Fifth Third reported record net interest income in the fourth quarter, driven by a 6% year-over-year increase to $1.53 billion and supported by strong loan demand. The bank achieved 230 basis points of positive operating leverage, as non-interest expenses rose more slowly than revenue growth. Net income available to common shareholders climbed 20% to $699 million, or $1.04 per share, despite a $0.04 per share headwind from certain discrete items. Credit metrics improved, with net charge-offs declining to 40 basis points from 46 basis points a year earlier, and the Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio rising 20 basis points to 10.77%.

During 2025, Fifth Third opened 50 new branches in high-growth Southeast markets—27 in the fourth quarter alone—including its 200th location in Florida and 100th in the Carolinas. Deposits at these de novo branches grew 45% faster than peer averages. On the digital front, the bank delivered over 400 mobile app enhancements, adding direct-deposit switching, a financial wellness hub and complimentary estate planning tools. Active digital users rose from 3.09 million to 3.19 million, active mobile users from 2.37 million to 2.49 million, digital-assisted mortgage applications increased to 98% of total and digital originations of new consumer deposit accounts climbed to 31%.

With regulatory and shareholder approvals secured, Fifth Third expects to close its merger with Comerica on February 1. Management highlighted plans to deploy the “Fifth Third Playbook” to expand Comerica’s retail footprint by adding 150 de novo branches in Texas. The combined platform will also create a differentiated innovation banking unit by merging Comerica’s technology and life sciences vertical with Fifth Third’s embedded finance business, Newline. Executives project these synergies will drive peer-leading returns and further improve efficiency by 2027 and beyond.