... (HBAN, or the company) ratings were affirmed in September 2018, with a Stable Rating Outlook. HBAN`s rating affirmation is supported by the company`s good market share in key markets, sound financial profile and solid management team. The affirmation also reflects Fitch's view that HBAN has successfully navigated the process of integrating First Merit (FMER), which closed in August 2016. Improved Earnings Performance: HBAN reported net income of $1.39 billion in 2018, a 17% increase over 2017. Return on average assets (ROAA) improved to 1.33% at YE18 from 1.17% in 2017. This improvement reflects sustained expense control, tax savings, realized synergies from the merger with FMER and loan growth accompanied by net interest margin expansion. Asset Quality Remains Sounds: Fitch Ratings views HBAN's credit profile as sound and supportive of the current ratings. Net chargeoffs (NCOs) to average loans were 20 bps at YE18, improving slightly from...
