Fifth Third Bancorp (NASDAQ: FITB) reported fourth-quarter earnings that exceeded analyst expectations, driven by improved credit performance and continued business momentum.

Net income available to common shareholders rose 20% year over year to $699 million, or $1.04 per diluted share, despite a net negative impact of $0.04 per share from certain items. Revenue totaled $2.34 billion, matching consensus estimates, while net interest income increased 6% year over year to $1.53 billion.

Credit quality continued to improve, with net charge-offs declining to 40 basis points from 46 basis points in the prior-year quarter. Commercial net charge-offs stood at 27 basis points. The bank's Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio increased by 20 basis points to 10.77%.

Total loans grew 5% compared with the fourth quarter of 2024, led by 7% growth in middle-market lending. Consumer household growth reached 2.5%, including 7% growth in Southeast markets. Assets under management rose 16% year over year to $80 billion.

Fifth Third also reported solid deposit trends, with demand deposits increasing 4% year over year and a loan-to-core deposit ratio of 72%. Tangible book value per share increased 21% from the prior year.