10-K 1 d10k.htm FORM 10-K Form 10-K

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

  

Selected Financial Data

   18

Overview

   19

Recent Accounting Standards

   20

Critical Accounting Policies

   20

Risk Factors

   22

Statements of Income Analysis

   25

Business Segment Review

   31

Fourth Quarter Review

   35

Balance Sheet Analysis

   36

Risk Management

   39

Management’s Assessment as to the Effectiveness of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

   50

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   51

Financial Statements

  

Consolidated Statements of Income

   52

Consolidated Balance Sheets

   53

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

   54

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

   55

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Summary of Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies

   56  

Legal and Regulatory Proceedings

   73

Business Combinations

   61  

Related Party Transactions

   74

Securities

   62  

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

   75

Loans and Leases and Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses

   63  

Common Stock and Treasury Stock

   76

Loans Acquired in a Transfer

   64  

Stock-Based Compensation

   76

Bank Premises and Equipment

   64  

Other Noninterest Income and Other Noninterest Expense

   79

Goodwill

   64  

Income Taxes

   79

Intangible Assets

   65  

Retirement and Benefit Plans

   81

Sales of Receivables and Servicing Rights

   65  

Earnings Per Share

   82

Derivatives

   67  

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

   83

Other Assets

   70  

Certain Regulatory Requirements and Capital Ratios

   84

Short-Term Borrowings

   70  

Parent Company Financial Statements

   85

Long-Term Debt

   71  

Segments

   86

Commitments, Contingent Liabilities and Guarantees

   72     

Annual Report on Form 10-K

        88

Consolidated Ten Year Comparison

        99

Directors and Officers

        100

Corporate Information

       

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report may contain forward-looking statements about Fifth Third Bancorp and/or the company as combined acquired entities within the meaning of Sections 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Rule 175 promulgated thereunder, and 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Rule 3b-6 promulgated thereunder, that involve inherent risks and uncertainties. This report may contain certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of Fifth Third Bancorp and/or the combined company including statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words or phrases such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “trend,” “objective,” “continue,” “remain” or similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “might,” “can,” “may” or similar expressions. 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) general economic conditions and weakening in the economy, specifically the real estate market, either national or in the states in which Fifth Third, one or more acquired entities and/or the combined company do business, are less favorable than expected; (2) deteriorating credit quality; (3) political developments, wars or other hostilities may disrupt or increase volatility in securities markets or other economic conditions; (4) changes in the interest rate environment reduce interest margins; (5) prepayment speeds, loan origination and sale volumes, charge-offs and loan loss provisions; (6) Fifth Third’s ability to maintain required capital levels and adequate sources of funding and liquidity; (7) changes and trends in capital markets; (8) competitive pressures among depository institutions increase significantly; (9) effects of critical accounting policies and judgments; (10) changes in accounting policies or procedures as may be required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other regulatory agencies; (11) legislative or regulatory changes or actions, or significant litigation, adversely affect Fifth Third, one or more acquired entities and/or the combined company or the businesses in which Fifth Third, one or more acquired entities and/or the combined company are engaged; (12) ability to maintain favorable ratings from rating agencies; (13) fluctuation of Fifth Third’s stock price; (14) ability to attract and retain key personnel; (15) ability to receive dividends from its subsidiaries; (16) potentially dilutive effect of future acquisitions on current shareholders’ ownership of Fifth Third; (17) effects of accounting or financial results of one or more acquired entities; (18) difficulties in combining the operations of acquired entities; (19) ability to secure confidential information through the use of computer systems and telecommunications networks; and (20) the impact of reputational risk created by these developments on such matters as business generation and retention, funding and liquidity. Fifth Third undertakes no obligation to release revisions to these forward-looking statements or reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report.


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following is management’s discussion and analysis 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 report. Reference to the Bancorp incorporates the parent holding company and all consolidated subsidiaries.

 

TABLE 1: SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

             
 

For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions, except per share data)

   2007     2006    2005    2004    2003
 

Income Statement Data

             

Net interest income (a)

   $3,033     2,899    2,996    3,048    2,944

Noninterest income

   2,467     2,012    2,374    2,355    2,398

    Total revenue (a)

   5,500     4,911    5,370    5,403    5,342

Provision for loan and lease losses

   628     343    330    268    399

Noninterest expense

   3,311     2,915    2,801    2,863    2,466

Net income

   1,076     1,188    1,549    1,525    1,665

Common Share Data

             

Earnings per share, basic

   $2.00     2.14    2.79    2.72    2.91

Earnings per share, diluted

   1.99     2.13    2.77    2.68    2.87

Cash dividends per common share

   1.70     1.58    1.46    1.31    1.13

Book value per share

   17.20     18.02    17.00    16.00    15.29

Dividend payout ratio

   84.9 %   74.2    52.7    48.9    39.4

Financial Ratios

             

Return on average assets

   1.05 %   1.13    1.50    1.61    1.90

Return on average equity

   11.2     12.1    16.6    17.2    19.0

Average equity as a percent of average assets

   9.35     9.32    9.06    9.34    10.01

Tangible equity

   6.05     7.79    6.87    8.35    8.56

Net interest margin (a)

   3.36     3.06    3.23    3.48    3.62

Efficiency (a)

   60.2     59.4    52.1    53.0    46.2

Credit Quality

             

Net losses charged off

   $462     316    299    252    312

Net losses charged off as a percent of average loans and leases

   .61 %   .44    .45    .45    .63

Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percent of loans and leases

   1.17     1.04    1.06    1.19    1.33

Allowance for credit losses as a percent of loans and leases

   1.29     1.14    1.16    1.31    1.47

Nonperforming assets as a percent of loans, leases and other assets, including other real estate owned

   1.32     .61    .52    .51    .61

Average Balances

             

Loans and leases, including held for sale

   $78,348     73,493    67,737    57,042    52,414

Total securities and other short-term investments

   11,994     21,288    24,999    30,597    28,947

Total assets

   102,477     105,238    102,876    94,896    87,481

Transaction deposits (b)

   50,987     49,678    48,177    43,260    40,372

Core deposits (c)

   61,765     60,178    56,668    49,468    46,798

Wholesale funding (d)

   27,254     31,691    33,615    33,629    28,812

Shareholders’ equity

   9,583     9,811    9,317    8,860    8,754

Regulatory Capital Ratios

             

Tier I capital

   7.72 %   8.39    8.35    10.31    10.97

Total risk-based capital

   10.16     11.07    10.42    12.31    13.42

Tier I leverage

   8.50     8.44    8.08    8.89    9.11

(a)

Amounts presented on a fully taxable equivalent basis (“FTE”). The taxable equivalent adjustments for years ending December 31, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003 were $24 million, $26 million, $31 million, $36 million and $39 million, respectively.

(b)

Includes demand, interest checking, savings, money market and foreign office deposits.

(c)

Includes transaction deposits plus other time deposits.

(d)

Includes certificates $100,000 and over, other foreign office deposits, federal funds purchased, short-term borrowings and long-term debt.

 

TABLE 2: QUARTERLY INFORMATION

                                       
     2007    2006

For the three months ended ($ in millions, except per share data)

   12/31    9/30    6/30    3/31    12/31    9/30    6/30    3/31

Net interest income (FTE)

   $785    760    745    742    744    719    716    718

Provision for loan and lease losses

   284    139    121    84    107    87    71    78

Noninterest income

   509    681    669    608    181    626    622    584

Noninterest expense

   940    853    765    753    760    731    726    698

Income before cumulative effect

   16    325    376    359    66    377    382    359

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax

   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    4

Net income

   16    325    376    359    66    377    382    363

Earnings per share, basic

   .03    .61    .69    .65    .12    .68    .69    .66

Earnings per share, diluted

   .03    .61    .69    .65    .12    .68    .69    .65

 

18    Fifth Third Bancorp


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

OVERVIEW

 

This overview of management’s discussion and analysis 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.

The Bancorp is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. At December 31, 2007, the Bancorp had $111.0 billion in assets, operated 18 affiliates with 1,227 full-service Banking Centers including 102 Bank Mart® locations open seven days a week inside select grocery stores and 2,211 Jeanie® ATMs in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Missouri and Georgia. The Bancorp reports on five business segments: Commercial Banking, Branch Banking, Consumer Lending, Investment Advisors and Fifth Third Processing Solutions (“FTPS”).

The Bancorp believes that banking is first and foremost a relationship business where the strength of the competition and challenges to growth can vary in every market. Its affiliate operating model provides a competitive advantage by keeping the decisions close to the customer and by emphasizing individual relationships. Through its affiliate operating model, individual managers from the banking center to the executive level are given the opportunity to tailor financial solutions for their customers.

The Bancorp’s revenues are fairly evenly dependent on net interest income and noninterest income. For the year ended December 31, 2007, net interest income, on a fully taxable equivalent (“FTE”) basis, and noninterest income provided 55% and 45% of total revenue, respectively. Therefore, changes in interest rates, credit quality, economic trends and the capital markets are primary factors that drive the performance of the Bancorp. As discussed in the Risk Management section, 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 paid on liabilities such as deposits, 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 losses on its loan and lease portfolio as a result of changing expected cash flows caused by loan defaults and inadequate collateral due to a weakening economy within the Bancorp’s footprint.

Net interest income, net interest margin, net interest rate spread and the efficiency ratio are presented in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations on an FTE basis. The FTE basis adjusts for the tax-favored status of income from certain loans 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.

Noninterest income is derived primarily from electronic funds transfer (“EFT”) and merchant transaction processing fees, card interchange, fiduciary and investment management fees, corporate banking revenue, service charges on deposits and mortgage banking revenue. Noninterest expense is primarily driven by personnel costs and occupancy expenses in addition to expenses incurred in the processing of credit and debit card transactions for its customers and merchant and financial institution clients.

On November 2, 2007, the Bancorp completed its acquisition of R-G Crown Bank (“Crown”), a subsidiary of R&G Financial Corporation, with $2.8 billion in assets and $1.7 billion in deposits located in Florida and Augusta, Georgia. As of December 31, 2007, the Bancorp’s Florida affiliates have 141 full-service locations, of which 28 were acquired as part of the Crown acquisition. Additionally, the 3 Crown banking centers in Augusta allowed the Bancorp to enter the state of Georgia.

On August 16, 2007, the Bancorp announced an agreement to acquire First Charter Corporation (“First Charter”), which operates 57 banking centers in North Carolina and 2 in suburban Atlanta. The acquisition is awaiting regulatory approval with a planned close in the second quarter of 2008.

Earnings Summary

The Bancorp’s net income was $1.1 billion or $1.99 per diluted share in 2007, a nine percent decrease compared to $1.2 billion and $2.13 per diluted share in 2006. Current year results were impacted by a $177 million charge to lower the current cash surrender value of one of the Bancorp’s bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”) policies. The BOLI charge reflected a decrease in cash surrender value due to declines in value of the policies underlying investments due to significant disruptions in the financial markets and widening credit spreads. This charge reflected an additional $22 million recorded subsequent to the Bancorp’s issuance of fourth quarter of 2007 earnings. Current year results were also impacted by provision for loan and lease losses of $628 million, an increase of $285 million over 2006. The increased provision for loan and lease losses was a result of the deteriorating credit environment discussed further in the Risk Management section.

Net interest income (FTE) increased five percent compared to 2006. Net interest margin increased to 3.36% in 2007 from 3.06% in 2006 largely due to the balance sheet actions taken in the fourth quarter of 2006. See Comparison of 2006 with 2005 section for specific balance sheet actions taken.

Noninterest income increased 23% compared to 2006. Noninterest income in 2007 reflects the impact of the previously mentioned $177 million BOLI charge, while the 2006 results included $415 million in losses related to fourth quarter balance sheet actions. Excluding these items, noninterest income increased nine percent compared to 2006 with growth in electronic payment processing, service charges on deposits and corporate banking revenue offset by lower mortgage banking net revenue.

Noninterest expense increased 14% compared to 2006. Noninterest expense in 2007 included $172 million in charges related to the Bancorp’s indemnification of estimated current and future Visa Inc. (“Visa”) litigation settlements and $8 million of acquisition-related costs, while 2006 results included $49 million in charges related to the termination of debt and other financing agreements. Excluding these items, noninterest expense increased nine percent resulting from volume-based transaction growth in


 

Fifth Third Bancorp    19


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

payment processing, higher technology related expenses reflecting infrastructure upgrades and higher occupancy expense from continued de novo growth.

The Bancorp maintains a conservative approach to both lending and investing activities as it does not originate or hold subprime loans, nor does it hold collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”) or asset-backed securities backed by subprime loans in its securities portfolio. However, the Bancorp has exposure to the housing markets, which weakened considerably during 2007, particularly in the upper Midwest and Florida. Consequently, net charge-offs as a percent of average loans and leases were 61 basis points (“bp”) in 2007 compared to 44 bp in 2006. At December 31, 2007, nonperforming assets as a percent of loans and leases increased to 1.32% from .61% at December 31, 2006.

The Bancorp’s capital ratios exceed the “well-capitalized” guidelines as defined by the Board of Governors

of the Federal Reserve System (“FRB”). As of December 31, 2007, the Tier I capital ratio was 7.72% and the total risk-based capital ratio was 10.16%. The Bancorp had senior debt ratings of “Aa3” with Moody’s, “A+” with Standard & Poor’s, “AA-” with Fitch and “AAL” with DBRS at December 31, 2007, which indicate the Bancorp’s strong capacity to meet its financial commitments. The “well-capitalized” capital ratios, along with strong credit ratings, provide the Bancorp with access to the capital markets.

The Bancorp continues to invest in the geographic areas that offer the best growth prospects through acquisitions and de novo expansion, while at the same time meeting the banking needs of our existing communities through a well-distributed banking center network. During 2007, the Bancorp opened 77 additional banking centers. In 2008, banking center expansion will be focused in high growth markets, such as Florida, Chicago, Tennessee, Georgia and North Carolina.


 

RECENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

 

In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Staff Position (“FSP”) No. FAS 13-2, “Accounting for a Change or Projected Change in the Timing of Cash Flows Relating to Income Taxes Generated by a Leveraged Lease Transaction.” This FSP was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. Upon adoption of this FSP on January 1, 2007, the Bancorp recognized an after-tax adjustment to beginning retained earnings of $96 million representing the cumulative effect of applying the provisions of this FSP.

In July 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.” This Interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in accordance with FASB Statement

No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” This Interpretation also prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. This Interpretation was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. Upon adoption of this Interpretation on January 1, 2007, the Bancorp recognized an after-tax adjustment to beginning retained earnings of $2 million representing the cumulative effect of applying the provisions of this Interpretation.

See Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion on these standards along with a description other recently issued accounting pronouncements


 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses

The Bancorp maintains an allowance to absorb probable loan and lease losses inherent in the portfolio. The allowance is maintained at a level the Bancorp considers to be adequate and is based on ongoing quarterly assessments and evaluations of the collectibility and historical loss experience of loans and leases. Credit losses are charged and recoveries are credited to the allowance. Provisions for loan and lease losses are based on the Bancorp’s review of the historical credit loss experience and such factors that, in management’s judgment, deserve consideration under existing economic conditions in estimating probable credit losses. In determining the appropriate level of the allowance, the Bancorp estimates losses using a range derived from “base” and “conservative” estimates. 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.

Larger commercial loans that exhibit probable or observed credit weakness are subject to individual review. When individual loans are impaired, allowances are allocated based on management’s estimate of the borrower’s ability to repay the loan given the availability of collateral and other sources of cash flow, as well as an evaluation of legal options available to the Bancorp. The review of individual loans includes those loans that are impaired as provided in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 114, “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan.” Any allowances for impaired loans are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or the fair value of the underlying collateral. The Bancorp evaluates the collectibility of both

principal and interest when assessing the need for a loss accrual. Historical loss rates are applied to commercial loans which are not impaired and thus not subject to specific allowance allocations. The loss rates are derived from a migration analysis, which tracks the historical net charge-off experience sustained on loans according to their internal risk grade. The risk grading system currently utilized for allowance analysis purposes encompasses ten categories.

Homogenous loans and leases, such as consumer installment and residential mortgage, are not individually risk graded. Rather, standard credit scoring systems and delinquency monitoring are used to assess credit risks. Allowances are established for each pool of loans based on the expected net charge-offs. Loss rates are based on the average net charge-off history by loan category.

Historical loss rates for commercial and consumer loans may be adjusted for significant factors that, in management’s judgment, are necessary to reflect losses inherent in the portfolio. Factors that management considers in the analysis include the effects of the national and local economies; trends in the nature and volume of delinquencies, charge-offs and nonaccrual loans; changes in mix; credit score migration comparisons; asset quality trends; risk management and loan administration; changes in the internal lending policies and credit standards; collection practices; and examination results from bank regulatory agencies and the Bancorp’s internal credit examiners.

The Bancorp’s current methodology for determining the allowance for loan and lease losses is based on historical loss rates, current credit grades, specific allocation on impaired commercial credits and other qualitative adjustments. Allowances on individual loans and historical loss rates are reviewed quarterly and adjusted as necessary based on changing borrower and/or collateral conditions and actual collection and charge-off experience. An unallocated allowance is maintained to recognize


 

20    Fifth Third Bancorp


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

the imprecision in estimating and measuring loss when evaluating allowances for individual loans or pools of loans.

Loans acquired by the Bancorp through a purchase business combination are evaluated for credit impairment. Reductions to the carrying value of the acquired loans as a result of credit impairment are recorded as an adjustment to goodwill. The Bancorp does not carry over the acquired company’s allowance for loan and lease losses, nor does the Bancorp add to its existing allowance for the acquired loans as part of purchase accounting.

The Bancorp’s determination of the allowance for commercial loans is sensitive to the risk grade it assigns to these loans. In the event that 10% of commercial loans in each risk category would experience a downgrade of one risk category, the allowance for commercial loans would increase by approximately $66 million at December 31, 2007. The Bancorp’s determination of the allowance for residential and retail loans is sensitive to changes in estimated loss rates. In the event that estimated loss rates would increase by 10%, the allowance for residential and consumer loans would increase by approximately $35 million at December 31, 2007. As several quantitative and qualitative factors are considered in determining the allowance for loan and lease losses, these sensitivity analyses do not necessarily reflect the nature and extent of future changes in the allowance for loan and lease losses. They are intended to provide insights into the impact of adverse changes in risk grades and estimated loss rates and do not imply any expectation of future deterioration in the risk ratings or loss rates. Given current processes employed by the Bancorp, management believes the risk grades and estimated loss rates currently assigned are appropriate.

The Bancorp’s primary market areas for lending are the Midwestern and Southeastern regions of the United States. When evaluating the adequacy of allowances, consideration is given to these regional geographic concentrations and the closely associated effect changing economic conditions have on the Bancorp’s customers.

In the current year, the Bancorp has not substantively changed any material aspect of its overall approach to determining its allowance for loan and lease losses. There have been no material changes in criteria or estimation techniques as compared to prior periods that impacted the determination of the current period allowance for loan and lease losses.

Valuation of Securities

Securities are classified as held-to-maturity, available-for-sale or trading on the date of purchase. Only those securities classified as held-to-maturity are reported at amortized cost. Available-for-sale and trading securities are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of related deferred income taxes, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and noninterest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income, respectively. 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. 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. Available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities are reviewed quarterly for possible other-than-temporary impairment. The review includes an analysis of the facts and circumstances of each individual investment such as the severity of loss, the length of time the fair value has been below cost, the expectation for that security’s performance, the creditworthiness of the issuer and the Bancorp’s intent and ability to hold the security to recovery. A decline in value that is considered to be other-than-temporary is recorded as a loss within noninterest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income. At December 31, 2007, 85% of the unrealized losses in the available-for-sale securities portfolio were comprised of

securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored agencies and agency mortgage-backed securities. The Bancorp believes the price movements in these securities are dependent upon the movement in market interest rates. The Bancorp’s management also maintains the intent and ability to hold securities in an unrealized loss position to the earlier of the recovery of losses or maturity.

Reserve for Unfunded Commitments

The reserve for unfunded commitments is maintained at a level believed by management to be sufficient to absorb estimated probable losses related to unfunded credit facilities. The determination of the adequacy of the reserve is based upon an evaluation of the unfunded credit facilities, including an assessment of historical commitment utilization experience, credit risk grading and credit grade migration. Net adjustments to the reserve for unfunded commitments are included in other noninterest expense.

Income Taxes

The Bancorp estimates income tax expense based on amounts expected to be owed to the various tax jurisdictions in which the Bancorp conducts business. On a quarterly basis, management assesses the reasonableness of its effective tax rate based upon its current estimate of the amount and components of net income, tax credits and the applicable statutory tax rates expected for the full year. The estimated income tax expense is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined using the balance sheet method and are reported in accrued taxes, interest and expenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Under this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is based on the tax effects of the differences between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities and recognizes enacted changes in tax rates and laws. Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent they exist and are subject to a valuation allowance based on management’s judgment that realization is more-likely-than-not.

Accrued taxes represent the net estimated amount due to taxing jurisdictions and are reported in accrued taxes, interest and expenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Bancorp evaluates and assesses the relative risks and appropriate tax treatment of transactions and filing positions after considering statutes, regulations, judicial precedent and other information and maintains tax accruals consistent with its evaluation of these relative risks and merits. Changes to the estimate of accrued taxes occur periodically due to changes in tax rates, interpretations of tax laws, the status of examinations being conducted by taxing authorities and changes to statutory, judicial and regulatory guidance that impact the relative risks of tax positions. These changes, when they occur, can affect deferred taxes and accrued taxes as well as the current period’s income tax expense and can be significant to the operating results of the Bancorp. As of January 1, 2007, the Bancorp adopted FIN 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes.” Refer to Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the impact of adopting this Interpretation. As described in greater detail in Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the Internal Revenue Service is currently challenging the Bancorp’s tax treatment of certain leasing transactions. For additional information on income taxes, see Note 21 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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. Servicing rights resulting from loan sales are initially recorded at fair value and subsequently amortized in proportion to, and over the period of, estimated net servicing income. Servicing rights are assessed for impairment monthly, based on fair value, with temporary impairment recognized


 

Fifth Third Bancorp    21


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

through a valuation allowance and permanent impairment recognized through a write-off of the servicing asset and related valuation allowance. Key economic assumptions used in measuring any potential impairment of the servicing rights include the prepayment speeds of the underlying loans, the weighted-average life, the discount rate, the weighted-average coupon and the weighted-average default 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.

The Bancorp monitors risk and adjusts its valuation allowance as necessary to adequately reserve for any probable impairment in the servicing portfolio. For purposes of measuring impairment, the servicing rights are stratified into classes based on the financial asset type and interest rates. 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 as loan payments are received. Costs of servicing loans are charged to expense as incurred.

The change in the fair value of mortgage servicing rights (“MSRs”) at December 31, 2007, due to immediate 10% and 20% adverse changes in the current prepayment assumption would be approximately $29 million and $56 million,

respectively, and due to immediate 10% and 20% favorable changes in the current prepayment assumption would be approximately $32 million and $66 million, respectively. The change in the fair value of the MSR portfolio at December 31, 2007, due to immediate 10% and 20% adverse changes in the discount rate assumption would be approximately $22 million and $42 million, respectively, and due to immediate 10% and 20% favorable changes in the discount rate assumption would be approximately $24 million and $48 million, respectively. Sensitivity analysis related to other consumer and commercial servicing rights is not material to the Bancorp’s Consolidated Financial Statements. These sensitivities are hypothetical and should be used with caution. As the figures indicate, changes in fair value based on a 10% and 20% 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. Also, the effect of variation in a particular assumption on the fair value of the interests that continue to be held by the transferor is calculated without changing any other assumption; in reality, changes in one factor may result in changes in another, which might magnify or counteract the sensitivities. Additionally, the effect of the Bancorp’s non-qualifying hedging strategy, which is maintained to lessen the impact of changes in value of the MSR portfolio, is excluded from the above analysis.


 

RISK FACTORS

 

Weakness in the economy and in the real estate market, including specific weakness within Fifth Third’s geographic footprint, has adversely affected Fifth Third and may continue to adversely affect Fifth Third.

If the strength of the U.S. economy in general and the strength of the local economies in which Fifth Third conducts operations declines, or continues to decline, this could result in, among other things, a deterioration in credit quality or a reduced demand for credit, including a resultant effect on Fifth Third’s loan portfolio and allowance for loan and lease losses. A significant portion of Fifth Third’s residential mortgage and commercial real estate loan portfolios are comprised of borrowers in Michigan, Northern Ohio and Florida, which markets have been particularly adversely affected by job losses, declines in real estate value, declines in home sale volumes, and declines in new home building. These factors could result in higher delinquencies and greater charge-offs in future periods, which would materially adversely affect Fifth Third’s financial condition and results of operations.

Deteriorating credit quality, particularly in real estate loans, has adversely impacted Fifth Third and may continue to adversely impact Fifth Third.

Fifth Third has experienced a downturn in credit performance, particularly in the fourth quarter of 2007, and Fifth Third expects credit conditions and the performance of its loan portfolio to continue to deteriorate in the near term. This caused Fifth Third to increase its allowance for loan and lease losses in the fourth quarter of 2007, driven primarily by higher allocations related to home equity loans and commercial real estate loans. Additional increases in the allowance for loan and lease losses may be necessary in the future. Accordingly, a decrease in the quality of Fifth Third’s credit portfolio could have a material adverse effect on earnings and results of operations.

Fifth Third’s results depend on general economic conditions within its operating markets.

The revenues of FTPS are dependent on the transaction volume generated by its merchant and financial institution customers. This transaction volume is largely dependent on consumer and corporate spending. If consumer confidence suffers and retail sales decline, FTPS will be negatively impacted. Similarly, if an economic downturn results in a

decrease in the overall volume of corporate transactions, FTPS will be negatively impacted. FTPS is also impacted by the financial stability of its merchant customers. FTPS assumes certain contingent liabilities related to the processing of Visa® and MasterCard® merchant card transactions. These liabilities typically arise from billing disputes between the merchant and the cardholder that are ultimately resolved in favor of the cardholder. These transactions are charged back to the merchant and disputed amounts are returned to the cardholder. If FTPS is unable to collect these amounts from the merchant, FTPS will bear the loss.

The fee revenue of Investment Advisors is largely dependent on the fair market value of assets under care and trading volumes in the brokerage business. General economic conditions and their effect on the securities markets tend to act in correlation. When general economic conditions deteriorate, consumer and corporate confidence in securities markets erodes, and Investment Advisors’ revenues are negatively impacted as asset values and trading volumes decrease. Neutral economic conditions can also negatively impact revenue when stagnant securities markets fail to attract investors.

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 ge