...Earnings Profile Underpin Ratings: Fifth Third Bancorp's (FITB) IDR is primarily supported by its solid earnings profile. FITB's earnings have historically outpaced peer averages supported by strong efficiency levels, and good fee-based revenues sources. Fitch expects FITB's profitability will improve under a more normalized rate environment. Capital and Liquidity Profiles Remains Solid: FITB's capital profile remains solid with an estimated Common Equity Tier I ratio under Basel III of approximately 9.4%. FITB's estimated CET1 is below the large regional peer average, but still viewed as acceptable in absolute terms, and above the fully phased-in requirement of 7%. FITB maintains a solid core funding base with core deposits represented a sizable 83% of total funding at Dec. 31, 2014. Modest C&I Loan Growth Appropriate: Fitch views FITB's underwriting standards and risk appetite as generally in line with other large regional banks, though the company did suffer during the crisis, namely...
