Fifth Third Q3 Earnings Top Estimates on Higher NII, Stock Gains

Core Insights - Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB) reported third-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 93 cents, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 87 cents and up from 85 cents in the prior-year quarter [1][9] - The company's shares rose 2.7% in early trading following the better-than-expected results [1] Financial Performance - The increase in results was driven by a rise in net interest income (NII), fee income, and loan balances, although higher expenses and weak asset quality posed challenges [2] - Total quarterly revenues (FTE) reached $2.3 billion, an 8% increase year over year, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.5% [3] - NII (on an FTE basis) was $1.52 billion, up 7% year over year, driven by proactive deposit and wholesale funding management, decreasing interest-bearing liabilities costs, and an improved earning asset mix [4] - Non-interest income rose 10% year over year to $781 million, primarily due to increases in wealth and asset management revenues, capital markets fees, and consumer banking revenues [5] - Non-interest expenses increased 2% year over year to $1.27 billion, with an efficiency ratio of 54.9%, indicating improved profitability compared to 58.2% in the prior year [6] Loan and Deposit Trends - As of September 30, 2025, portfolio loans and leases rose to $123.1 billion, and total deposits increased by 1.4% to $166.6 billion [7] Credit Quality - The provision for credit losses was $197 million, up 23% year over year, with total non-performing portfolio loans and leases at $801 million, a 10.5% increase [8] - Net charge-offs increased to $339 million or 1.09% of average loans and leases, up from $142 million or 0.48% in the prior-year quarter [10] - The total allowance for credit losses declined 1.1% to $2.42 billion year over year [10] Capital Position - The Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 11.60%, down from 12.07% in the prior-year quarter, while the CET1 capital ratio decreased to 10.54% from 10.75% [11] Strategic Developments - FITB entered a definitive merger agreement to acquire Comerica Incorporated (CMA), expected to close at the end of Q1 2026, which will create the ninth-largest U.S. bank with nearly $288 billion in assets [12][13] - The acquisition is projected to boost FITB's EPS by 9% by 2027 and improve the combined efficiency ratio into the low-to-mid-50% range [13] Overall Assessment - The rise in NII supported top-line growth, while ongoing investments in growth priorities continue to drive robust results; however, higher expenses and weak asset quality remain concerns [14]