FIFTH THIRD BANCORP - Annual Report: 2016 (Form 10-K)

Summary of Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies			100
Supplemental Cash Flow Information			111
Restrictions on Cash and Dividends			111
Investment Securities			113
Loans and Leases			115
Credit Quality and the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses			117
Bank Premises and Equipment			125
Operating Lease Equipment			126
Goodwill			126
Intangible Assets			126
Variable Interest Entities			127
Sales of Receivables and Servicing Rights			130
Derivative Financial Instruments			132
Other Assets			137
Short-Term Borrowings			138
Annual Report on Form 10-K			183
Consolidated Ten Year Comparison			210
Directors and Officers			211
Corporate Information

Long-Term Debt			139
Commitments, Contingent Liabilities and Guarantees			142
Legal and Regulatory Proceedings			146
Related Party Transactions			148
Income Taxes			151
Retirement and Benefit Plans			153
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income			157
Common, Preferred and Treasury Stock			159
Stock-Based Compensation			160
Other Noninterest Income and Other Noninterest Expense			164
Earnings Per Share			165
Fair Value Measurements			166
Regulatory Capital Requirements and Capital Ratios			177
Parent Company Financial Statements			178
Business Segments			180

 

This overview of MD&A 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. In addition, refer to the Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms in this report for a list of terms included as a tool for the reader of this annual report on Form 10-K. The abbreviations and acronyms identified therein are used throughout this MD&A, as well as the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Net interest income, net interest margin and the efficiency ratio are presented in MD&A 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. The FTE basis for presenting net interest income is a non-GAAP measure. For further information, refer to the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of MD&A.

The Bancorp’s revenues are dependent on both net interest income and noninterest income. For the year ended December 31, 2016, net interest income on an FTE basis and noninterest income provided 57% and 43% of total revenue, respectively. The Bancorp derives the majority of its revenues within the U.S. from customers domiciled in the United States. Revenue from foreign countries and external customers domiciled in foreign countries was immaterial to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Changes in interest rates, credit quality, economic trends and the capital markets are primary factors that drive the performance of the Bancorp. As discussed later in the Risk Management section of MD&A, 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 incurred 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 borrower credit events, such as loan defaults and inadequate collateral due to a weakened economy within the Bancorp’s footprint.

Noninterest income is derived from service charges on deposits, corporate banking revenue, wealth and asset management revenue, card and processing revenue, mortgage banking net revenue, securities gains, net and other noninterest income.

Noninterest expense includes personnel costs, net occupancy expense, technology and communication costs, card and processing expense, equipment expense and other noninterest expense.

Vantiv, Inc. and Vantiv Holding, LLC Transactions

On July 27, 2016, the Bancorp entered into an agreement with Vantiv, Inc. under which a portion of its TRA with Vantiv, Inc. was terminated and settled in full for consideration of a cash payment in the amount of $116 million from Vantiv, Inc. Under the agreement, the Bancorp terminated and settled certain TRA cash flows it expected to receive in the years 2019 to 2035, totaling an estimated $331 million. The Bancorp recognized a gain of $116 million in other noninterest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income from this settlement in 2016.

Additionally, the agreement provides that Vantiv, Inc. may be obligated to pay up to a total of approximately $171 million to the Bancorp to terminate and settle certain remaining TRA cash flows, totaling an estimated $394 million, upon the exercise of certain call options by Vantiv, Inc. or certain put options by the Bancorp. If the associated call options or put options are exercised, 10% of the obligations would be settled with respect to each quarter in 2017 and 15% of the obligations would be settled with respect to each quarter in 2018. The Bancorp recognized a gain of $164 million in other noninterest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income in 2016 associated with these options. This agreement did not impact the TRA payments recognized in the fourth quarter of 2016 and is not expected to impact the TRA payment expected in the fourth quarter of 2017.

During the fourth quarter of 2016, the Bancorp exercised its right to purchase approximately 7.8 million Class C Units underlying the warrant at the $15.98 strike price. This exercise was settled on a net basis for approximately 5.7 million Class C Units, which were then exchanged for approximately 5.7 million shares of Vantiv, Inc. Class A Common Stock of which 4.8 million shares were sold in a secondary offering and 0.9 million shares were repurchased by Vantiv, Inc. The Bancorp recognized a gain of $9 million in other noninterest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income in 2016 on the exercise of the remaining warrant in Vantiv Holding, LLC.

Branch Consolidations and Sales Activity

The Bancorp monitors changing customer preferences associated with the channels it uses for banking transactions to evaluate the efficiency, competitiveness and quality of the customer service experience in its consumer distribution network. As part of this ongoing assessment, the Bancorp may determine that it is no longer fully committed to maintaining full-service branches at certain of its existing banking center locations. Similarly, the Bancorp may also determine that it is no longer fully committed to building banking centers on certain parcels of land which had previously been held for future branch expansion. On June 16, 2015, the Bancorp’s Board of Directors authorized management to pursue a plan to further develop its distribution strategy, including a plan to consolidate and/or sell certain operating branch locations and to sell certain parcels of undeveloped land that had been acquired by the Bancorp for future branch expansion (the “Branch Consolidation and Sales Plan”). In addition, the Bancorp announced on September 13, 2016 that it had identified an additional 44 branch locations and 5 parcels of undeveloped land that it planned to consolidate or sell.

On January 29, 2016, the Bancorp closed the previously announced sale in the St. Louis MSA to Great Southern Bank and recorded a gain on the sale of $8 million in other noninterest income.

 

Additionally, on April 22, 2016, the Bancorp closed the previously announced sale in the Pittsburgh MSA to First National Bank of Pennsylvania and recorded a gain on the sale of $11 million in other noninterest income. Both transactions were part of the Branch Consolidation and Sales Plan.

As of December 31, 2016, the Bancorp had 64 branch locations and 35 parcels of undeveloped land that had been acquired for future branch expansion that it intended to consolidate or sell. These branch locations and parcels of undeveloped land, which include unsold properties from the Branch Consolidation and Sales Plan as well as properties included in the September 13, 2016 announcement, represent $39 million, $16 million and $1 million of land and improvements, buildings and equipment, respectively, included in bank premises and equipment in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016, of which $29 million, $9 million and $1 million, respectively, were classified as held for sale. The Bancorp expects to receive approximately $72 million in annual savings from operating expenses upon completion of the Branch Consolidation and Sales Plan and the consolidation and/or sale of properties included in the September 13, 2016 announcement. Approximately $60 million of the $72 million in total estimated annual savings are attributable to branches that were closed prior to December 31, 2016. For further information, refer to Note 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

On September 29, 2016, the Bancorp closed on the sale of an office complex. The sale also included all of the Bancorp’s rights, title and interest as a landlord under existing leases in the complex. Under the terms of the transaction, the Bancorp received proceeds of approximately $31 million and entered into a lease agreement whereby the Bancorp leased-back approximately 25% of the office complex. In conjunction with the transaction, which qualified as a sale-leaseback under U.S. GAAP, the Bancorp retired assets with a net book value of approximately $10 million, recognized a deferred gain of $10 million, which is being amortized as a reduction of rent expense over the 15 year lease term, and recorded a gain on the transaction of $11 million in other noninterest income.

NorthStar Strategy

In the third quarter of 2016, the Bancorp launched the NorthStar Strategy, a three-year plan designed to achieve the Bancorp’s

vision to be the One Bank people most value and trust and deliver strong, consistent returns through longer term economic cycles.

The strategy is designed to impact every line of business, every employee and, most importantly, every customer. The Bancorp is focused on:

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Building a differentiated brand and corporate reputation by improving the customer experience, increasing brand equity and delivering on the Bancorp’s $30 billion community commitment.

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Delivering a better, more differentiated value proposition by investing in our sales and service channels and expanding on our products, solutions and expertise.

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Generating returns on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP) of 12% to 14%, a return on average assets of 1.1% to 1.3% and an efficiency ratio below 60% by the end of 2019.

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Achieving risk and operational excellence.

The Bancorp has implemented several initiatives to assist in achieving these goals, including the following: our partnership with GreenSky, upgrades to our mortgage and teller systems, expansion of credit card and treasury management products, focused growth in asset-based lending and our commercial verticals and acceleration of our automation and robotics initiatives.

Accelerated Share Repurchase Transactions

During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Bancorp entered into or settled a number of accelerated share repurchase transactions. As part of these transactions, the Bancorp entered into forward contracts in which the final number of shares delivered at settlement was based generally on a discount to the average daily volume weighted-average price of the Bancorp’s common stock during the term of the repurchase agreements. For more information on the accelerated share repurchase program, refer to Note 23 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. For a summary of the Bancorp’s accelerated share repurchase transactions that were entered into or settled during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, refer to Table 2.

 

Open Market Share Repurchase Transactions

Between June 17, 2016 and June 20, 2016, the Bancorp repurchased 1,436,100 shares, or approximately $26 million, of its outstanding common stock through open market repurchase transactions.

Senior and Subordinated Notes Offerings

On March 15, 2016, the Bank issued and sold $1.5 billion in aggregate principal amount of unsecured bank notes. The bank notes consisted of $750 million of 2.30% senior fixed-rate notes due on March 15, 2019; and $750 million of 3.85% subordinated fixed-rate notes due on March 15, 2026. These bank notes will be

redeemable by the Bank, in whole or in part, on or after the date that is 30 days prior to the maturity date at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the redemption date.

On June 14, 2016, the Bank issued and sold $1.3 billion of 2.25% unsecured senior fixed-rate notes due on June 14, 2021. These bank notes will be redeemable by the Bank, in whole or in part, on or after the date that is 30 days prior to the maturity date at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the redemption date.

On September 27, 2016, the Bank issued and sold $1.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior bank notes due on September 27, 2019.

 

The bank notes consisted of $750 million of 1.625% senior fixed-rate notes and $250 million of senior floating-rate notes at three-month LIBOR plus 59 bps. The Bancorp entered into interest rate swaps to convert the fixed-rate notes to a floating-rate, which resulted in an effective interest rate of three-month LIBOR plus 53 bps. These bank notes will be redeemable by the Bank, in whole or in part, on or after the date that is 30 days prior to the maturity date at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the redemption date.

Legislative and Regulatory Developments

The FRB conducted a regularly scheduled examination covering 2011 through 2013 to determine the Bank’s compliance with the CRA. This CRA examination resulted in a rating of “Needs to Improve.” The Bank believes that the “Needs to Improve” rating reflects legacy issues that have been remediated during the intervening three years. While the Bank’s CRA rating is “Needs to Improve” the Bancorp and the Bank face limitations and conditions on certain activities, including the commencement of new activities and merger with or acquisitions of other financial institutions. During the fourth quarter of 2016, the FRB began a CRA examination of the Bank. For further information, refer to the Regulation and Supervision subsection of Part I, Item 1 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Earnings Summary

The Bancorp’s net income available to common shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $1.5 billion, or $1.93 per diluted share, which was net of $75 million in preferred stock dividends. The Bancorp’s net income available to common shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2015 was $1.6 billion, or $2.01 per diluted share, which was net of $75 million in preferred stock dividends. Pre-provision net revenue was $2.4 billion and $2.8 billion for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Pre-provision net revenue is a non-GAAP measure. For further information, refer to the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of MD&A.

        Net interest income on an FTE basis (non-GAAP) was $3.6 billion for both the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. Net interest income was positively impacted by increases in average taxable securities of $3.1 billion and average loans and leases of $981 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. Additionally, net interest income was positively impacted by the decision of the Federal Open Market Committee to raise the target range of the federal funds rate 25 bps to 50 bps in 2015 and 25 bps to 75 bps in 2016. These positive impacts were partially offset by an increase in average long-term debt of $750 million coupled with a decrease in the net interest rate spread to 2.66% during the year ended December 31, 2016 from 2.69% during the year ended December 31, 2015. Net interest margin on an FTE basis (non-GAAP) was 2.88% for the both years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

        Noninterest income decreased $307 million from the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily due to decreases in other noninterest income and mortgage banking net revenue partially offset by an increase in corporate banking revenue. Other noninterest income decreased $291 million from the year ended December 31, 2015. The decrease included the impact of a gain of $331 million on the sale of Vantiv, Inc. shares in the fourth quarter of 2015. The Bancorp recognized positive valuation adjustments on the stock warrant associated with Vantiv Holding, LLC of $64 million and $236 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. In addition to valuation adjustments, during the fourth quarter of 2015, the Bancorp recognized a gain of $89 million on both the sale and exercise of a portion of the warrant associated with Vantiv Holding, LLC compared with a gain of $9 million on the sale of the remaining warrant in Vantiv Holding, LLC during 2016. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in income from the TRAs associated with Vantiv, Inc. of $233 million during the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the same period in the prior year and a decrease in net losses on disposition and impairment of bank premises and equipment of $88 million during the year ended December 31, 2016 compared with the same period in the prior year. Mortgage banking net revenue decreased $63 million from the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily due to a decrease in net mortgage servicing revenue, partially offset by an increase in origination fees and gains on loan sales. Corporate banking revenue increased $48 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily driven by increases in syndication fees and lease remarketing fees, partially offset by decreases in letter of credit fees and foreign exchange fees.

 

Noninterest expense increased $128 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily due to increases in personnel costs, technology and communications expense and other noninterest expense partially offset by decreases in net occupancy expense and card and processing expense. Personnel costs increased $103 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015 driven by an increase in base compensation, variable compensation, and higher retirement and severance costs related to the Bancorp’s voluntary early retirement program. Technology and communications expense increased $10 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015 driven primarily by increased investment in information technology associated with regulatory and compliance initiatives, system maintenance and other growth initiatives. Other noninterest expense increased $64 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily due to increases in FDIC insurance and other taxes, impairment on affordable housing investments, the provision for the reserve for unfunded commitments, losses and adjustments and operating lease expense. These increases were partially offset by decreases in travel expense, professional service fees and loan and lease expense. Card and processing expense decreased $21 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily due to the impact of renegotiated service contracts.

For more information on net interest income, noninterest income and noninterest expense, refer to the Statements of Income Analysis section of MD&A.

Credit Summary

The provision for loan and lease losses was $343 million and $396 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Net losses charged-off as a percent of average portfolio loans and leases decreased to 0.39% during the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to 0.48% during the year ended December 31, 2015. At December 31, 2016, nonperforming portfolio assets as a percent of portfolio loans and leases and OREO increased to 0.80% compared to 0.70% at December 31, 2015. For further discussion on credit quality, refer to the Credit Risk Management subsection of the Risk Management section of MD&A.

Capital Summary

The Bancorp’s capital ratios exceed the “well-capitalized” guidelines as defined by the PCA requirements of the U.S. banking agencies. As of December 31, 2016, as calculated under the Basel III transition provisions, the CET1 capital ratio was 10.39%, the Tier I risk-based capital ratio was 11.50%, the Total risk-based capital ratio was 15.02% and the Tier I leverage ratio was 9.90%.

 

The following are non-GAAP measures which are important to the reader of the Consolidated Financial Statements but should be supplemental to primary U.S. GAAP measures.

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.

 

Pre-provision net revenue is net interest income plus noninterest income minus noninterest expense. The Bancorp believes this

measure is important because it provides a ready view of the Bancorp’s pre-tax earnings before the impact of provision expense.

 

The Bancorp believes return on average tangible common equity is an important measure for comparative purposes with other financial institutions, but is not defined under U.S. GAAP, and therefore is considered a non-GAAP financial measure. This measure is useful for evaluating the performance of a business as it

calculates the return available to common shareholders without the impact of intangible assets and their related amortization.

 

The Bancorp considers various measures when evaluating capital utilization and adequacy, including the tangible equity ratio, tangible common equity ratio and tangible book value per share, in addition to capital ratios defined by the U.S. banking agencies. These calculations are intended to complement the capital ratios defined by the U.S. banking agencies for both absolute and comparative purposes. Because U.S. GAAP does not include capital ratio measures, the Bancorp believes there are no comparable U.S. GAAP financial measures to these ratios. These ratios are not formally defined by U.S. GAAP or codified in the federal banking regulations and, therefore, are considered to be non-GAAP financial measures. Additionally, the Bancorp became subject to the Basel III Final Rule on January 1, 2015 which defined various regulatory capital ratios including the CET1 ratio.

The CET1 capital ratio has transition provisions that will be phased out over time. The Bancorp is presenting the CET1 capital ratio on a fully phased-in basis for comparative purposes with other organizations. The Bancorp considers the fully phased-in CET1 ratio a non-GAAP measure since it is not the CET1 ratio in effect for the periods presented. Since analysts and the U.S. banking agencies may assess the Bancorp’s capital adequacy using these ratios, the Bancorp believes they are useful to provide investors the ability to assess its capital adequacy on the same basis. The Bancorp encourages readers to consider its Consolidated Financial Statements in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure.

 

Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements provides a discussion of the significant new accounting standards adopted

by the Bancorp during 2016 and the expected impact of significant accounting standards issued, but not yet required to be adopted.

 

The Bancorp’s Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Certain accounting policies require management to exercise judgment in determining methodologies, economic assumptions and estimates that may materially affect the Bancorp’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The Bancorp’s critical accounting policies include the accounting for the ALLL, reserve for unfunded commitments, income taxes, valuation of servicing rights, fair value measurements, goodwill and legal contingencies. No material changes were made to the valuation techniques or models described below during the year ended December 31, 2016.

ALLL

The Bancorp disaggregates its portfolio loans and leases into portfolio segments for purposes of determining the ALLL. The Bancorp’s portfolio segments include commercial, residential mortgage and consumer. The Bancorp further disaggregates its portfolio segments into classes for purposes of monitoring and assessing credit quality based on certain risk characteristics. For an analysis of the Bancorp’s ALLL by portfolio segment and credit quality information by class, refer to Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Bancorp maintains the ALLL to absorb probable loan and lease losses inherent in its portfolio segments. The ALLL is maintained at a level the Bancorp considers to be adequate and is based on ongoing quarterly assessments and evaluations of the collectability and historical loss experience of loans and leases. Credit losses are charged and recoveries are credited to the ALLL. 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. 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.

The Bancorp’s methodology for determining the ALLL requires significant management judgement and is based on historical loss rates, current credit grades, specific allocation on loans modified in a TDR and impaired commercial credits above specified thresholds and other qualitative adjustments. Allowances on individual commercial loans, TDRs 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 the imprecision in estimating and measuring losses when evaluating allowances for pools of loans.

        Larger commercial loans included within aggregate borrower relationship balances exceeding $1 million that exhibit probable or observed credit weaknesses, as well as loans that have been modified in a TDR, are subject to individual review for impairment. The Bancorp considers the current value of collateral, credit quality of any guarantees, the guarantor’s liquidity and willingness to cooperate, the loan structure and other factors when evaluating whether an individual loan is impaired. Other factors

may include the industry and geographic region of the borrower, size and financial condition of the borrower, cash flow and leverage of the borrower and the Bancorp’s evaluation of the borrower’s management. When individual loans are impaired, allowances are determined 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. Allowances for impaired loans are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, fair value of the underlying collateral or readily observable secondary market values. The Bancorp evaluates the collectability of both principal and interest when assessing the need for a loss accrual.

Historical credit loss rates are applied to commercial loans that are not impaired or are impaired, but smaller than the established threshold of $1 million and thus not subject to specific allowance allocations. The loss rates are derived from migration analyses for several portfolio stratifications, which track the historical net charge-off experience sustained on loans according to their internal risk grade. The risk grading system utilized for allowance analysis purposes encompasses ten categories.

Homogenous loans and leases in the residential mortgage and consumer portfolio segments are not individually risk graded. Rather, standard credit scoring systems and delinquency monitoring are used to assess credit risks and allowances are established based on the expected net charge-offs. Loss rates are based on the trailing twelve month net charge-off history by loan category. Historical loss rates may be adjusted for certain prescriptive and qualitative factors that, in management’s judgment, are necessary to reflect losses inherent in the portfolio. The prescriptive loss rate factors include adjustments for delinquency trends, LTV trends and refreshed FICO score trends.

The Bancorp also considers qualitative factors in determining the ALLL. These include adjustments for changes in policies or procedures in underwriting, monitoring or collections, economic conditions, portfolio mix, lending and risk management personnel, results of internal audit and quality control reviews, collateral values and geographic concentrations. The Bancorp considers home price index trends when determining the collateral value qualitative factor.

The Bancorp’s primary market areas for lending are the Midwestern and Southeastern regions of the U.S. 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. Refer to the Allowance for Credit Losses subsection of the Risk Management section of MD&A for a discussion on the Bancorp’s ALLL sensitivity analysis.

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 and is included in other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. 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 historical loss rates based on credit grade migration. This process takes into consideration the same risk elements that are analyzed in the determination of the adequacy of the Bancorp’s ALLL, as previously discussed.

 

Net adjustments to the reserve for unfunded commitments are included in other noninterest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Income Taxes

The income tax laws of the jurisdictions in which the Bancorp operates are complex and may be subject to different interpretations. 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. The Bancorp maintains tax accruals consistent with its evaluation of these items.

Changes in the estimate of tax accruals occur periodically due to changes in tax rates, interpretation of tax laws and regulations, and other guidance issued by tax authorities and the status of examinations conducted by tax authorities, as well as the expiration of statutes of limitations. These changes may significantly impact the Bancorp’s tax accruals, deferred taxes and income tax expense and may significantly impact the operating results of the Bancorp.

Deferred taxes are determined using the balance sheet method. Under this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is calculated based on the difference between the book and tax bases of the assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates and laws. Significant management judgment is required to determine the realizability of deferred tax assets. Deferred tax assets are recognized when management believes that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. Where management has determined that it is not more likely than not that certain deferred tax assets will be realized, a valuation allowance is maintained. For additional information on income taxes, refer to Note 20 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 revenue. Servicing rights are assessed for impairment monthly, based on fair value, with temporary impairment recognized through a valuation allowance and other-than-temporary impairment recognized through a write-off of the servicing asset and related valuation allowance. Significant management judgement is necessary to identify key economic assumptions used in measuring any potential impairment of the servicing rights including the prepayment speeds of the underlying loans, the weighted-average life, the OAS spread and the weighted-average coupon 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 impairment in the servicing portfolio. In order to assist in this assessment, the Bancorp obtains external valuations of the MSR portfolio from third parties and participates in peer surveys that provide additional confirmation of the

reasonableness of key assumptions utilized in the internal OAS model. For purposes of measuring impairment, the MSRs are stratified into classes based on the financial asset type (fixed-rate vs. adjustable-rate) and interest rates. For additional information on servicing rights, refer to Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Fair Value Measurements

The Bancorp measures certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Valuation techniques the Bancorp uses to measure fair value include the market approach, income approach and cost approach. The market approach uses prices or relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. The income approach involves discounting future amounts to a single present amount and is based on current market expectations about those future amounts. The cost approach is based on the amount that currently would be required to replace the service capacity of the asset.

U.S. GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). A financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the instrument’s fair value measurement. For additional information on the fair value hierarchy and fair value measurements, refer to Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Bancorp’s fair value measurements involve various valuation techniques and models, which involve inputs that are observable, when available. Valuation techniques and parameters used for measuring assets and liabilities are reviewed and validated by the Bancorp on a quarterly basis. Additionally, the Bancorp monitors the fair values of significant assets and liabilities using a variety of methods including the evaluation of pricing runs and exception reports based on certain analytical criteria, comparison to previous trades and overall review and assessments for reasonableness. The level of management judgement necessary to determine fair value varies based upon the methods used in the determination of fair value. Financial instruments that are measured at fair value using quoted prices in active markets (Level 1) require minimal judgement. The valuation of financial instruments when quoted market prices are not available (Levels 2 and 3) may require significant management judgement to assess whether quoted prices for similar instruments exist, the impact of changing market conditions including reducing liquidity in the capital markets, and, the use of estimates surrounding significant unobservable inputs. Table 8 provides a summary of the fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value on a recurring basis and the amounts of financial instruments valued using Level 3 inputs.

 

Refer to Note 27 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on fair value measurements including a description of the valuation methodologies used for significant financial instruments.

Goodwill

Business combinations entered into by the Bancorp typically include the acquisition of goodwill. U.S. GAAP requires goodwill to be tested for impairment at the Bancorp’s reporting unit level on an annual basis, which for the Bancorp is September 30, and more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that there may be impairment. Refer to Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion on the methodology used by the Bancorp to assess goodwill for impairment.

Impairment exists when a reporting unit’s carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. In testing goodwill for impairment, U.S. GAAP permits the Bancorp to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. In this qualitative assessment, the Bancorp evaluates events and circumstances which may include, but are not limited to, the general economic environment, banking industry and market conditions, the overall financial performance of the Bancorp, the performance of the Bancorp’s common stock, the key financial performance metrics of the Bancorp’s reporting units and events affecting the reporting units to determine if it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the two-step impairment test is required or the decision to bypass the qualitative assessment is elected, the Bancorp would be required to perform the first step (Step 1) of the goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any.

The fair value of a reporting unit is the price that would be received to sell the unit as a whole in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. As none of the Bancorp’s reporting units are publicly traded, individual reporting unit fair value determinations cannot be directly correlated to the Bancorp’s stock price. The determination of the fair value of a reporting unit is a subjective process that involves the use of estimates and judgments, particularly related to cash flows, the appropriate discount rates and an applicable control premium. The Bancorp employs an income-based approach, utilizing the reporting unit’s forecasted cash flows (including a terminal value approach to estimate cash flows beyond the final year of the forecast) and the reporting unit’s estimated cost of equity as the discount rate. Significant management judgment is necessary in the preparation of each reporting unit’s forecasted cash flows surrounding expectations for earnings projections, growth and credit loss expectations and actual results may differ from forecasted results. Additionally, the Bancorp determines its market capitalization based on the average of the closing price of the Bancorp’s stock during the month including the measurement date, incorporating an additional control premium, and compares this market-based fair value measurement to the aggregate fair value of the Bancorp’s reporting units in order to corroborate the results of the income approach.

When required to perform Step 2, the Bancorp compares the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount exceeds the implied fair value, an impairment loss equal to that excess amount is recognized. A recognized impairment loss cannot exceed the carrying amount of that goodwill and cannot be reversed in future periods even if the fair value of the reporting unit subsequently recovers.

During Step 2, the Bancorp determines the implied fair value of goodwill for a reporting unit by assigning the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. Significant management judgement is necessary in the identification and valuation of unrecognized intangible assets and the valuation of the reporting unit’s recorded assets and liabilities. The excess of the fair value of the reporting unit over the amounts assigned to its assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of goodwill. This assignment process is only performed for purposes of testing goodwill for impairment. The Bancorp does not adjust the carrying values of recognized assets or liabilities (other than goodwill, if appropriate), nor does it recognize previously unrecognized intangible assets in the Consolidated Financial Statements as a result of this assignment process. Refer to Note 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding the Bancorp’s goodwill.

Legal Contingencies

The Bancorp and its subsidiaries are parties to numerous claims and lawsuits as well as threatened or potential actions or claims concerning matters arising from the conduct of its business activities. The outcome of claims or litigation and the timing of ultimate resolution are inherently difficult to predict and significant judgment may be required in the determination of both the probability of loss and whether the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable. The Bancorp’s estimates are subjective and are based on the status of legal and regulatory proceedings, the merit of the Bancorp’s defenses and consultation with internal and external legal counsel. An accrual for a potential litigation loss is established when information related to the loss contingency indicates both that a loss is probable and that the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Refer to Note 18 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding the Bancorp’s legal proceedings.

 

Net Interest Income

Net interest income is the interest earned on loans and leases (including yield-related fees), securities and other short-term investments less the interest paid for core deposits (includes transaction deposits and other time deposits) and wholesale funding (includes certificates $100,000 and over, other deposits, federal funds purchased, other short-term borrowings and long-term debt). The net interest margin is calculated by dividing net interest income by average interest-earning assets. Net interest rate spread is the difference between the average yield earned on interest-earning assets and the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest margin is typically greater than net interest rate spread due to the interest income earned on those assets that are funded by noninterest-bearing liabilities, or free funding, such as demand deposits or shareholders’ equity.

Tables 10 and 11 present the components of net interest income, net interest margin and net interest rate spread for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, as well as the relative impact of changes in the balance sheet and changes in interest rates on net interest income. Nonaccrual loans and leases and loans held for sale have been included in the average loan and lease balances. Average outstanding securities balances are based on amortized cost with any unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities included in other assets.

Net interest income on an FTE basis (non-GAAP) was $3.6 billion for both the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. Net interest income was positively impacted by increases in average taxable securities of $3.1 billion and average loans and leases of $981 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. Additionally, net interest income was positively impacted by the decision of the Federal Open Market Committee to raise the target range of the federal funds rate 25 bps to 50 bps in December 2015 and 25 bps to 75 bps in December 2016. These positive impacts were partially offset by an increase in average long-term debt of $750 million coupled with a decrease in the net interest rate spread to 2.66% during the year ended December 31, 2016 from 2.69% during the year ended December 31, 2015. The decrease in the net interest rate spread was driven by a 9 bps increase on rates paid on average interest-bearing liabilities partially offset by a 6 bps increase in yields on average interest-earning assets.

Net interest margin on an FTE basis (non-GAAP) was 2.88% for both the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. Net interest margin was positively impacted by an increase in average free funding balances partially offset by the aforementioned decrease in net interest rate spread coupled with an increase of $2.7 billion in average interest-earning assets. The increase in average free funding balances was driven by increases in average demand deposits and average shareholders’ equity of $698 million and $727 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015.

Interest income on an FTE basis (non-GAAP) from loans and leases increased $86 million compared to the year ended December 31, 2015 due to an increase in average loans and leases coupled with an increase in yields on average loans and leases. Average loans and leases increased $981 million during the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015 and was primarily driven by increases in average residential mortgage loans, average commercial construction loans and average commercial and industrial loans partially offset by decreases in average automobile loans and average home equity. Yields on average loans and leases increased 5 bps during the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily as a result of increases in yields on average commercial construction loans, average commercial and industrial loans and average home equity loans partially offset by a decrease in yields on average credit cards which included the impact of a $16 million reduction in interest income related to refunds to be offered to certain bankcard customers. For more information on the Bancorp’s loan and lease portfolio, refer to the Loans and Leases subsection of the Balance Sheet Analysis section of MD&A. Interest income from investment securities and other short-term investments increased $83 million compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase was primarily the result of the previously mentioned increase in average taxable securities, partially offset by a decrease of $14 million in dividends on FRB stock, due to the amended provisions of the Federal Reserve Act governing dividend payments to FRB stockholders.

Interest expense on core deposits increased $15 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. This increase was primarily due to increases in the cost of average interest-bearing core deposits to 26 bps for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to 24 bps for the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase in the cost of average interest-bearing core deposits was primarily due to an increase in the cost of average interest checking and money market deposits. Refer to the Deposits subsection of the Balance Sheet Analysis section of MD&A for additional information on the Bancorp’s deposits.

Interest expense on average wholesale funding increased $68 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily due to an increase of 26 bps in the rates paid on average long-term debt coupled with the aforementioned increase in average long-term debt. Refer to the Borrowings subsection of the Balance Sheet Analysis section of MD&A for additional information on the Bancorp’s borrowings. Average wholesale funding represented 26% and 24% of average interest-bearing liabilities during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. For more information on the Bancorp’s interest rate risk management, including estimated earnings sensitivity to changes in market interest rates, see the Market Risk Management subsection of the Risk Management section of MD&A.