents The following tables present the results of operations and assets by business segment for the years ended December 31: NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2021 ($ in millions) Net interest income (Benefit from) provision for credit losses Net interest income after (benefit from) provision for credit losses Noninterest income: Commercial banking revenue Service charges on deposits Wealth and asset management revenue Card and processing revenue Leasing business revenue Mortgage banking net revenue Other noninterest income(b) Securities (losses) gains, net Securities losses, net -non-qualifying hedges on MSRs Total noninterest income Noninterest expense: Compensation and benefits Technology and communications Net occupancy expense(d) Equipment expense Leasing business expense Marketing expense Card and processing expense Other noninterest expense Total noninterest expense Income before income taxes Applicable income tax expense Net income Total goodwill Total assets Commercial Banking Branch Banking Consumer Lending Wealth and Asset Management $ 1,498 (583) 1,221 97 562 9 General Corporate and Other 1,401 101 88 (1) Eliminations — — Total 4,770 (377) 2,081 1,124 553 89 1,300 — 5,147 626 363 2 61 300 (c) — 87 8 — 1,447 586 17 33 26 137 7 6 843 1,655 1,873 354 1,519 1,980 73,306 $ $ 9 236 206 329 — 10 103 — — 893 646 5 191 38 — 38 86 870 1,874 143 29 114 2,303 92,079 — — — — — 257 9 — (2) 264 245 11 10 — — 3 — 370 639 178 37 141 — 33,270 2 1 558 2 — 3 4 — — 570 205 1 15 — — 2 1 316 540 119 25 94 231 13,836 — — — 10 — — 129 (15) — 124 944 354 63 74 — 57 (4) (1,268) 220 1,204 302 902 — (1,375) (e) — — (180) (a) — — — — — — (180) — — — — — — — (180) (180) — — — — — 637 600 586 402 300 270 332 (7) (2) 3,118 2,626 388 312 138 137 107 89 951 4,748 3,517 747 2,770 4,514 211,116 (a) Revenue sharing agreements between wealth and asset management and branch banking are eliminated in the Consolidated Statements of Income. (b) Includes impairment charges of $6 and $1 for bank premises and equipment recorded in Branch Banking and General Corporate and Other, respectively. For more information, refer to Note 7 and Note 28. Includes impairment charges of $25 for operating lease equipment. For more information, refer to Note 8 and Note 28. Includes impairment losses and termination charges of $3 for ROU assets related to certain operating leases. For more information, refer to Note 9. Includes bank premises and equipment of $24 classified as held for sale. For more information, refer to Note 7. (c) (d) (e) 222 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020 ($ in millions) Net interest income Provision for (benefit from) credit losses Net interest income after provision for (benefit from) credit losses Noninterest income: Commercial banking revenue Service charges on deposits Wealth and asset management revenue Card and processing revenue Leasing business revenue Mortgage banking net revenue Other noninterest income(b) Securities gains, net Securities gains, net -non-qualifying hedges on MSRs Total noninterest income Noninterest expense: Compensation and benefits Technology and communications Net occupancy expense(d) Equipment expense Leasing business expense Marketing expense Card and processing expense Other noninterest expense Total noninterest expense Income before income taxes Applicable income tax expense Net income Total goodwill Total assets Commercial Banking Branch Banking Consumer Lending Wealth and Asset Management $ 1,903 1,050 1,667 231 381 34 General Corporate and Other 692 (221) 139 3 Eliminations — — Total 4,782 1,097 853 1,436 347 136 913 — 3,685 524 343 3 54 276 (c) — 101 — — 1,301 557 13 31 27 140 8 7 938 1,721 433 46 387 1,980 70,241 $ $ 5 215 172 283 — 8 68 — — 751 649 4 176 41 — 32 116 851 1,869 318 67 251 2,047 79,982 — — — — — 307 10 — 2 319 221 8 10 — — 3 — 276 518 148 31 117 — 30,480 2 1 498 2 — 5 18 — — 526 218 1 12 1 — 2 1 298 533 129 27 102 231 12,466 (3) — — 13 — — 14 62 — 86 945 336 121 61 — 59 (3) (1,289) 230 769 199 570 — 11,511 (e) — — (153) (a) — — — — — — (153) — — — — — — — (153) (153) — — — — — 528 559 520 352 276 320 211 62 2 2,830 2,590 362 350 130 140 104 121 921 4,718 1,797 370 1,427 4,258 204,680 (a) Revenue sharing agreements between wealth and asset management and branch banking are eliminated in the Consolidated Statements of Income. (b) Includes impairment charges of $15 recorded in Branch Banking and $15 recorded in General Corporate and Other for bank premises and equipment. For more information, refer to Note 7 and Note 28. Includes impairment charges of $7 for operating lease equipment. For more information, refer to Note 8 and Note 28. Includes impairment losses and termination charges of $8 for ROU assets related to certain operating leases. For more information, refer to Note 9. Includes bank premises and equipment of $35 classified as held for sale. For more information, refer to Note 7. (c) (d) (e) 223 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Commercial Banking Branch Banking Consumer Lending Wealth and Asset Management General Corporate and Other 2,371 224 325 49 182 — (441) 15 Eliminations — — Total 4,797 471 2019 ($ in millions) Net interest income Provision for credit losses Net interest income after provision for credit losses Noninterest income: Commercial banking revenue Service charges on deposits Wealth and asset management revenue Card and processing revenue Leasing business revenue Mortgage banking net revenue Other noninterest income(b) Securities gains, net Securities gains, net -non-qualifying hedges on MSRs Total noninterest income Noninterest expense: Compensation and benefits Technology and communications Net occupancy expense(d) Equipment expense Leasing business expense Marketing expense Card and processing expense Other noninterest expense Total noninterest expense Income before income taxes Applicable income tax expense Net income Total goodwill Total assets $ 2,360 183 2,177 455 308 3 66 270 (c) — 85 — — 1,187 466 11 28 25 133 12 8 938 1,621 1,743 319 1,424 1,954 74,570 $ $ 2,147 276 182 (456) — 4,326 4 260 158 285 — 6 89 — — 802 601 4 173 48 — 72 123 839 1,860 1,089 229 860 2,046 69,413 — — — — — 279 14 — 3 296 196 8 10 — — 4 — 237 455 117 25 92 — 26,555 1 1 469 3 — 2 13 — — 489 — (4) — 6 — — 863 40 — 905 217 1 13 1 — 5 1 291 529 142 30 112 252 10,500 938 398 108 55 — 69 (2) (1,228) 338 111 87 24 — (11,669) (e) — — (143) (a) — — — — — — (143) — — — — — — — (143) (143) — — — — — 460 565 487 360 270 287 1,064 40 3 3,536 2,418 422 332 129 133 162 130 934 4,660 3,202 690 2,512 4,252 169,369 (a) Revenue sharing agreements between wealth and asset management and branch banking are eliminated in the Consolidated Statements of Income. (b) Includes impairment charges of $11 and $17 for bank premises and equipment recorded in Branch Banking and General Corporate and Other, respectively. For more information, refer to Note 7. Includes impairment charges of $3 for operating lease equipment. For more information, refer to Note 8. Includes impairment losses and termination charges of $15 for ROU assets related to certain operating leases. For more information, refer to Note 9. Includes bank premises and equipment of $27 classified as held for sale. For more information, refer to Note 7. (c) (d) (e) 224 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE None. ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 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 of 1934). 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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported as and when required and information is accumulated and communicated to management including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. MANAGEMENT’S ASSESSMENT AS TO THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING 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, 2021. 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, 2021. Based on this assessment, management believes that the Bancorp maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021. 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, 2021. This report appears on page 226 of the annual report. CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROLS 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. /s/ Greg D. Carmichael Greg D. Carmichael /s/ James C. Leonard James C. Leonard Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer February 25, 2022 February 25, 2022 225 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM To the shareholders and Board of Directors of Fifth Third Bancorp: Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Fifth Third Bancorp and subsidiaries (the “Bancorp”) as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Bancorp maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO. We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2021, of the Bancorp and our report dated February 25, 2022 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. Basis for Opinion 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 are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Bancorp in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. 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. Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed 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 its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP Cincinnati, Ohio February 25, 2022 226 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION On February 22, 2022, the Board of Directors of the Bancorp approved an annual base salary of $500,000, a variable compensation target of $500,000 and a long-term incentive target of $600,000 for Lars Anderson’s 2022 fiscal year compensation. Mr. Anderson will continue to serve as Executive Vice President & Vice Chairman of Commercial Banking, Strategic Growth Initiatives. ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTION Not applicable. PART III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE The information required by this item relating to the Executive Officers of the Registrant is included in PART I under “INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS.” 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 2022 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 reference under the captions “Corporate Governance” and “Board of Directors, Its Committees, Meetings, and Functions” of the Bancorp’s Proxy Statement for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Fifth Third’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available on Fifth Third’s corporate website at www.53.com. In addition, any future amendments to, or waivers from, a provision of the Fifth Third Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to Fifth Third’s directors or executive officers (including Fifth Third’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and principal accounting officer or controller) will be posted at this internet address. The information required by this item concerning Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports is incorporated herein by reference under the caption “Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports” of the Bancorp’s Proxy Statement for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference under the captions “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Compensation of Named Executive Officers,” “Board of Directors Compensation,” “CEO Pay Ratio,” “Human Capital and Compensation Committee Report” and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” of the Bancorp’s Proxy Statement for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. 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,” “Board of Directors Compensation,” and “Compensation of Named Executive Officers” of the Bancorp’s Proxy Statement for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The information required by this item concerning Equity Compensation Plan information is included in Note 25 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”, “Election of Directors”, “Corporate Governance” and “Board of Directors, Its Committees, Meetings, and Functions” of the Bancorp’s Proxy Statement for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference under the caption “Principal Independent External Audit Firm Fees” of the Bancorp’s Proxy Statement for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The Bancorp’s principal independent external audit firm is Deloitte & Touche LLP, whose PCAOB Firm ID is 34. 227 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents PART IV ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES Public Accounting Firm Fifth Third Bancorp and Subsidiaries Consolidated Financial Statements Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Pages 124, 226 126 132 The schedules for the Bancorp and its subsidiaries are omitted because of the absence of conditions under which they are required, or because the information is set forth in the Consolidated Financial Statements or the notes thereto. The following lists the Exhibits to the Annual Report on Form 10-K: 2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Fifth Third Bancorp, Fifth Third Financial Corporation and MB Financial, Inc. dated as of May 20, 2018. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 22, 2018. 3.1 3.2 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 4.10 4.11 4.12 4.13 4.14 4.15 4.16 4.17 4.18 4.19 4.20 Amended Articles of Incorporation of Fifth Third Bancorp. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 7, 2021. Regulations of Fifth Third Bancorp, as Amended as of March 23, 2020. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 24, 2020. 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 SEC 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 Exhibit 4.14 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006. 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 for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2008. (1) 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 SEC 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 SEC on January 25, 2011. 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 the Wilmington Trust Company. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 7, 2012. 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 SEC on March 7, 2012. 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 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 SEC 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 SEC 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 as Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.3 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 16, 2013. 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 SEC on November 20, 2013. (2) 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 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 SEC 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 SEC 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 as Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.3 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 9, 2013. 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 SEC 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 SEC 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 as Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.3 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC 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 SEC on February 28, 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 SEC on July 27, 2015. Fifth Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 15, 2017 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 SEC on June 15, 2017. 228 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents 4.21 4.22 4.23 4.24 4.25 4.26 4.27 4.28 4.29 4.30 4.31 4.32 4.33 4.34 4.35 4.36 4.37 4.38 4.39 4.40 4.41 4.42 4.43 4.44 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 10.7 Form of 2.600% Senior Notes due 2022. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 15, 2017. Sixth Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 14, 2018 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 SEC on March 14, 2018. Form of 3.950% Senior Notes due 2028. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 14, 2018. Seventh Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 5, 2018 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 SEC on June 5, 2018. Amendment dated as of August 31, 2018 to Seventh Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 5, 2018 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 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2018. Eighth Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 25, 2019 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 SEC on January 25, 2019. Form of 3.650% Senior Notes due 2024. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 25, 2019. Second Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement, dated as of August 26, 2019, among Fifth Third Bancorp, as issuer, and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as depositary, transfer agent and registrar, and the holders from time to time of the depositary receipts issued. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-A filed with the SEC on August 26, 2019. Form of depositary receipt representing the Depositary Shares (included as Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.34). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-A filed with the SEC on August 26, 2019. Deposit Agreement dated September 17, 2019, between Fifth Third Bancorp, as issuer, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as depositary, transfer agent and registrar, relating to receipts, Depositary Shares and related 4.95% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series K. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 17, 2019. Form of Certificate Representing the 4.95% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series K, of Fifth Third Bancorp. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 17, 2019. Form of Depositary Receipt for the 4.95% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series K, of Fifth Third Bancorp. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 17, 2019. Ninth Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 28, 2019 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 SEC on October 28, 2019. Form of 2.375% Senior Notes due 2025. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 28, 2019. Tenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 5, 2020 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 SEC on May 5, 2020. Form of 1.625% Senior Notes due 2023. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 5, 2020. Form of 2.550% Senior Notes due 2027. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 5, 2020. Form of Certificate Representing the 4.500% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series L, of Fifth Third Bancorp. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 30, 2020. Deposit Agreement dated July 30, 2020, between Fifth Third Bancorp, as issuer, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as depositary, transfer agent and registrar, and the holders from time to time of depositary receipts issued. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 30, 2020. Form of Depositary Receipt for the 4.500% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series L, of Fifth Third Bancorp. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A of Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 30, 2020. Eleventh Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 1, 2021 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 SEC on November 1, 2021. Form of 1.707% Fixed Rate/Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2027. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 1, 2021. Certain instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt securities of the Registrant and its subsidiaries are omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K. The Registrant hereby undertakes to furnish to the SEC, upon request, copies of any such instruments. Description of Registrant’s Securities. Fifth Third Bancorp Unfunded Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors (as amended and restated effective as of September 1, 2020). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2020.* 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 fiscal 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 fiscal 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 fiscal 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 fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2013.* Fifth Third Bancorp 401(k) Savings Plan, as Amended and Restated effective January 1, 2020. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.* The Fifth Third Bancorp Master Retirement Plan, as Amended and Restated. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.* 229 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents 10.8 10.9 10.10 10.11 10.12 10.13 10.14 10.15 10.16 10.17 10.18 10.19 10.20 10.21 10.22 10.23 10.24 10.25 10.26 10.27 10.28 10.29 10.30 10.31 10.32 10.33 10.34 10.35 10.36 10.37 10.38 10.39 10.40 First Amendment to The Fifth Third Bancorp Master Retirement Plan, as Amended and Restated. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.* Second Amendment to The Fifth Third Bancorp Master Retirement Plan, as Amended and Restated. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.* Third Amendment to The Fifth Third Bancorp Master Retirement Plan, as Amended and Restated. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.* Fourth Amendment to The Fifth Third Bancorp Master Retirement Plan, as Amended and Restated. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.* Fifth Third Bancorp 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan. Incorporated by reference to Annex 2 to the Registrant’s Proxy Statement dated March 6, 2008.* First Amendment to the Fifth Third Bancorp 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.* Fifth Third Bancorp 2011 Incentive Compensation Plan. Incorporated by reference to Annex 1 to the Registrant’s Proxy Statement dated March 10, 2011.* First Amendment to the Fifth Third Bancorp 2011 Incentive Compensation Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.* Fifth Third Bancorp 2014 Incentive Compensation Plan. Incorporated by reference to Annex A to the Registrant’s Proxy Statement dated March 6, 2014.* First Amendment to the Fifth Third Bancorp 2014 Incentive Compensation Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.* Fifth Third Bancorp 2017 Incentive Compensation Plan. Incorporated by reference to Annex A to the Registrant’s Proxy Statement dated March 9, 2017.* First Amendment to the Fifth Third Bancorp 2017 Incentive Compensation Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.* Fifth Third Bancorp 2019 Incentive Compensation Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant’s Form S-8 Registration Statement filed on April 16, 2019 (Registration Statement No. 333-230900).* 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 fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.* Fifth Third Bancorp Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Plan (as amended and restated effective as of September 1, 2020). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2020.* Fifth Third Bancorp Stock Option Gain Deferral Plan. Incorporated by reference to Annex 5 to the Registrant’s Proxy Statement dated February 9, 2001.* 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 SEC on May 26, 2005.* 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 fiscal year ended December 31, 2003.* 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 SEC on November 21, 2014.* First Amendment to the Fifth Third Bancorp Executive Change in Control Severance Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.40 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.* Second Amendment to the Fifth Third Bancorp Executive Change in Control Severance Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 23, 2021.* Fifth Third Bank, National Association Executive Severance Benefits Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 23, 2021.* Stock Appreciation Right Award Agreement. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2013.* Performance Share Award Agreement. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2013.* 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 fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2013.* 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 fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2013.* 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.* 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.* 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.* 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.* Master Confirmation 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 10.6 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2013.** 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.** 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 for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2015.** 230 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents 10.41 10.42 10.43 10.44 10.45 10.46 10.47 10.48 10.49 10.50 10.51 10.52 10.53 10.54 10.55 10.56 10.57 10.58 10.59 10.60 10.61 10.62 10.63 10.64 10.65 10.66 10.67 10.68 10.69 10.70 10.71 10.72 10.73 10.74 10.75 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 for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2015.** 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 for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2015.** Bancorp Director Pay Program. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2016.* 2016 Restricted Stock Unit Grant Agreement (for Directors). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.48 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.* 2017 Stock Appreciation Right Award Agreement (for Executive Officers). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.49 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.* 2017 Performance Share Award Agreement. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.50 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.* 2017 Restricted Stock Unit Grant Agreement (for Executive Officers). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.51 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.* Long-Term Incentive Award Overview February 2017 Grants. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.52 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.* Restricted Stock Unit Grant Agreement (for Directors) for Fifth Third Bancorp 2017 Incentive Compensation Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2017.* 2018 Stock Appreciation Right Award Agreement (for Executive Officers). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.67 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.* 2018 Performance Share Award Agreement. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.68 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.* 2018 Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (for Executive Officers). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.69 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.* Long-Term Incentive Award Overview 2018 Grants. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.70 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.* 2018 Restricted Stock Unit Grant Agreement (for Directors). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2018.* 2018 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Program Overview February 2019 Grants. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.74 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.* 2019 Performance Share Award Agreement. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.75 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.* 2019 Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (for Executive Officers). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.76 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.* 2019 Stock Appreciation Right Award Agreement (for Executive Officers). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.77 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.* 2019 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Program Overview February 2020 Grants. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.72 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.* 2020 Performance Share Award Agreement. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.73 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.* 2020 Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (for Executive Officers). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.74 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.* 2020 Stock Appreciation Right Award Agreement (for Executive Officers). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.75 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.* 2019 Restricted Stock Unit Grant Agreement (for Directors). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.76 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.* 2020 Restricted Stock Unit Grant Agreement (for Directors). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2020.* 2020 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Program Overview February 2021 Grants. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.63 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.* 2021 Performance Share Award Agreement. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.64 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.* 2021 Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (for Executive Officers). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.65 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.* 2021 Stock Appreciation Right Award Agreement (for Executive Officers). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.66 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.* 2021 Restricted Stock Unit Grant Agreement (for Directors). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2021.* Fifth Third Bancorp 2021 Incentive Compensation Plan. Incorporated by reference to Annex A to the Registrant’s Proxy Statement filed on March 2, 2021.* 2021 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Program Overview February 2022 Grants.* 2022 Performance Share Award Agreement.* 2022 Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (for Executive Officers).* 2022 Stock Appreciation Right Award Agreement (for Executive Officers).* Master Confirmation, as supplemented by two Supplemental Confirmations, for accelerated share repurchase transaction dated March 11, 2019 between Fifth Third Bancorp and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, London Branch. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2019.** 231 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents 10.76 10.77 10.78 10.79 10.80 10.81 21 23 31(i) 31(ii) 32(i) Master Confirmation dated as of August 5, 2019, as supplemented by a Supplemental Confirmation dated August 5, 2019, for accelerated share repurchase transaction between Fifth Third Bancorp and Citibank, N.A. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2019.*** Employment Agreement between Fifth Third Bancorp, Fifth Third Bank, and Teresa Tanner dated July 1, 2019. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed with the SEC on July 3, 2019.* Supplemental Confirmation dated January 22, 2021, to Master Confirmation dated July 29, 2015, for accelerated share repurchase transaction 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 for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2021.*** Supplemental Confirmation dated April 21, 2021, to Master Confirmation dated July 29, 2015, for accelerated share repurchase transaction between Fifth Third Bancorp and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2021.*** Supplemental Confirmations each dated July 23, 2021, to Master Confirmation dated August 7, 2019, for accelerated share repurchase transaction between Fifth Third Bancorp and Citibank, N.A. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2021.*** Supplemental Confirmation dated October 27, 2021, to Master Confirmation dated July 29, 2015, for accelerated share repurchase transaction between Fifth Third Bancorp and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC. *** Fifth Third Bancorp Subsidiaries, as of February 15, 2022. Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm-Deloitte & Touche LLP. Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by Chief Executive Officer. Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by Chief Financial Officer. 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. 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. 32(ii) 101.INSXBRL Instance Document. 101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. 101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. 101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. 101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. 101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. 104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 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 November 20, 2013 representing an additional $250,000,000 in principal amount of its 4.30% Subordinated Notes due 2024. * Denotes management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. ** An application for confidential treatment for selected portions of this exhibit has been filed with the SEC. *** Selected portions of this exhibit have been omitted in accordance with Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K. ITEM 16. FORM 10–K SUMMARY None. 232 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents 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 Chairman and CEO Principal Executive Officer February 25, 2022 Pursuant to requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed on February 25, 2022 by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated. OFFICERS: /s/ Greg D. Carmichael Greg D. Carmichael Chairman and CEO Principal Executive Officer /s/ James C. Leonard James C. Leonard Executive Vice President and CFO Principal Financial Officer /s/ Mark D. Hazel Mark D. Hazel Executive Vice President and Controller Principal Accounting Officer DIRECTORS: /s/ Greg D. Carmichael Greg D. Carmichael Chairman /s/ Marsha C. Williams Marsha C. Williams Lead Independent 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/ Emerson L. Brumback Emerson L. Brumback /s/ Linda W. Clement-Holmes Linda W. Clement-Holmes /s/ C. Bryan Daniels C. Bryan Daniels /s/ Mitchell S. Feiger Mitchell S. Feiger /s/ Thomas H. Harvey Thomas H. Harvey /s/ Gary R. Heminger Gary R. Heminger /s/ Jewell D. Hoover Jewell D. Hoover /s/ Eileen A. Mallesch Eileen A. Mallesch /s/ Michael B. McCallister Michael B. McCallister 233 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents CONSOLIDATED TEN YEAR COMPARISON AVERAGE ASSETS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31 ($ IN MILLIONS) Interest-Earning Assets Loans and Leases Other Short-Term Investments Investment Securities Total Cash and Due from Banks Other Assets Total Average Assets $ 114,117 114,411 107,794 93,876 92,731 94,320 93,339 91,127 89,093 84,822 33,243 21,935 2,140 1,476 1,390 1,866 3,258 3,043 2,417 1,495 37,018 36,342 35,470 33,553 32,172 30,099 26,987 21,823 16,444 15,319 184,378 172,688 145,404 128,905 126,293 126,285 123,584 115,993 107,954 101,636 3,055 2,978 2,748 2,200 2,224 2,303 2,608 2,892 2,482 2,355 21,050 20,933 16,903 12,203 13,236 14,870 15,100 14,443 15,025 15,643 AVERAGE DEPOSITS AND SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31 ($ IN MILLIONS) Demand Interest Checking Savings Money Market Certificates of Deposit(a) Foreign Office and Other Total Deposits $ 62,028 47,111 34,343 32,634 35,093 35,862 35,164 31,755 29,925 27,196 45,850 46,890 36,658 29,818 26,382 25,143 26,160 25,382 23,582 23,096 20,531 16,440 14,041 13,330 13,958 14,346 14,951 16,080 18,440 21,393 30,631 29,879 25,879 21,769 20,231 19,523 18,152 14,670 9,467 4,903 3,744 7,455 9,974 6,532 6,335 6,745 6,920 7,691 10,099 7,408 164 256 474 839 665 830 874 1,828 1,518 1,555 162,948 148,031 121,369 104,922 102,664 102,449 102,221 97,406 93,031 85,551 Short-Term Borrowings(b) 1,440 2,094 2,313 3,120 3,715 3,351 2,641 2,331 3,527 4,806 INCOME FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31 ($ IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) Per Share 206,324 194,230 163,936 142,183 140,527 142,173 139,999 131,847 123,704 117,562 Total 164,388 150,125 123,682 108,042 106,379 105,800 104,862 99,737 96,558 90,357 Interest Income 5,211 $ 5,572 6,254 5,183 4,489 4,193 4,028 4,030 3,973 4,107 Interest Expense Noninterest Income Noninterest Expense Net Income Available to Common Shareholders Earnings Diluted Earnings Dividends Declared 441 790 1,457 1,043 691 578 495 451 412 512 3,118 2,830 3,536 2,790 3,224 2,696 3,003 2,473 3,227 2,999 4,748 4,718 4,660 3,958 3,782 3,737 3,643 3,619 3,978 4,083 2,659 1,323 2,419 2,118 2,105 1,472 1,610 1,384 1,799 1,541 3.78 1.84 3.38 3.11 2.86 1.92 2.00 1.65 2.05 1.69 3.73 1.83 3.33 3.06 2.81 1.91 1.97 1.63 2.02 1.66 1.14 1.08 0.94 0.74 0.60 0.53 0.52 0.51 0.47 0.36 MISCELLANEOUS AT DECEMBER 31 ($ IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) Equity Common Shares Outstanding Common Stock Preferred Stock Capital Surplus Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Treasury Stock Total Book Value Per Share 682,777,664 $ 712,760,325 708,915,629 646,630,857 693,804,893 750,479,299 785,080,314 824,046,952 855,305,745 882,152,057 2,051 2,051 2,051 2,051 2,051 2,051 2,051 2,051 2,051 2,051 2,116 2,116 1,770 1,331 1,331 1,331 1,331 1,331 1,034 398 3,624 3,635 3,599 2,873 2,790 2,756 2,666 2,646 2,561 2,758 20,236 18,384 18,315 16,578 14,957 13,290 12,224 11,034 10,156 8,768 1,207 2,601 1,192 (112) 73 59 197 429 82 375 (7,024) 22,210 (5,676) 23,111 (5,724) 21,203 (6,471) 16,250 (5,002) 16,200 (3,433) 16,054 (2,764) 15,705 (1,972) 15,519 (1,295) 14,589 (634) 13,716 Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses 1,892 2,453 1,202 1,103 1,196 1,253 1,272 1,322 1,582 1,854 29.43 29.46 27.41 23.07 21.43 19.62 18.31 17.22 15.85 15.10 Year 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 Year 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 Year 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 Year 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 (a) (b) Includes CDs $250,000 or less and CDs over $250,000. Includes federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings. 234 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS FIFTH THIRD BANCORP DIRECTORS Greg D. Carmichael Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Fifth Third Bancorp FIFTH THIRD BANCORP OFFICERS Greg D. Carmichael Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Marsha C. Williams, Lead Director Retired Chief Financial Officer Orbitz Worldwide, Inc. Nicholas K. Akins Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer American Electric Power Company Kristine R. Garrett Executive Vice President & Head of Wealth & Asset Management Kala J. Gibson Executive Vice President & Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer B. Evan Bayh, III Senior Advisor Apollo Global Management Jorge L. Benitez Retired Chief Executive Officer North America of Accenture plc Katherine B. Blackburn Executive Vice President Cincinnati Bengals, Inc. Emerson L. Brumback Retired President & Chief Operating Officer M&T Bank Linda W. Clement-Holmes Retired Chief Information Officer The Procter & Gamble Company C. Bryan Daniels Founding Partner Prairie Capital Mitchell S. Feiger Retired CEO and President MB Financial, Inc. Howard Hammond Executive Vice President & Head of Consumer Bank Mark D. Hazel Executive Vice President & Controller Kevin P. Lavender Executive Vice President & Head of Commercial Banking James C. Leonard Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Nancy A. Pinckney Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resource Officer Jude A. Schramm Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer Robert P. Shaffer Executive Vice President & Chief Risk Officer Thomas H. Harvey Chief Executive Officer Energy Innovation: Policy and Technology, LLC Timothy N. Spence President Gary R. Heminger Retired Chief Executive Officer & Chairman Marathon Petroleum Corporation Richard L. Stein Executive Vice President & Chief Credit Officer Jewell D. Hoover Retired Senior Official Comptroller of the Currency Eileen A. Mallesch Retired Chief Financial Officer Nationwide Property & Casualty Segment, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company Michael B. McCallister Retired Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Humana, Inc. Melissa S. Stevens Executive Vice President & Head of Digital, Marketing, Design and Innovation Susan B. Zaunbrecher Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer REGIONAL PRESIDENTS Michael Ash David Briggs Joseph DiRocco Timothy Elsbrock Lee Fite David Girodat Kimberly Halbauer Francie Henry Mark Hoppe Randy Koporc Cary Putrino Jim Weiss Thomas G. Welch, Jr. Joseph Yurosek FIFTH THIRD BANCORP BOARD COMMITTEES Audit Committee Eileen A. Mallesch, Chair Katherine B. Blackburn Thomas H. Harvey Jewell D. Hoover Michael B. McCallister Finance Committee Gary R. Heminger, Chair Nicholas K. Akins Jorge L. Benitez Emerson L. Brumback Eileen A. Mallesch Michael B. McCallister Marsha C. Williams Human Capital and Compensation Committee Michael B. McCallister, Chair Emerson L. Brumback Gary R. Heminger Eileen A. Mallesch Marsha C. Williams Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Nicholas K. Akins, Chair B. Evan Bayh, III Jorge L. Benitez Katherine B. Blackburn Thomas H. Harvey Marsha C. Williams Risk and Compliance Committee Emerson L. Brumback, Chair Linda W. Clement-Holmes C. Bryan Daniels Gary R. Heminger Jewell D. Hoover Eileen A. Mallesch Technology Committee Jorge L. Benitez, Chair Nicholas K. Akins B. Evan Bayh, III Linda W. Clement-Holmes C. Bryan Daniels Thomas H. Harvey 235 Fifth Third Bancorp 

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