...Earnings Performance Lagging: Fifth Third Bancorp's (FITB) IDR reflects the company's solid liquidity levels, moderating credit trends, and good capital profile. This is somewhat offset by a weaker relative earnings profile than historical measures for the company. 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 Profiles Remains Solid: FITB's capital profile remains good with an estimated Common Equity Tier 1 ratio under Basel III of approximately 9.83%, approximately 100bps below the large regional peer median. Although FITB's estimated CET1 is below peer levels, it is still viewed as acceptable in absolute terms, and above the fully phased-in requirement of 7%. Further, continual enhancements to the risk management infrastructure may help to mitigate future loan losses. C&I Loan Growth Appropriate: Fitch...
