For the third consecutive year, Fortune Magazine has included Fifth Third among its World’s Most Admired Companies™, recognizing the bank’s leadership in corporate reputation, financial soundness and social responsibility. In Fortune’s annual survey of 3,900 executives, board members and analysts, Fifth Third scored above industry average in innovation, long-term investment value and quality of management. Tim Spence, chairman, CEO and president, noted that the accolade validates the firm’s strategy to drive sustainable shareholder returns, deepen community engagement through strategic philanthropy and foster an inclusive culture for its 20,000 employees nationwide.

In the fourth quarter, Fifth Third delivered record net interest income and achieved 230 basis points of positive operating leverage versus the prior year. Chief Financial Officer Bryan Preston highlighted that net interest margin expanded by 14 basis points sequentially, driven by higher earning asset yields and disciplined funding costs. Quarterly noninterest revenue also rose 8% year-over-year, supported by stronger deposit service charges and treasury management fees, contributing to total revenue growth of 7%. The bank maintained a loan-to-core deposit ratio near 72%, with total loans up 5% year-over-year and demand deposit balances growing 4%.

Fifth Third continued its growth push by opening 50 new branches in high-growth Southeast markets during 2025, including 27 in the fourth quarter alone, bringing its Florida footprint to 200 locations and its Carolinas network to 100. De novo branches generated deposit growth 45% higher than peer averages in those markets. On the digital front, the bank deployed over 400 mobile app updates last year, introducing features such as direct deposit switching, a financial wellness hub and free estate-planning tools. As a result, average active digital users climbed from 3.09 million to 3.19 million, while average mobile users increased from 2.37 million to 2.49 million. Digital originations now account for 31% of new consumer deposit accounts, up from 28%.

With regulatory and shareholder approvals secured, Fifth Third expects to close its merger with Comerica on February 1. Management projects the deal will enable deployment of the Fifth Third Playbook across Comerica’s retail footprint, including 150 de novo branches in Texas, and the creation of a differentiated innovation banking business by combining Comerica’s life sciences and technology verticals with Fifth Third’s embedded finance platform. Spence said the integration is forecast to produce peer-leading efficiency ratios and enhanced returns on tangible common equity starting in 2027, reinforcing confidence in long-term shareholder value creation.