Cross-border mergers between European Union banks are reportedly at their highest level since 2008.By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions .Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.That’s according to a report Monday (Feb. 16) from the Financial Ti ...

Key insight: A small Virginia bank plans to exit North Carolina. It's already shuttered two loan production offices, and it expects to sell two branches in the second half of 2026.What's at stake: Many of the industry's most prominent players are taking the opposite tack, establishing aggressive expansion plans in high-growth North Carolina and South Carolina.Supporting data: North Carolina is the nation's third-fasting-growing state, according to Census data.At a time when banks around the country are lini ...

Leonard said Fifth Third has already made “substantial progress” on data mapping, technology alignment, and operational readiness. Compared with both the MB integration and Fifth Third’s initial targets for Comerica, he said the bank is “meaningfully further ahead,” enabling it to accelerate customer conversion to Labor Day rather than mid-October. He said the earlier conversion is intended to provide a cleaner view of financial performance in the fourth quarter of 2026, and that performance is expected to ...

Core Viewpoint - The acquisition of Comerica is a significant milestone for Fifth Third Bancorp, enhancing its competitive position and operational capabilities, which is expected to lead to stronger performance in the future [2][3]. Group 1: Strategic Importance - The acquisition is aimed at creating a meaningfully better bank, enhancing strategic, financial, and operational aspects [3]. - It is designed to strengthen the competitive position of Fifth Third, expand its capabilities, and support superior long-term returns [3]. Group 2: Financial Implications - The financial rationale for the acquisition is strong, with no tangible book dilution at close and expected tangible book value per share accretion each quarter this year [3]. - Achievable cost synergies and a long runway for sustainable growth are anticipated as part of the integration process [3]. Group 3: Commitment to Value Creation - The acquisition aligns with Fifth Third's long-standing commitment to through-the-cycle value creation, emphasizing disciplined growth strategies [4].

Fifth Third Bancorp Conference Call Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Fifth Third Bancorp (NasdaqGS: FITB) - **Event**: 2026 Conference on February 10, 2026 Key Points Acquisition of Comerica - The acquisition of Comerica is viewed as a significant milestone for Fifth Third, enhancing its competitive position and operational capabilities [4][5] - The merger is expected to create a more efficient and growth-oriented franchise, with no tangible book dilution at close and anticipated tangible book value per share accretion each quarter [5] - Expected annual pre-tax expense synergies of $850 million, representing approximately 35% of Comerica's expense base, will be achieved through consolidating functions and optimizing operations [9][10] - The integration strategy emphasizes retaining key Comerica leaders to ensure continuity and stability [7] Integration Strategy - Integration activities are progressing ahead of schedule, with substantial advancements in data mapping and technology alignment [6] - The integration approach is centered on a "customer first" principle, focusing on enhancing client relationships and trust [9] - The company plans to accelerate customer conversion to Labor Day 2026, providing a clearer view of financial performance in Q4 2026 [6] Growth Potential - Fifth Third anticipates over $500 million in identifiable revenue synergies over the next five years, leveraging proven capabilities [10][11] - Plans to open 150 new financial centers in Texas from 2027 to 2029, aiming to achieve a top four branch share in major Texas cities [12][13] - The merger is expected to unlock significant opportunities in the middle market space, particularly in Texas and California, where Comerica has expertise [33] Organic Growth and Market Position - Fifth Third has experienced strong organic growth in the Southeast, with recent branch openings exceeding deposit goals by over 200% [21][22] - The company is focused on enhancing customer relationships through a proactive engagement strategy post-account opening [27][28] - The competitive landscape in the Southeast remains challenging, but Fifth Third's approach has proven effective in creating sticky client relationships [26] Financial Performance and Outlook - The company reported a 20% year-over-year increase in middle market loan production, indicating a positive outlook for organic growth [39] - Deposit balances have shown signs of recovery, particularly among lower FICO banded deposit customers [40] - The current deposit pricing environment remains competitive but rational, with no significant deterioration expected [43] Regulatory Environment - The company is monitoring regulatory changes, particularly regarding the Basel end game, which could impact capital evaluation [59][60] - Fifth Third maintains a robust capital position and continues to adapt its risk management frameworks in anticipation of regulatory developments [62] Conclusion - The Comerica acquisition is positioned to strengthen Fifth Third's franchise, enhance its market presence, and provide a long runway for sustainable growth [15][16] - The integration strategy is designed to ensure successful execution while maintaining focus on organic growth opportunities across key markets [16][20]

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February 10, 2026 © Fifth Third Bancorp | All Rights Reserved Top performing regional bank with local scale and national reach Assets $294 billion Ranked 9th in the U.S.1 Loans $173 billion Ranked 8th in the U.S.1 Deposits $237 billion Ranked 9th in the U.S.1 BofA Securities Financial Services Conference 2 A simple, diversified business portfolio | Commercial | Banking | | Consumer & Small Business Banking | | Wealth & Asset Management | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Loans | Deposits | Loans | Dep ...

Group 1 - Chapter 7 bankruptcy typically results in total liquidation of a company, although it may not always mean the end of the brand if its intellectual property is acquired [1][3] - The bankruptcy court prioritizes selling assets to entities that can provide the best return for creditors, rather than those who may be the best stewards of the brand [3] - In the case of Stoli USA, a Texas bankruptcy judge has intervened to prevent immediate liquidation and has ordered the appointment of Chapter 11 trustees to manage the bankruptcy process [4][5] Group 2 - An agreement was reached among stakeholders, including Stoli Group and its largest lender, Fifth Third Bank, to appoint at least one Chapter 11 trustee to oversee the winding down of the businesses [6] - Discussions are ongoing regarding whether a single trustee will manage both Stoli USA and its bourbon affiliate Kentucky Owl LLC, or if separate trustees will be appointed for each [7]

Group 1 - Fifth Third Bancorp (NASDAQ:FITB) is recognized as one of the 13 Best Long Term Low Risk Stocks to Buy Now [1] - Evercore ISI raised its price target for Fifth Third Bancorp to $57 from $52 while maintaining an In Line rating following the bank's Q4 earnings release [2] - The bank reported higher fourth-quarter profits, driven by stronger interest income and increased loan demand, supported by a more stable economic environment and recent Federal Reserve rate cuts [3] Group 2 - Net interest income increased by 6% to $1.53 billion, with total loans rising by 5%, while fee-based businesses also performed well [4] - Wealth and asset management revenue reached a quarterly record of $185 million, up 13%, and assets under management grew approximately 16% to $80 billion [4] - Capital markets fees decreased by 2% to $121 million, primarily due to reduced loan syndication activity [5]

Core Insights - The article discusses the trend of high-net-worth investors focusing on long-term investments rather than short-term market predictions, emphasizing the importance of patience and understanding in investment decisions [1][2]. Investment Strategy - Wealthy investors are adopting a disciplined approach, avoiding quick gains and emotional decisions, which allows them to benefit from economic growth over time [2]. - Many affluent investors prefer index funds to mitigate the stress of selecting individual stocks, providing a practical way to maintain investment and reduce complexity [3][4]. Stock Selection Methodology - The article outlines a methodology for selecting stocks, focusing on those with a 5-year return exceeding 60% and a beta of less than 1.0, indicating lower volatility compared to the market [6]. Company Highlights - **Fifth Third Bancorp (NASDAQ:FITB)**: - Achieved a 5-year return of 66.88% with a beta of 0.98. The bank reported higher fourth-quarter profits driven by increased interest income and loan demand, with net interest income rising 6% to $1.53 billion [9][10][11]. - The bank's assets under management grew approximately 16% to $80 billion, reflecting improved economic sentiment and lower borrowing costs [11][12]. - **Badger Meter, Inc. (NYSE:BMI)**: - Recorded a 5-year return of 47.98% with a beta of 0.88. The company experienced an 8% increase in fourth-quarter sales to $221 million, with operating profit margins improving to 19.5% [13][16]. - The company highlighted strong customer demand for its cellular AMI solution and successful project wins, supporting its long-term growth outlook [15][17].