UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE SECURITIES

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

(AMENDMENT NO.    )

Filed by the Registrant    x

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant    ¨

Check the appropriate box:

 

¨Preliminary Proxy Statement

¨CONFIDENTIAL, FOR USE OF THE COMMISSION ONLY (AS PERMITTED BY RULE14a-6(e)(2))

xDefinitive Proxy Statement

¨Definitive Additional Materials

¨Soliciting Material Pursuant toSection 240.14a-12

FIFTH THIRD BANCORP

 

(NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

 

 

(NAME OF PERSON(S) FILING PROXY STATEMENT, IF OTHER THAN THE REGISTRANT)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

 

xNo fee required.

 

¨Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules14a-6(i)(1) and0-11.

 

 (1)Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

 

 (2)Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:

 

 (3)Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):

 

 (4)Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

 

 (5)Total fee paid:

 

¨Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

 

¨Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

 

 (1)Amount Previously Paid:

 

 (2)Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:

 

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 (4)Date Filed:

 

 

 


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38 FOUNTAIN SQUARE PLAZA

CINCINNATI, OHIO 45263

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

March 10, 20166, 2018

To the Shareholders of Fifth Third Bancorp:

You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of Fifth Third Bancorp to be held at the Regency Ballroom,Jarson-Kaplan Theater, located onat the third floor ofAronoff Center for the Hyatt Regency Cincinnati,Arts, at 151 West 5th650 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, Ohio on Tuesday, April 19, 201617, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. Easterneastern daylight savingssaving time for the purposes of considering and acting upon the following:

 

 (1)Election of all members of the Board of Directors to serve until the Annual Meeting of Shareholders in 2017.2019.

 

 (2)Approval of the appointment of the firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP to serve as the independent external audit firm for the Company for the year 2016.2018.

 

 (3)An advisory approval of the Company’s executive compensation.

 

 (4)An advisory vote to determine whether the shareholder vote on the compensation of the Company’s executives will occur every 1, 2, or 3 years.

 

 (5)Transaction of such other business that may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof.

Shareholders of record at the close of business on February 26, 201623, 2018 will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.

All shareholders who find it convenient to do so are invitedEven if you plan to attend the Annual Meetingmeeting in person. In any event,person, please vote at your earliest convenience by signing and returning the proxy card you receive or by voting over the internet or by telephone.

 

If you plan to attend the Annual Meeting:

Please note that space limitations make it necessary to limit attendance only to shareholders of the Company and the holders of shareholder proxies. Admission to the Annual Meeting will be on a first-come, first-served basis and will require presentation of a valid driver’s license or other federal or state issued photo identification card. Shareholders of record should bring the admission ticket attached to their proxy card or the Notice of Internet Availability they receive in order to be admitted to the meeting. “Street name” shareholders will need to bring a notice regarding the availability of proxy materials, the top portion of a voting instruction form or a recent proxy or letter from the bank, broker or other intermediary that holds the beneficial holders’ shares and which confirms the beneficial holders’ ownership of those shares. Registration and seating will begin at approximately 11:00 a.m. Eastern daylight savings time. Communication and recording devices will not be permitted at the Annual Meeting. A copy of the regulations for conduct at the Annual Meeting is attached as Annex A to the proxy statement.

If you plan to attend the Annual Meeting:

Please note that space limitations make it necessary to limit attendance only to shareholders of the Company and the holders of shareholder proxies. Admission to the Annual Meeting will be on afirst-come, first-served basis and will require presentation of a valid driver’s license or other federal or state-issued photo identification card. Shareholders of record must bring the admission ticket attached to their proxy card or the Notice of Internet Availability they receive in order to be admitted to the meeting. “Street name” shareholders must bring a notice regarding the availability of proxy materials, the top portion of a voting instruction form, or a recent proxy or letter from the bank, broker, or other intermediary that holds the beneficial holders’ shares and which confirms the beneficial holders’ ownership of those shares. Registration and seating will begin at approximately 11:00 a.m. eastern daylight saving time. Communication and recording devices will not be permitted at the Annual Meeting. A copy of the regulations for conduct at the Annual Meeting is attached as Annex A to the proxy statement.

If you have any questions or need assistance voting your shares, please call D.F. King & Co., Inc., which is assisting us, toll-free at 1-800-821-8780.1-800-488-8035.

By Order of the Board of Directors

Heather Russell KoenigJelena McWilliams

Corporate Secretary


TABLE OF CONTENTS

        LOGO

 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTINGQuestions and Answers About the Annual Meeting and Voting

   21 

INFORMATION ABOUT THE 2016 ANNUAL MEETINGInformation About the 2018 Annual Meeting

8

Certain Beneficial Owners

   9 

CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERSSection 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

   10 

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

10

ELECTION OF DIRECTORSElection of Directors (Item 1 on Proxy Card)

   11 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS, ITS COMMITTEES, MEETINGS AND FUNCTIONSBoard of Directors, Its Committees, Meetings, and Functions

   1819 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCECorporate Governance

20

BOARD LEADERSHIP

20

RISK MANAGEMENT OVERSIGHT

20

COMMUNICATION WITH THE BOARD

   21 

SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATION WITH INVESTOR RELATIONS DEPARTMENTBoard Leadership

21

Risk Management Oversight

   22 

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISCommunication with the Board

   23 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARYShareholder Communication with Investor Relations Department

   23 

2015 PERFORMANCE RESULTSBoard of Director Compensation

   2524 

THE COMPANY’S HUMAN CAPITAL AND COMPENSATION COMMITTEECompensation Discussion and Analysis

   2627 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY AND RISK MANAGEMENTSummary of Executive Compensations Programs

28

Highlights of 2017 Company Performance

   29 

COMPENSATION STRUCTURE AND METHODOLOGYCompensation Methodology and Structure

   3130 

2015 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN DESIGN AND AWARD DECISIONS2017 Executive Compensation Plan Design and Award Decisions

   3436 

2016 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN DESIGN CHANGESTax and Accounting Impacts of Compensation Programs

41

EXECUTIVE BENEFITS AND PERQUISITES

42

TAX AND ACCOUNTING IMPACT OF COMPENSATION PROGRAMS

44

EXECUTIVE OWNERSHIP AND CAPITAL ACCUMULATION

44

COMPENSATION OF NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

   46 

POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE-IN-CONTROL2018 Executive Compensation Plan Design Changes

   5547 

DIRECTOR COMPENSATIONExecutive Benefits and Perquisites

   5847 

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATIONExecutive Ownership and Capital Accumulation

   6149 

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORTCompensation Committee Report

   6151 

CERTAIN TRANSACTIONSCEO Pay Ratio

   6252 

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEECompensation of Named Executive Officers

54

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

60

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

63

Certain Transactions

   64 

PRINCIPAL INDEPENDENT EXTERNAL AUDIT FIRM FEESReport of the Audit Committee

65

COMPANY PROPOSAL 1: INDEPENDENT EXTERNAL AUDIT FIRM (Item 2 on Proxy Card)

   66 

COMPANY PROPOSAL 2: ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION (Item 3 on Proxy Card)Principal Independent External Audit Firm Fees

67

COMPANY PROPOSAL 3: ADVISORY VOTE ON FREQUENCY OF VOTES ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION (Item 4 on Proxy Card)

   68 

2017 SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALSCompany Proposal No. 1: Independent External Audit Firm (Item 2 on Proxy Card)

   69 

OTHER BUSINESSCompany Proposal No.  2: Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation (Item 3 on Proxy Card)

70
Company Proposal No. 3: Advisory Vote on Frequency of Votes on Executive Compensation (Item 4 on Proxy Card)   71 

ANNEX A2019 Shareholder Proposals

   A-172 

AGENDAOther Business

75
Annex A: Regulations for Conduct at the April 17, 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Fifth Third Bancorp76

Agenda

  


 

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38 Fountain Square Plaza

Cincinnati, Ohio 45263

 

20162018 Proxy Statement

 

This proxy statement, notice of the 20162018 Annual Meeting, notice of internet availability, form of proxy, and the Annual Report of the Company for the year 20152017 are first being sent or made available to shareholders on or about March 10, 2016.6, 2018.


QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING

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What is this document?

This document is called a proxy statement. This proxy statement includes information regarding the matters to be acted upon at the 20162018 Fifth Third Bancorp Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”) and certain other information required by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and the rules of the Nasdaq Global Select Market (“Nasdaq”).

When is the Annual Meeting and where will it be held?

The Annual Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 19, 2016,17, 2018, at the Regency Ballroom,Jarson-Kaplan Theater, located on at

the third floor ofAronoff Center for the Hyatt Regency Cincinnati,Arts, at 151 West 5th650 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, Ohio at 11:30 A.M. Eastern Daylight Savings Time.a.m. eastern daylight saving time.

Why am I being provided this proxy statement?

Fifth Third Bancorp (the “Company” or “Fifth Third”) is required by the SEC to give you, or provide you access to, this proxy statement because it is soliciting your proxy to vote your shares of Fifth Third stock at the Annual Meeting. The enclosed proxy statement summarizes information you need in order to vote at the Annual Meeting.

What is a proxy?

A proxy is your designation of another person to vote stock you own. That other person is called a proxy. If you designate someone as your proxy in a written document, that document also is called a proxy or a proxy card. When you designate a proxy, you may also may direct the proxy how to vote your shares. Three Fifth Third directors, James P. Hackett, Kevin T. KabatEmerson L. Brumback, Greg D. Carmichael, and Marsha C. Williams, have been designated as the proxies to cast the votes of Fifth Third’s shareholders at the Annual Meeting.

What actions are shareholders approving at the Annual Meeting?

Election of DirectorsDirectors.. Eleven Twelve director nominees have been recommended for election to the Board of Directors (the “Board”) by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board. The nominees for election are: Nicholas K. Akins, B. Evan Bayh III, Jorge L. Benitez, Katherine B. Blackburn, Emerson L. Brumback, Jerry W. Burris, Greg D. Carmichael, Gary R. Heminger, Jewell D. Hoover, Eileen A. Mallesch, Michael B. McCallister, Hendrik G. Meijer, and Marsha C. Williams. Information about these nominees may be found in the proxy statement section titled “Election of Directors.”

Company Proposal 1: Ratification of AuditorsAuditors.. This is a proposal to ratify the reappointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’sour independent external audit firm for 2016.2018. This approval is not required by law to appoint an independent external audit firm, but this appointment is submitted by the Audit Committee in order to give shareholders a voice in the designation of the independent external audit firm. If this resolution is rejected by the shareholders, then the Audit Committee will reconsider its choice of an independent external audit firm. Even if this resolution is approved, the Audit Committee, at its discretion, may direct the appointment of a different independent external audit firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in our best interests and the best interestsinterest of the Company and itsour shareholders.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING

 

Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement1


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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING

 

Company Proposal 2: Advisory Approval of Executive CompensationCompensation.. Proposal 2 is an annual advisory vote to approve the compensation of Fifth Third’sour named executive officers or NEOs.(“NEOs”). The Board will strongly consider the outcome of this advisory vote in determining the compensation of such executives. In 2015, over2017, 94% of Fifth Third’sour shareholders who cast a vote on the Company’sour executive compensation program voted to approve it.

Company Proposal 3: Advisory Vote to Determine Frequency of Executive Compensation VotesVotes.. Proposal 3 is an advisory vote to determine how often shareholders will be given the opportunity to approve the compensation of the Company’sour NEOs: either every one, every two, or every three years. The Board will strongly consider the outcome of these votes in determining how often the shareholders are provided a say on pay vote. At the 20152017 Annual Meeting, Fifth Third’sour shareholders supported the Board’s recommendation that shareholders be provided the option to cast an advisory vote every one year on the compensation of the Company’sour NEOs. Accordingly, the Board decided to hold a “say on pay” vote annually.

What vote is required to approve the proposals considered at the Annual Meeting?

Election of DirectorsDirectors.

As long as cumulative voting is not in effect, in an uncontested election of directors, those nomineeseach nominee for director receiving a greater number of votes “for” his or her election than votes “against” his or her election will be elected as directors.a director. In the event of a contested election or if cumulative voting is in effect, the eleventwelve nominees receiving the greatest number of votes “for” his or her election shall be elected. Abstentions and shares not voted by brokers and other entities holding shares on behalf of beneficial owners will not be counted and will have no effect on the outcome of the election.

All Other ProposalsProposals.

All other proposals at the Annual Meeting require the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal. Abstentions have the same effect as a vote cast against a proposal. Shares not voted by brokers or other entities holding shares on behalf of beneficial owners will have no effect on the outcome.

It is important to vote your shares at the Annual Meeting.

Who may vote and what constitutes a quorum at the meeting?

Holders of Fifth Third common stock on February 26, 201623, 2018 are entitled to vote on every matter that is to be voted on at the Annual Meeting.

In order to conduct the Annual Meeting, a majority of shares of Fifth Third common stock entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting on every matter that is to be voted on must be present in person or by proxy. This is called a quorum. Shareholders who deliver valid proxies or vote in person at the meeting will be considered part of the quorum. Once a share is represented for any purpose at the meeting, it is deemed present for quorum purposes for the remainder of the meeting and for any adjourned meeting. Abstentions will be counted as present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining a quorum. Broker “non-votes”“non-votes” (which are explained below) are counted as present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining a quorum.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING

How many votes do I have?

Each share of Fifth Third common stock outstanding on February 26, 201623, 2018 is entitled to one vote on all proposals at the meeting. As of the close of business on February 26, 2016,23, 2018, there were approximately 783,805,368686,981,953 shares of Fifth Third common stock outstanding and entitled to vote.

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING

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If notice in writing is given by any shareholder to theour President, a Vice President, or the Secretary of the Company not less than forty-eight (48) hours before the time fixed for holding a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of electing directors that a shareholder desires that the voting at such election shall be cumulative, and if an announcement of the giving of such notice is made upon the convening of the meeting by the ChairmanChair or Secretary or by or on behalf of the shareholder giving such notice, each shareholder shall have the right to cumulate such voting power as he or she possesses in voting for directors. This will not affect the voting procedures for the other proposals considered at the Annual Meeting.

How do I vote?

Record ShareholdersShareholders.

A shareholder who owns their shares in their own nameFifth Third directly, and not through a broker, bank, or other nominee, (“record holder” or “record shareholder”) may vote in person at the Annual Meeting by filling out a ballot or may authorize a proxy to vote on his or her behalf. There are three ways to authorize a proxy:

1.Internet: You may access the proxy materials on the Internet atwww.cesvote.com and follow the instructions on the proxy card or on the Notice of Internet Availability.

2.Telephone: You may call toll-free 1-888-693-8683, and follow the instructions on the proxy card or on the Notice of Internet Availability.

1.Internet: You may access the proxy materials on the Internet atwww.cesvote.com and follow the instructions on the proxy card or on the Notice of Internet Availability.

3.Mail: If you received your proxy materials by mail, you may vote by signing, dating and mailing the enclosed proxy card in the postage-paid envelope provided.

2.Telephone: You may call toll-free1-888-693-8683 and follow the instructions on the proxy card or on the Notice of Internet Availability.

3.Mail: If you received your proxy materials by mail, you may vote by signing, dating, and mailing the enclosed proxy card in the postage-paid envelope provided.

Shareholders who vote over the Internet may incur costs, such as telephone and Internet access charges, for which the shareholder is responsible. The Internet and telephone voting procedures are designed to authenticate a shareholder’s identity and to allow a shareholder to vote his or her shares and confirm that his or her instructions have been properly recorded. You may use the Internet or telephone to submit your proxy until 11:00 a.m., Easterneastern daylight savingssaving time, on the morning of the Annual Meeting, April 19, 2016.17, 2018.

Street Name ShareholdersShareholders.

Shareholders who hold shares in “street name,” that is, through a broker, bank, or other nominee (“beneficial holder” or “street name shareholder”) should instruct their nominee to vote their shares by following the instructions provided by the nominee. Your vote as a shareholder is important. Please vote as soon as possible to ensure that your vote is recorded. See “Can my broker vote for me?” below.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTINGon the following page.

What if I sign and date my proxy but do not provide voting instructions?

A proxy that is signed and dated, but which does not contain voting instructions, will be voted as follows:

 

“FOR” the election of each of the eleventwelve directors nominated by the Fifth Third Bancorp Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee;

 

“FOR” the ratification of Deloitte & Touche LLP as Fifth Third’sthe Company’s independent external audit firm (Company Proposal 1);

 

“FOR” the advisory vote on executive compensation (Company Proposal 2); and

 

For holding an advisory vote for approval of the compensation of the Company’s executives every “1 Year”YEAR” (Company Proposal 3).

 

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING

 

Can my broker vote for me?

If you are a beneficial ownerholder of shares held in street name through a broker, bank or other nominee and do not provide the organization that holds your shares with specific voting instructions then, under applicable rules, the organization that holds your shares generally has discretionary authority to vote on “routine” matters without receiving instructions from you but cannot vote on “non-routine”“non-routine” matters unless you provide instructions. If the organization that holds your shares does not receive instructions from you on how to vote your shares on anon-routine matter, that organization will inform the inspector of election that it does not have the authority to vote on that matter with respect to your shares. This is generally referred to as a “brokernon-vote.”

All proposals at the Annual Meeting except Company Proposal 1 (Ratification of Auditors) are considerednon-routine matters under applicable rules. A broker, bank, or other nominee cannot vote without instructions onnon-routine matters, and therefore brokernon-votes may exist in connection with the election of directors and Company Proposals 2 and 3. It is important to instruct your broker, bank, or other nominee to vote your shares.

The ratification of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent external audit firm for 20162018 (Company Proposal 1) is considered a routine matter under applicable rules. A broker or other nominee generally exercises its discretionary authority to vote on routine matters without instructions. Although brokers and other nominees are not required to exercise discretionary authority, we expect that no brokernon-votes will exist in connection with Company Proposal 1.

Can I change my vote or revoke my proxy?

You may change your vote or revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted at the Annual Meeting by filing with the Companyus an instrument revoking it, filing a duly executed proxy bearing a later date (including a proxy given over the Internet or by telephone), or by attending the meeting and electing to vote in person.Even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, you are encouraged to vote your shares by proxy.

How are proxy materials delivered?

Fifth Third controls itsWe control costs by following SEC rules that allow for the delivery of proxy materials to the Company’sour shareholders primarily through the Internet. In addition to reducing the amount of paper used in producing these materials, this method lowers the costs associated with mailing the proxy materials to shareholders. Shareholders who own shares directly in Fifth Third and not through a bank, broker or intermediary (“record holders”)Record holders will have a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials delivered directly to their mailing address. Shareholders whose shares are held for them by banks, brokerages or other intermediaries

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING

(“beneficial holders”)Beneficial holders will have a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials forwarded to them by the intermediary that holds the shares. Shareholders who have requested paper copies of all proxy materials and certain institutional and other shareholders will also receive paper copies of the other proxy materials including this proxy statement, the 20152017 Annual Report of Fifth Third Bancorp, and a proxy card or voting instruction sheet.

If you received only a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials by mail, you will not receive a printed copy of the proxy materials unless you request a copy by following the instructions on the notice. The Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials also contains instructions for accessing and reviewing the proxy materials over the Internet and provides directions for submitting your vote over the Internet.

 

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING

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What if I share an address and a last name with other Fifth Third shareholders?

To reduce the expenses of delivering duplicate proxy materials to shareholders, the Company iswe are relying upon SEC “householding” rules that permit it to deliverdelivery of only one set of applicable proxy materials to multiple shareholders who share an address and have the same last name, unless the Company receiveswe receive contrary instructions from any shareholder at that address. Shareholders of record who have the same address and last name and have not previously requested electronic delivery of proxy materials will receive a single envelope containing the notices or the proxy statement and proxy card for all shareholders having that address. The notice or proxy card for each shareholder will include that shareholder’s unique control number needed to vote his or her shares. This procedure reduces our printing costs and postage fees. If, in the future, you do not wish to participate in householding and prefer to receive your Notice or Proxy Statement in a separate envelope, or if your household currently receives more than one Notice or Proxy Statement and in the future, you would prefer to participate in householding, please call us toll-free at 1-800-821-87801-800-488-8035 (toll-free) in the U.S., or inform us in writing at: Fifth Third Bancorp, c/o D.F. King & Co., Inc., 48 Wall Street – Street—22nd Floor, New York, NY 10005, or by email at FITB@dfking.com. We will respond promptly to such requests.

For those shareholders who have the same address and last name and who request to receive a printed copy of the proxy materials by mail, we will send only one copy of such materials to each address unless one or more of those shareholders notifies us, in the same manner described above, that theythe shareholder(s) wish to receive a printed copy for each shareholder at that address.

Beneficial shareholders can request information about householding from their banks, brokers, or other holders of record.

How do I request a paper ore-mail copy of the proxy materials?

Record ShareholdersShareholders.

YouRecord holders may request a paper ore-mail copy of the proxy materials by following the instructions below. You will be asked to provide your11-digit control number located on your proxy card or Notice of Internet Availability.

1. Call the toll-free telephone number 1-800-516-1564 and follow the instructions provided, or

1.Call the toll-free telephone number1-800-516-1564 and follow the instructions provided;

2. Access the website www.SendMaterial.com and follow the instructions provided, or

2.Access the website www.SendMaterial.com and follow the instructions provided; or

3. Send an e-mail to papercopy@SendMaterial.com with your control number in the Subject line. Unless you instruct otherwise, we will reply to your e-mail with links to the proxy materials in PDF format for this meeting only.

3.Send ane-mail to papercopy@SendMaterial.com with your control number in the Subject line. Unless you instruct otherwise, we will reply to youre-mail with links to the proxy materials in PDF format for this meeting only.

Please make your request for a copy on or before April 5, 20163, 2018 to facilitate timely delivery.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING

Street Name ShareholdersShareholders.

Shareholders who hold shares in “streetBeneficial holders, also known as street name” that is, through a broker, bank or other nominee, shareholders, should request copies of the proxy materials by following the instructions provided by thetheir bank, broker, or other nominee.

 

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING

 

Can I attend the Annual Meeting?

You can attend the Annual Meeting if you are a:

 

 1.Record holder of Fifth Third common stock;

 

 2.Beneficial holder of Fifth Third common stock; or

 

 3.Authorized representative of persons or entities who are beneficial holders of Fifth Third common stock.

In addition to a valid photo ID or other satisfactory proof of identification, you should bring the following items to be admitted to the Annual Meeting:

a) Record holders must present the admission ticket attached to their proxy card or Notice of Internet Availability.

A.Record holders must present the admission ticket attached to their proxy card or Notice of Internet Availability.

b) Beneficial holders must present evidence of their ownership. Materials that appropriately evidence ownership include: a notice regarding the availability of proxy materials, the top portion of a voting instruction form or a recent proxy or letter from the bank, broker or other intermediary that holds the beneficial holders’ shares and which confirms the beneficial holders’ ownership of those shares.

B.Beneficial holders must present evidence of their ownership. Materials that appropriately evidence ownership include: a notice regarding the availability of proxy materials, the top portion of a voting instruction form, or a recent proxy or letter from the bank, broker or other intermediary that holds the beneficial holders’ shares and which confirms the beneficial holders’ ownership of those shares.

c) In addition to any evidence required under (B) above for beneficial holders, authorized representatives of beneficial holders must present a letter from the record holder certifying as to the beneficial ownership of the entity they representand a letter from the beneficial holder certifying as to their status as an authorized representative.

C.In addition to any evidence required under (b) above for beneficial holders, authorized representatives of beneficial holders must present a letter from the record holder certifying as to the beneficial ownership of the entity they representand a letter from the beneficial holder certifying as to their status as an authorized representative.

No recording devices, photographic equipment, or bullhorns will be permitted into the Annual Meeting. No written materials may be distributed by any person at or inwithin physical proximity to the Annual Meeting. The ChairmanChair of the Annual Meeting shall have the power to silence or have removed any person in order to ensure the orderly conduct of the Annual Meeting. Fifth Third representatives will be at the entrance to the Annual Meeting and these representatives will have the authority, on the Company’s behalf, to determine whether the admission policy and procedures are being followed and whether you will be granted admission to the Annual Meeting.

How do I propose actions for the 20172019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders?

Shareholder Proposals to be included in the Company’sour 2019 Proxy StatementStatement.

In order for a shareholder proposal for the 20172019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be eligible for inclusion in the Company’sour proxy statement, it must comply with the requirements of Rule14a-8 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), and must be received by the Companyus on or before the date provided on page 6972 at the address or facsimile number provided on page 69.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING72.

Shareholder Proposals not included in the Company’sour 2019 Proxy StatementStatement.

Any shareholder who intends to propose any matter to be acted upon at the 20172019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders without such proposal being included in the Company’s proxy statement as a shareholder proposal must send a notice to the Corporate Secretary during the period referenced on page 6972 using the address and facsimile number listed on page 69.72.

 

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING

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Who can I call for help in voting my shares?

If you have any questions or need assistance voting your shares, please call D.F. King & Co., Inc., which is assisting us, toll-free at 1-800-821-8780.1-800-488-8035.

Who can I contact with questions about my investment in Fifth Third?

Shareholders who wish to speak to a Fifth Third representative regarding their investment in Fifth Third may communicate directly with Fifth Third’sour Investor Relations Department by calling866-670-0468. In addition, shareholders may communicate in writing directly with the Investor Relations Department by sending a letter to 38 Fountain Square Plaza, MD 1090QC, Cincinnati, OH 45263 or by emailing ir@53.com. You can also view information and request documents from the Investor Relations page of Fifth Third’sour website at www.53.com.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE 2016 ANNUAL MEETING

Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement7

The


LOGO         

INFORMATION ABOUT THE 2018 ANNUAL MEETING

Our Board of Directors of Fifth Third Bancorp (the “Company”) is soliciting proxies for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at the Regency Ballroom,Jarson-Kaplan Theater, located onat the third floor ofAronoff Center for the Hyatt Regency Cincinnati,Arts, at 151 West 5th650 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, Ohio on Tuesday, April 19, 201617, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. Easterneastern daylight savings time (the “Annual Meeting”).saving time. Each of the approximately 783,805,368686,981,953 shares of common stock outstanding on February 26, 201623, 2018 is entitled to one vote on all matters acted upon at the Annual Meeting. Only shareholders of record on theour books of the Company at the close of business on February 26, 201623, 2018 will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, either in person or by proxy. The shares represented by all properly executed proxies that are sent to the Companyus will be voted as designated and each not designated will be voted and counted as described in this proxy statement. Each person giving a proxy may revoke it by giving notice to the Companyus in writing or in open meeting at any time before it is voted.

The laws of Ohio under which the Company iswe are incorporated provide that if notice in writing is given by any shareholder to theour President, a Vice President, or the Secretary of the Company not less than forty-eight (48) hours before the time fixed for holding a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of electing directors that such shareholder desires that the voting at such election shall be cumulative, and if an announcement of the giving of such notice is made upon the convening of the meeting by the ChairmanChair or Secretary or by or on behalf of the shareholder giving such notice, each shareholder shall have the right to cumulate such voting power as he or she possesses in voting for directors. This will not affect the voting procedures for the other proposals considered at the Annual Meeting.

TheWe will bear the expense of soliciting proxies will be borne by the Company.proxies. Proxies will be solicited principally by mail, but may also be solicited by theour directors, officers, and other regular employees, of the Company, who will receive no compensation therefore in addition to their regular compensation. Brokers and others who hold stock on behalf of others will be asked to send proxy materialmaterials to the beneficial owners of the stock, and the Companywe will reimburse them for their expenses.

The Company hasWe have retained D.F. King & Co., Inc., a proxy solicitation firm, to assist the Companyus in soliciting proxies. The Company anticipatesWe anticipate that the costscost of D.F. King’s proxy solicitation services will be approximately $12,000.$13,000, plus reasonable out of pocket expenses.

TheOur Annual Report of the Company for the year 2015,2017, including financial statements, has been delivered or made available to all shareholders. Such report and financial statements are not a part of this proxy statement. This proxy statement, form of proxy, notice of Annual Meeting, noticeNotice of internet availabilityInternet Availability, and the Annual Report are first being sent or made available to shareholders on or about March 10, 2016.

6, 2018.

8

        Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement


CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS

        LOGO

Under Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, a beneficial owner of a security is any person who directly or indirectly has or shares voting power or investment power over such security. Such beneficial owner under this definition need not enjoy the economic benefit of such securities. The following are the only shareholders known to the Company to be deemed to be beneficial owners of 5% or more of the common stock of the Companysecurity as of December 31, 2015:2017. The following table contains information regarding the only persons who, to our knowledge, beneficially own more than five percent of our common stock as of December 31, 2017:

 

Title of Class

  

Name and Address of

Beneficial Owner

Amount and Nature
of Beneficial OwnershipOwner

 

Percent
        Amount and Nature of         Class

        Beneficial Ownership        

 

      Percent      

      of Class      

Common Stockstock

  

T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.

100 East Pratt Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

73,557,623(1)10.4%

    Common stock

The Vanguard Group

100 Vanguard Blvd.

Malvern, PA 19355

 46,665,89457,022,613(1)(2) 5.98.08%

    Common stock

  100 Vanguard Blvd.

BlackRock, Inc.

55 East 52nd Street

New York, NY 10055

 45,980,059(3) 6.5%

    Common stock

State Street Corporation

One Lincoln Street

Boston, MA 02111

39,164,163(4)5.55%

    Common stock

Invesco Ltd.

1555 Peachtree Street NE,

Suite 100

Atlanta, GA 30309

37,879,800(5)5.4%

(1)        T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. owns the above holdings in its capacity as an investment advisor in accordance with SEC Rule13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(E). According to the Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on January 10, 2018, in aggregate, T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. and the affiliated entities included in Schedule 13G have sole voting power over 29,264,782 shares of common stock and have sole dispositive power over 73,452,323 shares of common stock.

(2)        The Vanguard Group owns the above holdings in its capacity as an investment advisor in accordance with SEC Rule13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(E). According to Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 9, 2018, in aggregate, the Vanguard Group and the affiliated entities included in the Schedule 13G have sole voting power over 998,824 shares of common stock, have shared voting power over 165,933 shares of common stock, have sole dispositive power over 55,889,518 shares of common stock, and have shared dispositive power over 1,133,095 shares of common stock.

(3)        BlackRock, Inc. owns the above holdings in its capacity as a parent company or control person in accordance with SEC Rule13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(G). According to the Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on January 29, 2018, in aggregate, BlackRock, Inc. and the affiliated entities included in Schedule 13G have sole voting power over 39,763,354 shares of common stock and have sole dispositive power over 45,980,059 shares of common stock.

(4)        State Street Corporation owns the above holdings in its capacity as a parent holding company or control person in accordance with SEC Rule13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(G). According to the Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 14, 2018, in aggregate, State Street Corporation and the affiliated entities included in the Schedule 13G have shared voting power over 39,164,163 shares of common stock and have shared dispositive power over 39,164,163 shares of common stock.

(5)        Invesco Ltd. owns the above holdings in its capacity as an investment advisor in accordance with SEC Rule13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(E) and as a parent holding company or control person in accordance with SEC Rule13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(G). According to the Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 9, 2018, in aggregate, Invesco Ltd. and the affiliated entities included in the Schedule 13G have sole voting power over 35,889,787 shares and have sole dispositive power over 37,879,642 shares.

 Malvern, PA 19355Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement 9


Common StockLOGO         

  BlackRock, Inc.46,271,503(2)5.8
55 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10022

Common Stock

State Street Corporation43,450,450(3)5.5
State Street Financial Center
One Lincoln Street
Boston, MA 02111

(1)The Vanguard Group owns the above holdings in its capacity as an investment advisor in accordance with SEC Rule 13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(E). According to the Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 10, 2016, in the aggregate, Vanguard Group and the affiliated entities included in the Schedule 13G have sole dispositive power over 45,087,736 shares, shared dispositive power over 1,578,158 shares, sole voting power over 1,470,364 shares and shared voting power over 80,200 shares of our common stock.

(2)BlackRock, Inc. owns the above holdings in its capacity as a parent holding company or control person in accordance with SEC Rule 13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(G). According to the Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on January 26, 2016, in the aggregate, BlackRock, Inc. and the affiliated entities included in the Schedule 13G have sole dispositive power over 46,165,917 shares, sole voting power over 39,128,575 shares and shared voting and dispositive power over 105,586 shares of our common stock.

(3)State Street Corporation owns the above holdings in its capacity as parent holding company or control person in accordance with SEC Rule 13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(G). According to the Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 12, 2016, in the aggregate, State Street Corporation and the affiliated entities included in the Schedule 13G have shared dispositive power and shared voting power over 43,450,450 shares of our common stock.

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company’sour executive officers and directors, and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of the Company’sour stock, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. Executive officers and directors, and persons who own greater than ten percent shareholdersof a registered class of our stock, are required by SEC regulation to furnish the Companyus with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.

Based solely on its review of the copies of such forms received by it, or written representations from certain reporting persons that no Annual Statement of Changes In Beneficial Ownership of Securities on Form 5 were required for those persons, the Company believes that, for the period from January 1, 20152017 through December 31, 2015, its2017, we believe that our executive officers and directors complied with all filing requirements applicable to them.

10

        Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS


ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

        LOGO

(Item 1 on Proxy Card)

In accordance with the Company’sour Code of Regulations, directors are elected annually to a one (1) year term expiring at the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The terms of the directors listed below expire at the Annual Meeting on April 19, 201617, 2018 and these individuals constitute the nominees to be elected to serve until the Annual Meeting of Shareholders in 2017. Messrs. Bridgeman, Hackett and Kabat will retire from the Board at the Annual Meeting. All of them have generously given valuable service to the Company as directors for many years. The Board of Directors will decrease the size of the Board such that no vacancies will result from these retirements.2019. Any vacancies that occur after the directors are elected may be filled by the Board of Directors in accordance with law and the Company’sour Code of Regulations for the remainder of the full term of the vacant directorship.

Director candidates are nominated by the Company’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s charter directs the Committeeit to investigate and to assess the background and skills of potential candidates and to maintain an active file of suitable candidates for directors.director candidates. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee utilizes its pool of existing subsidiary and affiliateregional directors as well as the significant network of business contacts of its existing directors and executive management as the primary pipeline from which its director candidates are identified. The Company hasand also retained Diversified Searchretains third party consultants to aid it in identifying potential director candidates. Upon identifying a candidate for serious consideration, the Company’sour Chief Executive Officer and one or more members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee initially interviewsinterview such candidate. If the candidate merits further consideration, the candidate subsequently interviews with other Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee members (individually or as a group), and ultimately meets the remaining directors. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee elicits feedback from persons who meet the candidate and then determines whether or not to nominate the candidate.

The Company’sOur Corporate Governance Guidelines set forth the following criteria for directors: independence (in order to compose a Board of Directors that has a majority of its members who are independent); highest personal and professional ethics and integrity; willingness to devote sufficient time to fulfilling duties as a director; impact on the diversity of the Board’s overall experience in business, government, education, technology, and other areas relevant to the Company’sour business; impact on the diversity of the Board’s composition in terms of age, skills, ethnicity, and other factors relevant to the Company’sour business; and number of other public company boards on which the candidate may serve (generally, a director should not beserve on more than three public company boards in addition to the Company)Fifth Third). The Company’sOur Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that shareholders may propose nominees to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee by submitting the names and qualifications of such persons to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee no later than December 31 of each year. Submissions are to be addressed to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee at the Company’sour executive offices, which submissions will then be forwarded to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee wouldwill then evaluate the possible nominee using the criteria outlined above and wouldwill consider such person in comparison to all other candidates. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is not obligated to nominate any such individual for election. No such shareholder nominations have been received by the CompanyFifth Third for this Annual Meeting. Accordingly, no rejections or refusals of such candidates have been made by the Company.Fifth Third. Shareholders may also nominate candidates directly for election by following the procedures in the Company’sour Code of Regulations. These are summarized in the “2017“2019 Shareholder Proposals” section of this proxy statement.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors has nominated for election as directors the following eleven (11)twelve (12) persons: Nicholas K. Akins, B. Evan Bayh III, Jorge L.

Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement11


LOGO         

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Benitez, Katherine B. Blackburn, Emerson L. Brumback, Jerry W. Burris, Greg D. Carmichael, Gary R. Heminger, Jewell D. Hoover, Eileen A. Mallesch, Michael B. McCallister, Hendrik G. Meijer, and Marsha C. Williams.

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

The following tables set forth information with respect to each director nominee for election at the Annual Meeting including their business experience, share holdingsshareholdings, and qualifications as a director of the Company.our directors. The Board of Directors has determined that all director nominees have met the independence standards of Rule 5605(a)(2) of the National Association of Securities Dealers listing standards with the exception of Mr. Carmichael.

           Shares of Company
Common Stock
Beneficially Owned

on January 31,
2016(1)
 
    

Name, Age and Principal Occupation During the Past Five Years

  Director
Since
   Number(2)(3)   Percent
of Class
 
  NOMINEES FOR ELECTION AS DIRECTORS:      
LOGO  NICHOLAS K. AKINS, 55, is the Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer of American Electric Power.   2013     0     .0000
  

Mr. Akins possesses valuable business expertise obtained in his role as the Chief Executive Officer of a large, multi-state electric utility where he gained experience from a focus on local operating utilities, community involvement, government relations and regulations at the state, local and federal levels. Mr. Akins has experience in all facets of operational, financial and compliance related activities in a heavily regulated business and industry.

 

                                                                                  

       

  

 

LOGO

  

B. EVAN BAYH III, 60, is a Partner in the law firm McGuireWoods LLP and a senior advisor to the private equity firm, Apollo Global Management. Mr. Bayh also serves on the Board of Directors of Marathon Petroleum Corporation, Berry Plastics Group, Inc. and RLJ Lodging Trust.

 

   2011     15,358     .0020
  

For two decades, first as Governor of Indiana and then in the United States Senate, Mr. Bayh dealt with a variety of financial, economic and policy issues that impact a wide variety of businesses. He had supervisory authority over thousands of employees and oversaw a budget in excess of $10 billion. As a member of the Senate Banking Committee and Chairman of the International Trade and Finance Subcommittee, Mr. Bayh gained perspective on issues of particular relevance to Fifth Third Bancorp.

 

                                                                                  

       

  

LOGO  

JORGE L. BENITEZ, 56, is the retired Chief Executive Officer of North America of Accenture plc and a director of World Fuel Services Corporation. Previously, from September 2006 to August 2011, Mr. Benitez served as Chief Operating Officer of Accenture’s Products Operating Group.

 

   2015     0     .0000
  

Mr. Benitez brings to the Board his extensive experience developing and executing business strategies across a range of industries, particularly air, freight and travel and transportation services, as well as significant executive experience running operating units within a large multinational publicly-traded corporation.

 

                                                                                  

     

  

ELECTION OF DIRECTORSNominees for Election as Directors

           Shares of Company
Common Stock
Beneficially Owned

on January 31,
2016(1)
 
    

Name, Age and Principal Occupation During the Past Five Years

  Director
Since
   Number(2)(3)   Percent
of Class
 

 

LOGO

  

KATHERINE B. BLACKBURN, 50, is the Executive Vice President of the Cincinnati Bengals, Inc.

 

   2014     19,500     .0025
  

Ms. Blackburn possesses valuable and unique business experience in running operations for the Cincinnati Bengals professional football franchise. Her experiences have given her skills and expertise that qualify her for Board service, including her roles in player contract negotiations, oversight of the team’s management of the NFL salary cap, her service as chair of the NFL’s diversity committee and Super Bowl committee and her position as one of six trustees of the Player Retirement Benefit Board (three of whom are retired players and three of whom are NFL Club representatives), as well as her education and prior experiences as an attorney. Additionally, Ms. Blackburn brings to the Board knowledge and familiarity of the Company and its headquarters city of Cincinnati.

 

                                                                                  

          

  

LOGO  

EMERSON L. BRUMBACK, 64, Retired President & COO of M&T Bank. Former director of M&T Bank Corporation. Vice Chairman of the Board of the Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation.

 

   2009     32,358     .0041
  

Mr. Brumback possesses a vast amount of knowledge regarding banking through his experience of more than 30 years in the financial services industry with several banking organizations, including the Buffalo branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. He has gained valuable insight through his experience in executive positions overseeing many aspects of the banking field, including retail banking, commercial banking, banking operations and systems. He also brings his experience as a former board member with another financial services company.

 

                                                                                  

        

  

 

LOGO

  

GREG D. CARMICHAEL,54, Chief Executive Officer of Fifth Third Bancorp since November 2015 and President since September 2012. Previously, Mr. Carmichael was Chief Operating Officer of Fifth Third Bancorp from June 2006 to August 2015, Executive Vice President from June 2006 to September 2012 and Chief Information Officer from June 2003 to June 2006.

 

   2015     1,015,421     .1295
  

Mr. Carmichael possesses valuable insight and knowledge to the Board due to his service as its Chief Executive Officer and his prior role as Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Carmichael also brings important technical expertise from his years of service as Chief Information Officer and his prior service in information technology roles with prior employers.

 

                                                                                  

      

  

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

           Shares of Company
Common Stock
Beneficially Owned

on January 31,
2016(1)
 
    

Name, Age and Principal Occupation During the Past Five Years

  Director
Since
   Number(2)(3)   Percent
of Class
 
LOGO  

GARY R. HEMINGER, 62, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Marathon Petroleum Corporation and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MPLX GP LLC (the general partner of MPLX LP).

 

   2006     39,436     .0050
  

Mr. Heminger possesses valuable business knowledge gained from his responsibilities in overseeing all operations, performance, reporting and financial metrics for Marathon’s refining, marketing, transportation and Speedway business and has financial experience through his oversight of all financial data, working capital, and merger and acquisition activity.

 

                                                                                  

      

  

LOGO  

JEWELL D. HOOVER, 67, author of the “Ultimate Guide for Bank Directors” and retired senior official with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Ms. Hoover is also a former director of First Charter Corporation and was a principal with the bank consulting firm of Hoover and Associates, LLC until 2014.

 

   2009     30,495     .0039
  

Ms. Hoover’s qualifications for service as a director of the Company include 28 years of service with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, including service as the Deputy Comptroller of the agency’s Western District. She also has gained valuable banking experience and knowledge as a bank consultant for corporate governance, director training and problem bank resolution matters. Additionally, she has first-hand knowledge of the Company through her service as a former affiliate director and director of a predecessor banking organization.

 

                                                                                  

        

  

LOGO

  

MICHAEL B. MCCALLISTER, 63, is the retired Chairman of the Board of Directors of Humana Inc. Mr. McCallister was the Chief Executive Officer of Humana Inc. from February 2000 until December 2012. He was elected as a Humana board member in February 2000 and was Chairman of the Board from August 2010 to December 2013. Director of AT&T Inc. and director of Zoetis Inc.

 

   2011     16,143     .0021
  

As a 39-year veteran of Humana Inc., Mr. McCallister brings an unparalleled depth of experience in the health care sector combined with an intimate knowledge of Humana’s operational, financial and strategic development. Beyond Humana, Mr. McCallister plays a leadership role in key business advocacy organizations. He served on the board of the Business Roundtable and is the past chairman of the organization’s Health and Retirement Task Force.

 

                                                                                  

       

  

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

           Shares of Company
Common Stock
Beneficially Owned

on January 31,
2016(1)
 
    

Name, Age and Principal Occupation During the Past Five Years

  Director
Since
   Number(2)(3)   Percent
of Class
 

LOGO

 

  

HENDRIK G. MEIJER, 64, Co-Chairman, Director and Chief Executive Officer of Meijer, Inc. and its affiliates, a food and general merchandise retailer with approximately 223 supercenters located in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin.

 

   2001     71,120     .0091
  

Mr. Meijer has extensive business knowledge and experience gained through his position as the Chief Executive Officer of a company with more than 65,000 employees and approximately 223 retail locations that competes successfully with the largest retailers in the United States. Mr. Meijer also has valuable banking knowledge through his service as a director of a predecessor banking organization.

 

                                                                                  

      

  

LOGO

 

  

MARSHA C. WILLIAMS, 64, retired Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Orbitz Worldwide, Inc. from July 2007 through December 31, 2010. From 2002 to 2007, Ms. Williams served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Equity Office Properties Trust, the nation’s largest owner and operator of office buildings. Supervisory Director of Chicago Bridge & Iron Company N.V. Lead Independent Director of Modine Manufacturing Company. Director of the Davis Funds.

 

   2008     31,822     .0041
  

Ms. Williams’ qualifications for director include her extensive experience in financial matters including 42 years in finance and her service as the Chief Financial Officer of Orbitz and Equity Office Properties Trust as well as her service on the board of directors of other publicly traded corporations and mutual funds. Ms. Williams also possesses knowledge and experience in the financial services industry through her 15 years of service with other banking organizations.

 

                                                                                  

       

  

  NON-CONTINUING DIRECTORS:      

 

LOGO

  

ULYSSES L. BRIDGEMAN, JR., 61, is the owner and President of B.F. Companies, which operates a number of Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburger restaurants and Chili’s restaurants. Director of Churchill Downs, Incorporated.

 

   2007     36,989     .0047
                                                                                                                               

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

           Shares of Company
Common Stock
Beneficially Owned

on January 31,
2016(1)
 
    

Name, Age and Principal Occupation During the Past Five Years

  Director
Since
   Number(2)(3)   Percent
of Class
 
LOGO  

JAMES P. HACKETT, 60, Vice Chair and Director of Steelcase Inc., a manufacturer of office systems. Previously, Mr. Hackett also served as the Chief Executive Officer of Steelcase Inc. until March 1, 2014 and its President until April 2013. Mr. Hackett was named interim Athletic Director of the University of Michigan on October 31, 2014. Trustee of The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. Director of Ford Motor Company.

 

   2001     48,452     .0062
                                                                                                                               

 

LOGO

  

KEVIN T. KABAT,58, Vice Chairman of the Bancorp since September 2012. Previously, Mr. Kabat was Chief Executive Officer of the Bancorp from April 2007 to November 2015 and President of the Bancorp from June 2006 through September 2012. Prior to that, he was Executive Vice President of the Bancorp from December 2003 through June 2006. Director of Unum Group and NiSource.

 

   2007     3,423,952     .4358
                                                                                                                               
  

All directors and executive officers as a Group (28 persons)

 

     7,750,170     .9895

 

(1)As reported to

Shares of Company Common
Stock Beneficially Owned on
January 31, 2018
(1)

            

Name, Age, and Principal Occupation

During the Past Five Years

 

 

 Director Since 

 

 

  Number(2)  

 

 

 

  Percent  

  of Class  

 

   
   
  

 

LOGO

   

Nicholas K. Akins,57

Chair, President, & Chief Executive Officer

of American Electric Power Company

 

 2013 21,489 .0031%  
       

 

Mr. Akins’ qualifications for service as a director include business expertise as the Chief Executive Officer of a large, multi-state electric utility where he focuses on local operating utilities, community involvement, government relations, and regulations at the state, local, and federal levels. Mr. Akins has experience in all facets of operational, financial, and compliance-related activities in a heavily regulated business and industry.

 

 

 

 

            

 

Name, Age, and Principal Occupation

During the Past Five Years

 

 

 Director Since 

 

 

  Number(2)  

 

 

  Percent  

  of Class  

 

   
   
  

 

LOGO

   

B. Evan Bayh III,62

Partner with the law firm McGuireWoods LLP; Senior Advisor to the private equity firm, Apollo Global Management; Board of Directors for Marathon Petroleum Corporation, Berry Plastics Group, Inc., and RLJ Lodging Trust. Previously, Mr. Bayh served as Governor of Indiana and as a United States Senator.

 

 2011 19,981 .0029%  
       

 

Mr. Bayh’s qualifications for service as a director include two decades of experience in government service. First as Governor of Indiana and then in the United States Senate, Mr. Bayh dealt with a variety of financial, economic, and policy issues that impact a wide variety of businesses. He had supervisory authority over thousands of employees and oversaw a budget in excess of $10 billion. As a member of the Senate Banking Committee and Chair of the International Trade and Finance Subcommittee, Mr. Bayh gained perspective on issues of particular relevance to Fifth Third Bancorp.

 

12

        Fifth Third Bancorp by the Directors as of the date stated. Includes shares held in the name of spouses, minor children, certain relatives, trusts, estates and certain affiliated companies as to which beneficial ownership may be disclaimed. As of January 31, 2016, none of the Company’s current executive officers or directors owned any Series H Preferred Stock, Series I Preferred Stock, Series J Preferred Stock, or any Depositary Shares representing interests in Series H Preferred Stock, Series I Preferred Stock or Series J Preferred Stock.2018 Proxy Statement


ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

        LOGO

 

(2)The amounts shown represent the total shares owned outright by such individuals together with shares which are issuable upon the exercise

Shares of currently exercisable (or exercisable within 60 days), but unexercised, stock appreciation rights. Specifically, the following individuals have the right to acquire the shares indicated after their names, upon the exercise of stock appreciation rights: Mr. Bridgeman, 500; Mr. Carmichael, 815,700; Ms. Hoover, 500 and Mr. Kabat, 2,498,096. The aggregate number of shares issuable upon the exercise of currently exercisable (or exercisable within 60 days), but unexercised, stock appreciation rights held by the executive officers who are not also directors or nominees is 1,663,914.Company Common
Stock Beneficially Owned on
January 31, 2018
(1)

 

            

 

Name, Age, and Principal Occupation

During the Past Five Years

 

 

 Director Since 

 

 

  Number(2)  

 

 

  Percent  

  of Class  

 

   
   
  

LOGO

 

   

Jorge L. Benitez,58

Retired Chief Executive Officer of North America of Accenture; Director of World Fuel Services Corporation. Previously, from September 2006 to August 2011, Mr. Benitez served as Chief Operating Officer of Accenture’s Products Operating Group.

 

 2015 10,728 .0015%  
       

 

Mr. Benitez’s qualifications for service as a director include extensive experience developing and executing business strategies across a range of industries, particularly air, freight, and travel and transportation services, as well as significant executive experience running operating units within a large multinational publicly-traded corporation.

 

            

 

Name, Age, and Principal Occupation

During the Past Five Years

 

 

 Director Since 

 

 

  Number(2)  

 

 

  Percent  

  of Class  

 

   
   
  

LOGO

 

   

Katherine B. Blackburn,52

Executive Vice President of the

Cincinnati Bengals, Inc.

 

 2014 36,102 .0052%  
       

 

Ms. Blackburn’s qualifications for service as a director include business experience in running operations for the Cincinnati Bengals professional football franchise. She has extensive experience with human resource and personnel matters, cost and efficiency management, and negotiations of complex partnerships and business ventures for large and multi-faceted enterprises. Ms. Blackburn also has extensive experience with management of diversity and inclusion initiatives for large organizations through her role on the National Football League’s Diversity Committee. Additionally, Ms. Blackburn holds a law degree and brings to the Board knowledge and familiarity of Fifth Third and the City of Cincinnati.

 

(3)The amounts shown do not include shares
Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement13


LOGO         

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Shares of common stock underlying outstanding restricted stock units. Directors owned the following number of restricted stock units as of Company Common
Stock Beneficially Owned on
January 31, 2016: Nicholas K. Akins, Ulysses L. Bridgeman, Emerson L. Brumback, B. Evan Bayh, Gary R. Heminger, Jewell D. Hoover, Kevin T. Kabat, Michael B. McCallister and Marsha C. Williams, 9,883 (each); Katherine H. Blackburn, 5,260; Greg D. Carmichael, 102,302; and Hendrik G. Meijer, 10,042. All directors and executive officers as a group own 391,646 restricted stock units. None2018
(1)

            

 

Name, Age, and Principal Occupation

During the Past Five Years

 

 

 Director Since 

 

 

  Number(2)  

 

 

  Percent  

  of Class  

 

   
   
  

LOGO

 

   

Emerson L. Brumback,66

Retired President & Chief Operating Officer of M&T Bank; Former Director of M&T Bank Corporation; Vice Chair of the Board of the Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation.

 

 2009 53,343 .0077%  
       

 

Mr. Brumback’s qualifications for service as a director include banking expertise through his 30 years of experience in the financial services industry with several banking organizations, including the Buffalo branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. He has gained valuable insight through his experience in executive positions overseeing many aspects of the banking field, including retail banking, commercial banking, banking operations, and systems. Mr. Brumback also brings his experience as a former board member with another financial services company.

 

            

 

Name, Age, and Principal Occupation

During the Past Five Years

 

 

 Director Since 

 

 

  Number(2)  

 

 

  Percent  

  of Class  

 

   
   
  

LOGO

 

   

Jerry W. Burris,54

Retired President & Chief Executive Officer of Associated Materials Group, Inc.; Previous Division President of General Electric; Current Director of Pentair PLC.

 

 2016 1,755 .0003%  
       

 

Mr. Burris’ qualifications for service as a director include management expertise as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Associated Manufacturing and as a division president with General Electric. Mr. Burris’ expertise includes strong technical marketing skills, a sound understanding of how to best integrate technology, rapid innovation, mergers and acquisitions, and cost and efficiency management. He also brings experience from his service on a public company board’s compensation and governance and audit committees.

 

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        Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement


ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

        LOGO

Shares of these restricted stock units are expected to vest within 60 days of Company Common
Stock Beneficially Owned on
January 31, 2016.2018
(1)

            

 

Name, Age, and Principal Occupation

During the Past Five Years

 

 

 Director Since 

 

 

  Number(2)  

 

 

  Percent  

  of Class  

 

   
   
  

LOGO

 

 

   

Greg D. Carmichael,56

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President of Fifth Third Bancorp; Elected Chairman in 2018, and has served as Chief Executive Officer since November 2015 and President since September 2012; Previous Chief Operating Officer of Fifth Third Bancorp from June 2006 to August 2015 and Chief Information Officer from June 2003 to June 2006.

 

 2015 1,172,408 .1687%  
       

 

Mr. Carmichael’s qualifications for service as a director include valuable insight and knowledge for the Board due to his service as its Chief Executive Officer and his prior role as Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Carmichael also brings important technical expertise from his years of service as Fifth Third’s Chief Information Officer and his prior service in information technology roles with prior employers.

 

            

 

Name, Age, and Principal Occupation

During the Past Five Years

 

 

 Director Since 

 

 

  Number(2)  

 

 

  Percent  

  of Class  

 

   
   
  

LOGO

 

 

   

Gary R. Heminger,64

President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chair of Marathon Petroleum Corporation; Chair and Chief Executive Officer of MPLX GP LLC (the general partner of MPLX LP); MPLX LP is a consolidated master limited partnership formed by Marathon Petroleum Corporation; Director at PPG Industries, Inc.

 

 2006 44,082 .0063%  
       

 

 

Mr. Heminger’s qualifications for service as a director include valuable business knowledge gained from his responsibilities in overseeing all operations, performance, reporting, and financial metrics for Marathon’s refining, marketing, transportation, and Speedway business. He has financial experience through his oversight of all financial data, working capital, and merger and acquisition activity.

 

 

 

Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement15


LOGO         

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

Shares of Company Common
Stock Beneficially Owned on
January 31, 2018
(1)

            

 

Name, Age, and Principal Occupation

During the Past Five Years

 

 

 Director Since 

 

 

  Number(2)  

 

 

  Percent  

  of Class  

 

   
   
  

LOGO

 

   

Jewell D. Hoover,69

Retired Senior Official with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency; Author of the “Ultimate Guide for Bank Directors”; Former Director of First Charter Corporation; Principal with the bank consulting firm Hoover and Associates, LLC until 2014.

 

 2009 43,685 .0063%  
       

 

Ms. Hoover’s qualifications for service as a director include 28 years of service with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, including service as the Deputy Comptroller of the agency’s Western District. Ms. Hoover also has gained valuable banking experience and knowledge as a bank consultant for corporate governance, director training, and problem bank resolution matters. Additionally, she has first-hand knowledge of Fifth Third through her service as a director of its North Carolina affiliate and a predecessor banking organization.

 

            

 

Name, Age, and Principal Occupation

During the Past Five Years

 

 

 Director Since 

 

 

  Number(2)  

 

 

  Percent  

  of Class  

 

   
   
  LOGO   

Eileen A. Mallesch,62

Retired Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer of Nationwide Property & Casualty Segment, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company; Former Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer for Genworth Financial Life Insurance/Service Co.; Currently serves on Board of Directors for Libbey, Inc. and State Auto Financial Corp., and previously served as director for Bob Evans Farms, Inc.

 

 2016 7,044 .0010%  
       

 

Ms. Mallesch’s qualifications for service as a director include financial management experience from her roles as Chief Financial Officer for both Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Genworth Financial Life Insurance/Service Co. She has more than 25 years of broad finance and strategy experience in a variety of industries, ranging from insurance and telecommunications to consumer products and manufacturing. In addition, Ms. Mallesch brings vast knowledge in enterprise resource planning and large-scale technology integrations, strategic planning, and managing acquisitions, divestures, and risk and compliance management. Ms. Mallesch is also a Certified Public Accountant.

 

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        Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement


ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

        LOGO

 

Shares of Company Common
Stock Beneficially Owned on
January 31, 2018
(1)

            

 

Name, Age, and Principal Occupation

During the Past Five Years

 

 

 Director Since 

 

 

  Number(2)  

 

 

  Percent  

  of Class  

 

   
   
  

 

LOGO

   

Michael B. McCallister,65

Retired Chair of the Board of Directors of Humana, Inc.; Previous Chief Executive Officer of Humana Inc. from February 2000 to December 2012; Humana board member in February 2000 and Chair of the Board from August 2010 until December 2013; Mr. McCallister joined Humana in June 1974; Current Director of AT&T Inc. and of Zoetis Inc.

 

 

 

2011

 

 

37,562

 

 

.0054%

  
       

 

Mr. McCallister’s qualifications for service as a director include 39 years of experience in the health care sector at Humana, Inc. combined with an intimate knowledge of Humana’s operational, financial, and strategic development. Beyond Humana, Mr. McCallister plays a leadership role in key business advocacy organizations. He served on the board of the Business Roundtable and is the past chair of the organization’s Health and Retirement Task Force.

 

            

 

Name, Age, and Principal Occupation

During the Past Five Years

 

 

 Director Since 

 

 

  Number(2)  

 

 

  Percent  

  of Class  

 

   
   
  

 

LOGO

   

Marsha C. Williams,66

Retired Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer of Orbitz Worldwide, Inc. from July 2007 to December 2010; Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer of Equity Office Properties Trust from 2002 to 2007; Supervisory Director of Chicago Bridge & Iron Company N.V.; Lead Independent Director of Modine Manufacturing Company; Director of the Davis Funds.

 

 2008 31,751 .0046%  
       

 

Ms. Williams’ qualifications for service as a director include her extensive experience in financial matters including 42 years in finance and her service as the Chief Financial Officer of Orbitz and Equity Office Properties Trust as well as her service on the board of directors of other publicly traded corporations and mutual funds. Ms. Williams also possesses knowledge and experience in the financial services industry gained through her 15 years of service with other banking organizations.

 

 

    All directors and executive officers as a Group (22 persons)

  2,765,194  .3974%

(1)        As reported to Fifth Third Bancorp by the Directors as of the date stated. Includes shares held in the name of spouses, minor children, certain relatives, trusts, estates, and certain affiliated companies as to which beneficial ownership may be disclaimed. As of January 31, 2018, none of the Company’s current executive officers or directors owned any Series H Preferred Stock, Series I Preferred Stock, Series J Preferred Stock, or any Depositary Shares representing interests in Series H Preferred Stock, Series I Preferred Stock, or Series J Preferred Stock.

(2)        The amounts shown represent the total shares owned outright by such individuals together with stock appreciation rights exercisable (or exercisable within 60 days) as of January 31, 2018 but unexercised and shares of common stock underlying outstanding restricted stock units. Specifically, the following individuals have the number of stock appreciation rights exercisable (or exercisable within 60 days) as of January 31, 2018 indicated after their names: Ms. Hoover, 500; Mr. Carmichael, 772,860. The amounts listed for stock appreciation rights represent the number of rights that may be exercised; the actual number of shares delivered will vary based on

Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement17


LOGO         

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

the stock’s appreciation over the grant price at the time of exercise. The aggregate number of stock appreciation rights currently exercisable (or exercisable within 60 days) but unexercised held by the executive officers who are not also directors or nominees is 528,188. Directors owned the following number of restricted stock units as of January 31, 2018: Nicholas K. Akins, 21,490; B. Evan Bayh III, 20,611; Jorge L. Benitez, 10,728; Katherine B. Blackburn, 16,602; Emerson L. Brumback, 20,611; Jerry W. Burris, 7,045; Greg D. Carmichael, 260,112; Gary R. Heminger, 20,611; Jewell D. Hoover, 20,611; Eileen A. Mallesch, 7,045; Michael B. McCallister, 21,490; and Marsha C. Williams, 25,423. Some directors have deferred receipt of the common stock underlying certain of their restricted stock units: B. Evan Bayh III, 15,988; Jerry W. Burris, 5,289, Gary R. Heminger, 15,988; Jewell D. Hoover, 5,522; and Marsha C. Williams, 25,423. All directors and executive officers as a group own 942,635 restricted stock units. 303,010 of these restricted stock units are subject to vesting within 60 days of January 31, 2018.

VOTE REQUIREDVote Required

Under Ohio law and the Company’sour Articles of Incorporation and Code of Regulations, as long as cumulative voting is not in effect, in an uncontested election of directors (i.e., an election where the number of candidates nominated for election to the Board of Directors equals the number of directors to be elected), those personseach person receiving a greater number of votes “for” his or her election than votes “against” his or her election will be elected as directors.a director. In the event of a contested election or if cumulative voting is in effect, the eleventwelve nominees receiving the greatest number of votes “for” his or hertheir election shall be elected. The Company hasWe have also adopted provisions of itsour Corporate Governance Guidelines stating that, as long as cumulative voting is not in effect, in an uncontested election of directors, any nominee for director who receives a greater number of votes “against” his or her election than votes “for” his or her election will promptly tender his or her resignation to the ChairmanChair of the Board following certification of the shareholder vote. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will promptly consider the tendered resignation and will recommend to the Board whether to accept or reject the tendered resignation no later than 60 days following the date of the shareholders’ meeting at which the election occurred. In considering whether to accept or reject the tendered resignation, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider factors deemed relevant by the Committeeits members including, without limitation, the director’s length of service, the director’s particular qualifications and contributions to Fifth Third, the reasons underlying the majority against“against” vote (if known) and whether these reasons can be cured, and compliance with stock exchange listing standards and the Corporate Governance Guidelines. The Board will act on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s recommendation no later than 90 days following the date of the shareholders’ meeting at which the election occurred. In considering the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s recommendation, the Board will consider the factors considered by that committeethe Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and such additional information and factors the Board believes to be relevant.

If any nominee(s) shall be unable to serve, which is not now contemplated, the proxies will be voted for such substitute nominee(s) as the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors recommends. Proxies in the form solicited hereby which are returned to the Companyus and not revoked will be voted in favor of the eleven (11)twelve (12) nominees specified above unless otherwise instructed by the shareholder. Abstentions and shares not voted by brokers or other entities holding shares on behalf of beneficial owners will not be counted and will have no effect on the outcome of the election in accordance with Ohio law and the Company’sour Articles of Incorporation and Code of Regulations.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” EACH OF THE

OF THE CANDIDATES FOR DIRECTOR NAMED ABOVE.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS, ITS COMMITTEES, MEETINGS AND FUNCTIONS

18

        Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement

The


BOARD OF DIRECTORS, ITS COMMITTEES, MEETINGS AND FUNCTIONS

        LOGO

Our Board of Directors of the Company met thirteen (13)eleven (11) times during 2015. The Company’s2017. Our Board of Directors also regularly holds executive sessions of those members of the Board of Directors who meet the then current standards of independence. The chairmanIn 2017, the chair at these executive sessions iswas the ChairmanChair of the Company’s Board of Directors.

No member In 2018, following the election of Mr. Carmichael as Chair of the Board of Directors, executive sessions of members of the CompanyBoard who meet the current standards of independence will be led by the Lead Director.

No current member of our Board of Directors attended less than 75% of the aggregate meetings of the Board of Directors and all committees on which such director served during 2015.2017.

Neither the Board nor the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has implemented a formal policy regarding director attendance at the Annual Meeting; however, the Board typically holds a Board meeting directly following the Annual Meeting. In 2015,2017, all directors except Ms. Blackburn attended the Annual Meeting.

During 2015,2017, there were six (6)five (5) committees of the Board of Directors: Audit, Human Capital and Compensation, Finance, Nominating and Corporate Governance, Regulatory Oversight, and Risk and ComplianceCompliance.

TheOur Audit Committee of the Company was established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act and serves in a dual capacity as the Audit Committee of the CompanyFifth Third Bancorp and Fifth Third Bank. Twelve (12) meetings of thisthe Audit Committee were held during 2015. This2017. The Audit Committee’s functions include the engagement of the independent external audit firm, reviewing with that firm the plans and results of the audit engagement of the Company, approving the annual audit plan and reviewing the results of the procedures for internal auditing, reviewing the independence of the independent external audit firm, reviewing the Company’sour financial results and periodic SEC filings, reviewing the design and effectiveness of the Company’sour internal controls and similar functions, and approving all auditing andnon-auditing services performed by itsour independent external audit firm. Another function of the Audit Committee is to carry out the statutory requirements of a bank audit committee as prescribed under applicable law. The Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee which may be found inalso oversees the Corporate Governance sectionadministration of the Company’s website at www.53.com.Fifth Third’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and considers any material waivers thereto. The Audit Committee members for 20152017 were Emerson L. Brumback Nicholas K. Akins,(Chair), Katherine B. Blackburn, Jerry W. Burris, and Jewell D. Hoover. Michael B. McCallister also served onMarsha C. Williams was a member of the Audit Committee from January through April of 2015.2017. All members of the Audit Committee met the independence standards of Rule 5605(a)(2) and the audit committee qualifications of Rule 4350(d)(2) of the National Association of Securities Dealers listing standards. The Board of Directors has determined that Nicholas K. Akins and Emerson L. Brumback areis an audit committee financial expertsexpert for the CompanyFifth Third Bancorp and areis independent as described in the preceding sentence. The Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee, which may be found in the Corporate Governance section of our website at www.53.com. The formal report of the Audit Committee with respect to the year 20152017 is on page 6466 herein.

TheOur Finance Committee of the Company serves in a dual capacity as the Finance Committee of the CompanyFifth Third Bancorp and Fifth Third Bank. ThisThe Finance Committee met six (6) times in 2017. The Finance Committee exercises, during the intervals between the meetings of the Board of Directors, all the powers of the Board of Directors of the CompanyFifth Third Bancorp and Fifth Third Bank in the management of the business, properties, and affairs of the Company and Fifth Third Bankboth entities that may be permissibly exercised by a committee thereof. The Finance Committee met five (5) times in 2015 and consisted

Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement19


LOGO         

BOARD OF DIRECTORS, ITS COMMITTEES, MEETINGS AND FUNCTIONS

of Gary R. Heminger (Chair), Nicholas K. Akins, Emerson L. Brumback, James P. Hackett, Gary R. Heminger,Jewell D. Hoover, Michael B. McCallister, and Marsha C. Williams and Kevin Kabat.Williams. The Board of Directors has adopted a Finance Committee charter which may be found in the Corporate Governance section of the Company’sour website at www.53.com.

Our Human Capital and Compensation Committee is comprised entirely of independent directors. The Human Capital and Compensation Committee of the Company is comprised entirely of independent directors.met seven (7) times during 2017. Executive compensation and equity plan allocations are determined by this Committee of the Board of Directors. In 2017, the Human Capital and Compensation Committee consisted of Michael B. McCallister (Chair), Nicholas K. Akins, Gary R. Heminger, and Eileen A. Mallesch. Former Director Hendrik G. Meijer also served on the Human Capital and Compensation Committee from January through April 2017. The Board of Directors has adopted a Human Capital and Compensation Committee charter which may be found in the Corporate Governance section of the Company’sour website at www.53.com. In 2015, the Human Capital and Compensation Committee consisted of Nicholas K. Akins, Gary R. Heminger, Michael B. McCallister, Hendrik G. Meijer and Marsha C. Williams. Mitchel D. Livingston, Ph.D., also served on the

BOARD OF DIRECTORS, ITS COMMITTEES, MEETINGS AND FUNCTIONS

Human Capital and Compensation Committee from January through April of 2015. The Human Capital and Compensation Committee met nine (9) times during 2015. The formal report of the Human Capital and Compensation Committee with respect to 20152017 compensation is on page 6151 herein.

Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is comprised entirely of independent directors. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Company comprised entirely of independent directors. Thismet four (4) times during 2017. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee develops and recommends to the Board corporate governance policies and guidelines for the Company and for the identification and nomination of director and committee member candidates;candidates and nominates directors for election to the Board and appointment to committee membership. In 2017, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee consisted of Nicholas K. Akins (Chair), B. Evan Bayh III, Jorge L. Benitez, Katherine B. Blackburn, Gary R. Heminger and Marsha C. Williams. The Board of Directors has adopted a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee charter which may be found in the Corporate Governance section of the Company’sour website at www.53.com. In 2015, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee consisted of B. Evan Bayh, Ulysses L. Bridgeman, Jr., Gary R. Heminger and Hendrik G. Meijer. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee met three (3) times during 2015.

TheOur Risk and Compliance Committee of the Company serves in a dual capacity as the Risk and Compliance Committee of the CompanyBancorp and the Bank. ThisThe Risk and Compliance Committee met ten (10) times in 2017. The Risk and Compliance Committee is responsible for the risk management policies of the Corporation’sFifth Third’s global operation and oversight of its global risk management framework.framework, including processes for identifying, assessing, managing, monitoring, and reporting risks of all types, including the categories of credit risk, market risk, liquidity risk, operational risk (including cyber security risk), regulatory compliance risk, legal risk, reputational risk, and strategic risk. The Risk and Compliance Committee consisted of five independent directors: Jewell D. Hoover (Chair), B. Evan Bayh III, Jorge L. Benitez, Jerry W. Burris, and Eileen A. Mallesch. Marsha C. Williams and former director Hendrik G. Meijer also served on the Risk and Compliance Committee from January through April 2017. The Board of Directors has adopted a Risk and Compliance Committee charter which may be found in the Corporate Governance section of the Company’sour website at www.53.com. The Risk and Compliance Committee met eleven (11) times in 2015 and consisted of five independent directors: B. Evan Bayh, Jorge L. Benitez, Jewell D. Hoover, Hendrik G. Meijer and Marsha C. Williams. Former director Mitchel D. Livingston, Ph.D., also served on the Risk and Compliance Committee from January through April of 2015.

The Regulatory Oversight Committee of the Company is comprised entirely of independent directors and serves in a dual capacity as the Regulatory Oversight Committee of the Company and Fifth Third Bank. This Committee oversees the Company’s supervisory issues and enforcement actions, if any, and the Company’s efforts to remediate them. The Regulatory Oversight Committee met eleven (11) times in 2015 and consisted of Nicholas K. Akins, Emerson L. Brumback, Jewell D. Hoover and Marsha C. Williams.

20

        Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement


CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

        LOGO

The Board of Directors has adopted the Fifth Third Bancorp Corporate Governance Guidelines which may be found in the Corporate Governance section of the Company’sour website at www.53.com. The Board of Directors has also adopted the Fifth Third Bancorp Code of Business Conduct and Ethics which applies to the Company’sour directors; Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Controller and itsController; and our other employeesemployees. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics may also be found in the Corporate Governance section of the Company’sour website at www.53.com.

BOARD LEADERSHIPBoard Leadership.

The same person does not currently serve as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman. The Company’s Chairman, James P. Hackett, is an independent, non-executive director and the Company also has an independent Lead Director, Marsha C. Williams. The position duty statement for the Lead Director may be found in the Corporate Governance Section of the Company’s website at www.53.com. The Board established this structure in order to allow the Chairman to provide support and guidance to the Chief Executive Officer while also allowing the Board to have a separate director handle governance matters and coordinate meetings of independent directors. Those decisions were based, in part, on the qualifications of the individuals serving in those roles including the experience of the Chairman as the former Chief Executive Officer of a global manufacturing organization and the experience of the Lead Director including her 42 years in finance and her service as the Chief Financial Officer of Orbitz and Equity Office Properties Trust as well as her service with other banking organizations. The Board believes that the Company’sour shareholders are best served by a Board that has the flexibility to establish a leadership structure that fits theour needs of the Company at any particular point in time. Under the Company’sAccordingly, under our Code of Regulations and Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Board of Directors has the authority to combine or separate the positions of ChairmanChair and Chief Executive Officer as well as determine whether, if the positions are separated, the ChairmanChair is an affiliated director or an independent director. It also has

The Board’s Chair is currently Fifth Third’s Chief Executive Officer and its former Chair, Marsha C. Williams, is the flexibility to operate without a Chairman or a Lead Independent Director.

In light of the retirement of Mr. Hackett as Chairman, the The Board will re-evaluate itsbelieves that this leadership structure is appropriate at this time given the contributions Mr. Carmichael has given to date in his role as CEO and roles underhis ability to provide strategic and operational leadership. The Board determined that leadership by our CEO coupled with our strong Lead Independent Director, experienced Committee Chairs, and our other well-qualified directors, all of whom are independent, will allow Fifth Third to grow and meet the guidancechallenges facing it and the industry.

Under our Code of its Lead Director and its NominatingRegulations and Corporate Governance Committee.Guidelines, our Lead Independent Director will:

RISK MANAGEMENT OVERSIGHT

The role

Preside at meetings of the Board of Directors isin the absence of the Chair;
Provide input to provide oversightthe Chair on the schedule of Board and Board Committee meetings, to ensure an effective enterprise riskthere is sufficient time for discussion of all agenda items;
Provide input to the Chair on agendas for Board meetings, while seeking agenda input from independent directors, and have authority to add items to the agenda for any Board meeting;
Provide input to the Chair on the quality, quantity, and timeliness of information submitted by management programthat is in place, including annecessary or appropriate enterprise risk management framework and related governance structure. The Board sets the overall risk appetite for the independent directors to effectively and responsibly perform their duties;
Function as a mentor to the CEO on Board issues and other matters affecting the Company;
Suggest calling full Board meetings to the Chair when appropriate and have the authority to call meetings of the independent directors when appropriate;
Organize, develop the agenda for, and lead executive sessions of the Board’s independent directors; act as the principal liaison between the independent directors and the Chair on issues arising in executive session and the outcomes, subject to any limitations specified by the independent directors;
Recommend to the Board the retention of consultants who directly report to the Board;
Make recommendations regarding Board candidates to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Board;
Assist the Board and Company including the establishmentofficers in compliance with and monitoringimplementation of risk tolerances. The formulation of risk appetite considers the Company’s operating capacity, which is represented by its available financial resources, defined as Tier 1 Capital lessCorporate Governance Guidelines;
Consult with the Company’s largest capital buffer (Tier 1 Common Capital Policy Target less the Basel III Buffered Tier 1 Common Minimum), that sets an absolute limitChair on risk assumption in the Company’s annual and strategic plans. The Company’s risk appetite is limited by policy to a maximum of 95 percent of operating capacity. Tolerances are the maximum amount of risk applicable to each of the eight specific risk categories included in the enterprise risk management framework. Through their oversight role, directors ensure that the risk management processes designed and implemented under this framework and governance structure are alignedrecommended revisions to the Board’s corporate strategyCorporate Governance Guidelines to the Nominating and are functioning as directed. The Board also considers the optimal organizational structure at both the Board andCorporate Governance Committee;

Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement21

management levels. This may include delegating responsibility through Board committees, management committees, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Risk Officer.

Risk management oversight and governance is provided primarily by the Risk and Compliance Committee of the Board of Directors and through the Enterprise Risk Management Committee, a management committee that reports to it. The Enterprise Risk Management Committee is supported by several management committees whose membership includes a broad cross-section of line of business, affiliate and support representatives. The Risk and Compliance Committee of the Board of Directors consists of five outside directors and has


LOGO         

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

Ensure availability for consultation and direct communication if requested by major shareholders;
Facilitate discussion among independent directors on key issues and concerns outside of Board meetings;
Act as a liaison to the CEO on the views, concerns, and issues of the independent directors;
Evaluate, along with the Human Capital and Compensation Committee, the CEO’s performance; meet with the CEO to discuss the Board’s evaluation;
Consult with the Chair on the membership and leadership of Board committees;
Serve as anex-officio member of the committees on which the Lead Independent Director is not a member;
Act as a liaison between the Chair and the board’s independent directors on matters relating to board performance evaluations;
Act as a liaison between the Chair and the board’s independent directors on issues relating to board culture;
Communicate, as appropriate, with regulators; and
Provide leadership in times of emergency and crisis.

Risk Management Oversight.The role of the Board of Directors is to provide oversight to ensure an effective enterprise risk management program is in place, including an appropriate enterprise risk management framework and related governance structure. The Board sets our overall risk appetite, including the establishment and monitoring of risk tolerances. The formulation of risk appetite considers our operating capacity, which is represented by its available financial resources, defined as Tier 1 Capital less our largest capital buffer (Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Policy Target less the Basel III Buffered Common Equity Tier 1 Minimum), that sets an absolute limit on risk assumption in our annual financial and strategic plans. Our risk appetite is limited by policy to a maximum of 95 percent of operating capacity. Tolerances are the maximum amount of risk applicable to each of the eight specific risk categories included in the enterprise risk management framework. Through their oversight role, directors ensure that the risk management processes designed and implemented under this framework and governance structure are aligned to the Board’s corporate strategy and are functioning as directed. The Board also considers the optimal organizational structure at both the Board and management levels. This may include delegating responsibility through Board committees, management committees, the Chief Executive Officer, and the Chief Risk Officer.

Risk management oversight and governance is provided primarily by the Risk and Compliance Committee of the Board of Directors and through the Enterprise Risk Management Committee, a management committee that reports to it. The Enterprise Risk Management Committee is supported by several management committees whose membership includes a broad cross-section of line of business and support representatives. The Risk and Compliance Committee of the Board of Directors currently consists of five outside directors and has responsibility for the oversight of our risk management, as well as ensuring that risks are properly controlled, quantified, and within our risk appetite.

The primary purpose of the Risk and Compliance Committee is responsibility for the risk management policies of our global operation and oversight of its global risk management framework.

 

responsibility for the oversight of risk management for the Company, as well as ensuring that risks are properly controlled, quantified and within the Company’s risk appetite.22

The primary purpose of the Risk and Compliance Committee is responsibility for the risk management policies of the Corporation’s global operation and oversight of its global risk management framework.

The Risk and Compliance Committee charter outlines more specific responsibilities under all categories of risk. The Chief Risk Officer has a direct reporting relationship to the Chief Executive Officer and the Risk and Compliance Committee and has regular executive sessions with the Risk and Compliance Committee without other members of management present. In addition, the Director of Credit Risk Review reports directly to the Risk and Compliance Committee.

COMMUNICATION WITH THE BOARD

Shareholders may communicate directly to the Board of Directors in writing by sending a letter to the Board at:        Fifth Third Bancorp Board of Directors, 38 Fountain Square Plaza, MD 10AT76, Cincinnati OH, 45263 or by a secure e-mail via the Company’s website at www.53.com. All communications directed to the Board of Directors will be received and processed by the Fifth Third Legal Department and will be transmitted to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee without any editing or screening by the Legal Department.

The Audit Committee has also established Fifth Third’s EthicsLine, a toll free hotline through which confidential complaints may be made by employees regarding: illegal or fraudulent activity; questionable accounting, internal controls or auditing matters; conflicts of interest, dishonest or unethical conduct; disclosures in the Company’s SEC reports, bank regulatory filings and other public disclosures that are not full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable; violations of the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics; and/or any other violations of laws, rules or regulations. Complaints submitted through this process are presented to the Audit Committee on a regular, periodic basis.2018 Proxy Statement


CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

        LOGO

The Risk and Compliance Committee charter outlines more specific responsibilities under all categories of risk. The Chief Risk Officer has a direct reporting relationship to the Chief Executive Officer and the Risk and Compliance Committee and has regular executive sessions with the Risk and Compliance Committee without other members of management present. In addition, the Director of Credit Risk Review reports directly to the Risk and Compliance Committee.

Communication with the Board. Shareholders may communicate directly to the Board of Directors in writing by sending a letter to the Board at: Fifth Third Bancorp Board of Directors, c/o Fifth Third Legal Department, Office of the Corporate Secretary, 38 Fountain Square Plaza, MD 10909F, Cincinnati, OH 45263. All communications directed to the Board of Directors will be received and processed by the Fifth Third Legal Department and will be transmitted to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

The Audit Committee has also established Fifth Third’s Ethics Line, a toll-free hotline and web portal through which confidential complaints may be made regarding: illegal or fraudulent activity; questionable accounting, internal controls or auditing matters; conflicts of interest, dishonest or unethical conduct, including incentive gaming; disclosures in the Company’s SEC reports, bank regulatory filings, and other public disclosures that are not full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable; violations of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics; and/or any other violations of laws, rules, or regulations. The contact information for the Ethics Line is available in the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which is available at our website. Complaints submitted through this process are presented to the Audit Committee on a regular, periodic basis.

Shareholder Communication with Investor Relations Department.Shareholders who wish to speak to a Fifth Third representative regarding their investment in Fifth Third may communicate directly with our Investor Relations Department by calling866-670-0468. In addition, shareholders may communicate in writing directly with the Investor Relations Department by sending a letter to 38 Fountain Square Plaza, MD 1090QC, Cincinnati, OH 45263 or by emailing ir@53.com. Shareholders can also view information and request documents from the Investor Relations page of Fifth Third’s website at www.53.com.

Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement23


LOGO         

BOARD OF DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

In 2017, the director compensation program was revised to eliminate per meeting fees in favor of an annual retainer system. The following table illustrates the 2017 compensation structure fornon-employee directors. In addition to the compensation described below,non-employee directors are reimbursed for reasonableout-of-pocket expenses incurred for travel and attendance related to meetings of the Board of Directors or its committees. To the extent available, directors may travel on corporate aircraft for board or committee meetings where their attendance is expected.Non-employee directors are not authorized to use corporate aircraft for their personal use. Employee directors receive no compensation for their Board service.

 

SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATION WITH INVESTOR RELATIONS DEPARTMENT    Element of Compensation

Shareholders who wish to speak to

Position

2017 Amount(1)

    Annual retainer (cash)

Chair

$200,000    

Member

$85,000    

    Annual committee chair

    retainer (cash)

Audit Committee

Chair

$45,000    

Member

$10,000    

Risk & Compliance

Committee

Chair

$45,000    

Member

$10,000    

Human Capital &

Compensation Committee

Chair

$25,000    

Nominating & Corporate

Governance Committee

Chair

$20,000    

Finance Committee

Chair

$55,000    

    Restricted stock units2

Chair

$150,000    

Member

$125,000    

(1) Payments are made in arrears on a quarterly basis each January, April, July, and October, with the exception of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) which are granted on the annual meeting date.

(2) All long term incentive (“LTI”) compensation granted to the Board of Directors vests on the Board service end date unless deferral instructions are received prior to the year the grant is made.

The Company’s 2017 Incentive Compensation Plan provides that the Human Capital and Compensation Committee has full authority to provide equity-based or other incentive awards tonon-employee directors. Equity-based awards shown in the table on the following page were granted under the 2017 Incentive Compensation Plan. In 2017, the Company had a stock ownership guideline for its directors of shares having a value equal to at least $300,000. Directors have five years from their election date to meet this requirement.

Pursuant to the Fifth Third Bancorp Unfunded Deferred Compensation Plan forNon-Employee Directors, directors may annually elect to defer fromone-half to all of their cash compensation. The deferred funds receive earnings based on the mutual fund(s) elected by each director. The directors do not receive any above-market or preferential earnings. Prior to June 23, 2017, directors had the option to defer contributions into Fifth Third stock; that option was discontinued for future contributions effective June 23, 2017.

24

        Fifth Third representative regarding their investmentBancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement


BOARD OF DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

        LOGO

The following table summarizes the compensation earned by or awarded to eachnon-employee director who served on the Board of Directors during 2017. The amounts listed in the Stock Awards column represent a restricted stock unit award that vests once service as a director ends. The award relates to the fiscal year in which it was granted. Directors did not receive any Option Awards orNon-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation in 2017.

 

2017 Director Compensation

 

 

  Name

 

  

Fees

Earned or

Paid in

Cash

($)

   

Stock

Awards

($)(1)(2)

   

Option

Awards

($)

 

Non-Equity

Incentive Plan

Compensation

($)

 

Nonqualified

Deferred

Compensation

Earnings

($)

  

All Other

Compensation

($)(3)

  

Total  

($)  

 

 

  Nicholas K. Akins

 

   

 

$96,750

 

 

 

   

 

$125,000

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  $11,544

 

   

 

$233,294  

 

 

 

 

  B. Evan Bayh III

 

   

 

$87,250

 

 

 

   

 

$125,000

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  $12,141

 

   

 

$224,391  

 

 

 

 

  Jorge L. Benitez

 

   

 

$87,250

 

 

 

   

 

$125,000

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

    $4,765

 

   

 

$217,015  

 

 

 

 

  Katherine B. Blackburn

 

   

 

$85,250

 

 

 

   

 

$125,000

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

    $8,754

 

   

 

$219,004  

 

 

 

 

  Emerson L. Brumback

 

   

 

$117,500

 

 

 

   

 

$125,000

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  $12,141

 

   

 

$254,641  

 

 

 

 

  Jerry W. Burris

 

   

 

$100,895

 

 

 

   

 

$125,000

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

    $3,297

 

   

 

$229,192  

 

 

 

 

  Gary R. Heminger

 

   

 

$121,000

 

 

 

   

 

$125,000

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  $12,141

 

   

 

$258,141  

 

 

 

 

  Jewell D. Hoover

 

   

 

$131,000

 

 

 

   

 

$125,000

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  $12,141

 

   

 

$268,141  

 

 

 

 

  Eileen A. Mallesch

 

   

 

$95,895

 

 

 

   

 

$125,000

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

    $3,297

 

   

 

$224,192  

 

 

 

 

  Michael B. McCallister

 

   

 

$96,500

 

 

 

   

 

$125,000

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  $13,189

 

   

 

$234,689  

 

 

 

 

  Hendrik G. Meijer(4)

 

   

 

$39,750

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  $10,201

 

   

 

$49,951  

 

 

 

 

  Marsha C. Williams

 

   

 

$150,000

 

 

 

   

 

$150,000

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  $15,289

 

   

 

$315,289  

 

 

 

(1) The values shown for stock awards in 2017 in both the Director Compensation Table and the table below reflect the grant date fair value of $24.01, which was the closing price of Fifth Third stock on the April 18, 2017, grant date.

(2) The full fair value of stock awards granted in 2017 totaled $1,400,000. Outstanding stock appreciation and restricted stock units for current directors totaled 192,280 shares as of December 31, 2017 as shown below.

(3) Amounts include RSA and RSU dividends.

(4) Mr. Meijer did not stand forre-election at the April 18, 2017 annual meeting and stepped down from the Board effective on the meeting date. As such, he did not receive a stock award in 2017. Fees paid are for service provided prior to April 2017.

 

Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2017

 

 

  Director

 

  Option Awards (#)     Stock Awards (#)    

 

  Nicholas K. Akins

 

  

 

 21,385    

 

 

  B. Evan Bayh III

 

  

 

 20,611    

 

 

  Jorge L. Benitez

 

  

 

 10,728    

 

 

  Katherine B. Blackburn

 

  

 

 16,520    

 

 

  Emerson L. Brumback

 

  

 

 20,611    

 

 

  Jerry W. Burris

 

  

 

   7,010    

 

 

  Gary R. Heminger

 

  

 

 20,611    

 

 

  Jewell D. Hoover

 

  500

 

 20,611    

 

 

  Eileen A. Mallesch

 

  

 

   7,010    

 

 

  Michael B. McCallister

 

  

 

 21,385    

 

 

  Marsha C. Williams

 

  

 

 25,298    

 

Fifth Third may communicate directlyBancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement25


LOGO         

BOARD OF DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

Director compensation for 2018 was reviewed by the Human Capital and Compensation Committee in consultation with its independent compensation consultant in light of best practices, peer institution benchmarking, and other relevant factors. Based upon this review, the Human Capital and Compensation Committee determined that director pay is well aligned and the only change made to the Director Pay Program for 2018 related to the inclusion of an annual retainer of $65,000 and annual grant of $150,000 in restricted stock units for the position of Lead Director, which was a newlyre-instituted role in response to the reunification of the CEO and Chair roles.

26

        Fifth Third’s Investor Relations Department by calling 866-670-0468. In addition, shareholders may communicate in writing directly with the Investor Relations Department by sending a letter to 38 Fountain Square Plaza, MD 1090QC, Cincinnati, OH 45263 or by emailing ir@53.com. You can also view information and request documents from the Investor Relations page of Fifth Third’s website at www.53.com.Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

        LOGO

The Company’s Compensation Discussion and Analysis provides information concerning the compensation for our executive officers. This information is set forth in the following sections:

 

Executive Summary

 

2015 Performance Results

The Company’s Human Capital and Compensation Committee (as used in this Compensation Discussion and Analysis Section, “the Committee”)

Summary of Executive Compensation PhilosophyProgram

Highlights of 2017 Company Performance

Compensation Methodology and Structure

          •

Compensation Philosophy

          •

Features of our Executive Compensation Program

          •

Compensation Risk Management

          •

Committee’s Role

          •

Role of Executive Officers in Compensation Decisions

          •

Role of the Third-party Compensation Consultant

          •

Benchmarking Methodology

          •

Tally Sheet

          •

Non-Binding Say-on-Pay Proposal

          •

Compensation Structure

          •

Pay Mix and Pay for Performance

 

Compensation Structure and Methodology

 

20152017 Executive Compensation Plan Design and Award Decisions

          •

Base Salary

          •

2017 Variable Compensation Plan Design

          •

Variable Compensation Plan Performance Goals

          •

Performance Against Variable Compensation Plan Goals

          •

Determination of Variable Compensation Plan Awards

          •

2017 Long-term Equity-based Incentive Compensation Plan Design

          •

Other Long-term Equity-based Plan Provisions

          •

Determination of Long-term Equity-based Incentive Awards

          •

Qualitative Performance Assessments

          •

The Committee’s Considerations

 

2016

  Tax and Accounting Impacts of Compensation Programs

2018 Executive Compensation Plan Design Changes

          •

2018 Variable Compensation Plan Changes

          •

2018 Long-term Equity-based Incentive Plan Changes

 

Executive Benefits and Perquisites

          •

Summary of Eligibility for Benefits and Perquisites

          •

Retirement Benefits

          •

Health and Welfare Benefits

          •

Deferred Compensation

          •

Severance and Change in Control Benefits

 

Tax and Accounting Impact of Compensation Programs

 

Executive Ownership and Capital Accumulation

          

Share Ownership Guidelines

Compensation of Named Executive Officers          •

Beneficial Ownership

          •

Prohibition on Hedging

          •

Claw backs and Directors

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control

Director Compensation

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

2015 was a transformative year in which the Company took bold steps to better navigate, manage, and anticipate industry change as well as risk. Our overall operating results reflected solid performance across each of our business lines, significant returns from the sale of a portion of our Vantiv ownership, and thoughtful management of our balance sheet given the uncertain pace of interest-rate increases. We believe we are well positioned for the future. Key themes of our performance include:Recoupments

 

LOGO

Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement27


LOGO         

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

In the various sections of this Compensation Discussion and Analysis, we will describe our compensation methodology and structure and how pay decisions were made in 2017. We will focus on the compensation of individuals who served in the following roles during fiscal year 2017, which are referred to as our “Named Executive Officers” or “NEOs”:

 

We believe it is a good governance practice to review

Greg D. Carmichael

Chairman, President, and assess our compensation practicesChief Executive Officer

Tayfun Tuzun

Executive Vice President and programs on an annual basis. We completed an annual risk assessmentChief Financial Officer

Lars C. Anderson

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Timothy N. Spence

Executive Vice President and Head of all incentive plans in accordance with guidance from banking regulators. We also considered the Company’s strategic objectives, compensation philosophy, regulatory guidance, risk culturePayments, Strategy, and market practices. As a result, we made the following changes to the 2015 senior executive compensation programs to build on the progress made in the prior year in creating risk-balanced programs that align with the business strategy:Digital Solutions

Frank R. Forrest

Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer

Summary of Executive Compensation Programs

At Fifth Third, we endeavor to attract and retain the best people and motivate them to fulfill the Company’s Vision of becoming the One Bank that people most value and trust. We intend to accomplish this in the way that we consider our shareholders’ long-term interests, by establishing compensation programs that reward our people for delivering products and services our customers highly value, and for avoiding excessive risk. Our compensation philosophy acts as our beacon in this endeavor.

Compensation is delivered through three primary elements:

 

    Base Salary     + 

  Annual Cash Incentive  

(Variable Compensation Plan)

 + 

  Long Term Incentive  

(Equity-based Compensation)

The Company typically pays base salary and annual incentive compensation (Variable Compensation Plan) awards in cash. All long-term equity-based incentive compensation awards are paid in shares of the Company’s common stock. These three elements combined define Total Direct Compensation, which is referred to in the discussion that follows.

When making pay decisions, the Human Capital and Compensation Committee (as used in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the “Committee”) considers the aggregate and mix of an executive officer’s Total Direct Compensation and reviews Company performance results, individual performance, and risk assessment information to ensure that pay decisions align with performance.

Our executive compensation program includes several features that help to address potential concerns about risk:

Potential for downward discretionary pay adjustment based on risk performance assessment; includes results of examinations by our banking regulators, internal examinations by our audit staff, and a qualitative review by the chief risk officer.

Caps on the maximum payment under our Variable Compensation Plan and our Performance Share Plan.

Balanced mix of short-term and long-term compensation.

Forfeiture provisions related to material risk events.

Stock ownership and retention guidelines.

Restitution rights for compensation received as a result of misconduct.

28

        Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement


PlanFeatureKey Design ChangeRationale

Annual Incentive Plan

Performance Metric

Replaced Return on Tangible Common Equity (ROTCE) with Return on Risk-Weighted Assets (RORWA) as a core funding metric

RORWA had been used as a modifier. RORWA will provide greater focus in the core metrics on balance sheet effectiveness and capital management while managing risk

Long-Term Incentive Plan

Award Type MixReduced the use of Stock Appreciation Rights from 25% to 15% of the award mix; Performance Share Awards increased from 35% to 45% and Restricted Stock remained at 40%

Reflects regulatory guidance and preference to reduce the use of options or option-like vehicles to mitigate risk that might otherwise be associated with such awards; also reflects changing market practice

Increases performance orientation of the program

Performance metric for Performance Share Awards

Replaced Total Shareholder Return (TSR) with Return on Average Equity (ROAE), as adjusted, relative to peer banks as the performance metric used

ROAE is believed to better align the plan with long-term shareholder value creation and is indicative of management’s effectiveness in executing value-added tactics and strategies to achieve optimal core performance

Performance Payout Grid for Performance Share Awards

Lowered the threshold from 33rd percentile to 25th percentileRevised to better align with competitive practice

Summary of Executive Compensation Best Practices. The Company’s executive compensation program includes certain “best practices” such as:

v     Paying for performance

v     Incorporating risk balancing features into our compensation programs

v     Including double-trigger change-in-control provisions

v     Providing no excise tax gross-ups to Executive Officers

v     Maintaining share ownership guidelines and share retention policies

v     Prohibiting speculative trading and hedging strategies by Executive Officers

v     Utilizing an independent compensation consultant hired and overseen by the Committee

v     Providing minimal perquisites

Throughout this proxy statement, the individuals who served as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (Kevin T. Kabat and Greg D. Carmichael) and Chief Financial Officer (Tayfun Tuzun) during fiscal year 2015,

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

        LOGO

Highlights of 2017 Company Performance

Project NorthStar. In 2017, we made significant progress on initiatives outlined under Project NorthStar. We re-launched our brand, continued to exit non-strategic commercial relationships, and invested in strategic acquisitions and partnerships to help grow fee revenues. We also began to implement a number of other key initiatives to drive improvements in customer service, increase efficiency, and generate revenue growth. On the regulatory front, we received notification that our Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) rating was upgraded to outstanding, demonstrating our commitment to the communities we serve. We again created significant value for our shareholders by continuing to monetize our ownership stake in Vantiv Holding LLC, subsidiary of Worldpay, Inc. We were proud to receive important recognition as a leader in customer service and employee satisfaction in several surveys.

Following are highlights of 2017 Company performance results:

$2.2 billion

net income

-  Higher net interest and

   non-interest income.

-  Stable expenses.

-  Lower provision.

Improved

credit metrics

Lower net charge-offs,

non-performing assets,

non-performing loans,

and criticized assets.

Strengthened

balance sheet

-  Completed deliberate

    C&I loan exit initiative.

-  Continued to reduce

    exposure to lower-

    yielding non-relationship

    business.

Strong capital

& liquidity

-  Common equity tier 1 of

   10.6%.

-  Modified liquidity

    coverage ratio of 129%.

 

as well as certain other individuals included in the Summary Compensation Table on page 46 (Lars C. Anderson, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Timothy N. Spence, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Frank R. Forrest, Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer, and Daniel T. Poston, former Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy and Administrative Officer), are referred to herein as both the “Named Executive Officers” and “NEOs”.

Effective November 1, 2015, Mr. Kabat retired from his role as Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Kabat will remain an employee of the Company and continue to hold his position as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors until April 2016.

Non-Binding Advisory Say on Pay Proposal. In 2015, our shareholders approved a non-binding advisory say-on-pay proposal at our 2015 Annual Meeting with over 94% of the votes cast voting in favor of that proposal. The Committee believes the results of the shareholder vote indicate strong support among shareholders for our pay-for-performance approach. We intend to continue to monitor our current compensation structure and future votes to ensure that there is continued support for our pay programs among our shareholders.Returned 96%

2015 PERFORMANCE RESULTSof earnings

Consistent with our practice usedIn the form of dividends

and repurchases.

$1 billion +

pre-tax gain

Generated from sale of

Vantiv (Worldpay) stake.

Ongoing improvement in setting goals and evaluating results, in addition to showing reported results, below we also show the adjusted results. Adjusted results have been adjusted for certain events to reflect coreall NorthStar financial performance in the plan year for annual incentive plan funding purposes:targets:

-  Return on tangible common equity (ROTCE)

-  Return on assets (ROA)

-  Efficiency ratio

 

The reported earnings per share (“EPS”) were $2.01. The adjusted EPS were $1.65, which was 99% of our financial plan. EPS is a commonly used measure for assessing our ability to generate earnings for our shareholders.

The reported return on risk-weighted assets (“RORWA”) was $1.35%. The adjusted RORWA was 1.10%. RORWA is a measure of adjusted net income available to common shareholders as a percent of average risk-weighted assets and excludes certain one-time items to arrive at core earnings consistent with earnings per share. Adjusted RORWA results were 98% of our financial plan.

The reported efficiency ratio was 57.6%. The adjusted ratio was 61.8%, which was slightly better than the financial plan. The efficiency ratio is a measure of expenses as a percentage of revenue, and reflects how effective we are at generating revenue while managing expenses.

LOGO

*One-time adjustments excluded from EPS, RORWA and Efficiency Ratio include Vantiv warrant valuation adjustments, gain on sale of Vantiv shares, gain on Vantiv warrant actions, losses associated with Visa total return swap, treasury-related securities gains/losses, impact of market interest rates relative to expectations at the time of plan design, net gain on TDR sale, branch impairment charges, certain litigation-related items and other one-time adjustments described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

We are entering 2018 with a strong balance sheet as a result of the significant steps taken in 2017, positioning us well to capitalize on future opportunities.

Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement29


LOGO         

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

Compensation Methodology and Structure

Compensation Philosophy.Our compensation methodology and structure centers on our compensation philosophy, which comprises the following guiding principles:

LOGO

In order to drive our business strategy and human capital plan, compensation must be competitive to

attract and retain essential talent, reward high performance, and be internally equitable. The Company is committed to making compensation decisions that are fiscally responsible, such that we carefully consider the expected return on investment for those decisions. Our expected total compensation opportunities generally reflect the median pay levels of our compensation peer group, with variations based on specific talent needs, experience, and other internal factors. We believe that actual total compensation should

vary with the performance of the organization so that outstanding performance results in above-market compensation. Since a majority of compensation is tied to performance, actual total compensation will vary within a competitive range.

Features of our Executive Compensation Program.Our executive compensation program incorporates features such as:

  Paying for performance.

  Incorporating risk-balancing features.

  Including double-triggerchange-in-control provisions.

  Providing no excise taxgross-ups to executive officers.

  Maintaining share ownership guidelines and share retention policies.

  Prohibiting speculative trading and hedging strategies by executive officers.

  Utilizing an independent compensation consultant hired and overseen by the Committee.

  Providing minimal perquisites.

  Granting long-term incentives onpre-determined dates.

 

In addition to these key financial performance measures, we had solid performance on other measures considered by  Engaging the Committee in assessing annual performance:to perform comprehensive reviews of financial andnon-financial performance.

 

Performance Modifier Measures  Financial Plan  Final Results

Net Charge-Offs

  .41%  .48%

Non-Performing Assets

  .71%  .70%
Capital Levels  Meet Required Regulatory
Minimum and Internal Target
Levels
  Exceeded

Available Liquidity

  $20B  $29.7B

  Including claw back features in all executive officer variable pay.

30

        Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

        LOGO

Compensation Risk Management.We believe it is critical to bring a multi-faceted strategy toward mitigating risk in incentive plans. We incorporate formulaic and discretionary risk-balancing mechanisms, which include specific metrics for modifying payouts to discourage taking unnecessary or imprudent risks. Senior executive pay also includes a heavy focus on long-term incentives. This facilitates collaboration among business units, ownership in the Company, and a focus on shareholder goals.

To execute the risk mitigation strategies, we conduct yearly review processes, which are documented and incorporate input from business segments including Finance, Human Resources, Risk Management, and business leaders. These processes include:

THE COMPANY’S HUMAN CAPITAL AND COMPENSATION COMMITTEE  Processes

The Committee’s RolePurpose. The

  Market Reviews

Human Resources use peer benchmark data to ensure that pay programs are competitive.

  Incentive Plan Reviews

Senior business leaders ensure that incentive plans support the business strategy.

  Risk Reviews

Senior risk and credit leaders determine whether incentive plans support the Company’s risk culture and the incentive compensation risk framework.

  Financial Reviews

Senior executives confirm that the incentive plans are fiscally sound, risk-aligned, and contribute to shareholder value.

  Board Reviews

Independent directors, serving on the Human Capital and Compensation Committee is composed of independent directors and is responsible for establishing, implementingRisk and monitoringCompliance Committee, assess the administrationstrategic, risk, and fiscal soundness of compensation plans and benefits programs in accordanceensure that they are aligned with the Company’s compensation philosophy and strategy and approving executive compensation and equity plan awards. The Committee focuses on the attraction and retention of key executives and, when making decisions, considers the Company’s compensation philosophy, the achievement of business goals set by the Company, relevant peer data, recommendations made by the Chief Executive Officer, and the advice of Compensation Advisory Partners LLC (“CAP”), an external executive compensation consulting firm with financial services industry expertise.philosophy.

We believe it is critical that our people clearly understand how they are rewarded to ensure that pay facilitates the appropriate strategic and risk awareness behaviors. Because of this, we provide ongoing compensation communication and education to our employees through a robust network of Human Resources business partners staffed to each business segment, in addition to employee communications, and online trainings.

In February 2017, the Committee, in conjunction with the Risk and Compliance Committee, reviewed our executive and other incentive programs. Based on the provisions and actions above, the Committee concluded that their design and/or metrics do not encourage taking unnecessary or inappropriate risk.

Committee’s Role.The Committee is composed of independent directors and is responsible for establishing, implementing, and monitoring the administration of compensation and benefits programs in accordance with the Company’s compensation philosophy and strategy, along with approving executive compensation and equity plan awards. The Committee focuses on the attraction and retention of key executives and, when making decisions, considers the Company’s compensation philosophy, the achievement of business goals set by the Company, relevant peer data, recommendations made by the chief executive officer, and the advice of Compensation Advisory Partners LLC (“CAP”), a respected, independent, external executive compensation consulting firm with financial services industry expertise hired by the Committee.

The Committee seeks to establish “Total Rewards” for the Company’s executive officers that are fair, reasonable, risk-balanced, and competitive. The Total Rewards program includes base salary, Variable

Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement31


LOGO         

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The Committee seeks to establish “Total Rewards” for the Company’s executive officers that are fair, reasonable, risk-balanced and competitive. The Total Rewards program includes base salary, annual cash incentive compensation, long-term equity-based incentive compensation, benefits, and certain perquisites. Generally, the types of compensation and benefits paid to the Named Executive Officers are similar to those provided to other officers of the Company.

The Committee has taken the following steps to ensure that it effectively carries

Compensation Plan awards, long-term equity-based incentive compensation, benefits, and certain perquisites. Generally, the types of compensation and benefits paid to Named Executive Officers are similar to those provided to other officers of the Company.

The Committee followed several key processes during 2017 to ensure that it effectively carried out its responsibilities:

 

Engaged CAP a respected external compensation consultant with expertise in executive compensation, to provide the Committee with relevant market data and to advise the Committee on alternatives when making compensation decisions for the Named Executive Officers and on the recommendations being made by the Company’s Managementmanagement for executive officers other than the Named Executive Officers. In addition to the support provided by CAP, reviewed the supporting information, data, and analysis provided by employees who have significant compensation experience inof the Company’s Human Capital division provide support, data, and analysis to the Committeewho have significant compensation experience.

 

Conducted an annual review of the Committee charter to ensure that it effectively reflects the Committee’s responsibilities

 

Provided oversight of incentive and variable compensation practices and balanced risk-taking across the Company with the Compensation Risk Oversight Committee (a management committee that reports to the Committee).

 

Conducted an annual review of the Company’s compensation philosophy to ensure that it remains appropriate given the Company’s strategic objectives

Conducted an annual review of the Company’s Compensation Peer Group

Reviewed all compensation components for the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and other Named Executive Officers, incorporating a tally sheet and pay-for-performance sensitivity analysis for each executive

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISobjectives.

 

 

Evaluated the execution of the Company’spay-for-performance philosophy to ensure that the actual award decisions resulted in alignment of relative pay that aligns with Company performance and relative performance compared toalso aligns with pay in the Compensation Peer Group (as defined below).

 

Scheduled an executive session prior to the conclusion of the Committee meetings, without members of management,

Reviewed all compensation components for the purpose of discussing decisions related to the Chief Executive Officer’s performance, goal-setting, compensation levels,Company’s chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and other items deemed important by the CommitteeNamed Executive Officers, including a tally sheet andpay-for-performance sensitivity analysis for each executive.

 

Executed the succession plan for Mr. Kabat

Completed reviews of industry compensation and updated the succession profile based on Mr. Carmichael succeeding Mr. Kabat as Chief Executive Officer

Reviewedcorporate governance trends to identify potential changes in programs and approved new hire compensation packages, ensuring that offers were appropriate to the strategic needs of each position and the compensation required to attract the selected candidate to the role

Completed an annual self-evaluation of the Committee’s effectiveness

Completed an annual review of the external compensation consultant’s performance to ensure the Committee receives the appropriate resources and counselalignment with industry governance best practices.

 

Reviewed jointly with the Risk and Compliance Committee of the Board, the Company’s risk assessment of executive and employee incentive plans with the Chief Risk Officer to ensure that the Company’s compensation design does not incent unnecessary risk-taking behavior

Worked to meet expectations and guidance from our banking regulators

Role of Executive Officers in Compensation Decisions.The Chief Executive Officerchief executive officer annually reviews the performance of each of the other Named Executive Officers, along withwhich includes a risk performance assessment.assessment completed by the Company’s chief risk officer. Based on this review, the Chief Executive Officerchief executive officer makes compensation recommendations to the Committee, including recommendations for salary adjustments, annual cash incentives,Variable Compensation Plan awards, and long-term equity-based incentive awards. In addition, the Chief Executive Officerchief executive officer and certain other members of Managementmanagement annually assess performance for other executive officers and make compensation recommendations to the Committee. Although the Committee considers these recommendations along with data provided by its other advisors,consultant, it retains full discretion to set all compensation for the Company’s executive officers. The Committee works directly with its consultant, CAP, to determine compensation for the Chief Executive Officer andchief executive officer; the Chief Executive Officerchief executive officer has no input into his own award determinations.

Additionally, the Chief Risk Officerchief risk officer reviews and evaluates with the Committee all executive officer and employee incentive compensation plans. The purpose of the review is to ensureconfirm that the Company’s incentive compensation plans do not incent or pose unnecessary or excessive risks to the Company.

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        Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

        LOGO

The Role of the Third PartyThird-Party Compensation Consultant.The Committee uses the services of anits outside executive compensation consultant, CAP, to provide guidance and advice to the Committee on all matters covered by its charter. This consultant was directly selected and engaged by the Committee to provide a broad set of services pertaining to the compensation of the Company’s executives.

The consultant fulfills the following responsibilities:

Reviews the Company’s compensation philosophyexecutives and competitive positioning for reasonableness and appropriateness

Annually reviews the Committee’s charter and recommends changes as appropriate

Reviews the Committee’s agendas and supporting materials in advance of each meeting

Advises the Committee on management proposals, as requested

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Reviews information from a peer group of publicly traded banking and financial institutions (collectively the “Compensation Peer Group”) and survey data for competitive comparisons

Annually reviews the Company’s executive compensation programs and advises the Committee on the design of incentive plans or practices that might be changed to improve the effectiveness of its compensation program

Annually reviews competitive pay practices of the Compensation Peer Group for its Boards of Directors and recommends to the Committee changes required to pay the Company’s Board of Directors, in a competitive fashion

Reviews, analyzes, and summarizes survey data on executive pay practices and amounts that come before the Committee

Attends all of the Committee meetings, including executive sessions with only the Committee members as requested

Advises the Committee on potential practices for Board governance of executive compensation as well as areas of concern and risk in the Company’s programs

Undertakes special projects at the request of the Committee, including Institutional Shareholder Services (“ISS”) test simulation

During 2015, CAP was specifically engaged on the following projects:these key actions:

 

Advised the Committee with respect to the appropriateness of compensation structure and actual amounts paid to the Company’s executive officers given the Company’s compensation philosophy, size, and Compensation Peer Group

Actively participated in the review and design of all executive compensation programs

Advised on the appropriateness of executive performance goals and metrics

Reviewed and advised on the compensation program for the Company’s Board of Directors

Reviewed the Company’s risk assessment of executive and employee incentive plans

Advised the Committee on market and regulatory trends and developments

Provided recommendations to the Committee on the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer

Assessed the relationship between the Chief Executive Officer’s compensation and performance on a realizable pay basis

Reviewed the 2015 Compensation Discussion and Analysis and related sections for the proxy statement

Advising the Committee on compensation program design, competitive practices, market trends, and peer group composition.

Providing recommendations to the Committee on the compensation of the chief executive officer.

Providing advisory recommendations to the Committee and members of management regarding the compensation of the other executive officers.

Reviewing competitive pay practices in the Compensation Peer Group for their Boards of Directors and recommending to the Committee changes required to pay the Company’s Board of Directors in a competitive fashion.

Providing an annual review of performance and pay levels for the Company and its Compensation Peer Group.

Undertaking special projects at the request of the Committee, including during 2017, reviewing the methodology and the process for determining the median employee as required under the CEO Pay Ratio disclosure.

The Company does not engage CAP for any additional services outside of executive compensation consulting.

The Committee believes that the third party services of CAP are objective and unbiased. The Committee conducted an assessment of potential conflicts of interest ofand independence issues for CAP and no conflicts of interest or independence issues relating to CAP’s services were identified by

the Committee.

The Committee’s Considerations. The Committee considers both the aggregate amounts and mix of an executive officer’s Total Direct Compensation (base salary, annual cash incentive compensation, and long-term equity-based incentive compensation) when making decisions. In 2015, the Committee assessed Total Direct Compensation relative to competitive market data in its November meeting, discussed recommendations for

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

executive compensation in its January meeting, and approved final merit, annual cash incentive awards (our Variable Compensation Plan; “VCP”), and final long-term incentive recommendations at its February meeting.

Based on its most recent review of the competitive data, the Committee has determined that the compensation structure for executive officers is effective and appropriate. The structure reflects the Company’s compensation philosophy, in that its incentive payout ranges are aligned with the competitive market data, it has appropriate leverage to ensure a strong linkage between compensation, risk outcomes, and performance, and it drives rewards based on the most relevant performance measures for the Company and shareholders. Also based on this review, the Committee determined that the Company’s aggregate 2015 Total Rewards packages (and potential payouts in the severance and change-in-control scenarios where applicable) for its Named Executive Officers are reasonable, consistent with industry practices, and not excessive.

The Committee believes that the relative difference between the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and the compensation of the Company’s other executive officers is consistent with such differences found in the Company’s Compensation Peer Group and external reference labor market. Further, the Committee has reviewed the internal relationships between the compensation for the Chief Executive Officer and for other executive officers and has deemed them to be appropriate.

The remainder of this report outlines the Company’s compensation philosophy and executive compensation structure, and provides an analysis of compensation decisions made during 2015. The discussion of 2015 will focus primarily on the compensation structure established for our Named Executive Officers.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY AND RISK MANAGEMENT

Compensation Philosophy. The Company endeavors to attract and retain the best people in the financial services industry, and motivate them to fulfill the Company’s vision of becoming the one bank that people most value and trust. We intend to accomplish this in the way that we consider our shareholders’ long-term interests, by establishing compensation programs that reward our people for delivering products our customers highly value, and avoiding excessive risk. Our compensation philosophy comprises the following guiding principles:

Provide competitive compensation opportunities in order to attract and retain executive talent that will drive the business strategy

Effectively manage risk within incentive programs designed to pay for performance

Align compensation with long-term shareholder interests

Provide strong oversight of executive pay

Conduct recurring processes that ensure strategic and fiscal soundness along with balanced risk taking

Communicate for understanding and transparency

In order to drive our business strategy and human capital plan, compensation must be competitive to attract and retain essential talent, reward high performance, and be internally equitable. In addition, the Company is committed to making compensation decisions that are fiscally responsible, such that we carefully consider those decisions’ expected return on investment. Our expected total compensation opportunities generally reflect the median pay levels of our peer group with variations based on specific talent needs, experience and other internal factors. We believe that actual total compensation should vary with the performance of the organization, such that outstanding performance results in above market compensation. Since a majority of compensation is tied to performance outcomes, actual total compensation will vary within a competitive range.

Compensation Risk Management. The above strategic principles include the integration of sound risk management in all aspects of our compensation programs, particularly incentive compensation. We believe it is

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

critical to bring a multi-faceted strategy toward mitigating risk in incentive plans. We incorporate formulaic and discretionary risk-balancing mechanisms, which outline specific metrics for modifying payouts to discourage unnecessary or imprudent risk-taking actions.

Successful risk management requires strong oversight on pay for senior executives, given their role in the Company’s strategic direction. For this reason, senior executives’ pay includes a heavy focus on long-term incentives. This long-term focus facilitates collaboration among business units, ownership in the Company, and a focus on shareholder goals.

To execute the risk mitigation strategies, we conduct yearly review processes, which are documented and incorporate input from Finance, Human Resources, Risk Management, and business leaders. These processes include:

ProcessesPurpose

Market Reviews

Human Resources uses peer benchmark data to ensure that pay programs are competitive in the financial services industry

Incentive Plan Reviews

Senior business leaders ensure that incentive plans support the business strategy

Risk Reviews

Senior risk and credit leaders determine whether incentive plans support the Company’s risk culture and the incentive compensation risk framework

Financial Reviews

Senior executives, including the Chief Executive Officer, confirm that the incentive plans are fiscally sound, risk aligned, and successfully contribute to shareholder value

Board Reviews

Independent directors, serving on the Human Capital and Compensation Committee and Risk and Compliance Committee, assess the strategic, risk, and fiscal soundness of compensation plans and ensure that they are aligned with the Company’s compensation philosophy

As a financial institution that is regulated by federal and state banking authorities, the Company has gone through a rigorous process over the past few years to ensure that our compensation programs for our executives do not provide incentives to take excessive risks that could have material adverse impact on the Company. Our compensation program for our Named Executive Officers has several features that help to address potential concerns about risk:

Downward discretionary pay adjustment based on risk performance assessment which includes results of examinations by our banking regulators, internal examinations by our audit staff, and a qualitative review by the Chief Risk Officer

Caps on the maximum payment under our annual cash incentive plan and our performance share plan

Balanced mix of short-term, medium-term, and long-term compensation

Forfeiture provisions related to material risk events

Stock ownership and retention guidelines

Company claw back rights (as outlined under Other Long-term Equity-based Plan Provisions on page 41

Finally, we believe it is critical that our people clearly understand how they are rewarded to ensure that pay facilitates the appropriate strategic and risk awareness behaviors. Because of this, we provide ongoing compensation communication and education.

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

In January 2015, the Committee, in conjunction with the Risk and Compliance Committee, reviewed our executive and other incentive programs to determine if their design and/or metrics encourage unnecessary and or material risk taking. The Committee believes, based on the provisions and actions described above, that they do not.

COMPENSATION STRUCTURE AND METHODOLOGY

Compensation Structure. The compensation structure (i.e., each element of pay described below and the respective amounts for each element) for executive officers is reviewed annually. When determining the compensation structure, the following items are considered:

The most recent and prior years’ comparative proxy statement and survey data for similar jobs among the Compensation Peer Group

The 25th percentile, median (i.e., 50th percentile), and 75th percentile peer data for each element of compensation (base salary, target annual cash incentive compensation, and target long-term equity-based incentive compensation, as well as the resulting Total Direct Compensation)

The ability to provide market median (i.e., 50th percentile) Total Cash Compensation (i.e., base salary plus annual cash incentive compensation) for 50th percentile performance relative to the Compensation Peer Group

The ability to provide upper quartile Total Cash Compensation for upper quartile performance (i.e., 75th percentile or better performance relative to the Compensation Peer Group)

Benchmarking Methodology.In making compensation decisions, the Committee compares Company performance and each element of executive officersofficers’ Total Direct Compensation with the Compensation Peer Group. The Committee refers to this Compensation Peer Group for both compensation and performance-related benchmarking.benchmarks. Financial performance data is prepared either by the Committee’s external compensation consultant or by the Company, using publicly available data from public filings. Compensation data is generally prepared by the Committee’s external compensation consultants, using proprietary compensation databases and publicly available data from proxy statements. The Committee’s external compensation consultant reviews all financial and/orand compensation data that is prepared by the Company and provided to the Committee.

The Compensation Peer Group consists of companies with which the Committee believes the Company competes for talent and for stockholder investment and which are generally similar in asset size and business mix. The following 1211 companies were identified by the Committee as the 20152017 Compensation Peer Group:

 

BB&T Corporation

 

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

Capital One  Citizen’s Financial CorporationGroup

 

Regions Financial Corporation

Comerica Incorporated

 

SunTrust Banks, Inc.

Huntington Bancshares Incorporated

U.S. Bancorp

KeyCorp

 Wells Fargo & Company

U.S. Bancorp

  KeyCorp

Zions Bancorporation

M&T Bank Corporation

 Zions Bancorporation

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LOGO         

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The Committee annually reviews the Compensation Peer Group and considers changes to the Compensation Peer Group deemed necessary to ensure that the nature and size of the organizations continue to be appropriate. Based on the Committee’s evaluation of the Compensation Peer Group, for 2015 thereWells Fargo and Company and Capital One Financial Corporation were no changesremoved from the prior year. However, in making decisions on pay levels for the CEO and other senior executives, the Committee regularly looks at side by side data for the Compensation Peer Group includingstarting in 2017 because of those institutions’ business mix, size, and excluding Wells Fargodifferences in pay models. Citizens Financial Group Inc. was added based on its similar size and

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Capital One, business structure to ensure that the median pay levels of the Compensation Peer Group are not biased upward due to pay levels at these companies.Company. The Company’s assets were inat approximately the 48th55th percentile of its 20152017 Compensation

Peer Group as of September 2015.June 2017.

Pay for Performance. Under the compensation structure, annual cash and long-term incentives comprise the majority of executive officers’ Total Direct Compensation. The actual amounts realized by executive officers under these incentive plans vary based on the performance of the Company and individual performance. Company performance is evaluated from a variety of perspectives, including:

Absolute performance and performance relative to peers

Return measures including return on average equity

Growth in earnings per share

Efficiency ratio

Stock price growth

Risk performance assessment

Annual cash incentive compensation awards to executive officers are approved from a pool funded on the basis of Company performance relative to the specific goals described below. This pool of available compensation awards is allocated to each participant based on qualitative assessments of individual performance against a set of stated objectives and individual risk assessment. Long-term equity-based incentive compensation awards are also made to each participant based on qualitative assessments of individual performance against a set of stated objectives and individual risk assessment. Long-term equity-based incentive compensation awards derive value based on shareholder return and stock price appreciation. Amounts realizable from prior compensation awards do not influence decisions relative to future awards.

Pay Elements and Pay Mix. Under the pay-for-performance compensation structure, compensation is delivered through three primary elements:

Base Salary

Annual Cash Incentive (delivered through the Variable Compensation Plan)

Long-term Incentives

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The 2015 total compensation included a mix of cash and equity awards. The Company typically pays base salary and the annual incentive compensation in cash. All long-term equity-based incentive compensation awards are paid in shares of the Company’s common stock. Generally, our Named Executive Officers have approximately 50% or more of their total compensation delivered in the form of equity-based compensation. The charts below show the mix between cash and equity for our Chief Executive Officer and average pay mix for our other Named Executive Officers. For the purposes of this analysis, we are using Mr. Carmichael as CEO and Messrs. Tuzun, Anderson, Spence and Forrest as the NEOs.

LOGO

(1)The percentages reflect the Named Executive Officer’s base salary as of 12/31/2015, actual annual incentive award the executive earned for 2015 performance under the Annual Incentive Plan, and target long-term incentive. Actual long-term incentive awards for 2015 performance may vary from target and will be approved by the Committee in February 2016.

Tally Sheet. The Company annually prepares a tally sheet of all compensation and potential payouts for

the Committee’s use when considering compensation matters. The Committee reviews all components

of compensation for the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer,chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and the other Named Executive Officers’ compensation,

NEOs, including:

 

Base salary

Annual cash incentive compensation

Long-term equity-based incentive compensation

Accumulated, realized, and unrealized equity award gains

  Base salary.

  Variable Compensation Plan compensation.

  Long-term equity-based incentive compensation targets.

  Accumulated, realized, and unrealized equity award gains.

  The dollar value to the executive and cost to the Company of all perquisites and other personal benefits.

  The earnings and accumulated payout obligations under the Company’s nonqualified deferred compensation plan.

  Several potential termination scenarios, includingchange-in-control where applicable.

The dollar value to the executive and cost to the Company of all perquisites and other personal benefits

The earnings and accumulated payout obligations under the Company’s nonqualified deferred compensation plan

Several potential termination scenarios, including change-in-control where applicable

The tally sheet review of 2015 compensation components has been moved from February 2016 to June 2016. At that time, the Committee will reviewreviewed all the above compensation components and the associated dollar amounts for 2015 compensation. Moving this review to2016 compensation in June will allow for a more focused look at each executive’s compensation components, separate from when annual pay recommendations are being made. Also at this2017. At that time, the Committee will reviewalso reviewed a sensitivity analysis of the relationship between each NEO’s 20152016 Total Direct Compensation and the Company’s performance;performance, including both stock price performance and Company performance results. The Committee will perform the annual tally sheet review specific to 2017 compensation components later in 2018.

Determinations.Non-Binding AdvisorySay-on-Pay Proposal.In 2017, our shareholders approved anon-binding advisorysay-on-pay proposal at our 2017 Annual Meeting with 94 percent of the votes cast in favor of that proposal. The Committee reviews the results annually and considers them when approving plan design changes as well as pay decisions. The Committee believes the results of the shareholder vote in 2017 as well as in prior years indicate strong support among shareholders for ourpay-for-performance approach. Future votes cast will be closely monitored to ensure that there is continued support for our pay programs and pay decisions among our shareholders.

Historical Say on Pay Vote

LOGO

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        Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

        LOGO

Compensation Structure. The compensation structure (including each element of pay described below and the respective amounts for each element) for executive officers is reviewed annually. When determining the compensation structure, the following items are considered:

The most recent and prior years’ comparative proxy statement and survey data for similar positions among the Compensation Peer Group.

The 25th percentile, median (50th percentile), and 75th percentile peer data for each element of compensation (base salary, Variable Compensation Plan compensation, and target long-term equity-based incentive compensation, as well as the resulting Total Direct Compensation).

The ability to provide market median (50th percentile) Total Cash Compensation (i.e., base salary plus Variable Compensation Plan awards) for 50th percentile performance relative to the Compensation Peer Group.

The ability to provide upper quartile Total Cash Compensation for upper quartile (i.e., 75th percentile or better relative to the Compensation Peer Group) performance.

Pay Mix and Pay for Performance.Generally, our Named Executive Officers have approximately 50 percent or more of their actual total compensation delivered in the form of equity-based compensation, as demonstrated in the charts on the following page.

2017 Total Compensation Pay Mix1

LOGO

(1)    The percentages reflect the Named Executive Officer’s base salary as of December 31, 2017, actual Variable Compensation Plan award the executive earned for 2017, and target long-term equity-based incentive for 2017. Actual long-term equity-based incentives granted will vary from target based on 2017 Company and individual performance and were approved by the Committee in January 2018.

The Committee considers several factors and objectives relevant to each specific program when determining compensation, including a risk performance assessment.compensation. The Committee also contemplates the impact of each award’s impactaward on the Total Direct Compensation package. Total Direct Compensation opportunities are

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

intended to target the median (i.e., 50th(50th percentile) of the relevant market data, and actual compensation (both amount and mix) for executives varies based on their performance, prior experience, and other pertinent factors. In addition, for purposes of attracting and retaining key executives, the Committee may determine that an additional award, an above-mediansign-on package, and/or an incentive guarantee for a new hire, or a Total Direct Compensation package that is above market median, is appropriate.

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LOGO         

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

As shown in the pay mix charts on the previous page, the Variable Compensation Plan award and long-term equity-based incentives constitute the majority of executive officers’ Total Direct Compensation under ourpay-for-performance structure. The actual amounts realized by executive officers under these incentive plans vary based on individual performance and the performance of the Company.

Company performance under these incentive plans is evaluated from a variety of perspectives, including:

LOGO

2015 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN DESIGN AND AWARD DECISIONS2017 Executive Compensation Plan Design and Award Decisions

As stated above, compensation is delivered through three primary elements: base salary, our Variable Compensation Plan, and long-term equity-based incentives. We review and assess our compensation practices and program on an annual basis, taking into account the Company’s strategic objectives, compensation philosophy, regulatory guidance, risk culture, and external market practices. Each element of the senior executive’s compensation program, along with any changes that were made to the program for 2017, are described in the following paragraphs.

Base SalarySalary..The Committee reviews individual base salaries of the Company’s executive officers annually; and/annually or at the time of promotion or hire, as applicable. The objectives of the Company’s base salary program are to provide salaries at a level that allows the Company to attract and retain qualified executives and to recognize and reward individual performance. The following items are considered when determining base salary levels:

 

Market data provided by the Company’s external compensation consultant.

The executive officer’s experience, scope of responsibilities, performance, and potential.

Internal equity in relation to other executives with similar levels of experience, scope of responsibilities,
performance, and potential.

Other relevant information, which may include governmental or regulatory considerations.

Market data provided by the Company’s external compensation consultant

The executive officer’s experience, scope of responsibilities, performance, and potential

Internal equity in relation to other executive officers with similar levels of experience, scope of responsibilities, performance, and potential

Other relevant information, which may include federal programs, regulatory requirements, etc.

Determination of Base Salary.Salary increases, if any, are based on the Company’s overall performance and the executive’s attainment of individual objectives during the preceding year inyear. The annual review and evaluation at the contextbeginning of competitive market data. In establishing 2015 compensation levels for Named Executive Officers, the Committee was guided by these principles and made2017 showed that modest base salary adjustmentsincreases ranging from 0%2 percent to 6% versus 20145 percent were needed in order to maintain pay levels competitive with the market. Mr. Carmichael, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, did not receive a base salary levels for the NEOs. Increases were driven by the market for equivalent executive positions among peers and subjective evaluation of the individual’s responsibilities, tenure, and overall contribution to the Company.increase in 2017.

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        Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

        LOGO

2015 Annual Cash Incentive2017 Variable Compensation Plan DesignDesign.. The annual cash incentive compensation program’sVariable Compensation Plan’s objective is to reward executives for corporate, business unit, and/orand individual performance. Each year, we review and updateBelow is a graphic presentation of the design of our VCP program to ensure alignment with our business strategy, regulatory guidance and the external market. For 2015, the three primary core funding measures were:2017 Variable Compensation Plan:

 

1.Earnings Per Share vs. Plan: 50% weight

 

2.Return on Risk-Weighted Assets vs. Plan: 25% weight

LOGO

3.Efficiency Ratio vs. Plan: 25% weight

It is the view of the Committee that this mix of core funding measures within the VCP program providemetrics provides executives with balanced incentivesincentive to increase the absolute level of earnings while also ensuringgrowth, ensures that shareholdersshareholder capital is used efficiently to generate competitive returns. The efficiency ratio is useful as a complementary measure as it provides an assessment ofreturns, and assesses the cost efficiency of the Company’s operations.

In addition The funding modifiers are useful as complementary metrics to the primary funding measures, there are four funding modifier metrics that the Committee considers to adjust the calculated pool funding up or down, as described in more detail below:

Net Charge-Offs

Non-Performing Assets

Capital Levels

Available liquidity

add focus onCOMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISbest-in-class

business processes. The Committee retains discretion to adjust pool funding downward based on other factors

as well.

For 2015,Variable Compensation Plan awards to executive officers are approved from a pool funded on the only change madebasis of Company performance relative to the VCP program comparedspecific goals. This pool of available compensation awards is allocated to 2014 waseach participant based on qualitative assessments of individual performance against a set of stated objectives and an individual risk assessment. Amounts realizable from prior compensation awards do not influence decisions relative to remove return on risk-weighted assets (RORWA) from the funding modifiers and use it as a core funding metric, replacing return on tangible common equity (ROTCE). RORWA provides the appropriate focus on balance sheet effectiveness and capital management while managing risk. Consistent with our prior practice used in setting goals and evaluating performance, results for RORWA will be adjusted for certain events to reflect core financial performance in the plan year for annual incentive plan funding purposes.future awards.

VCPVariable Compensation Plan Performance Goals.The financial plan approved by the Board of Directors includes specific target levels for each of the measures that arecore funding metrics as shown below.below and assumes a Quartile 2 funding pool. Actual performance against these targets is considered, in addition to the four funding modifiers, when determining the available funding for all participants of the VCP.Variable Compensation Plan. The Committee set the 2015 performancegoals for the 2017 core funding metrics to exclude certainnon-recurring items not included in the Company’s financial plan and excluded those items when determining the adjusted

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LOGO         

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Company performance results.metrics. These exclusions are discussed on the following page. The goals for the senior executive pool under the VCPVariable Compensation Plan, which includes all senior executives designated as Category 1 in accordance with the federal banking interagency guidance on sound incentive compensation practices (which includes all NEOs), were scaled to represent four quartiles of performance. Each quartile contains a performance level range, a score, a score range, and a funding pool range. The funding pool ranges are set starting with Quartile 4 which represents the sum of the maximum opportunity available for each senior executive who participates in the pool, which generally aligns with the 75th percentile of the market for each participant.

 

Performance
Measures
 Weight Company Performance Levels 2015 Final
Results
(Adjusted)
  Below
Threshold
 

Quartile 1

Score: 1

 

Quartile 2

Score: 2

 

Quartile 3

Score: 3

 

Quartile 4

Score: 4

 

EPS

 50% <$1.50 $1.50 – $1.58 $1.59 – $1.67 $1.68 – $1.76 $1.77 – >$1.85   $1.65     

RORWA

 25% < 0.92% 0.92% – 1.02% 1.03% – 1.12% 1.13% – 1.22% 1.23% – >1.32%     1.10% 

Efficiency Ratio

 25% > 64.9% 64.9% – 63.4% 63.3% – 61.9% 61.8% – 60.4% 60.3% – <58.9% 61.8% 

Score Range

   0 < 1.5 > 1.5 < 2.5 > 2.5< 3.0 > 3.0 – < 4.0  

Funding Pool Ranges

  $0 $6.5M $9.15M $12.8M $15.6M 

  Core Funding

  Metrics

Weight

Company Performance Levels

Below
Threshold

Quartile 1

Score: 1

Quartile 2

Score: 2

Quartile 3

Score: 3

Quartile 4

Score: 4

  Earnings Per Share

  (EPS)

50%£ $1.53$1.54 to $1.63$1.64 to $1.72$1.73 to $1.81³ $1.82

  Return on Assets

  (ROA)

25%£ 84bps85 to 89 bps90 to 95 bps96 to 100bps³ 101 bps

  Efficiency Ratio (FTE)

25%

³ 65.7%

65.6% to 64.7%

64.6% to 63.6%

63.5% to 62.5%

£ 62.4%

  Score Range

0

< 1.5

³ 1.5 < 2.5

³ 2.5£ 3.0

> 3.0 - £ 4.0

  Funding Pool Ranges

$0M

£ $6.8M

£ $9.9M

£ $13.7M

£ $17.8M

To determine the VCPVariable Compensation Plan funding pool, each performance measurecore funding metric is reviewed to determine the performance quartile that was achieved and the associated score is assigned. The overall funding score represents the sum of the weighted average score for each performance measure.core funding metric. The overall funding score is compared to the quartile score ranges to determine the preliminary funding pool range. The NEOs are included in the senior executive pool, which includes all senior executives designated as Category 1 in accordance with the Federal Reserve’s Interagency Guidance on sound incentive compensation practices.

As mentioned in the above Plan Design section, theThe Committee may use the funding modifiers to increase or decrease the preliminary funding score. The Committee may exercise discretion to increase a preliminary funding score up to a maximum increase is 0.6of 6 points; however, downward discretion is not capped and can be made in any amount deemed appropriate. These measures are outlined below:

 

Performance Modifier Measures  Target Goal  2015
Final
Results

Net Charge-Offs

  .41%  .48%

Non-Performing Assets

  .71%  .70%

Capital Levels

  Meet Required Regulatory Levels  Exceed

Available Liquidity

  $20B  $29.7B

  Funding

  Modifier

Threshold
Goal
Target
Goal
Exceptional
Goal

  Non-performing assets

75th peer percentile

Peer median

25th peer percentile

  Capital levels

Meet required regulatory minimum
and internal target levels

Exceed target levels

  Liquidity coverage ratio

Meet required regulatory minimum
and internal target levels

Exceed target levels

  Customer experience

> 1 achieved

3 – 5 achieved

> 5 achieved

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        Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

        LOGO

Performance against Variable Compensation Plan Goals.The Company performed well against the goals set for the Variable Compensation Plan for 2017. Consistent with our practice used in setting goals and evaluating performance metrics, we use adjusted Company performance metrics to determine performance against our plan targets. Adjusted Company performance metrics are determined by first excluding financial effects of certain events in order to reflect core financial performance in the plan year. In determining the preliminary 2017 adjusted Company performance metrics for the plan, we excluded:

 

  The net gain resulting from the Company’s third quarter 2017 Vantiv, Inc. share sale;

  A charge related to the valuation of the Company’s Visa total return swap;

Items resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act including a remeasurement of deferred tax liability, a remeasurement of portfolio carrying values for leveraged leases, an impairment related to affordable housing investments, a contribution to the Fifth Third Foundation, and aone-time employee bonus; and,

  Treasury securities gains / losses.

After excluding the items listed above and making further adjustments to account for the effects from a preliminary funding pool greater than Quartile 2, the adjusted Company performance metrics for the Variable Compensation Plan for 2017 would be an adjusted EPS of $1.80, an adjusted ROA of 1.02%, and an adjusted taxable equivalent efficiency ratio of 64.1%.

  Adjusted Core

  Funding Metrics

 2017 Reported Metrics 

2017 Adjusted Metrics (Including effects

of preliminary funding pool)

  EPS

 

 

$2.83

 

 

$1.80

 

  ROA

 

 

1.56%

 

 

1.02%

 

  Efficiency Ratio (FTE)

 

 

56.6%

 

 

64.1%

 

In addition to these key financial performance metrics, we met or exceeded target on the funding modifiers considered by the Committee in assessing annual performance:

  Funding

  Modifier

2017

                Actual                 

  Non-performing assets

38th peer percentile

  Capital levels

Exceeded

  Liquidity coverage ratio

Exceeded

  Customer experience

At target

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LOGO         

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

Determination of VCP AwardsVariable Compensation Plan Awards.. As described inon the VCP Performance Goals section,previous page, each core funding metric is assigned a score based on the quartile of its performance and these scores are then weighted to determine an overall funding score which then determines the VCP funding pool, each performance measure is reviewed to determine the performance quartile that was achieved andas well as the associated score is assigned. The overall funding score representsfor the sum of the weighted average score for each performance measure. The overall funding score is compared to the quartile score ranges to determine thepreliminary funding pool range. For 2015,2017, the overall funding score was a 2.25, resulting3.00, which resulted in a preliminary Quartile 3 funding pool of up to $9.15$13.7 million for the senior executives.

  Adjusted Core

  Funding Metrics

 

  

        2017 Adjusted         

Metrics

 

  

        Quartile        

Score

 

  

        Weight        

 

  

    Weighted Score    

(Score * Weight)

 

  EPS

 

  

$1.80

 

  3

 

  50%

 

  1.50

 

  ROA

 

  

102 bps

 

  4

 

  25%

 

  1.00

 

  Efficiency Ratio (FTE)

 

  

64.1%

 

  2

 

  25%

 

  0.50

 

  Core Funding Score

 

           3.00

 

Considering this performance, the Committee then performed a quantitative and qualitative assessment of other financial factors and approved a negative adjustment to the preliminary funding pool. The pool funding calculation,decision to approve a negative adjustment was based on a review of overall performance against peers and a qualitative assessment of the adjusted primary metrics, producedfollowing items:

  The benefits to planned net interest income from the market interest rate levels;

A lower than planned fee income growth offset by lower than planned expenses charge related to the valuation of the Company’s Visa total return swap;

  Lower than planned loan growth; and

  The associated impact on loan loss provision combined with lower loan losses.

This negative adjustment to the preliminary funding pool reduced it to a VCPQuartile 2 funding pool of up to 58%$9.9 million, or 56 percent of the maximum incentive opportunity of the Named Executive Officers. This funding level reflects that the Company’s results on two of the performance metrics relative to our financial plan fell within the second quartile, and results on one of the performance metrics fell within the third quartile. Additionally, the Committee considered the four funding modifiers and determined that, as a result of the strong performance on three of the four funding modifiers, an upward adjustment of .30 would be made. The funding modifier adjustment resulted in a final funding score of 2.55. This moved the pool funding to Quartile 3 (up to $12.8 million). The table below shows the calculation for the 2015 pool:pool.

 

Performance Measures  Score  Weight  

Weighted Score

(Score x Weight)

EPS

  2  50%  1.00

RORWA

  2  25%  .50

Efficiency Ratio

  3  25%  .75

Core Funding Score

     2.25   

Core Funding Pool Range

        < $9.15M (Quartile 2)

Funding Modifier Score Adjustment

        .30

Final Funding Score

        2.55

Final Pool Range

        < 12.8M (Quartile 3)

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        Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

        LOGO

When making the final determination of individual awards not to exceed $12.8 million or 82% ofusing the maximumapproved Quartile 2 pool, the Committee had the benefit of information relating to market median and market 75th75th percentile compensation levels as well as performance and 2015 Company financial performance. The Committee considered that results were slightly better thanrisk assessment rating information. Considering each individual’s qualitative performance assessment (described for each NEO in the goals established in our financial plan. While a pool of $12.8 million was available, considering actualqualitative performance assessments section below) and risk performance assessment, the Committee thought it appropriate to make final individual award decisions ofthat totaled approximately 80%99 percent of the maximumapproved $9.9 million pool.

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

After considering each individual’s qualitative performance assessment described below, overall Company financial performance, each individual’s risk performance assessment, market compensation levels, and that several executives who were either promoted or newly hired had their VCP payments prorated or guaranteed for 2015, the Committee approved These included a VCPVariable Compensation Plan award of 58%63 percent of the Chief Executive Officer’sCEO’s individual maximum for the Chief Executive Officer and VCPVariable Compensation Plan awards ranging from 23%47 percent to 84%65 percent of their individual maximums for the other NEOs.

 

LOGO

VCP payments for Messrs. Carmichael and Spence were prorated for time served in their new roles. The VCP payment for Mr. Anderson was guaranteed as part of his new hire offer.LOGO

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LOGO         

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

20152017 Long-term Equity-based Incentive Compensation Plan Design.The objective of the long-term equity-based incentive programplan is an important piece of the compensation mix for our Named Executive Officers. The objectives of our plan, the types of equity-based awards employed under the plan, and areas included in individual performance assessments used to align executives’ interests with shareholders’ interests, facilitate share ownership amongdetermine award amounts for Named Executive Officers and to link rewards with the long-term performance of the Company. Target award levels are established at the beginning of the year for each executive officer based on market median compensation for each position. Award levels are not automatically made at target. The actual award levels are based on Company performance and the Committee may include qualitative assessments of individual performance of each Named Executive Officer in areas such as:are:

 

The Company’s revenue and expense results

Division’s revenue and expenses vs. budget

Internal and external customer service levels

Performance relative to the Company’s strategic initiatives

Results related to specific individual responsibilities

Results related to specific individual risk assessments

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The Company currently employs three types of long-term equity-based incentive compensation awards: stock-settled stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock, and performance shares. The mix of long-term equity-based incentive compensation awards for its executive officers was reviewed in 2015 to ensure that it effectively supported the Company’s objectives of:

Aligning management and shareholders’ interests

Motivating senior executives to optimize long-term shareholder value

Encouraging stock ownership among senior executives

Enhancing the Company’s ability to retain key executives

Ensuring the program design is consistent with our compensation philosophy and reflective of external market trends

Strengthening the risk-adjusted pay decisions

  Plan ObjectivesEquity Type Mix

Align management and shareholders’ interests

LOGO

Motivate senior executives to optimize long-term shareholder value

Encourage stock ownership among our employees

Enhance the Company’s ability to retain key talent

Ensure the program design is consistent with our compensation philosophy and reflective of external market trends

Strengthen risk-adjusted pay decisions

Areas of Assessment

The Company’s revenue and expense results

Stock Appreciation Right Awards are calculated by taking 15% of the total LTI award amount divided by the SARs Black-Scholes value on the date of grant

Restricted Stock Unit Awards are calculated by taking 40% of the total LTl award amount divided by the Company’s closing stock price on the date of grant

Performance Share Awards are calculated by taking 45% of the total LTI award amount

divided by the Company’s closing stock price on the date of grant

Division revenue and expenses vs. budget

Internal and external customer service levels

Performance relative to the Company’s strategic initiatives

Results related to specific individual responsibilities

Results related to specific individual risk assessments

The Committee believes that a portion of the long-term equity-based incentive compensation opportunity should come from a growth-oriented incentive, (i.e., SARs)specifically Stock Appreciation Rights, or SARs, that alignsalign executives’ interests with those of the Company’s shareholders. In addition, the Committee believes that full-value share awards (i.e.,in the form of performance shares and restricted stock)stock units complement each other and are important to drivefor driving stronger retention value and enhanced ownership creationownership-creation opportunities, and should therefore be a meaningful portion of the long-term incentive. The Committee also believes that performance shares further the objective of creating a clear connection between results achieved and compensation earned. The Committee determined in 2016 that the mix of long-term incentives for 2014grants to be made in 2017 was still overly weighted towards SARs and as such adjusted the mix of long-term incentives as per the Table below. The Committee believes that the mix is now appropriate based on the Company’s long-term incentive plan objectives, strategic objectives, compensation philosophy, regulatory guidance, risk culture, and competitive practice.

Target award levels are established at the beginning of the year for each executive officer based on market median compensation for each position. Award levels are not automatically made at target. Actual award levels are based on Company performance, and the Committee includes qualitative assessments of individual performance of each Named Executive Officer in areas shown in the graphic display above. Amounts realizable from prior compensation awards do not influence decisions relative to future awards.

Award Type 

2014 Proportion of

Long-Term

Incentive Value

  

2015 Proportion of

Long-Term

Incentive Value

  2015 Calculation of Awards
Stock Appreciation Rights  25  15 Total award dollar value multiplied by 15% divided by stated yearly SAR value(1)
Performance Shares  35  45 Total award dollar value multiplied by 45% divided by the Company’s closing stock price on the grant date

Restricted Stock

  40  40 Total award dollar value multiplied by 40% divided by the Company’s closing stock price on the grant date

 

(1)The Company assigns a compensation value for SARs based on a number of factors including the calculated Black-Scholes value using a six year expected life. This valuation utilizes the estimated accounting or expense value of the stock appreciations rights.

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

        LOGO

Stock Appreciation Rights. SARs for Named Executive Officers have been and will continue to be granted at the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant, with a 10-year term and generally a 4-year graded vesting schedule. These award terms are consistent with the annual grant for all eligible employees at the Company.

The grant date is the date of the Committee’s approval of the awards, which will typically beis at a first quarter meeting of the Committee or at the annual shareholder meeting in April. The grant dates for 2015 awards made in 2017 are detailed in the 20152017 Grants of Plan-Based Awards table. The Company does not adjust the timing of its annual grant based on SEC filings or press releases. Rather, the annual grant date is established and communicated well in advanceadvance.

Stock Appreciation Rights are granted at the closing price of the date.Company’s common stock on the date of grant and with a10-year term. Grants made in 2017 have a three-year graded vesting schedule. The Company does not grant discounted stock options or SARs,re-price previously granted stock options, or SARs, or grant reload stock options.

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISRestricted stock units have a three-year graded vesting schedule. These grants are eligible for dividend equivalent payments but do not have voting rights during the vesting period.

Performance share grants made in 2017 were structured as follows:

 

Performance Share Awards. Prior to granting

LOGO

In 2017, the performance shares in 2015, we considered our programs’ alignment with competitive practices compared to our peer banks. Based on this review, the following changes were made toperiod for the performance share award program:

The primary metric used for our performance share awardsgranted in 2014 ended. Performance was changed from relativebased on the total shareholder return to return on average equity (“ROAE”TSR”), as adjusted, relative to our peer banks

To achieve balance between relative and absolute metrics, two absolute performance hurdles were added:

ROTCE must be greater than a predetermined threshold each year in order for awards to vest

Efficiency ratio must be better than a predetermined threshold at the end of the three year performance period in order to earn an award payout greater than target

The performance payout grid is shown below. Payout opportunities range from 0% to 150% of target, with no payout earned if relative ROAE falls below the 25th percentile of the Compensation Peer Group.Group measured from April 1, 2014 through March 31, 2017. The threshold performance level to achieve any payout was set at the 33rd percentile relative to peers. The Company’s performance on TSR over the three-year performance period was under the 33rd percentile, which resulted in azero-share payout in 2017 for this grant.

 

Payout Grid for the 2015 Performance Share AwardFifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement43


Performance  LevelLOGO         

  

Relative ROECOMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Payout Percentage

Threshold

Below the 25th Percentile0%

Between Threshold and Below Target performance

25%

Below Target

Median performance median 150 basis points50%

Target

Median performance (50th percentile)100%

Maximum

Median performance plus 150 basis points150%

 

Straight line interpolation will be used to determine payouts between Threshold and Maximum

The 2012 performance share award measured performance from April 1, 2012 through March 31, 2015. Thelong-term equity-based incentive plan provides incentive for the creation of shareholder value since the full benefit of the grant to each Named Executive Officer can be realized only with an appreciation in the price of the Company’s performancecommon shares or based on total shareholderrelative return overon average common equity, depending on the 3-year performance period was at the 25th percentile relative to peers. The result was a zero share payout for this award in 2015.type of award.

Restricted Stock Awards.Other Long-term Equity-based Plan Provisions. Restricted stock The Variable Compensation Plan and long-term equity-based incentive compensation awards have a 3-year graded vesting schedule. These awards are full-value shares of stock that are eligible for dividend paymentsmade in 2017 were authorized under the Company’s 2014 Incentive Compensation Plan which was approved and receive voting rights duringadopted by the restriction period.Company’s shareholders in 2014.

For senior executives (including NEOs), a performance based vesting requirement was introduced in 2013 using ROTCEThe Committee has delegated to certain Named Executive Officers, as a threshold metric before each annualwell as to the chief human resource officer, the authority to grant ordinary course equity grant vesting tranche is earned. The ROTCE threshold goalawards for 2015 was 2%. The threshold was put in placerecruiting and retention purposes up to protect against high levels of compensation payouts for poor risk or performance outcomes.specified limits.

Determination of Long-term Equity-based Incentive AwardsAwards.. The Chief Executive Officerchief executive officer recommends the award levels for the othereach Named Executive OfficersOfficer except for himself, and the Committee makes the final award determination for all Named Executive Officers.Officers, including the chief executive officer. The award considerations are not based on a formula. Rather, the Committee may choose to make the actual award higher or lower than the target award based on the qualitative assessment of performance against stated objectives as well as the individual’s risk assessment results. The Committee believes that, by including a performance element as part of the upfrontup-front grant process, the Company is able to reinforce further reinforce thepay-for-performance objective of the long-term incentives.

These grants provide incentive for the creation of shareholder value since the full benefit of the grant to each Named Executive Officer can only be realized with an appreciation in the price of the Company’s common shares or based on relative return on average equity, depending on the type of award. The Company does not

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

grant discounted stock options or SARs, re-price previously granted stock options or SARs, or grant reload stock options.compensation structure.

When making the final determination to grant long-term equityequity-based incentive compensation awards in February 2015,2017, the Committee had the benefit ofconsidered information relating to market medianmarket-median compensation levels, Company financial performance during 2014,2016, the qualitative performance assessment described below, and individual risk performance assessments. After reviewing this information for 2014,2016, the Committee granted a 20152017 long-term equity incentive compensation award of 106%125 percent of target for the Chief Executive Officerchief executive officer and equity awards ranging from 90%100 percent to 110%133 percent of target for each of the NEOs.other Named Executive Officers.

Qualitative Performance Assessments.The individual qualitative performance assessment referenced in the discussions above is a review of how each Named Executive Officer performed against a set of stated objectives. This assessment is performed by the Board of Directors with respect to the Chief Executive Officer’schief executive officer’s performance and by the Chief Executive Officerchief executive officer with respect to the performance of the other Named Executive Officers.NEOs. The specific objectives assessed for each NEO areNamed Executive Officer is as follows:

For Mr. Carmichael:Leadership and execution as Presidentpresident and Chief Operating Officerchief executive officer relating to the NorthStar strategy; short and long-term financial results; driving accountability for a culture of strong risk management; customer and talent goals; and promotion of the Bank’s Core Values: Work as One Bank, Take Accountability, Be Respectful & Inclusive and Act with Integrity. The Variable Compensation Plan award was based on Mr. Carmichael’s 2017 performance against these objectives and his overall contribution to our performance.

The long-term equity-based award granted in February 2017 was based on 2016 performance against objectives of leadership and execution as president and chief executive officer relating to Company

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

        LOGO

financial performance in a well-managed risk environment; customer and employee index goals; “One Bank” success; and promotion of the Bank’s Core Values.

For Mr. Tuzun: Leadership and execution as executive vice president and chief financial officer relating to objectives concerning the management of the 2017 financial plan and financial management of NorthStar initiatives in a well-managed risk environment; operational excellence; customer and talent goals; and promotion of the Bank’s Core Values: Work as One Bank, Take Accountability, Be Respectful & Inclusive and Act with Integrity. The Variable Compensation Plan award was based on 2017 performance against these objectives. The long-term equity-based award granted in February 2017 was based on 2016 performance against these objectives.

For Mr. Anderson: Leadership and execution as executive vice president and chief operating officer relating to objectives tied to Companystrategic and financial management of line of business financial performanceand NorthStar initiatives in a well managedwell-managed risk environment,environment; customer service levels, team work across divisional and functional areas,talent goals; and promotion of core values of accountability, integrity, respectthe Bank’s Core Values: Work as One Bank, Take Accountability, Be Respectful & Inclusive and inclusion, and teamwork and collaboration. Mr. Carmichael’s objectives were consistent in 2014 and most of 2015 until his transition to Chief Executive Officer in November.Act with Integrity. The VCPVariable Compensation Plan award was based on 20152017 performance against these objectives. The LTIlong-term equity-based award granted in February 20152017 was based on 20142016 performance against these objectives.

For Mr. Kabat:Spence: Leadership and performanceexecution as Chief Executive Officerexecutive vice president and head of payments, strategy, and digital solutions relating to objectives tied to Company financial performancestrategic outcomes of NorthStar initiatives, payments and strategy office in a well managedwell-managed risk environment,environment; customer and employee index goals, “One Bank” success,talent goals; and promotion of core values of accountability, integrity, respectthe Bank’s Core Values: Work as One Bank, Take Accountability, Be Respectful & Inclusive and inclusion, and teamwork and collaboration. Mr. Kabat’s objectives were consistent in 2014 and most of 2015 until he stepped down as Chief Executive Officer in November.Act with Integrity. The VCPVariable Compensation Plan award was based on 2015Mr. Spence’s 2017 performance against these objectives. The LTIlong-term equity-based award granted in February 20152017 was based on 20142016 performance against these objectives.

For Mr. Tuzun:Forrest: Leadership and execution as Executive Vice Presidentexecutive vice president and Chief Financial Officer relating to objectives concerning balance sheet, capital and liquidity management,chief risk management and compliance, credit loss management, operational excellence, maintaining a strong financial team, and promotion of core values of accountability, integrity, respect and inclusion, and teamwork and collaboration. The VCP award was based on 2015 performance against these objectives. The LTI award granted in February 2015 was based on 2014 performance against similar objectives.

For Mr. Anderson: Mr. Anderson joined the Company as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in August 2015. His 2015 VCP award was guaranteed at $750,000 as part of his new hire offer. He also received an equity grant of restricted stock valued at approximately $3,000,000 and a sign-on bonus of $3,000,000 to cover equity compensation forfeited when joining the Company.

For Mr. Spence: Mr. Spence joined the Company as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer in September 2015. His VCP award was prorated for 2015 based on time served in his role and objectives concerning strategic planning, investments, and promotion of the core values of accountability, integrity, respect and inclusion, and teamwork and collaboration. The VCP award was based on 2015 performance against these objectives. He also received an equity grant of restricted stock valued at approximately $3,675,000 to cover cash and equity compensation forfeited when joining the Company, and a sign-on bonus of $700,000 as part of his new hire offer.

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

For Mr. Forrest: Leadership and execution as Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officerofficer relating to objectives concerning risk management and compliance,compliance; NorthStar initiatives; operational excellence,excellence; customer and talent goals; and promotion of core values of accountability, integrity, respectthe Bank’s Core Values: Work as One Bank, Take Accountability, Be Respectful & Inclusive and inclusion, and teamwork and collaboration. Mr. Forrest’s objectives were consistent in 2014 and 2015.Act with Integrity. The VCPVariable Compensation Plan award was based on 20152017 performance against these objectives. The LTIlong-term equity-based award granted in February 20152017 was based on 20142016 performance against these objectives.

For Mr. Poston: LeadershipThe Committee’s Considerations.The Committee considers both the aggregate amount and executionmix of an executive officer’s Total Direct Compensation when making the decisions discussed above. The Committee assesses Total Direct Compensation relative to competitive market data annually during its December meeting. Recommendations for executive compensation are reviewed and approved as Executive Vice Presidentfinal during its February meeting.

Based on its most recent review of the competitive data, the Committee has determined that the compensation structure for executive officers is effective and Chief Strategyappropriate. The structure reflects the Company’s compensation philosophy in that its incentive payout ranges are aligned with the competitive market data; it has appropriate leverage to ensure a strong linkage between compensation, risk outcomes, and Administrative Officer relating to objectives concerning strategic planning, capital management, operational excellence,performance; and promotion of core values of accountability, integrity, respect and inclusion, and teamwork and collaboration. Mr. Poston’s objectives were consistent for 2014 and 2015. He did not receive a VCP awardit drives rewards based on 2015the most relevant performance againstmeasures for the Company and shareholders.

The Committee also has reviewed the internal relationships between the compensation for the chief executive officer and for other executive officers and has deemed them to be appropriate. The Committee

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LOGO         

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

believes that the relative difference between the compensation of the chief executive officer and the compensation of the Company’s other executive officers is consistent with such differences found in the Company’s Compensation Peer Group.

Tax and Accounting Impacts of Compensation Programs

Deductibility of Executive Compensation.Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code limits the deductibility of compensation paid to or earned by certain executive officers of a public company. Section 162(m) limits the annual deductibility of certain executive compensation to $1 million per covered executive officer. Certain other limitations on the deductibility of executive compensation will continue to apply to some forms of compensation earned during the Company’s participation in the Troubled Asset Relief Program’s Capital Purchase Program in addition to the limitation under Section 162(m). While the Company’s compensation philosophy has been to consider the deductibility of executive compensation in approving compensation that may not be deductible, the Committee has determined that the underlying executive compensation programs are appropriate and necessary to attract, retain, and motivate senior executives and that failing to meet these objectives as he separated fromcreates more risk for the Company in October 2015. than the financial impact of losing the tax deduction. For the year ending December 31, 2017, the tax impact related tonon-deductible compensation expense was approximately $4.1 million.

Accounting and Financial Reporting.The LTI award granted in February 2015 was based on 2014 performance against these objectives

Other Long-term Equity-based Plan Provisions. The annual cash andCompany accounts for long-term equity-based incentive compensation awards madepayments including stock options, SARs, restricted stock, and performance shares in 2015 were authorized under the Company’s 2014 Incentive Compensation Plan. This Plan was approved and adopted by the Company’s shareholders in 2014.

The Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics provides that the Company reserves the right to and, if appropriate, will seek restitution of any bonus, commission, or other compensation received as a result of an employee’s intentional or knowing fraudulent or illegal conduct or misconduct, including the making of a material misrepresentation containedaccordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the Company’s financial statements.United States (U.S. GAAP).

The Committee has delegated to certain Named Executive Officers, as well as to the Chief Human Resource Officer, the authority to grant equity awards for recruiting and retention purposes up to specified limits.

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

        LOGO

2016 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN DESIGN CHANGES2018 Executive Compensation Plan Design Changes

20162018 Variable Compensation Plan Changes.As stated above, theThe Company and the Committee review the variable compensation planVariable Compensation Plan annually to determine if any changes need toshould be made to the plan for the next year. During 2015,2017, the Company and the Committee reviewed the plan to determine that the right core funding metrics were in place to provide strong business focus and alignment with the business strategy. The Committee determined that the existing core funding metrics and funding modifiers are still appropriate, and it made no changes to them. It was determined, however, that modifications could be made to simplify the design of the Category 1 pool funding structure while also aligning the design to that of the broad-based plan. Starting in 2018, there no longer will be two separate Variable Compensation Plan pool structures for executives and broad-based employees, but instead, one pool structure for all employees. The performance quartile structure will be eliminated, and the core funding metrics and modifiers continue to provide the right business focus and are aligned with business strategy. However, net charge offs will no longer be reviewed as a modifier as the expense associated with net charge offs is includedexpressed in the core funding metric of EPSsame way for executives and typically another one ofbroad-based employees. The chart below highlights the modifier metrics, non-performing assets. Non-performing assets is a forward looking indicator of credit quality and is viewed as a better early warning signal of any emerging credit issues than net charge offs.key changes made in the new design:

  From:

To:

Separate VC plans for Category 1
and broad-based employees.

Same VC plan for Category 1 and broad-based employees.

Discretionary pool funding within
performance quartiles.

Formulaic pool funding based on core performance
metrics with managed discretion.

Pool funding capped at sum of maximums.

Pool funding capped at 150% of target.

Discretionary individual award allocations.

Discretionary individual award allocation using
same guidelines as broad-based plan.

Individual award ranges aligned with market.

Individual award targets aligned with market.

20162018 Long-term Equity-based Incentive Plan Changes.The Company and the Committee also reviewsreview the long-term equity-based incentive plan annually to determine if any changes need to be made to the plan (i.e., award mix, performance measures, modifiers, etc.) for the next year. During 2015,2017, the Company reviewed the long-term incentive plan and decided to make the following changes to continue to strengthen the governance, reporting, competitiveness, and risk adjustedrisk-adjusted pay decisions to meet evolving regulatory guidance:

 

For the Performance Share Plan the payout grid will change so that payout amounts are distributed in 20 point increments in an effort to more evenly spread payout opportunities on the upside as well as the downside of the grid.

Payouts will continue to be capped at 150 percent for performance starting at the 75th percentile performance of our Compensation Peer Group and no payout will be achieved for performance at or under the 25th percentile.

Starting with awardsThese changes will impact any long-term incentives to be granted in 2017, the vesting schedule for SARs granted to executives will change from a 4-year graded vesting to a 3-year graded vesting to align with the vesting schedules of their other equity vehicles

The retirement eligibility criteria for all long-term incentive awards granted after January 1, 2016 will be 55 years of age minimum with 5 or more years of service where age plus years of service equal 65

The termination provision was revised such that employees will now have 90 days post voluntary termination to exercise any vested SARs granted after January 1, 2016

2019 based on 2018 performance. The Committee approved the changes at theirits December 20152017 meeting.

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

EXECUTIVE BENEFITS AND PERQUISITESExecutive Benefits and Perquisites

Summary of Eligibility for Benefits and Perquisites.The Company provides few benefits and perquisites to executive officers that are not available to the general employee population. Special benefits include an executive physical exam programhealth and fitness programs and a deferred compensation plan. Special perquisites for executives

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

include the following: financial planning reimbursement, nominal holiday gifts, and parking. Additionally, spouses or guests of executive officers may be provided travel and/or entertainment benefits related to business events whereat which their attendance is expected and appropriate, such as company recognition events or trips, recruiting meals, or social events held for marketing or other business purposes. These benefits are often provided with little or no incremental cost to the Company. The Company does not provide taxgross-ups for these special perquisites.

As part of Mr. Anderson’s new hire offer, the Company made a one-time reimbursement of Mr. Anderson’s country club initiation fee. The Company believes that such reimbursement was appropriate and necessary to attract Mr. Anderson to join the Company. This reimbursement is noted in the Summary Compensation Table on page 46.

Retirement Benefits.The Company’s retirement benefits are designed to assist employees in accumulating wealth to provide income during their retirement years. The retirement benefits are designed to attract and retain employees and to encourage employees to save money for their retirement while maintaining a competitive cost structure for the Company. Based on the Company’s research using two national benefits surveys, its retirement benefits are positioned near the market median for similar employers. The Company’s primary retirement benefit plan is a defined contribution 401(k) plan with a company match. This plan was amended effective January 1, 2015 as discussed below. The Company also maintains a defined benefit pension plan that has been frozen and none of the Named Executive Officers participate in the plan.

The Company maintains the same 401(k) plan for all eligible employees, including the Named Executive Officers. The 401(k) plan provides a match to employee contributions. Effective January 1, 2015, the Company’s match is 150%contributions of 150 percent on the first 2%2 percent and 100% of100 percent on the next 4%4 percent of eligible compensation an employee contributes to the plan, and is invested in any of the plan’s existing investment alternatives that the employee selects. This Company match is immediately 100%100 percent vested. All Named Executive Officers are eligible for this plan up to the IRS wage or contribution limits. Effective June 23, 2017, the option to invest future contributions in Fifth Third stock was discontinued.

The Company maintains a defined benefit pension plan.plan which was frozen to new participants as of November 15, 1998. Employees who met the age and service requirement wereat that time are “grandfathered” and continue to accrue benefits under that plan. No Named Executive Officers continue to accrue benefits underare participants in this plan. Mr. Kabat has a frozen benefit for his service while at Old Kent Bank prior to it being acquired by the Company. The Old Kent Bank defined benefit pension plan was frozen for all participants shortly after the Company acquired Old Kent Financial Corporation. The retirement benefit under the defined benefit pension plan is based on years of service and a percent of an employee’s highest five consecutive years of earnings over the last ten years of employment. Compensation for retirement benefit calculations is defined as the base salary plus variable compensation.

Health and Welfare Benefits.The Company offers medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance to its employees. The benefits are designed to attract and retain employees and provide security to employees and their dependents for their health and welfare needs. Based on the Company’s research using two national benefits surveys, its health and welfare benefits are positioned near the market median for similar employers. These benefits are offered to employees and Named Executive Officers on a uniform basis and are subject to insurance policy limitations. The Company also provides to each Named Executive Officer a comprehensive physical exam program. The Company provides Company-paid life insurance coverage equalprogram and access to an employee’s base salary, up to $1,000,000. The Company’s long-term disability benefit is 60% of an employee’s base salary and the benefit is limited to $20,000 per month. The Company also offers a Company-paid short-term disability benefit with similar benefits to the long-term disability program.fitness facility.

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Deferred Compensation.The Company offers some of its employees (atat certain salary band levels, including its executive officers)officers, a nonqualified deferred compensation plan. This plan allows for the deferral of base salary and bonus.awards received under the Variable Compensation Plan. The plan also provides for the Company to make a contribution for loss of qualified plan 401(k) match due to deferral of pay into this plan or due to IRS wage and/or contribution limitations under the qualified 401(k) plan. The deferred funds receive earnings based on the mutual funds elected by each executive. Executives may alsoThe executives do not earn any preferential or above-market returns on these earnings. Prior to June 23, 2017, executives were able to elect a rate equal to the return on Company common stock. The executives do not earn any preferential or above market returns.Effective June 23, 2017, that option was discontinued for future contributions.

Severance and Change-in-ControlChange in Control Benefits. On November 18, 2014, the Committee adopted theThe Fifth Third Bancorp Executive Change-in-ControlChange in Control Severance Plan (the “Severance Plan”) that was effective as of January 1, 2015. The Severance Plan replaced all existing change-in-control agreements with executives, which expired on December 31, 2014 in accordance with their terms. The Severance Plan also eliminated the remaining excise tax gross-up provisions in the expiring change-in-control agreements, provides market level severance benefits to certain officers upon a qualifying termination after a change-in-control, continueschange in control, subject to condition receipt of such severance benefits upon execution of a release andnon-compete agreement, and allows for a consistent approach to change-in-control severance benefits for covered officers. agreement. The plan covers approximately 4544 officers, including all of the 2015 Named Executive Officers.

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        LOGO

Under the Severance Plan, certain executives will receive severance if, in connection with a change-in-control,change in control, the executive’s employment is terminated without Cause (as defined in the Severance Plan) or the executive resigns for Good Reason (as defined in the Severance Plan). Upon a qualifying termination after a change-in-control, the Named Executive Officers willchange in control, Messrs. Carmichael, Tuzun, and Anderson are eligible to receive an amount equal to 2.99 times the sum of base salarytheir Base Salary and variable compensationVariable Compensation Plan amount except for(as defined in the Severance Plan), and Messrs. Spence and Forrest who willare eligible to receive an amount equal to 2.0 times (each as defined in the Severance Plan).same amount. In addition, continued insurance benefits and certain retirement benefits payablewill be paid to the Named Executive Officers will be paid for three years.years for Messrs. Carmichael, Tuzun, and Anderson and for two years for Messrs. Spence and Forrest. As noted above, no excise taxgross-ups will be provided. For this purpose, a change-in-controlchange in control would occur in any of the following instances:

 

Any person is or becomes the beneficial owner of 25% or more of the voting power of the Company’s outstanding securities

During any consecutive 2-year period, the directors in office in the beginning of such period (or directors who were approved by 2/3 of such directors) cease to constitute a majority of the Board

The sale or disposition of substantially all of the Company’s assets or the merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation unless the voting securities of the Company outstanding prior to such action continue to represent at least 50% of the voting power of the merged or consolidated entity

The Company’s shareholders approve a plan of complete liquidation of the Company

Any person is or becomes the beneficial owner of 30 percent or more of the voting power of the Company’s outstanding securities.

During any consecutive 12 month period, the directors in office in the beginning of such period (or directors who were approved bytwo-thirds of such directors) cease to constitute a majority of the Board.

The sale or disposition of substantially all of the Company’s assets or the merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation unless the voting securities of the Company outstanding prior to such action continue to represent at least 50 percent of the voting power of the merged or consolidated entity.

The Company’s shareholders approve a plan of complete liquidation of the Company.

The Severance Plan defers to the applicable Incentive Compensation Plans for treatment of long-term equity-based incentive compensation in the event of a change-in-control.change in control. Since April 2008, we have not granted any awards whichthat provide for single trigger“single-trigger” vesting upon a change-in-control.change in control. Instead, the vesting provisions for those awards provide for accelerated vesting only if there is a change-in-controlchange in control and a subsequent qualifying termination of employment (i.e. (“double trigger)trigger” vesting). Performance-based awards (performance shares) would be paid out at the higher of (1) the extent to which the performance goals had been met through the date of the change-in-controlchange in control or (2) the value on the date of the change-in-controlchange in control of the number of target shares awarded on the grant date.

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Starting with grants to be made in 2018, the payout provision for performance shares in the event of a change in control will change. Performance-based awards will be paid out at the higher of (1) the extent to which the performance goals had been met through the date of the change in control or (2) the value on the date of the change in control of the number of target shares, in each case prorated based on the portion of the performance period elapsed at the time of the change in control.

TAX AND ACCOUNTING IMPACT OF COMPENSATION PROGRAMSExecutive Ownership and Capital Accumulation

Deductibility of Executive Compensation.Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code limits the deductibility of compensation paid to or earned by certain executive officers of a public company. Section 162(m) limits the annual deductibility of certain (non-performance based) executive compensation to $1 million per covered executive officer. Certain other limitations on the deductibility of executive compensation will continue to apply to some forms of compensation earned during the Company’s participation in the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) in addition to the limitation under Section 162(m). While the Company’s compensation philosophy has been to, where appropriate, position executive compensation to qualify for deductibility, in approving compensation that may not be deductible, the Committee has determined that the underlying executive compensation programs are appropriate and necessary to attract, retain, and motivate senior executives, and that failing to meet these objectives creates more risk for the Company than the financial impact of losing the tax deduction. For the year ending December 31, 2015, the tax impact related to non-deductible compensation expense was approximately $1,500,000.

Accounting and Financial Reporting. The Company accounts for long-term equity-based incentive compensation payments including stock options, SARs, restricted stock, and performance shares in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

EXECUTIVE OWNERSHIP AND CAPITAL ACCUMULATION

Share Ownership Guidelines.The executive compensation program is designed in part to provide opportunities for executive officers to build ownership in the Company and to align performance with shareholder interests. Accordingly, the Company has established share ownership guidelines for senior employees in the Company’s salary band structure, including the executive officers. The amount of shares required to be retained varies based upon the assigned salary band and associated multiple of base salary. These employees are expected to use shares net of taxes obtained through awards under the long-term

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

equity-based incentive compensation program to establish a significant level of direct ownership. Stock ownership includes:

 

Shares owned individually and by immediate family sharing the same household

Restricted stock not yet vested

Shares held in the 401(k) plan

Shares held in the employee stock purchase plan

Shares held in the nonqualified deferred compensation plan

Shares owned
individually and by
immediate family
sharing the same
household.

Restricted stock not

yet vested.

Shares held in the
nonqualified deferred
compensation plan.

Shares held in the
employee stock
purchase plan.

Shares held in the        
401(k) plan.

Until ownership guidelines are met, executive officers are required to retain 100%100 percent of the netafter-tax shares following exercise or receipt of shares under the shares.long-term equity-based incentive compensation program. Executives have 5five years to achieve their executive share ownership requirements. Specific ownership guidelines for the Named Executive Officers are:

 

Share Ownership Guidelines

Chief Executive Officer

  6x Salary

  Chief Executive Officer

6x Salary

Other Named Executive Officers

  

3x Salary

The Committee reviews progress toward achieving the ownership goal for the Company’s executive officers on an annual basis. Based onAs of the 2015 review and December 31, 2015 share price,performed in June 2017, all of the Named Executive Officers had reached their ownership guideline except Mr. Tuzun. Mr. Tuzun has until 2018 to meet his ownership requirement and is making appropriate progress toward meeting the requirement.guideline.

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Beneficial Ownership. The following table sets forth certain information regarding the Named Executive Officers’ beneficial ownership of the common stockCommon Stock of the Company as of January 31, 2016:2018:

 

Title of Class  Name of Officer  

Number of Shares

Beneficially Owned(1)(2)

   Percent of Class  

Name of Officer

 

  

 

Number of Shares
Beneficially Owned 
(1)

 

  

Percent of Class

 

 

Common Stock

  Kevin T. Kabat   3,423,952    0.4358%  

 

Greg D. Carmichael

 

  

 

1,172,408

 

  

 

.1687

 

 

Common Stock

  Greg D. Carmichael   1,015,421    0.1295%  

 

Tayfun Tuzun

 

  

 

224,167

 

  

 

.0323

 

 

Common Stock

  Daniel T. Poston   610,033    0.0778%  

 

Lars C. Anderson

 

  

 

221,457

 

  

 

.0319

 

 

Common Stock

  Timothy N. Spence   197,726    0.0252%  

 

Timothy N. Spence

 

  

 

157,968

 

  

 

.0228

 

 

Common Stock

  Lars C. Anderson   158,144    0.0202%  

 

Frank R. Forrest

 

  

 

77,856

 

  

 

.0112

 

  

Common Stock

  Tayfun Tuzun   120,609    0.0154%

Common Stock

  Frank R. Forrest   63,712    0.0081%

(1)        The amounts shown represent the total shares owned outright by such individuals together with shares held in the name of spouses, minor children, certain relatives, trusts, estates, and certain affiliated companies (as to which beneficial ownership may be disclaimed) and SARs and RSAs or RSUs exercisable (or exercisable within 60 days) of January 31, 2018 but unexercised. These individuals have the number of SARs indicated after their names that are exercisable as of January 31, 2018 or will become exercisable within 60 days of January 31, 2018: Mr. Carmichael, 772,860; Mr. Tuzun, 124,571; Mr. Anderson, 39,524; Mr. Spence, 30,238; and Mr. Forrest, 23,115. The amounts listed for SARs represent the number of rights that may be exercised; the actual number of shares delivered will vary based on the stock’s appreciation over the grant price at the time of exercise.

(1)The amounts shown represent the total shares owned outright by such individuals together with shares which are issuable upon the exercise of currently exercisable (or exercisable within 60 days), but unexercised, stock options and stock appreciation rights and shares held in the name of spouses, minor children, certain relatives, trusts, estates and certain affiliated companies as to which beneficial ownership may be disclaimed. These individuals have the right to acquire the shares indicated after their names, upon the exercise of currently exercisable (or exercisable within 60 days of January 31, 2016) stock appreciation rights: Mr. Carmichael, 815,700; Mr. Kabat, 2,498,096; Mr. Poston, 402,345 and Mr. Tuzun, 64,859. The amounts listed for Stock Appreciation Rights represent the number of rights that may be exercised; the actual number of shares delivered will vary based on the stock’s appreciation over the grant price at the time of exercise.
(2)The amounts shown do not include shares of common stock underlying outstanding restricted stock units. Named Executive Officers owned the following number of restricted stock units as of January 31, 2016: Greg D. Carmichael, 102,302, and Frank R. Forrest, 26,357. None of these restricted stock units are expected to vest within 60 days of January 31, 2016.

For beneficial ownership of individual directors and all directors and executive officers as a group see “Election of Directors” on pages 12-18.

Prohibition on Hedging.The Company prohibits its executive officers from engaging in speculative trading and hedging shares of Company securities. This includes prohibitions against day trading or short selling of Company securities and in transactions in any derivative of Company securities, including buying and writing options. Executives are restricted from buying Company securities on margin or using Company

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        LOGO

securities as collateral for a loan. Additionally, the Company’s insider trading policyInsider Trading Policy prohibits trading during designated blackout periods and requires approval by the Legal Departmentdepartment prior to any trade.

Clawbacks and Recoupments.The Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics provides that the Company reserves the right to and, if appropriate, will seek restitution of any bonus, commission, or other compensation received as a result of an employee’s intentional or knowing fraudulent or illegal conduct or misconduct, including the making of a material misrepresentation contained in the Company’s financial statements.

COMPENSATION OF NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORSCOMMITTEE REPORT

The following Report of the Human Capital and Compensation Committee does not constitute soliciting material and should not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any other Company filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent the Company specifically incorporates this Report by reference therein.

The Human Capital and Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the preceding Compensation Discussion and Analysis. Based on that discussion, the Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement and incorporated into the Company’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Michael B McCallister, Chair

Nicholas K. Akins

Gary R. Heminger

Eileen A. Mallesch

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CEO PAY RATIO

As required by Section 953(b) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 402(u) of RegulationS-K, we are providing information about the relationship of the annual total compensation of Greg D. Carmichael, our chief executive officer (“CEO”), and the median annual total compensation of our employees. The Company believes that the ratio of pay included in this information is a reasonable estimate calculated in a manner consistent with Item 402(u) of RegulationS-K.

As of December 31, 2017:

The median annual total compensation of all employees of our company (other than the CEO) was $60,078; and
The annual total compensation of our CEO, as reported in the Summary Compensation Table included on page 54, was $8,688,292.

Based on this information, for 2017 the ratio of the annual total compensation for our CEO to the median of the annual total compensation of our employees was 145 to 1.

In order to determine this ratio, we first identified one of our employees as the median employee. Since only 11 percent of our employees receive equity compensation, we considered total cash compensation as a consistently applied compensation measure. As allowed by the rules, we excluded our CEO and our 13 employees located outside the United States (11 in Canada and 2 in the United Kingdom) who constitute less than 1 percent of our 18,757 employee base. We then examined the total cash compensation (salary, wages, and bonus) for the remaining employees who were employed on December 31, 2017, as reflected in our payroll records and reported to the Internal Revenue Service on FormW-2 for 2017. In making this examination we annualized the salary of approximately 2,909 full-time employees hired in 2017 who did not work the entire year. We did not annualize the pay of any other type of employee (i.e. part-time,co-ops, etc.) or make any other adjustments to the payroll data.

Once we identified the median employee, we then compared all elements of that employee’s 2017 compensation in accordance with the requirements of Item 402(c)(2)(x) of RegulationS-K; the same methodology we used for our named executive officers in the 2017 Summary Compensation Table on page 54 of this proxy statement, to comparable total compensation of our CEO in order to determine the ratio as shown below:

   

 

Chairman, President and CEO

 

 

 

 

    Median employee    

 

 

 

    Base salary

 

   

 

 

 

 

$1,000,064

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$52,892

 

 

 

 

    Stock awards

 

   

 

 

 

 

$4,526,248

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$0

 

 

 

 

    Option awards

 

   

 

 

 

 

$798,750

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$0

 

 

 

 

    Non-equity incentive plan compensation

 

   

 

 

 

 

$2,000,000

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$2,800

 

 

 

 

    Change in pension value/Nonqualified

deferred compensation earnings

 

   

 

 

 

 

$0

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$0

 

 

 

 

    All other compensation

 

   

 

 

 

 

$363,230

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$4,386

 

 

 

 

TOTAL        

 

   

 

 

 

 

$8,688,292

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$60,078

 

 

 

 

CEO pay ratio        

 

   

 

 

 

 

145 : 1

 

 

 

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CEO PAY RATIO

        LOGO

December 31, 2017 was the date selected to identify the “median employee” because it is the date consistent with the rest of the discussion included in this proxy statement and because our employee base does not materially change at any point during the year.

As stated earlier in this discussion, we believe compensation must be competitive to attract and retain essential talent, to reward high performance, and to be internally equitable. Our expected total compensation opportunities for our employees are specific to the role they hold at the Company and generally reflect market median pay levels for our broader base of employees and median pay levels of our peer group for our executives, with variations based on specific talent needs, experience, and other internal factors. We believe that actual total compensation should vary with the performance of the organization, such that outstanding performance results in above-market compensation.

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COMPENSATION OF NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Summary Compensation Table.The table below summarizes the compensation awarded, paid to, or earned by the Company’s Named Executive Officers during 2013-2015.2015-2017. The amounts in the Stock Awards and Option Awards columns indicate the grant date fair value associated with all grants awarded in the corresponding year and do not correspond with the amounts that the Named Executive Officers may eventually realize with respect to these awards. The benefit, if any, actually received from these awards will depend upon the future value of our common stock.

 

2015 Summary Compensation Table  

Name & Principal

Position

 Year  Salary
($)
  Bonus
($)(1)
  Stock
Awards
($)(2)(3)
  Option
Awards
($)(2)
  Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)(4)
  Change in Pension
Value & Nonqualified
Deferred  Compensation
Earnings ($)(5)
  All Other
Compensation
($)(6)
  Total ($) 

Greg D. Carmichael

President and Chief
Executive Officer

  2015   $806,986   $0   $3,748,629   $308,577   $1,336,000   $0   $250,858   $6,451,050  
  2014   $709,203   $0   $1,385,816   $537,497   $935,459   $0   $345,374   $3,913,349  
  2013   $695,447   $0   $1,505,406   $644,998   $1,151,720   $0   $375,913   $4,373,484  

Kevin T. Kabat,

Vice Chairman and retired
Chief Executive Officer

  2015   $1,099,768   $0   $4,249,989   $749,998   $1,545,000   $0   $330,725   $7,975,480  
  2014   $1,046,997   $0   $3,222,806   $1,249,999   $1,545,000   $120,800   $241,794   $7,427,396  
  2013��  $1,024,227   $0   $3,500,933   $1,499,998   $1,850,000   $0   $289,711   $8,164,869  

Tayfun Tuzun

Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer

  2015   $452,632   $0   $688,494   $121,500   $800,000   $0   $95,681   $2,158,307  
  2014   $425,006   $0   $580,111   $224,998   $367,420   $0   $58,114   $1,655,649  
  2013   $313,365   $0   $175,050   $74,998   $315,000   $0   $46,875   $925,288  

Lars C. Anderson,

Executive Vice President
and Chief Operating Officer

  2015   $272,597   $3,750,000   $2,999,992   $0   $0   $0   $60,159   $7,082,748  

Timothy N. Spence,

Executive Vice President
and Chief Strategy Officer

  2015   $131,541   $712,829   $3,674,982   $0   $217,230   $0   $2,372   $4,738,954  

Frank R. Forrest,

Executive Vice President
and Chief Risk Officer

  2015   $528,093   $0   $1,264,977   $135,001   $750,000   $0   $109,627   $2,787,698  
  2014   $500,011   $0   $644,565   $250,001   $455,002   $0   $100,600   $1,950,179  
  2013   $144,234   $1,150,000   $674,999   $0   $0   $0   $85,168   $2,054,401  

Daniel T. Poston,

former Executive Vice
President and Chief Strategy
and Administrative Officer

  2015   $495,073   $0   $988,110   $174,378   $0   $0   $2,155,435   $3,812,996  
  2014   $544,322   $0   $741,815   $287,718   $540,000   $0   $287,229   $2,401,084  
  2013   $530,281   $0   $927,737   $397,500   $562,500   $0   $306,454   $2,724,472  

 

2017 Summary Compensation Table

 

 

Name & Principal

Position

 

 

Year

 

  

Salary

($)

 

  

Bonus

($)(1)

 

  

Stock
Awards

($)(2)

 

  

Option
Awards

($)(3)

 

  

Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation

($)(4)

 

  

All Other
Compensation

($)(5)

 

  

Total ($)

 

 

 

Greg D. Carmichael,

Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

$1,000,064

 

 

 

 

 

 

$0

 

 

 

 

 

 

$4,526,248

 

 

 

 

 

 

$798,750

 

 

 

 

 

 

$2,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

$363,230

 

 

 

 

 

 

$8,688,292

 

 

  2016   $994,287   $0   $3,612,503   $637,501   $2,000,000   $310,790   $7,555,081 
  

 

2015

 

 

 

  

 

$806,986

 

 

 

  

 

$0

 

 

 

  

 

$3,748,629

 

 

 

  

 

 

$308,577

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

$1,336,000

 

 

 

  

 

$250,858

 

 

 

  

 

$6,451,050

 

 

 

 

Tayfun Tuzun,

 

 

 

 

2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

$553,426

 

 

 

 

 

 

$0

 

 

 

 

 

 

$1,190,006

 

 

 

 

 

 

$209,997

 

 

 

 

 

 

$630,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

$129,575

 

 

 

 

 

 

$2,713,004

 

 

Executive Vice President

  2016   $519,342   $0   $849,999   $150,001   $900,000   $127,359   $2,546,701 

and Chief Financial Officer

  

 

2015

 

 

 

  

 

$452,632

 

 

 

  

 

$0

 

 

 

  

 

$688,494

 

 

 

  

 

$121,500

 

 

 

  

 

$800,000

 

 

 

  

 

$95,681

 

 

 

  

 

$2,158,307

 

 

 

 

Lars C. Anderson,

 

 

 

 

2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

$686,943

 

 

 

 

 

 

$0

 

 

 

 

 

 

$1,444,996

 

 

 

 

 

 

$255,004

 

 

 

 

 

 

$637,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

$251,669

 

 

 

 

 

 

$3,276,112

 

 

Executive Vice President

  2016   $675,002   $0   $1,445,007   $255,001   $900,000   $223,111   $3,498,121 

and Chief Operating Officer

  

 

2015

 

 

 

  

 

$272,597

 

 

 

  

 

$3,750,000

 

 

 

  

 

$2,999,992

 

 

 

  

 

$0

 

 

 

  

 

$0

 

 

 

  

 

$60,159

 

 

 

  

 

$7,082,748

 

 

 

 

Timothy N. Spence,

Executive Vice President
and Head of Payments, Strategy

and Digital Solutions

 

 

 

 

 

2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

$461,950

 

 

 

 

 

 

$0

 

 

 

 

 

 

$1,359,999

 

 

 

 

 

 

$239,999

 

 

 

 

 

 

$715,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

$318,772

 

 

 

 

 

 

$3,095,720

 

 

  2016   $450,008   $12,200   $1,020,008   $179,999   $900,000   $252,621   $2,814,836 
  

 

2015

 

 

 

  

 

 

$131,541

 

 

 

 

 

  $712,829   $3,674,982   $0   $217,230   $2,372   $4,738,954 

 

Frank R. Forrest,

Executive Vice President
and Chief Risk Officer

 

 

 

 

 

2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

$534,796

 

 

 

 

 

 

$0

 

 

 

 

 

 

$1,190,006

 

 

 

 

 

 

$209,997

 

 

 

 

 

 

$600,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

$148,245

 

 

 

 

 

 

$2,683,044

 

 

  2016   $519,713   $0   $849,999   $150,001   $900,000   $142,614   $2,562,327 
  

 

2015

 

 

 

  

 

$528,093

 

 

 

  

 

$0

 

 

 

  

 

$1,264,977

 

 

 

  

 

$135,001

 

 

 

  

 

$750,000

 

 

 

  

 

$109,627

 

 

 

  

 

$2,787,698

 

 

 

(1)The amount shown for Mr. Anderson includes a $3,000,000 signing bonus and a $750,000 VCP(1)        The amount shown for Mr. Anderson in 2015 includes a $3 million signing bonus and a $750,000 Variable Compensation Plan payment guaranteed as part of his new hire offer. The amounts shown for Mr. Spence in 2015 and 2016 comprise a signing bonus payable over two years as part of his new hire offer. The amount shown for Mr. Spence is a signing bonus as part of his new hire offer. The amount shown for Mr. Forrest in 2013 includes a $650,000 signing bonus and a $500,000 VCP payment guaranteed as part of his new hire offer.

(2)Amounts reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of awards granted during the year valued in accordance with statement accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Assumptions used in determining fair value are disclosed in Note 24 “Stock-Based Compensation” located on pages 149-152 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

COMPENSATION OF NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS(2)        The values included for performance share awards for 2017 in both the Summary Compensation Table and the table below reflect the grant date fair value of $26.52 which was also the closing price on the February 3, 2017 grant date and the price used to calculate the number of performance shares awarded. The values shown for performance share awards for 2016 reflect the grant date fair value of $14.87 which was also the closing price on the February 12, 2016 grant date and the price used to calculate the number of performance shares awarded. The values shown for performance share awards for 2015 reflect the grant date fair value of $18.78 which was also the closing price on the February 11, 2015 grant date and the price used to calculate the number of performance shares awarded. Fair value for 2015, 2016, and 2017 performance share awards assume target performance achievement as of the date of grant. Fair values assuming maximum performance as of the date of grant are as follows:

 

    Executive

 

  

Fair Value at Maximum Performance

 

  

2015

 

  

2016

 

  

2017

 

 

    Greg D. Carmichael

 

  

 

$1,388,612

 

  

 

$2,868,758

 

  

 

$3,594,362    

 

 

    Tayfun Tuzun

 

  

 

$546,752

 

  

 

$674,994

 

  

 

$945,014    

 

 

    Lars C. Anderson

 

  

 

n/a

 

  

 

$1,147,503

 

  

 

$1,147,494    

 

 

    Timothy N. Spence

 

  

 

n/a

 

  

 

$810,006

 

  

 

$1,080,000    

 

 

    Frank R. Forrest

 

  

 

$607,486

 

  

 

$674,994

 

  

 

$945,014    

 

(3)        Amounts reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of awards granted during the year valued in accordance with statement of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Assumptions used in determining fair value are disclosed in note 24 “Stock Based Compensation” located on pages 156-159 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

 

(3)The values shown for performance share awards for 2015 in both the Summary Compensation Table and the table below reflect the grant date fair value of $18.78 which was also the closing price on the February 11, 2015 grant date. The number of performance shares awarded was also calculated using this value. The values shown for performance share awards for 2014 reflect the grant date fair value of $15.61 per share for these awards. The grant date closing stock price on April 15, 2014 was $21.63. However, in prior years, the number of performance shares awarded was calculated using the 30-day average closing stock price prior to the April 1, 2014 start of the performance period. That 30-day average stock price was $22.34 in 2014. The values shown for 2013 reflect the grant date fair value of $16.15 per share which is also the grant date closing stock price on April 16, 2013. However, in prior years, the number of performance shares awarded was calculated using the 30-day average closing stock price prior to the April 1, 2013 start of the performance period. That 30-day average stock price was $16.14 in 2013. Fair value for 2015, 2014, and 2013 performance share awards assume target performance achievement as of the date of grant. Upon separation from the Company Mr. Poston’s awards were prorated for time served during the performance period. Fair values assuming maximum performance as of the date of grant are as follows:

Fair Value at Maximum Performance 

Executive

   2013     2014     2015  

Greg D. Carmichael

  $1,290,805    $788,711    $1,388,612  

Kevin T. Kabat

  $3,001,865    $1,834,214    $3,374,991  

Tayfun Tuzun

  $150,098    $330,152    $546,752  

Lars C. Anderson

   n/a     n/a     n/a  

Timothy N. Spence

   n/a     n/a     n/a  

Frank R. Forrest

   n/a    $366,843    $607,486  

Daniel T. Poston

  $662,893    $211,110    $196,176  

(4)

54

Amounts reflect the VCP award paid in cash to each NEO for 2015 performance. Mr. Anderson’s VCP payment amount was guaranteed at $750,000 as part of his new hire package. Mr. Spence’s VCP payment was prorated for the time served in his role during 2015. Mr. Poston did not receive a VCP payment for 2015 performance as he separated from the Company in October 2015.

(5)Amounts reflect the change in pension value only. The Company has a nonqualified deferred compensation plan in which the executives do not receive any above-market or preferable earnings. The earnings received are disclosed in the “Nonqualified Deferred Compensation” table.

(6)The amounts reflected in the All Other Compensation column consist of the benefits provided to the Company’s Named Executive Officers as described above under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Executive Benefits and Perquisites.” The following table reflects the costs of these benefits for 2015:

Name Perquisites
and Other
Personal
Benefits
  Registrant
Contributions
to Defined
Contribution
Plans
  

Tax
Reimbursements
&

Insurance
Premiums

  Severance  Other(H)  Total 

Greg D. Carmichael

 $25,127(A)  $127,171   $512   $0   $98,048   $250,858  

Kevin T. Kabat

 $10,359(B)  $190,334   $720   $0   $129,312   $330,725  

Tayfun Tuzun

 $9,043 (C)  $64,929   $307   $0   $21,402   $95,681  

Lars C. Anderson

 $59,547(D)  $0   $487   $0   $125   $60,159  

Timothy N. Spence

 $2,047 (E)  $0   $325   $0   $0   $2,372  

Frank R. Forrest

 $3,447 (F)  $74,017   $361   $0   $31,802   $109,627  

Daniel T. Poston

 $6,750 (G)  $24,924   $328   $2,050,000   $73,433   $2,155,435  

 (A)        Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement


The amount shown for Mr. Carmichael represents trust and estate planning fees, parking, the incremental cost of travel and entertainment benefits provided to Mr. Carmichael’s spouse at business functions, an executive physical, and a personal computer.COMPENSATION OF NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

        LOGO

 

(4)        Amounts reflect the Variable Compensation Plan award paid in cash to each NEO.

(5)        The amounts reflected in the All Other Compensation column consist of the benefits provided to the Company’s Named Executive Officers as described above under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Executive Benefits and Perquisites.” The following table reflects the costs of these benefits for 2017:

    Executive

 

 

Perquisites
and Other
Personal
      Benefits      

 

 

Registrant

Contributions

to Defined

Contribution
          Plans           

 

 

Tax
Reimbursements
(F)
&

Insurance
        Premiums         

 

 

  Severance  

 

 

    Other(G)    

 

 

      Total      

 

    Greg D. Carmichael

 $11,395(A) $210,004 $672 $0 $141,159 $363,230

    Tayfun Tuzun

 $5,900(B) $96,179 $356 $0 $27,140 $129,575

    Lars C. Anderson

 $14,809(C) $111,086 $454 $0 $125,320 $251,669

    Timothy N. Spence

 $113,979(D) $95,336 $303 $0 $109,154 $318,772

    Frank R. Forrest

 $2,400(E) $100,436 $350 $0 $45,059 $148,245

(A)        The amount shown for Mr. Carmichael represents trust and estate planning fees, parking, an executive physical, and the incremental cost of travel and entertainment benefits provided to Mr. Carmichael’s guest at business functions.

(B)        The amount shown for Mr. Tuzun represents trust and estate planning fees and parking.

(C)        The amount shown for Mr. Anderson represents trust and estate planning fees, parking, and the incremental cost of travel and entertainment benefits provided to Mr. Anderson’s guest at business functions.

(D)        The amount shown for Mr. Spence represents parking, an executive physical, relocation expenses, and $96,075 in housing and commuting expenses.

(E)        The amount shown for Mr. Forrest represents parking.

(F)        Fifth Third does not provide tax reimbursements to executive officers. The amounts shown in this column represent payments for insurance premiums only.

(G)       The amount shown for Mr. Carmichael represents wellness rewards, a company Health Savings Account contribution, and dividends of $138,659 paid on unvested restricted stock awards. The amount shown for Mr. Tuzun represents a company Health Savings Account contribution, and dividends of $26,640 paid on unvested restricted stock awards. The amount shown for Mr. Anderson represents wellness rewards, a company Health Savings Account contribution, and dividends of $122,820 paid on unvested restricted stock awards. The amount shown for Mr. Spence represents wellness rewards and dividends of $107,154 paid on unvested restricted stock awards. The amount shown for Mr. Forrest represents wellness rewards, a company Health Savings Account contribution, and dividends of $42,559 paid on unvested restricted stock awards.

 (B)Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement55


LOGO         

The amount shown for Mr. Kabat represents parking, an executive physical and the incremental cost of travel and entertainment benefits provided to Mr. Kabat’s spouse at business functions.COMPENSATION OF NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

(C)

The amount shown for Mr. Tuzun represents trust and estate planning fees, parking, and a personal computer.

(D)

The amount shown for Mr. Anderson represents trust and estate planning fees, parking, a one-time country club initiation fee, expenses associated with his move and a personal computer.

(E)

The amount shown for Mr. Spence represents parking and a personal computer.

COMPENSATION OF NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

(F)

The amount shown for Mr. Forrest represents parking and a personal computer.

(G)

The amount shown for Mr. Poston represents trust and estate planning fees and parking.

(H)

The amount shown for Mr. Carmichael represents wellness rewards, a company Health Savings Account contribution, dividends of $58,048 paid on unvested restricted stock and retainer fees of $40,000 from Vantiv, Inc. for serving on the Vantiv Board of Directors. The amount shown for Mr. Kabat represents wellness rewards, a company Health Savings Account contribution and dividends of $125,812 paid on unvested restricted stock. The amount shown for Mr. Tuzun represents wellness rewards, a company Health Savings Account contribution, and dividends of $17,902 paid on unvested restricted stock. The amount shown for Mr. Anderson represents a company Health Savings Account contribution. The amount shown for Mr. Forrest represents wellness rewards, a company Health Savings Account contribution, and dividends of $28,302 paid on unvested restricted stock. The amount shown for Mr. Poston represents wellness rewards, a company Health Savings Account contribution, dividends of $31,100 paid on unvested restricted stock and retainer fees of $40,000 from Vantiv, Inc. for serving on the Vantiv Board of Directors.

Grants of Plan-Based Awards.The following table illustrates the long-term equity-based incentive compensation awards made to Named Executive Officers during 2015.2017. The table reflects the full grant date fair value of awards made in 2015.

2017. On February 11, 2015,3, 2017, each of the Named Executive Officers (except Messrs. Anderson and Spence), received grants of performance shares that will vest three years from the grant date (contingent on meeting the performance threshold), restricted stockSARs that will vest in three equal annual installments from the date of grant, and SARsrestricted stock units that will vest in fourthree equal annual installments from the date of grant.

Dividends are paid on unvested restricted stock;stock units. None of these awards have beenre-priced or modified.

Performance shares are reported in the Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Award columns below; restricted stock units are reported in the All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units column below. Nonebelow; and SARs are reported in the All Other Option Awards: Number of these awards have been repriced or modified.

COMPENSATION OF NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORSSecurities Underlying Options column below.

 

2017 Grants of Plan-Based Awards 

Name

 

 

Grant
Date(1)

 

  

Date Grant
Approved by
Compensation
Committee

 

  Estimated Future Payouts Under
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards(2)
  

Estimated Future Payouts Under

Equity Incentive Plan Awards(3)

  

All
Other
Stock
Awards:
Number
of
Shares
of Stock
or Units

(#)

 

  

All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options
(#)

 

  

Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option
Awards

($ / Sh)

 

  

Grant

Date Fair
Value of
Stock and
Option
Awards(4)

($)

 

 
            
            
   

Number
of

Units

 

  

Threshold
($)

 

  

Target

($)

 

  

Maximum

($)

 

  

Number
of Units

 

  

Threshold

(#)

 

  

Target

(#)

 

  

Maxi-

mum

(#)

 

     

  Greg D. Carmichael

                   $3,200,000                                 
  2/3/2017   2/3/2017       90,356   45,178   90,356   135,534      $2,396,241  
  2/3/2017   2/3/2017            93,421  $26.52   $798,750  
  2/3/2017   2/3/2017           80,317     $2,130,007  

  Tayfun Tuzun

          $1,000,000         
  2/3/2017   2/3/2017       23,756   11,878   23,756   35,634      $630,009  
  2/3/2017   2/3/2017            24,561  $26.52   $209,997  
  2/3/2017   2/3/2017           21,116     $559,996  

  Lars C. Anderson

          $1,350,000         
  2/3/2017   2/3/2017       28,846   14,423   28,846   43,269      $764,996  
  2/3/2017   2/3/2017            29,825  $26.52   $255,004  
  2/3/2017   2/3/2017           25,641     $679,999  

  Timothy N. Spence

          $1,100,000         
  2/3/2017   2/3/2017       27,149   13,575   27,149   40,724      $719,991  
  2/3/2017   2/3/2017            28,070  $26.52   $239,999  
  2/3/2017   2/3/2017           24,133     $640,007  

  Frank R. Forrest

          $1,000,000         
  2/3/2017   2/3/2017       23,756   11,878   23,756   35,364      $630,009  
  2/3/2017   2/3/2017            24,561  $26.52   $209,997  
  2/3/2017   2/3/2017                                   21,116           $559,996  

(1)        Awards were made under the 2014 Incentive Compensation Plan as approved by shareholders on April 15, 2014.

(2)        NEOs do not have assigned Variable Compensation Plan targets or thresholds; rather, each NEO has an incentive opportunity range up to an established maximum.

2015 Grants of Plan-Based Awards 
           Estimated Future Payouts Under
Non- Equity Incentive Plan Awards(2)
  Estimated Future Payouts Under
Equity Incentive Plan Awards(3)
  All
Other
Stock
Awards:
Number
of
Shares
of Stock
or Units
(#)
  All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options (#)
  Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option
Awards
($ / Sh)
  Grant
Date Fair
Value of
Stock and
Option
Awards(4)
($)
 
Name 

Grant

Date(1)

  Date Grant
Approved by
Compensation
Committee
  No.
of
Units
 Threshold
($)
  Target
($)
  Maximum
($)
  Number
of Units
  Threshold
(#)
  Target
(#)
  Maximum
(#)
     

Greg D. Carmichael

           $0    —     $2,300,000                                  
   2/11/2015    2/11/2015                  49,294    12,324    49,294    73,941               $925,741  
   2/11/2015    2/11/2015                                      56,933   $18.78   $308,577  
   2/11/2015    2/11/2015                                  43,817           $822,883  
   11/2/2015    11/2/2015                                  102,302           $2,000,005  

Kevin T. Kabat

           $0    —     $3,200,000                                  
   2/11/2015    2/11/2015                  119,808    29,952    119,808    179,712               $2,249,994  
   2/11/2015    2/11/2015                                      138,376   $18.78   $749,998  
   2/11/2015    2/11/2015                                  106,496           $1,999,995  

Tayfun Tuzun

           $0    —     $950,000                                  
   2/11/2015    2/11/2015                  19,409    4,852    19,409    29,114               $364,501  
   2/11/2015    2/11/2015                                      22,417   $18.78   $121,500  
   2/11/2015    2/11/2015                                  17,252           $323,993  

Lars C. Anderson

  10/1/2015    10/1/2015     $0    —     $1,350,000                    158,144           $2,999,992  

Timothy N. Spence

  10/1/2015    10/1/2015     $0    —     $950,000                                  
   10/1/2015    10/1/2015                                  35,582           $674,990  

Frank R. Forrest

  2/11/2015    2/11/2015     $0    —     $950,000    21,565    5,391    21,565    32,348               $404,991  
   2/11/2015    2/11/2015                                      24,908   $18.78   $135,001  
   2/11/2015    2/11/2015                                  19,169           $359,994  
   10/1/2015    10/1/2015                                  26,357           $499,992  

Daniel T. Poston

  2/11/2015    2/11/2015     $0    —     $0    27,855    6,964    27,855    41,783               $523,117  
   2/11/2015    2/11/2015                                      32,173   $18.78   $174,378  
   2/11/2015    2/11/2015                                  24,760           $464,993  

(3)        Comprises performance shares that are settled in Company common stock, only after threshold performance or greater is achieved.

(4)        Grant Date Fair Value of Option Awards granted on February 3, 2017, calculated as the total number of shares multiplied by $8.55. Grant Date Fair Value of Stock Awards granted (including performance shares) on February 3, 2017, calculated as the total number of shares multiplied by $26.52.

 

(1)Awards were made under the 2014 Incentive Compensation Plan as approved by shareholders on April 15, 2014

56

        Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement


COMPENSATION OF NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

(2)NEOs do not have assigned annual incentive targets; rather, each NEO has an incentive opportunity range up to an established maximum.

        LOGO

(3)Includes performance shares that are settled in Company stock, only after threshold performance or greater is achieved

(4)Grant Date Fair Value of Option Awards granted on February 11, 2015 calculated as [total number of shares] multiplied by $5.42. Grant Date Fair Value of Stock Awards granted (including performance shares) on February 11, 2015 calculated as [total number of shares] multiplied by $18.78 Grant Date Fair Value of Stock Awards granted on October 1, 2015 calculated as [total number of shares] multiplied by $18.97 Grant Date Fair Value of Stock Awards granted on November 2, 2015 calculated as [total number of shares] multiplied by $19.55

Upon separation, Daniel Poston’s 2015 performance share award was prorated for time served during the performance period resulting in 6,964 performance shares remaining. Reflected above is the original grant date value of the award on the grant date.

COMPENSATION OF NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

 

Outstanding Equity Awards atYear-End.The following table outlines outstanding long-term equity-based incentive compensation awards for the Named Executive Officers as of December 31, 2015.2017. Each outstanding award is shown separately. The Option AwardAwards columns reflect stock appreciation rights. The Stock AwardAwards columns include restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, and performance share awards,shares, with performance share awardsshares listed in the Equity Incentive Plan Award columns. Performance shares settle entirely in shares of Company common stock only after threshold performance or greater is achieved. The vesting schedule for each award is described in the footnotes to this table.

 

Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2015 
   Option Awards  Stock  Awards(19) 
Name Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
  Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options (#)
  Option
Exercise
Price ($)
  Option
Expiration
Date
  

Number

of

Shares

or Units

of Stock
That

Have

Not

Vested
(#)

  

Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock
That Have

Not
Vested
($)

  

Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number

of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That

Have Not
Vested

(#)

  

Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That Have

Not
Vested
($)

 

Greg D. Carmichael

  60,000    —          —     $37.58    1/23/2016    —          —      —          —    
   71,100    —          —     $39.36    4/7/2016    —          —      —          —    
   66,667    —          —     $38.27    4/9/2017    —          —      —          —    
   84,615    —          —     $19.26    4/15/2018    —          —      —          —    
   125,000    —      (1)    —     $3.96    4/21/2019    —          —      —          —    
   185,476    —          —     $13.36    4/19/2021    —          —      —          —    
   177,306    59,101    (2)    —     $14.36    4/17/2022    —          —      —          —    
   70,724    70,723    (3)    —     $16.15    4/16/2023    —          —      —          —    
   20,578    61,734    (4)    —     $21.63    4/15/2024    —          —      —          —    
   —      56,933    (5)    —     $18.78    2/11/2025    —          —      —          —    
   —      —          —      —      —      4,698    (7)   $94,430    —          —    
   —      —          —      —      —      17,748    (8)   $356,735    —          —    
   —      —          —      —      —      26,504    (10)   $532,730    —          —    
   —      —          —      —      —      43,817    (11)   $880,722    —          —    
   —      —          —      —      —      102,302    (15)   $2,056,270    —          —    
   —      —          —      —      —      —          —      39,963    (16)   $803,256  
   —      —          —      —      —      —          —      33,684    (17)   $677,048  
   —      —          —      —      —      —          —      49,294    (18)   $990,809  

COMPENSATION OF NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

 

Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2017

 

 
   Option Awards  Stock Awards(15) 
  Name  

Number of

Securities

Underlying
Unexercised

Options (#)

Exercisable

   

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Unexercised

Options (#)

Unexercisable

  

Equity

Incentive

Plan

Awards:

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Unexercised

Unearned

Options (#)

  

Option

Exercise

Price ($)

  

Option

Expiration

Date

  

Number

of

Shares

or Units

of Stock
That

Have

Not

Vested

(#)

       

Market

Value of

Shares or

Units of

Stock

That Have

Not

Vested

($)

  

Equity

Incentive

Plan

Awards:

Number

of

Unearned

Shares,

Units or

Other

Rights

That

Have Not
Vested

(#)

       

Equity

Incentive

Plan

Awards:

Market or

Payout

Value of

Unearned

Shares,

Units or

Other

Rights

That Have

Not

Vested

($)

 

  Greg D. Carmichael

   185,476           $13.36   4/19/2021                 
   236,407           $14.36   4/17/2022                 
   141,447         $16.15   4/16/2023                 
   61,734    20,578    (1)     $21.63   4/15/2024                 
   28,467    28,466    (2)     $18.78   2/11/2025                 
   36,978            110,934    (3)     $14.87   2/12/2026                 
       93,421    (4)     $26.52   2/3/2027                 
                     14,604   (5)    $443,085         
                     34,101   (6)   $1,034,624         
                     76,208   (7)   $2,312,151         
                     80,317   (8)   $2,436,818         
                             49,294   (12)   $1,495,580 
                             128,615   (13)   $3,902,179 
                             90,356   (14)   $2,741,401 

  Tayfun Tuzun

   4,615           $14.80   4/20/2020                 
   5,714           $13.36   4/19/2021                 
   29,551           $14.36   4/17/2022                 
   16,447           $16.15   4/16/2023                 
   25,842    8,614    (1)     $21.63   4/15/2024                 
   11,209    11,208    (2)     $18.78   2/11/2025                 
   8,701    26,102    (3)     $14.87   2/12/2026                 
       24,561    (4)     $26.52   2/3/2027                 
                     5,750   (5)    $174,455         
                     17,931   (7)    $544,027         
                     21,116   (8)    $640,659         
                             19,409   (12)    $588,869 
                             30,262   (13)    $918,149 
                             23,756   (14)    $720,757 

  Lars C. Anderson

   14,792    44,373    (3)     $14.87   2/12/2026                 
       29,825    (4)     $26.52   2/3/2027         
                     30,483   (7)    $924,854         
                     25,641   (8)    $777,948         
                     158,144   (9)   $4,798,089         
                             51,446   (13)   $1,560,872 
                   28,846   (14)    $875,188 

 

Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement57


LOGO         

COMPENSATION OF NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2015 
   Option Awards  Stock  Awards(19) 
Name Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
  Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options (#)
  Option
Exercise
Price ($)
  Option
Expiration
Date
  

Number

of

Shares

or Units

of Stock
That

Have

Not

Vested
(#)

  

Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock
That Have

Not
Vested
($)

  

Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number

of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That

Have Not
Vested

(#)

  

Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That Have

Not
Vested
($)

 

Kevin T. Kabat

  60,000    —          —     $37.58    1/23/2016    —          —      —          —    
   71,100    —          —     $39.36    4/7/2016    —          —      —          —    
   233,333    —          —     $38.27    4/9/2017    —          —      —          —    
   500,000    —          —     $40.10    4/23/2017    —          —      —          —    
   269,231    —          —     $19.26    4/15/2018    —          —      —          —    
   350,000    —      (1)    —     $3.96    4/21/2019    —          —      —          —    
   428,571    —          —     $13.36    4/19/2021    —          —      —          —    
   398,937    132,978    (2)    —     $14.36    4/17/2022    —          —      —          —    
   164,474    164,473    (3)    —     $16.15    4/16/2023    —          —      —          —    
   47,856    143,568    (4)       $21.63    4/15/2024    —          —      —          —    
   —      138,376    (5)       $18.78    2/11/2025                          
   —      —          —      —      —      7,361    (7)   $147,956    —          —    
   —      —          —      —      —      41,275    (8)   $829,628    —          —    
   —      —          —      —      —      61,636    (10)   $1,238,884    —          —    
   —      —          —      —      —      106,496    (11)   $2,140,570    —          —    
   —      —          —      —      —      —          —      92,937    (16)   $1,868,034  
   —      —          —      —      —      —          —      78,335    (17)   $1,574,534  
   —      —          —      —      —      —          —      119,808    (18)   $2,408,141  

Tayfun Tuzun

  3,923    —          —     $19.26    4/15/2018    —          —      —          —    
   6,000    —      (1)    —     $3.96    4/21/2019    —          —      —          —    
   4,615    —          —     $14.80    4/20/2020    —          —      —          —    
   5,714    —          —     $13.36    4/19/2021    —          —      —          —    
   22,164    7,387    2)    —     $14.36    4/17/2022    —          —      —          —    
   8,224    8,223    (3)    —     $16.15    4/16/2023    —          —      —          —    
   8,614    25,842    (4)    —     $21.63    4/15/2024    —          —      —          —    
   —      22,417    (5)    —     $18.78    2/11/2025                          
   —      —          —      —      —      2,176    (6)   $43,738    —          —    
   —      —          —      —      —      783    (7)   $15,738    —          —    
   —      —          —      —      —      2,063    (8)   $41,466    —          —    
   —      —          —      —      —      11.094    (10)   $222,989    —          —    
   —      —          —      —      —      17,252    (11)   $346,765    —          —    
   —      —          —      —      —      —      —      —      4,647    (16)   $93,405  
   —      —          —      —      —      —      —      —      14,100    (17)   $283,410  
   —      —          —      —      —      —      —      —      19,409    (18)   $390,121  

 

Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2017

 

 
   Option Awards  Stock Awards(15) 
  Name  

Number of

Securities

Underlying
Unexercised

Options (#)

Exercisable

   

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Unexercised

Options (#)

Unexercisable

  

Equity

Incentive

Plan

Awards:

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Unexercised

Unearned

Options (#)

  

Option

Exercise

Price ($)

  

Option

Expiration

Date

  

Number

of

Shares

or Units

of Stock
That

Have

Not

Vested

(#)

       

Market

Value of

Shares or

Units of

Stock

That
Have

Not

Vested

($)

  

Equity

Incentive

Plan

Awards:

Number

of

Unearned

Shares,

Units or

Other

Rights

That

Have Not
Vested

(#)

       

Equity

Incentive

Plan

Awards:

Market or

Payout

Value of

Unearned

Shares,

Units or

Other

Rights

That

Have

Not

Vested

($)

 

  Timothy N. Spence

   10,441    31,322    (3)     $14.87   2/12/2026             
       28,070    (4)     $26.52   2/3/2027             
                     21,517   (7)    $652,826         
                     24,133   (8)    $732,195         
                     11,859   (10)    $359,802         
                     79,072   (11)    $2,399,044         
                         36,315   (13)   $1,101,797 
                             27,149   (14)    $823,701 

  Frank R. Forrest

       9,571    (1)     $21.63   4/15/2024                 
       12,454    (2)     $18.78   2/11/2025                 
       26,102    (3)     $14.87   2/12/2026                 
       24,561    (4)     $26.52   2/3/2027   6,389   (5)    $193,842         
                     17,931   (7)    $544,027         
                     21,116   (8)    $640,659         
                     26,357   (10)    $799,671         
                         21,565   (12)    $654,282 
                             30,262   (13)    $918,149 
                                    23,756   (14)    $720,757 

(1)          All of the granted shares will vest on April 15, 2018.

COMPENSATION OF NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS(2)          One-fourth of the granted shares will vest on each of February 11, 2018 and 2019.

(3)          One-fourth of the granted shares will vest on each of February 12, 2018, 2019 and 2020.

(4)          One-fourth of the granted shares will vest on each of February 3, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2015 
   Option Awards  Stock  Awards(19) 
Name Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
  Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options (#)
  Option
Exercise
Price ($)
  Option
Expiration
Date
  

Number

of

Shares

or Units

of Stock
That

Have

Not

Vested
(#)

  

Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock
That Have

Not
Vested
($)

  

Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number

of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That

Have Not
Vested

(#)

  

Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That Have

Not
Vested
($)

 

Lars C. Anderson

  —      —          —      —      —      158,144    (12)    3,178,694    —          —    
                                                 

Timothy N. Spence

  —      —          —      —      —      35,582    (13)   $715,198    —          —    
   —      —          —      —      —      158,144    (14)   $3,178,694    —          —    
                                                 

Frank R. Forrest

  9,572    28,713    (4)    —     $21.63    4/15/2024                          
   —      24,908    (5)    —     $18.78    2/11/2025                          
   —      —          —      —      —      12,320    (9)   $247,632    —          —    
   —      —          —      —      —      12,327    (10)   $247,773    —          —    
   —      —          —      —      —      19,169    (11)   $385,297    —          —    
   —      —          —      —      —      26,357    (12)   $529,776    —          —    
                                       15,667    (17)   $314,907  
                                       21,565    (18)   $433,457  

Daniel T. Poston

  30,000    —          —     $37.58    1/23/2016    —          —      —          —    
   35,550    —          —     $39.36    4/7/2016    —          —      —          —    
   26,667    —          —     $38.27    4/9/2017    —          —      —          —    
   30,769    —          —     $19.26    4/15/2018    —          —      —          —    
   40,000    —      (1)    —     $3.96    4/21/2019    —          —      —        �� —    
   104,762    —          —     $13.36    4/19/2021    —          —      —          —    
   101,951    33,983    (2)       $14.36    4/17/2022    —          —      —          —    
   43,586    43,585    (3)    —     $16.15    4/16/2023    —          —      —          —    
   11,016    33,045    (4)    —     $21.63    4/15/2024    —          —      —          —    
   —      32,173    (5)    —     $18.78    2/11/2025                          
   —      —          —      —      —      2,741    (7)   $55,094    —          —    
   —      —          —      —      —      10,937    (8)   $219,834    —          —    
   —      —          —      —      —      14,187    (10)   $285,159    —          —    
   —      —          —      —      —      24,760    (11)   $497,676    —          —    
   —      —          —      —      —      —          —      24,628    (16)   $495,023  
   —      —          —      —      —      —          —      18,031    (17)   $362,423  
   —      —          —      —      —      —          —      27,855    (18)   $559,886  

(5)          All unvested shares are scheduled to vest on February 11, 2018.

(6)          All unvested shares are scheduled to vest on November 2, 2018.

COMPENSATION OF NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS(7)          One-third of the granted shares will vest on each of February 12, 2018 and 2019.

(8)          One-third of the granted shares will vest on each of February 3, 2018, 2019 and 2020.

(9)          All unvested shares are scheduled to vest on October 1, 2019.

(10)        All unvested shares are scheduled to vest on October 1, 2018.

(11)        One-fourth of the granted shares will vest on each of October 1, 2018 and 2019.

(12)        All unvested shares are scheduled to vest on February 11, 2018, subject to achievement of stated performance goals.

(13)        All unvested shares are scheduled to vest on February 12, 2019, subject to achievement of stated performance goals.

(14)        All unvested shares are scheduled to vest on February 3, 2020, subject to achievement of stated performance goals.

(15)        Values are based on the December 29, 2017, closing price of the Company’s common stock of $30.34 with performance shares valued as if target performance was achieved.

 

(1)A portion of the awards issued in 2009 prior to the Interim Final Rule on TARP Standards for Compensation and Corporate Governance issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury on June 15, 2009 were forfeited in 2011 in order to comply with the Interim Final Rule. The value for the 2009 SAR award is the maximum possible award value, assuming a minimum proration factor calculated using the expiration date as the end date for the time awards are considered outstanding (proration is based on the number of days the executive officer was considered a TARP MHCE divided by the total number of days the award is considered outstanding). The award value will be less if the executive officer decides to exercise prior to the expiration date.

58

        Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement


COMPENSATION OF NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

        LOGO

 

(2)All unvested shares are scheduled to vest on April 17, 2016.

(3)One-fourth of the unexercisable shares will vest on each of April 16, 2016, and 2017.

(4)One-fourth of the unexercisable shares will vest on each of April 15, 2016, 2017, and 2018.

(5)One-fourth of the unexercisable shares will vest on each of February 11, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019.

(6)All unvested shares are scheduled to vest on April 17, 2016.

(7)All unvested shares are scheduled to vest on February 19, 2016.

(8)All unvested shares are scheduled to vest on April 16, 2016.

(9)All unvested shares are scheduled to vest on October 1, 2016.

(10)One-third of the unvested shares will vest on each of April 15, 2016, and 2017.

(11)One-third of the unvested shares will vest on each of February 11, 2016, 2017, and 2018.

(12)All unvested shares are scheduled to vest on October 1, 2018.

(13)One-third of the unvested shares will vest on each of October 1, 2016, 2017, and 2018.

(14)One-fourth of the unvested shares will vest on each of October 1, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019.

(15)One-third of the unvested shares will vest on each of November 2, 2016, 2017, and 2018.

(16)All unvested shares are scheduled to vest on April 16, 2016, subject to achievement of stated performance goals.

(17)All unvested shares are scheduled to vest on April 15, 2017, subject to achievement of stated performance goals.

(18)All unvested shares are scheduled to vest on February 11, 2018, subject to achievement of stated performance goals.

(19)Values are based on December 31, 2015 closing price of the Company’s common stock of $20.10 and performance shares are based on achievement of target performance.

Option Exercises and Stock Vested.The following table outlines stock appreciation rights and stock options exercised and restricted stock performance share awards, and long-term cash that vested during 2015.2017.

 

2015 Option Exercises & Stock Vested 
 Option Awards(1)  Stock Awards(2) 
Name Number of Shares
Acquired on
Exercise (#)
  Value Realized
on Exercise ($)
  Number of Shares
Acquired on Vesting
(#)
  

Value Realized
on Vesting

($)

 
  

2017 Option Exercises & Stock Vested

 
  

Option Awards(1)

  

Stock Awards(2)

 

Executive

  

Number of
Shares Acquired
on Exercise (#)

  

Value
Realized

on Exercise ($)

  

Number of Shares
Acquired on
Vesting (#)

  

Value Realized
on Vesting ($)

 

Greg D. Carmichael

  —      —      49,742   $953,107        

 

100,073

 

  

 

 

 

 

$2,712,523     

 

 

 

 

Kevin T. Kabat

      108,990   $2,087,931  

Tayfun Tuzun

      11,134   $212,964    

 

9,923

 

  

 

$143,102

 

  

 

20,266

 

  

 

 

 

 

$522,940     

 

 

 

 

Lars C. Anderson

  —      —      —      —          

 

15,247

 

  

 

 

 

 

$404,198     

 

 

 

 

Timothy N. Spence

  —      —      —      —          

 

62,158

 

  

 

 

 

 

$1,723,359     

 

 

 

 

Frank R. Forrest

  —      —      18,487   $351,932    

 

49,869

 

  

 

$346,151

 

  

 

21,521

 

  

 

 

 

 

$554,621     

 

 

 

 

Daniel T. Poston

  —      —      28,781   $551,543  

 

(1)There were noThe dollar figures in the table represent the value on the exercise date for option exercises for Named Executive Officers in 2015.awards.

(2)The dollar figures in the table represent the value on the vest date for stock awards.

Pension Benefits. The following table illustrates the payments in connection with retirement, shown for each retirement plan. The table shows the present value of accumulated benefits payable to each of the Named Executive Officers, including the number of years of service credited to each such Named Executive Officer under The Fifth Third Bancorp Master Retirement Plan (the “Master Retirement Plan”) determined using interest

COMPENSATION OF NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

rates and mortality rate assumptions consistent with those used in the Company’s Financial Statements (disclosed in Note 21 “Retirement and Benefit Plans” located on pages 142-145 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015).

The Master Retirement Plan was frozen as of November 15, 1998 except for employees who were at least age 50 and had 15 years of credited service as of December 31, 1998. For the purpose of computing a benefit under these plans on December 31, 2015, Mr. Kabat has a frozen benefit related to his service with Old Kent Financial Corporation. His annual benefit at age 65 would be approximately $65,400. Messrs. Carmichael, Tuzun, Anderson, Spence, Forrest and Poston joined the Company after these plans were frozen and therefore are not eligible to participate.

The figures in the table below were calculated as of December 31, 2015 using the earliest age (or current age, if older) at which the Named Executive Officer may retire under the plan without a reduction of benefits due to age.

The benefits under the Master Retirement Plan for Mr. Kabat are calculated using the highest five out of the last 10 years of eligible wages, which generally includes W-2 pay including pre-tax deferrals. The normal benefit is equal to 1.68% of average monthly compensation plus 0.625% of average monthly earnings in excess of his Social Security covered compensation. This monthly benefit was converted to a present value in the table below. Mr. Kabat became eligible for early retirement upon becoming 55 years old.

Mr. Kabat’s credited service is as of the date the Old Kent Retirement Income Plan was frozen on March 10, 2002. His actual service with the Company is over 33 years. There is no additional value on a termination basis for Mr. Kabat.

2015 Pension Benefits 
Name Plan Name Number
of Years
Credited
Service
(#)
  Present
Value of
Accumulated
Benefit ($)
  

Payments
During
2015

($)

 

Greg D. Carmichael

 —    —      —      —    

Kevin T. Kabat

 Master Retirement Plan  19.75    677,300    —    

Tayfun Tuzun

 —    —      —      —    

Lars C. Anderson

 —    —      —      —    

Timothy N. Spence

 —    —      —      —    

Frank R. Forrest

 —    —      —      —    

Daniel T. Poston

 —    —      —      —    

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation.The Company maintains a Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan (NQDCP)(“NQDCP”) that allows participant and Company contributions.

Participants are able to defer all but $50,000 of their base salary and 100%100 percent of their annual cash incentive compensationVariable Compensation Plan award. BeginningThe plan was amended effective January 1, 2007,2018 to allow participants were able to diversifydefer up to 70 percent of their investments into investment alternatives that are similar to those that are available in the Company’s 401(k) plan.base salary. The allowable deferral amount for Variable Compensation awards remained 100 percent.

In addition, the Company makes contributions for loss of qualified 401(k) plan matching contributions due to base salary or annual cash incentive compensationVariable Compensation Plan award deferrals or due to IRS wage and/or contribution limitations under the qualified 401(k) plan. The Company’s contribution to this plan is determined by taking the

COMPENSATION OF NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

participant’s eligible wages above the qualified 401(k) plan compensation limits ($265,000270,000 for 2015)2017) and applying the Company’s 401(k) match (7%) percent.(7 percent). If other qualified plan 401(k) limitations applied, the participants would also have contributions made to the plan for those limitations.

Distributions are made in a lump sum or in up to ten10 annual installments. The Named Executive Officers may elect when the payments commence. The earliest distribution is August of the calendar year following the year of retirement. The entire distribution may be made no later than the tenth10th calendar year following the year of retirement. This plan is intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409(A) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement59


LOGO         

COMPENSATION OF NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The following table illustrates the nonqualified deferred compensation plan benefits. It includes each Named Executive Officer’s and the Company’s contributions (each of which are reflected in the amounts disclosed in the 20152017 Summary Compensation Table) under the nonqualified deferred compensation plan as well as the earnings during 2015 but it2017. It does not reflect matching 401(k) or discretionary contributions made under the qualified plan.

 

2015 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation 
Name Plan 

Executive
Contributions
in 2015

($)

  

Registrant
Contributions
in 2015

($)

  

Aggregate
Earnings
in 2015

($)

  Aggregate
Withdrawals /
Distributions
($)
  Aggregate
Balance at
December 31,
2015 ($)
 
  

 

2017 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

 

Executive

  Plan   

Executive

Contributions

in 2017 ($)

   

Company

Contributions

in 2017 ($)

   

Aggregate

Earnings

in 2017 ($)

   

Aggregate

Withdrawals /

Distributions
($)

  

Aggregate

Balance at

12/31/17
($)

 

Greg D. Carmichael

 NQDCP(1) $314,563   $103,421   ($47,439  —     $4,107,851      

 

NQDCP(1)

 

 

 

   

 

-

 

 

 

   

 

$191,104

 

 

 

   

 

$967,974

 

 

 

  -  

 

   

 

$6,062,788

 

 

 

Kevin T. Kabat

 NQDCP(1) $496,227   $166,584   ($16,752  —     $3,435,190  

Tayfun Tuzun

 NQDCP(1) $86,266   $38,854   ($42,986  —     $755,708      

 

NQDCP(1)

 

 

 

   

 

$280,343

 

 

 

   

 

$82,840

 

 

 

   

 

$233,098

 

 

 

  -  

 

   

 

$1,824,818

 

 

 

Lars C. Anderson

 NQDCP(1)  —      —      —      —      —        

 

NQDCP(1)

 

 

 

   

 

$95,217

 

 

 

   

 

$92,186

 

 

 

   

 

$40,328

 

 

 

  -  

 

   

 

$350,212

 

 

 

Timothy N. Spence

 NQDCP(1)  —      —      —      —      —        

 

NQDCP(1)

 

 

 

   

 

-

 

 

 

   

 

$76,436

 

 

 

   

 

$7,113

 

 

 

  -  

 

   

 

$111,268

 

 

 

Frank R. Forrest

 NQDCP(1)  —     $50,267   $269    —     $74,867      

 

NQDCP(1)

 

 

 

   

 

-

 

 

 

   

 

$81,536

 

 

 

   

 

$22,789

 

 

 

  -  

 

   

 

$252,402

 

 

 

Daniel T. Poston

 NQDCP(1)  —      —     ($25,361  —     $205,579  

(1)        The investments under this plan would produce earnings equal to those of any other investor who invested like money in like investments for the same time period during the year.

(1)The Company maintains a nonqualified deferred compensation plan. The investments under this plan would produce earnings equal to those of any other investor who invested like money in like investments for the same time period during the year.

POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE-IN-CONTROLPotential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control.

The treatment of long-term equity-based awards issued as of December 31, 2017, under all termination scenarios, is dictated by the 2004, 2008, 2011, and 2014 Incentive Compensation Plans, which were approved by shareholders on March 23, 2004, April 15, 2008,2008; April 19, 2011,2011; and April 15, 2014, respectively. The design of the 2004 plan, including the vesting provisions under which equity awards continue to vest upon retirement and accelerate upon a change-in-control, was determined by the Committee to be appropriate and consistent with competitive practice among the Company’s peers at that time. The 2008, 2011 and 2014 plans provide immediate vesting upon a change-in-control only upon involuntary separation from service within two years after a change-in-control (i.e., a double-trigger).

The Company’s change-in-controlchange in control policies were also determined by the Committee to provide appropriate benefits based on a competitive review of the Compensation Peer Group and published guidance at the time of their adoption from institutional shareholder groups such as ISS and CalPERS.

These arrangements fit into the Company’s overall compensation objectives as they are viewed to be competitive, but not excessive, relative to our Compensation Peer Group, and they allow us to attract and retain qualified senior executives. However, these arrangements impact neither the compensation target levels that are based on market median compensation nor the compensation awards that are based on a variety of performance factors as described in this proxy statement.

COMPENSATION OF NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

The estimated payouts under a variety of termination scenarios for the Named Executive Officers are showndiscussed below. For allExcept in a change in control scenario, the Named Executive Officer’s termination scenarios, the figures reflect unvested long-term equity-based incentive compensation awards as of December 31, 2015, and at the closing stock price of $20.10 on that date.would not result in enhanced retirement benefits.

Voluntary or Without Cause.The Company does not currently have contracts with its Named Executive Officers that would require cash severance payments upon voluntary termination. IfUnder the terms of the 2008, 2011, and 2014 Incentive Compensation Plans, if the Named Executive Officer weremeets certain retirement eligible, heeligibility criteria, any exercisable stock appreciation rights would continue vesting inremain outstanding and under certain other criteria outstanding equity awards themay continue to vest. These values, of whichas applicable, are included in the table below. The Named Executive Officer’s termination would not result in enhanced retirement benefits beyond the benefits described in the Pension Benefits Section. Eligibility for other payments would be determined in a manner consistent with all officers of the Company.

60

        Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement


COMPENSATION OF NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

        LOGO

With Cause. The Company does not currently have contracts with its Named Executive Officers that would require cash severance payments upon involuntary termination. Under the terms of the 2004, 2008, 2011 and 2014 Incentive Compensation Plans, if the Named Executive Officer is retirement eligible he may continue vesting in outstanding equity awards, the values of which are included in the table below. The Named Executive Officer’s termination would not result in enhanced retirement benefits. Eligibility for other payments would be determined in a manner consistent with all officers of the Company.

Death and Disability. Under the terms of the 2004,Company’s 2008, 2011, and 2014 Incentive Compensation Plans, all outstandingequity-based awards would be immediately forfeited.

Death and Disability.Under the terms of the 2008, 2011, and 2014 Incentive Compensation Plans, all unvested stock and option awards vest immediately.immediately and option awards remain outstanding for the remaining term of the grant. Performance shares are earned on a prorated basis based ondetermined by the Named Executive Officer’s full months of service and are adjusted based on the achievement of the performance goals for the full performance period. The table below reflects an assumed payout each Named Executive Officers’ terminationOfficer would not result in enhanced retirement benefits, beyondbe eligible to receive if the benefits described in the Pension Benefits section.Company achieved 100 percent of its performance goals for each outstanding performance share award and paid out effective December 31, 2017. In the event of death, the defined benefit pension would bepays a 50%50 percent joint and survivor payoutbenefit and the 401(k) Plan wouldplan immediately vest. Eligibility for other payouts would be determined in a manner consistent with all other officers of the Company.vests.

Change-in-Control.Change in Control.As described in the “Severance and Change-in-ControlChange in Control Benefits” section, the Company’s Executive Change-in-ControlChange in Control Severance Plan provides for the payment of benefits upon a qualifying termination following a change-in-controlchange in control (a “triggering event”) for the Named Executive Officers and other officers of the Company. In exchange for the payments and benefits under the plan, the eligible Named Executive Officer would be required to sign an agreement at the time of the triggering event not to not compete with, nor solicit employees or customers from, the Company for a period of three years following the officer’s termination.termination for Messrs. Carmichael, Tuzun, and Anderson and for a period of two years for Messrs. Spence and Forrest. Forms of these agreements would be filed with the Company’s securities filings.

The cash severance payment would be equal to 2.99 times the Named Executive Officer’s base salary plus his target annual cash incentive compensation award, exceptVariable Compensation amount for Messrs. Carmichael, Tuzun, and Anderson and 2 times base salary plus his Variable Compensation amount for Messrs. Spence and Forrest who would receive 2.0 times base salary.(each as defined in the Severance Plan). In addition, the Named Executive Officer would earn a pro-rated VCPprorated Variable Compensation award for the fiscal year of the termination. The table below reflects an assumed full-year VCPVariable Compensation award at the amount each Named Executive Officer would be eligible to receive if the Company achieves 100%100 percent of its annualVariable Compensation Plan performance incentive target under the Annual Incentive Plan. Mr. Poston’s participation in the plan expired on his separation date. Therefore, he is excluded from the tables below.targets.

Upon a change-in-control,change in control, as defined in our Incentive Compensation Plans approved by shareholders, any outstanding equity awardslong-term equity-based award (stock options, stock appreciation rights, and restricted stock awards) granted prior to April 15, 2008 would vest immediately. Thisimmediately only if there is true for all equity award recipients, not just for the Company’s Named Executive Officers.a change in control and a subsequent qualifying termination of employment (“double trigger” vesting). Performance sharesShare Awards would be deemed earned and paid out based on the greater of the extent to which applicable performance goals have been met up through and including the effective date of the change-in-control,change in control, or the target number of performance sharesshare awards determined at the date of grant. The value of performance sharesshare awards would be calculated based on the current market value of the Company’s stock on the date of the change-in-controlchange in control times the earned number of performance shares. The table below reflects an assumed

COMPENSATION OF NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

payout each Named Executive Officer would be eligible to receive if the Company achieves 100%achieved 100 percent of its performance goals for each outstanding performance share award. Awards granted after April 15, 2008, contain double-trigger vesting provisions under which accelerated vesting will applyaward and paid out effective December 31, 2017. The treatment of equity awards applies to all long-term equity-based award recipients eligible for change in control benefits, not just for the event of involuntary termination of employment within two years after the change-in-control.

TheCompany’s Named Executive OfficerOfficers.

Upon a triggering event, Messrs. Carmichael, Tuzun, and Anderson would receive three, and Messrs. Spence and Forrest would receive two, additional years of age and service credit under the qualified and

Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement61


LOGO         

COMPENSATION OF NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

nonqualified defined contribution plans, three years ofplans; medical, dental, and life insurance benefits,benefits; and the additional value, if any, of the pension benefit at age 60 (which60. These benefits are reflected in the Other Benefits and Potential Excise Tax Gross-Up category below) upon a triggering event.below. The Named Executive Officer’sNEO’s termination would not result in enhanced retirement benefits beyond the benefits described in the Pension Benefits section. Eligibility for these benefits, as well as any other benefits in a change in control scenario, is determined in a manner consistent with all eligible employees, not just the Company’s Named Executive Officers.

Material differences in circumstances relate to retirement eligibility, as described above. As of December 31, 2015,2017, Messrs. Carmichael and Tuzun met one or more of the retirement eligibility criteria under outstanding long-term equity-based compensation award agreements. Both have met the criteria in order to retain the exercisability of all vested stock appreciation rights, except in a termination for cause scenario. In addition, Mr. Carmichael ishas met the only one of our Named Executive Officers that is retirement eligible under any outstanding equity compensation award agreements, which providecriteria to allow all awards granted after January 1, 2016, to continue to vest, except in a termination for continuing vesting of their outstanding equity awards.cause scenario.

The tables below contain the total payments one would receive under each termination scenario if the Named Executive Officer separated on December 31, 2017.For all termination scenarios, the figures for long-term equity-based incentive compensation awards are as of December 29, 2017, at

the closing stock price of $30.34 on that date.

 

Termination Scenarios1  
Name Voluntary
or
Without
Cause
  With
Cause
  Death or
Disability
 
    Termination Scenarios 
Executive    

Voluntary or

Without Cause(1)

     

With

Cause

     

Death or

Disability(2)

 

Greg D. Carmichael

  —      —     $10,821,274      

 

 

 

 

$22,429,577

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

$24,007,417

 

 

 

 

Kevin T. Kabat

  —      —     $14,932,004  

Tayfun Tuzun

  —      —     $2,362,784       

 

$1,363,613

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

     

 

$4,820,663

 

 

 

Lars C. Anderson

  —      —     $3,186,441      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

$8,794,747

 

 

 

 

Timothy N. Spence

  —      —     $3,899,076      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

$5,852,781

 

 

 

 

Frank R. Forrest

  —      —     $1,890,109      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

$4,364,262

 

 

 

 

(1)        Amounts in this column include the amount of long-term equity-based compensation each NEO is entitled to retain for meeting some or all of the retirement eligibility criteria under outstanding award agreements in a voluntary or without cause termination scenario.

(1)Unvested equity and/or retirement benefits are the only eligible form of payment in each of the termination scenarios

Involuntary Termination Upon a Change-in-Control  
Name Cash
Severance
  Unvested
Equity
  Potential Excise
Tax Gross-Up
  Other Benefits  Total 

Greg D. Carmichael

 $8,027,500   $7,085,748   $0   $5,244,416   $20,357,664  

Kevin T. Kabat

 $9,335,720   $11,803,363   $0   $6,223,594   $27,362,677  

Tayfun Tuzun

 $3,303,893   $1,542,105   $0   $1,462,336   $6,308,335  

Lars C. Anderson

 $5,010,756   $3,178,694   $0   $355,133   $8,544,583  

Timothy N. Spence

 $2,850,016   $3,893,893   $0   $189,991   $6,933,900  

Frank R. Forrest

 $2,565,032   $2,191,719   $0   $274,115   $5,052,033  

COMPENSATION OF NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS(2)        Amounts in this column include the total amount of long-term equity-based compensation each NEO is entitled either to retain or to have the vesting accelerated because of a death or disability scenario.

 

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

The following table illustrates the 2015 compensation structure for non-employee directors. Employee directors receive no compensation for their Board service. In addition to the compensation described below, non-employee directors are reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred for travel and attendance related to meetings of the Board of Directors or its committees. To the extent available, non-employee directors may travel on corporate aircraft for board or committee meetings where their attendance is expected. Non-employee directors are not authorized to use corporate aircraft for their personal use.

Element of Compensation    2015 Amount 

Annual retainer (cash)

 

Director

 $50,000  
 

Lead Director

 $100,000  
 

Chairman

 $200,000  

Annual committee chair retainer (cash)

 

Audit

 $17,500  
 

Finance

 $50,000  
 

Human Capital & Compensation

 $15,000  
 

Nominating & Corporate Governance

 $10,000  
  

Risk & Compliance

 $15,000  

Board meeting fees – per meeting (cash)1

 $2,000  

Committee meeting fees – per meeting (cash)1

 $2,000  

Restricted stock units2

 $100,000  
(1)The Board Chair is not eligible for Board meeting fees or Committee meeting fees.

(2)$250,000 for Chairman; all LTI granted to the Board of Directors vests on Board service end date, unless deferral instructions are received prior to the year the grant is made.

The Company’s 2014 Incentive Compensation Plan provides that the Committee has full authority to provide equity-based or other incentive awards to non-employee directors. Equity-based awards shown in the table below were granted under the 2014 Incentive Compensation Plan. The Company has a stock ownership guideline for its directors of shares having a value equal to at least $250,000.

Pursuant to a Deferred Compensation Plan, directors may annually defer from one-half to all of their cash compensation as directors. The deferred funds receive earnings based on the mutual fund(s) elected by each director or the directors may elect a rate equal to the rate of return on the Company’s common stock. The directors do not receive any above-market or preferential earnings.

COMPENSATION OF NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

The following table summarizes the compensation earned by or awarded to each non-employee director who served on the Board of Directors during 2015. The Stock Awards and Option Awards columns in the table display the grant date fair value associated with the equity awards. The amounts listed in the Stock Awards column represent a restricted stock unit award which vests once service as a director ends. The award relates to the fiscal year in which it was granted. Directors did not receive any Option Awards or Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation in 2015.

2015 Director Compensation  
Name Fees
Earned or
Paid in
Cash ($)(1)
  

Stock

Awards(2)(4)(5)

($)

  Option
Awards(3)
($)
  Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)
  

Change in
Pension Value
& Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings

($)

  

All Other
Compensation(6)

($)

  

Total

($)

 

Nicholas K. Akins

 $166,000   $100,000    —      —      —     $4,362   $270,362  

B. Evan Bayh

 $128,000   $100,000    —      —      —     $15,564   $243,564  

Jorge L. Benitez

 $41,000    —      —      —      —     $3,945   $44,945  

Katherine B. Blackburn

 $108,000   $100,000    —      —      —     $1,368   $209,368  

Ulysses L. Bridgeman, Jr.

 $113,000   $100,000    —      —      —     $11,035   $224,035  

Emerson L. Brumback

 $185,500   $100,000    —      —      —     $11,976   $297,476  

James P. Hackett

 $200,000   $250,000    —      —      —     $18,983   $468,983  

Gary R. Heminger

 $202,000   $100,000    —      —      —     $11,035   $313,035  

Jewell D. Hoover

 $183,000   $100,000    —      —      —     $14,346   $297,346  

Mitchel D. Livingston, Ph.D.

 $43,000    —      —      —      —     $8,466   $51,466  

Michael B. McCallister

 $116,000   $100,000    —      —      —     $20,489   $236,489  

Hendrik G. Meijer

 $140,000   $100,000    —      —      —     $7,865   $247,865  

Marsha C. Williams

 $255,000   $100,000    —      —      —     $14,752   $369,752  

(1)Non-employee directors of Fifth Third Bancorp who also serve as directors of our subsidiary, Fifth Third Bank, receive attendance fees for each board or committee meeting attended. Attendance fees are identical to the schedule of fees paid to directors of Fifth Third Bancorp and are included in these totals.

(2)Outstanding Stock Awards for current directors totaled 219,400 shares as of December 31, 2015.

(3)There were no options awarded to directors in 2015. Outstanding Option Awards for current directors totaled 1,000 shares as of December 31, 2015.

COMPENSATION OF NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

   Involuntary Termination Upon a Change in Control
    Executive  

Cash

Severance

   

Unvested

Equity

   

Potential Excise

TaxGross-Up

  

Other

Benefits

            Total          

 

    Greg D. Carmichael

 

  

 

 

 

 

$10,271,941

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$16,947,157

 

 

 

 

  

 

$0

 

  

 

 

 

 

$644,676

 

 

 

 

 

 

$27,863,774

 

 

    Tayfun Tuzun

 

  

 

 

 

 

$4,057,884

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$4,289,129

 

 

 

 

  

 

$0

 

  

 

 

 

 

$294,497

 

 

 

 

 

 

$8,641,510

 

 

    Lars C. Anderson

 

  

 

 

 

 

$5,051,118

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$9,737,332

 

 

 

 

  

 

$0

 

  

 

 

 

 

$353,816

 

 

 

 

 

 

$15,142,266

 

 

    Timothy N. Spence

 

  

 

 

 

 

$2,877,014

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$6,661,145

 

 

 

 

  

 

$0

 

  

 

 

 

 

$197,417

 

 

 

 

 

 

$9,735,576

 

 

    Frank R. Forrest

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

$2,873,196

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

$5,196,341

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

$0

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

$181,856

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$8,251,393

 

 

 

62

Director        Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement  Number of
Outstanding
Option Awards


Nicholas K. AkinsCOMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION

 —  

B. Evan Bayh        LOGO

—  

Jorge L. Benitez

—  

Katherine B. Blackburn

—  

Ulysses L. Bridgeman, Jr.

500

Emerson L. Brumback

—  

James P. Hackett

—  

Gary R. Heminger

—  

Jewell D. Hoover

500

Mitchel D. Livingston, Ph.D.

—  

Michael B. McCallister

—  

Hendrik G. Meijer

—  

Marsha C. Williams

—  

 

(4)The full fair value of stock awards granted in 2015 totaled $1,350,000:

Director  Grant Date   Shares
Granted
   Grant Date Fair Value of
Restricted Stock Awards
 

Nicholas K. Akins

   4/14/2015     5,260    $100,000  

B. Evan Bayh

   4/14/2015     5,260    $100,000  

Jorge L. Benitez

   4/14/2015     5,260    $100,000  

Katherine B. Blackburn

   4/14/2015     5,260    $100,000  

Ulysses L. Bridgeman, Jr.

   4/14/2015     5,260    $100,000  

Emerson L. Brumback

   4/14/2015     5,260    $100,000  

James P. Hackett

   4/14/2015     13,151    $250,000  

Gary R. Heminger

   4/14/2015     5,260    $100,000  

Jewell D. Hoover

   4/14/2015     5,260    $100,000  

Michael B. McCallister

   4/14/2015     5,260    $100,000  

Hendrik G. Meijer

   4/14/2015     5,260    $100,000  

Marsha C. Williams

   4/14/2015     5,260    $100,000  

(5)Assumptions used in determining fair value are disclosed in Note 24 “Stock Based Compensation” located on pages 149-152 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

(6)Amounts include restricted stock dividends and travel and expense reimbursements.

COMPENSATION OF NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

 

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION

In 2015,2017, the Human Capital and Compensation Committee members were Messrs. Akins, Heminger, and McCallister and Ms. Mallesch. Former director Hendrik G. Meijer and Ms. Williams.also served on the Committee from January through April 2017. No Executive Officerexecutive officer of the CompanyFifth Third serves on any board of directors or compensation committee of anyan entity that compensates any member of the Human Capital and Compensation Committee.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement63

The following Report of the Human Capital and Compensation Committee does not constitute soliciting material and should not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any other Company filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent the Company specifically incorporates this Report by reference therein.

The Human Capital and Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the preceding Compensation Discussion and Analysis (“CD&A”) as well as the accompanying tables set forth in the section titled “Compensation of Named Executive Officers and Directors.” Based on that discussion, the Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the CD&A be included in this proxy statement and incorporated into the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Marsha C. Williams, Chair

Nicholas K. Akins

Gary R. Heminger

Michael B. McCallister

Hendrik G. Meijer


LOGO         

CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS

The Charter of the Company’s Human Capital and Compensation Committee requires that the Human Capital and Compensation Committeepre-approve all related party or affiliate transactions between the CompanyFifth Third Bancorp and any of its affiliates, directors, officers, and/or employees or in which any of such persons directly or indirectly is interested or benefited, other than for extensions of credit otherwise covered by policies and procedures governed by Federal Reserve Regulation O.

Certain of these related party transactions are required to be disclosed by the CompanyFifth Third Bancorp in this

proxy statement:

One of the Company’sour directors, Katherine B. Blackburn, is the Executive Vice President of the Cincinnati Bengals professional football team. She and members of her immediate family own substantially all of the equity interests in the parent company of the Cincinnati Bengals. During 2015, the Company2017, we paid the Cincinnati Bengals approximately $1.5$1.7 million for sponsorship arrangements, tickets, and advertising expenses. Prior to Ms. Blackburn’s appointment to the Board in September 2014, the CompanyFifth Third and the Cincinnati Bengals signed a 5five year contract extension for these arrangements that call for total payments by the CompanyFifth Third Bancorp during that period of over $7.9 million. By virtue of Ms. Blackburn’s being an executive officer and a principal owner of the Cincinnati Bengals, she is deemed to be a related party having a direct material interest in these arrangements.

Joshua LivingstonKevin Hipskind is employed by Fifth Third Bank as aan Executive Vice President. He is thebrother-in-law of Philip R. McHugh, who is an Executive Vice President and Large Corporate Healthcare Relationship Manager III. He is the son of one of the Company’s former directors, Dr. Mitchel D. Livingston, who retired from the Board in April 2015.Fifth Third Bancorp. In 2015, Joshua Livingston2017, Mr. Hipskind received compensation of approximately $173,100$567,280 including base salary and incentive compensation as well as benefits generally available to similarly situated employees. This

Timothy Smith, Jr. was employed by Fifth Third Bank as an Assistant Vice President. He is the brother of Teresa J. Tanner, who is an Executive Vice President of Fifth Third Bancorp. In 2017, Mr. Smith received compensation package wasof approximately $124,865 including base salary and incentive compensation as well as benefits generally available to similarly situated employees.

The compensation packages of Kevin Hipskind and Timothy Smith, Jr. were each established by the CompanyFifth Third Bancorp in accordance with its employment and compensation policies and practices applicable to employees with equivalent qualifications and responsibilities in similar positions.

Daniel Johnston is employed by Fifth Third Bank as a Vice President. He is the son-in-law of the Company’s retiring director and Vice Chairman of the Board and retired Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Kabat. In 2015, Mr. Johnston received compensation of approximately $147,000 including base salary and incentive compensation as well as benefits generally available to similarly situated employees.

Kevin Hipskind is employed by Fifth Third Bank as an Executive Vice President. He is the brother-in-law of Philip McHugh, who is an Executive Vice President of the Company. In 2015, Mr. Hipskind received compensation of approximately $292,480 including base salary and incentive compensation as well as benefits generally available to similarly situated employees.

Timothy Smith, Jr., is employed by Fifth Third Bank as an officer and indirect lending underwriter. He is the brother of Teresa Tanner, who is an Executive Vice President of the Company. In 2015, Mr. Smith received compensation of approximately $129,530 including base salary and incentive compensation as well as benefits generally available to similarly situated employees.

The compensation packages of Joshua Livingston, Danny Johnston, Kevin Hipskind and Timothy Smith were each established by the Company in accordance with its employment and compensation policies and practices applicable to employees with equivalent qualifications and responsibilities in similar positions.

The Company hasWe have also engaged in transactions with certain entities that have reported beneficial ownership of over 5% of itsour common stock. The CompanyWe paid State Street CorporationBank and Trust Company approximately $284,000$537,218 in 20152017 for custody, accounting, and trustee services for certain private funds. Additionally, in 2015 the Company2017 we paid BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. approximately $2,145,000$2,641,214 for advisory services and tools used to manage investment portfolios, to measure risk weighted assets, and to analyze risks in certain investment securities and mortgage servicing rights. All of these business relationships and transactions were conducted at arm’s length in the Company’sour ordinary course of business.

Additionally, Fifth Third Bancorp has engaged and intends to continue to engage in the lending of money through its subsidiary bank to various of its directors, executive officers and shareholders, and

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        Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement


CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS

 

        LOGO

corporations or other entities in which they may own a controlling interest. The loans to such persons and/or entities (i) were made in the ordinary course of business, (ii) were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable loans with persons not related to the lender, and (iii) did not involve more than a normal risk of collectability or did not present other features unfavorable to Fifth Third Bancorp.

 

Additionally,
Fifth Third Bancorp has engaged and intends to continue to engage in the lending of money through its subsidiary bank to various of its directors, executive officers and shareholders and corporations or other entities in which they may own a controlling interest. The loans to such persons (i) were made in the ordinary course of business, (ii) were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable loans with persons not related to the lender, and (iii) did not involve more than a normal risk of collectability or did not present other features unfavorable to the Company.2018 Proxy Statement65


LOGO         

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

The following Report of the Audit Committee does not constitute soliciting material and should not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any other Company filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent the Company specifically incorporates this Report by reference therein.

In accordance with its written charter adopted by the Board of Directors, which may be found in the Corporate Governance Section of the Company’s website at www.53.com, the Audit Committee of the Board assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibility for oversight of the quality and integrity of the accounting, auditing, and financial reporting practices of the Company. During 2017, the Audit Committee met twelve (12) times, and the Audit Committee discussed the interim financial and other information contained in each quarterly earnings announcement and periodic filings to the Securities and Exchange Commission with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Controller, and the independent external audit firm prior to public release.

In discharging its oversight responsibility as to the audit process, the Audit Committee obtained from the independent external audit firm a formal written statement describing all relationships between the firm and the Company that might bear on the firm’s independence consistent with applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) regarding the independent accountant’s communications with the audit committee concerning independence, and has discussed with the independent accountant the independent accountant’s independence and satisfied itself as to the firm’s independence. The Audit Committee also discussed with management, the internal auditors, and the independent external audit firm the quality and adequacy of the Company’s internal controls and the internal audit function’s organization, responsibilities, budget, and staffing. The Audit Committee reviewed both with the independent external audit firm and internal auditors, their audit plans, audit scope, and identification of audit risks.

The Audit Committee discussed and reviewed with the independent external audit firm all communications required by standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, including the matters required to be discussed by Auditing Standard No. 1301,Communications with Audit Committees, and Rule2-07,Communication with Audit Committees, of RegulationS-X, and, with and without management present, discussed and reviewed the results of the independent external audit firm’s examination of the financial statements. The Audit Committee also discussed the results of internal audits.

The Audit Committee reviewed and discussed the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017 and management’s assessment as to the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 with management and the independent external audit firm. Management has the responsibility for the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and their assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and the independent external audit firm has the responsibility for the audits of those consolidated statements and of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.

Based on the above-mentioned reviews and discussions with management and the independent external audit firm, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and report on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting be included in its

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        Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement


REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

In accordance with its written charter adopted by the Board of Directors (“Board”), which may be found in the Corporate Governance Section of the Company’s website at www.53.com, the Audit Committee of the Board assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibility for oversight of the quality and integrity of the accounting, auditing and financial reporting practices of the Company. During 2015, the Committee met twelve (12) times, and the Committee discussed the interim financial and other information contained in each quarterly earnings announcement and periodic filings to the Securities and Exchange Commission with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Controller and the independent external audit firm prior to public release.

In discharging its oversight responsibility as to the audit process, the Committee obtained from the independent external audit firm a formal written statement describing all relationships between the firm and the Company that might bear on the firm’s independence consistent with applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) regarding the independent accountant’s communications with the audit committee concerning independence, and has discussed with the independent accountant the independent accountant’s independence and satisfied itself as to the firm’s independence. The Committee also discussed with management, the internal auditors and the independent external audit firm the quality and adequacy of the Company’s internal controls and the internal audit function’s organization, responsibilities, budget and staffing. The Committee reviewed both with the independent external audit firm and internal auditors, their audit plans, audit scope and identification of audit risks.        LOGO

The Committee discussed and reviewed with the independent external audit firm all communications required by standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, including the matters required to be discussed by Auditing Standard No. 16,Communications with Audit Committees, and Rule 2-07,Communication with Audit Committees, of Regulation S-X, and, with and without management present, discussed and reviewed the results of the independent external audit firm’s examination of the financial statements. The Committee also discussed the results of internal audits.

The Committee reviewed and discussed the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015, and management’s assertion on the design and effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 with management and the independent external audit firm. Management has the responsibility for the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and their assertion on the design and effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and the independent external audit firm has the responsibility for the audits of those consolidated statements and of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.

Based on the above-mentioned reviews and discussions with management and the independent external audit firm, the Committee recommended to the Board that the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and report on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting be included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Committee also appointed the independent external audit firm for 2016.

Emerson L. Brumback, Chairman

Nicholas K. Akins

Katherine B. Blackburn

Jewell D. Hoover

Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Audit Committee also appointed the independent external audit firm for 2018.

Emerson L. Brumback, Chair

Katherine B. Blackburn

Jerry W. Burris

Jewell D. Hoover

Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement67


LOGO         

PRINCIPAL INDEPENDENT EXTERNAL AUDIT FIRM FEES

The following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed to Fifth Third Bancorp for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 by the Company’s independent external audit firm Deloitte & Touche LLP.

   December 31, 
   2017   2016 

    Audit fees

  $4,053,900   $3,982,212 

    Audit-related fees(a)

  $1,194,300   $1,161,300 

    Tax fees(b)

  $354,902   $258,175 

    All other fees(c)

  $577,661   $79,287 
  

 

 

 
   $6,180,763   $5,480,974 

(a)        Includes fees for services related to benefit plan audits, private and other common trust fund audits, stand-alone statutory audits, examinations of management’s assertion, reports pursuant to Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements No. 18, loan servicing reports, and trust compliance.

(b)        Includes fees for services related to tax compliance and tax consulting and planning. Of these amounts, for 2017, $234,956 represents fees for tax compliance services and $119,946 represents fees for tax consulting and planning services, and for 2016, $138,750 represents fees for tax compliance services and $119,425 represents fees for tax consulting and planning services.

(c)        Includes fees for management consulting, accounting and human resources subscription services in 2017 and fees for accounting and human resource subscription services in 2016. The Audit Committee has concluded that the provision of these services is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant’s independence.

The Audit Committee is responsible forpre-approving all auditing services and permittednon-audit services to be performed by the independent external audit firm, except as described below.

The Audit Committee will establish general guidelines for the permissible scope and nature of any permittednon-audit services in connection with its annual review of the audit plan and will review such guidelines with the Board of Directors.Pre-approval may be granted by action of the full Audit Committee or, in the absence of such Audit Committee action, by the Audit Committee Chair whose action shall be considered to be that of the entire Committee.Pre-approval shall not be required for the provision ofnon-audit services if (1) the aggregate amount of all suchnon-audit services constitute no more than 5% of the total amount of fees paid by the Company to the auditors during the fiscal year in which thenon-audit services are provided, (2) such services were not recognized by the Company at the time of engagement to benon-audit services, and (3) such services are promptly brought to the attention of the Audit Committee and approved prior to the completion of the audit. No services were provided by Deloitte & Touche LLP during 2017 or 2016 pursuant to this exception.

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        Fifth Third Bancorp for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 by the Company’s independent external audit firm Deloitte & Touche LLP.2018 Proxy Statement


COMPANY PROPOSAL 1

 

   December 31, 
   2015   2014 

Audit Fees

  $3,887,038    $3,875,775  

Audit-Related Fees (a)

   1,147,800     1,076,175  

Tax Fees (b)

   213,064     163,119  

All Other Fees (c)

   115,348     182,934  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $5,363,250    $5,298,003  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

        LOGO

 

(a)Includes fees for services related to benefit plan audits, private and other common trust fund audits, stand-alone statutory audits, examinations of management’s assertion, reports pursuant to Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements No. 16, loan servicing reports and trust compliance.

Company Proposal 1: Independent External Audit Firm

(Item 2 on Proxy Card)

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors proposes and recommends that the shareholders approve the selection by the Audit Committee of the firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP to serve as its independent external audit firm for the Company for the year 2018. The firm has served as the independent external audit firm for Fifth Third Bank since 1970 and the Company since 1975. Representatives of Deloitte & Touche LLP will be present at the Annual Meeting to make such comments as they desire and to respond to questions from shareholders of the Company. Action by the shareholders is not required by law in the appointment of an independent external audit firm, but their appointment is submitted by the Audit Committee in order to give the shareholders a voice in the designation of the independent external audit firm. If the resolution approving Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent external audit firm is rejected by the shareholders, then the Audit Committee will reconsider its choice of independent external audit firm. Even if the resolution is approved, the Audit Committee at its discretion may direct the appointment of a different independent external audit firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.

The Audit Committee is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention, and oversight of the Company’s independent external audit firm. The Audit Committee is also responsible for the audit fee negotiations associated with the Company’s retention of Deloitte & Touche LLP. In order to assure continuing auditor independence, the Audit Committee periodically considers whether there should be a regular rotation of the independent external audit firm. Additionally, the Audit Committee and its Chair are directly involved in the selection and mandated rotation of the lead engagement partner from Deloitte & Touche LLP.

The members of the Audit Committee believe that the continued retention of Deloitte & Touche LLP to serve as the Company’s independent external audit firm is in the best interest of the Company and its investors.

Vote Required

Proxies received by Fifth Third Bancorp and not revoked prior to or at the Annual Meeting will be voted in favor of the resolution unless otherwise instructed by the shareholder. Pursuant to our Code of Regulations, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock present in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on this proposal is required to approve the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP. Abstentions will have the same effect as a vote cast against this proposal. Shares not voted on this proposal by brokers and other entities holding shares on behalf of beneficial owners will not be counted as present to vote on this proposal and will have no effect on the outcome.

THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

RECOMMENDS THE ADOPTION OF THE RESOLUTION.

Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement69
(b)Includes fees for services related to tax compliance and tax consulting and planning. Of these amounts, for 2015, $113,478 represents fees for tax compliance services and $99,586 represents fees for tax consulting and planning services, and for 2014, $74,361 represents fees for tax compliance services and $88,758 represents fees for tax consulting and planning services.


LOGO         

COMPANY PROPOSAL 2

(c)

Company Proposal 2: Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation

(Item 3 on Proxy Card)

As required by Section 14A of the Exchange Act, we are seeking advisory shareholder approval of the compensation of the Named Executive Officers as disclosed in this proxy statement. This proposal, commonly known as a“Say-on-Pay” proposal, gives you, as a shareholder, the opportunity to endorse or not endorse our executive pay program through the following resolution:

RESOLVED, that the shareholders advise that they approve the compensation of Fifth Third Bancorp’s Named Executive Officers, as disclosed pursuant to the disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (which disclosure shall include the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section and the compensation tables and any related material in the “Compensation of Named Executive Officers and Directors” section of this proxy statement for its 2018 Annual Meeting).

Because your vote is advisory, it will not be binding upon the Board. However, the Human Capital and Compensation Committee will take into account the outcome of the vote when considering future executive compensation arrangements.

As discussed in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” the Human Capital and Compensation Committee has determined that the compensation structure for executive officers is effective and appropriate and has determined that the Company’s aggregate 2017 Total Rewards package (and potential payouts in the severance andchange-in-control scenarios) for its Named Executive Officers are reasonable and appropriate. Shareholders are encouraged to read the section of this proxy statement titled “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” as well as the tabular disclosure regarding Named Executive Officer compensation together with the accompanying narrative disclosure.

We are currently conducting“Say-on-Pay” advisory votes on an annual basis. The next“Say-on-Pay” vote is currently scheduled for the 2019 Annual Meeting. However, please see Company Proposal 3 regarding an advisory vote on the frequency of these“Say-on-Pay” votes.

Vote Required

Proxies received by Fifth Third Bancorp and not revoked prior to or at the Annual Meeting will be voted in favor of thisnon-binding advisory proposal unless otherwise instructed by the shareholder. Pursuant to our Code of Regulations, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock present in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on this proposal is required to approve this advisory proposal. Abstentions will have the same effect as a vote cast against this advisory proposal. Shares not voted on this advisory proposal by brokers and other entities holding shares on behalf of beneficial owners will not be counted as present to vote on this proposal and will have no effect on the outcome.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” ADVISORY APPROVAL OF

THE COMPENSATION OF THE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AS DISCLOSED PURSUANT TO THE DISCLOSURE RULES OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

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        Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement


COMPANY PROPOSAL 3

        LOGO

Company Proposal 3: Advisory Vote on Frequency of Votes on

Executive Compensation

(Item 4 on Proxy Card)

As required by Section 14A of the Exchange Act, we are seeking advisory shareholder approval of the frequency of advisory shareholder votes on compensation of the Named Executive Officers through the following resolution:

RESOLVED, that the shareholders advise that an advisory resolution with respect to executive compensation should be presented to the shareholders every one, two, or three years as reflected by their votes for each of these alternatives in connection with this resolution.

In voting on this resolution, you should mark your proxy for one, two, or three years based on your preference as to the frequency with which an advisory vote on executive compensation should be held. If you have no preference, you should abstain.

The Board believes that current best corporate practices and governance trends favor an annual advisory vote and has determined to hold an annual advisory vote. This would give shareholders the opportunity to react promptly to emerging trends in compensation, and give the Board and the Human Capital and Compensation Committee the opportunity to evaluate compensation decisions in light of yearly feedback from shareholders.

Because your vote is advisory, it will not be binding upon the Board. However, the Board will take into account the outcome of the vote when considering the frequency of advisory shareholder approval of the compensation of named executive officers.

Although we are only required to conduct an advisory vote on the frequency of votes on executive compensation every six years, we believe that holding an annual vote will allow the shareholders and our Board to promptly consider this frequency as emerging corporate practices and governance trends develop.

Vote Required

Proxies received by Fifth Third Bancorp and not revoked prior to or at the Annual Meeting will be voted in favor of “every 1 year” unless otherwise instructed by the shareholder. Pursuant to our Code of Regulations, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock present in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on this proposal is required to approve one of the selections under this advisory proposal. Abstentions will have the same effect as a vote cast against each of the time periods presented in this advisory proposal. Shares not voted on this advisory proposal by brokers and other entities holding shares on behalf of beneficial owners will not be counted as present to vote on this proposal and will have no effect on the outcome.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS HOLDING AN ADVISORY VOTE

FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE COMPENSATION OF THE NAMED

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS EVERY “1 YEAR.”

Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement71


LOGO         

Includes fees for subscription services and certain agreed-upon procedures in 2015 and 2014. The Audit Committee has concluded that the provision of these services is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant’s independence.

The Audit Committee is responsible for pre-approving all auditing services and permitted non-audit services to be performed by the independent external audit firm, except as described below.

The Audit Committee will establish general guidelines for the permissible scope and nature of any permitted non-audit services in connection with its annual review of the audit plan and will review such guidelines with the Board of Directors. Pre-approval may be granted by action of the full Audit Committee or, in the absence of such Audit Committee action, by the Audit Committee Chair whose action shall be considered to be that of the entire Committee. Pre-approval shall not be required for the provision of non-audit services if (1) the aggregate amount of all such non-audit services constitute no more than 5% of the total amount of fees paid by the Company to the auditors during the fiscal year in which the non-audit services are provided, (2) such services were not recognized by the Company at the time of engagement to be non-audit services, and (3) such services are promptly brought to the attention of the Audit Committee and approved prior to the completion of the audit. No services were provided by Deloitte & Touche LLP during 2015 or 2014 pursuant to this exception.

COMPANY PROPOSAL 1:

INDEPENDENT EXTERNAL AUDIT FIRM

(Item 2 on Proxy Card)

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors proposes and recommends that the shareholders approve the selection by the Committee of the firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP to serve as its independent external audit firm for the Company for the year 2016. The firm has served as the independent external audit firm for the Bank since 1970 and the Company since 1975. Representatives of Deloitte & Touche LLP will be present at the Annual Meeting to make such comments as they desire and to respond to questions from shareholders of the Company. Action by the shareholders is not required by law in the appointment of an independent external audit firm, but their appointment is submitted by the Audit Committee in order to give the shareholders a voice in the designation of the independent external audit firm. If the resolution approving Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent external audit firm is rejected by the shareholders, then the Audit Committee will reconsider its choice of independent external audit firm. Even if the resolution is approved, the Audit Committee at its discretion may direct the appointment of a different independent external audit firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.

The Audit Committee is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the Company’s independent external audit firm. The Audit Committee is also responsible for the audit fee negotiations associated with the Company’s retention of Deloitte & Touche LLP. In order to assure continuing auditor independence, the Audit Committee periodically considers whether there should be a regular rotation of the independent external audit firm. Additionally, the Audit Committee and its Chair are directly involved in the selection and mandated rotation of the lead engagement partner from Deloitte & Touche LLP.

The members of the Audit Committee believe that the continued retention of Deloitte & Touche LLP to serve as the Company’s independent external audit firm is in the best interest of the Company and its investors.

VOTE REQUIRED

Proxies in the form solicited hereby which are returned to the Company will be voted in favor of the resolution unless otherwise instructed by the shareholder. Pursuant to the Company’s Code of Regulations, the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of the Company’s common stock present in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on this proposal is required to approve the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP. Abstentions will have the same effect as a vote cast against the proposal. Shares not voted by brokers or other entities holding shares on behalf of beneficial owners will not be counted as present to vote on this proposal and will have no effect on the outcome.

THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THE ADOPTION OF THE RESOLUTION.

COMPANY PROPOSAL 2:

ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

(Item 3 on Proxy Card)

As required by Section 14A of the Exchange Act, we are seeking advisory shareholder approval of the compensation of the Named Executive Officers as disclosed in this proxy statement. This proposal, commonly known as a “Say-on-Pay” proposal, gives you as a shareholder the opportunity to endorse or not endorse our executive pay program through the following resolution:

RESOLVED, that the shareholders advise that they approve the compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers, as disclosed pursuant to the disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (which disclosure shall include the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section and the compensation tables and any related material in the “Compensation of Named Executive Officers and Directors” section of this proxy statement for its 2016 Annual Meeting).

Because your vote is advisory, it will not be binding upon the Board. However, the Human Capital and Compensation Committee will take into account the outcome of the vote when considering future executive compensation arrangements.

As discussed in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” the Human Capital and Compensation Committee has determined that the compensation structure for executive officers is effective and appropriate and has determined that the Company’s aggregate 2015 Total Rewards package (and potential payouts in the severance and change-in-control scenarios) for its Named Executive Officers are reasonable and appropriate. Shareholders are encouraged to read the section of this proxy statement titled “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” as well as the tabular disclosure regarding Named Executive Officer compensation together with the accompanying narrative disclosure.

The Company is currently conducting “Say-on-Pay” advisory votes on an annual basis. The next “Say-on-Pay” vote is currently scheduled for the 2017 Annual Meeting. However, please see Company Proposal 3 regarding an advisory vote on the frequency of these “Say-on-Pay” votes.

VOTE REQUIRED

Pursuant to the Company’s Code of Regulations, the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of the Company’s common stock present in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on this proposal is required to approve this advisory proposal. Proxies received by the Company and not revoked prior to or at the Annual Meeting will be voted in favor of this non-binding advisory proposal unless otherwise instructed by the shareholder. Abstentions will have the same effect as a vote cast against the advisory proposal. Shares not voted by brokers and other entities holding shares on behalf of beneficial owners will not be counted as present to vote on this proposal and will have no effect on the outcome.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” ADVISORY APPROVAL OF THE COMPENSATION OF THE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AS DISCLOSED PURSUANT TO THE DISCLOSURE RULES OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

COMPANY PROPOSAL 3:

ADVISORY VOTE ON FREQUENCY OF VOTES ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

(Item 4 on Proxy Card)

As required by Section 14A of the Exchange Act, we are seeking advisory shareholder approval of the frequency of advisory shareholder votes on compensation of the named executive officers through the following resolution:

RESOLVED, that the shareholders advise that an advisory resolution with respect to executive compensation should be presented to the shareholders every one, two or three years as reflected by their votes for each of these alternatives in connection with this resolution.

In voting on this resolution, you should mark your proxy for one, two or three years based on your preference as to the frequency with which an advisory vote on executive compensation should be held. If you have no preference you should abstain.

The Board believes that current best corporate practices and governance trends favor an annual advisory vote and has determined to hold an annual advisory vote. This would give shareholders the opportunity to react promptly to emerging trends in compensation, and the Board and the Human Capital and Compensation Committee the opportunity to evaluate compensation decisions in light of yearly feedback from shareholders.

Because your vote is advisory, it will not be binding upon the Board. However, the Board will take into account the outcome of the vote when considering the frequency of advisory shareholder approval of the compensation of named executive officers.

Although we are only required to conduct an advisory vote on the frequency of votes on executive compensation every six years, we believe that holding an annual vote will allow the shareholders and our Board to promptly consider this frequency as emerging corporate practices and governance trends develop.

VOTE REQUIRED

Pursuant to the Company’s Code of Regulations, the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of the Company’s Common Stock present in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on this proposal is required to approve one of the selections under this advisory proposal. Proxies received by the Company and not revoked prior to or at the Annual Meeting will be voted in favor of “every 1 year” unless otherwise instructed by the shareholder. Abstentions, and shares not voted by shareholders of record present or represented at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote, will have the same effect as a vote cast against this advisory proposal. Shares not voted by brokers and other entities holding shares on behalf of beneficial owners will not be counted as present to vote on this proposal and will have no effect on the outcome.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS HOLDING AN ADVISORY VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE COMPENSATION OF THE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS EVERY “1 YEAR”

20172019 SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS

Shareholder Proposals to be included in the Company’s Proxy Statement

In order for a shareholder proposal for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be eligible for inclusion in the Company’s proxy statement, it must comply with the requirements of Rule 14a-8 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), and must be received by the Company on or before November 10, 2016

Shareholder Proposals to be included in Fifth Third Bancorp’s Proxy Statement. In order for a shareholder proposal for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be eligible for inclusion in our proxy statement, it must comply with the requirements of Rule14a-8 of the Exchange Act and must be received by Fifth Third Bancorp on or before November 6, 2018 at the following address or facsimile number:

Fifth Third Bancorp

c/o Fifth Third Legal Department

Office of the Corporate Secretary

38 Fountain Square Plaza

MD10AT76MD10909F

Cincinnati, Ohio 45263

Attn: Corporate Secretary

Facsimile: (513)534-6757

Shareholder Proposals not included in the Company’sFifth Third Bancorp’s Proxy Statement

.Any shareholder who intends to propose any matter to be acted upon at the 20172019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders without such proposal being included in the Company’sour proxy statement as a shareholder proposal must send a notice to the Corporate Secretary using the address and facsimile number listed above no earlier than January 19, 201717, 2019 and no later than February 18, 2017.16, 2019. If the notice is not provided by February 18, 2017,16, 2019, and the proposal is voted upon, SEC rules permit the persons named as proxies for the 20172019 Annual Meeting will be allowed to exercise discretionary authority to vote upon such additional proposal without describingif we advise shareholders in the proxy statement for the 20172019 Annual Meeting how they intend to vote on it.

The notice to the Corporate Secretary must meet the requirements set forth in the Company’sour Code of Regulations which are summarized below.

The notice must include:

 

the name and address of the record shareholder as they appear on the Company’sin Fifth Third Bancorp’s books and the name and address of any beneficial owner of the shares on whose behalf the record shareholder is acting, and, if different, the current name and address of the shareholder and any beneficial owner;

 

the class and number of shares of the CompanyFifth Third Bancorp held of record by the shareholder or beneficially owned as of the date of the notice, and a representation that the shareholder will notify the CompanyFifth Third Bancorp in writing within five (5) business days after the record date for such meeting of the class and number of shares of the CompanyFifth Third Bancorp held of record or beneficially owned on such record date;

 

any other information relating to such shareholder and beneficial owner, if any, that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for the matter proposed;

 

such shareholder’s and any beneficial owner’s written consent to the public disclosure of information provided to the CompanyFifth Third Bancorp in the notice;

 

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2019 SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS

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a representation that the shareholder intends to appear at the meeting to bring such nomination or other business before the meeting; and

 

such other information as may reasonably be required by the Board of Directors and described in this proxy statement .

statement.

The notice must also include:

 

 a)

any agreements, arrangements or understandings entered into by the shareholder or beneficial owner and their affiliates with respect to equity securities of the Company,Fifth Third Bancorp, including any put or call arrangements, derivative securities, short positions, borrowed shares or swap or similar arrangements,

2017 SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS

specifying in each case the effect of such agreements, arrangements or understandings on any voting or economic rights of equity securities of the Company,Fifth Third Bancorp, in each case as of the date of the notice and in each case describing any changes in voting or economic rights which may arise pursuant to the terms of such agreements, arrangements or understandings;

 

 b)to the extent not covered in clause (a) above, any disclosures that would be required pursuant to Item 5 or Item 6 of Schedule 13D (regardless of whether the requirement to file a Schedule 13D is applicable to the shareholder or beneficial owner); and

 

 c)a representation that the shareholder will notify the Company in writing within five (5) business days after the record date for such meeting of the information set forth in clauses (a) and (b) above as of the record date.

If the notice relates to the nomination of directors, it must include for each nominee:

 

all information relating to such nominee that is required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filing required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors in a contested election pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act (including such person’s written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected);

 

a description of all direct and indirect compensation and other material monetary agreements, arrangements and understandings during the past three (3) years, and any material relationships, between or among the nominating shareholder and beneficial owner, if any, and their respective affiliates and associates, or others acting with them, and each proposed nominee, and his or her respective affiliates and associates, or others acting with them, including all information that would be required to be disclosed under Item 404 of RegulationS-K if the nominating shareholder and any beneficial owner, or any affiliate or associate or any person acting with them, were the “registrant” for purposes of such rule and the nominee were a director or executive officer of the registrant; and

 

information necessary to make a determination of the eligibility of the nominee to serve as an independent director of the CompanyFifth Third Bancorp as defined by Rule 5605(a)(2) of the National Association of Securities Dealers listing standards and to meet the requirements of membership for each of the Committees of the Company’sFifth Third Bancorp’s Board of Directors (which are contained in the charters of the Committees and are accessible on the Company’sour website at www.53.com) and such information that could be material to a reasonable shareholder’s understanding of the independence, or lack thereof, of the nominee.

Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement73


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2019 SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS

information that could be material to a reasonable shareholder’s understanding of the independence, or lack thereof, of the nominee.

If the notice relates to any business other than nomination of directors, it must contain:

 

a description in reasonable detail of the business to be brought before the meeting, the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting, and any material interest of the proposing shareholder and any beneficial owner in such business;

 

the text of the proposal or business (including the text of any resolutions proposed for consideration and, if the business includes a proposal to amend the Company’sour Code of Regulations or Articles of Incorporation, the language of the proposed amendment); and

 

a description of all agreements, arrangements and understandings between the proposing shareholder, any beneficial owner, and any other person or persons (including their names) acting in connection with them in bringing the proposal of such business.

OTHER BUSINESS

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OTHER BUSINESS

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Our Code of Regulations provides that only such business will be conducted as is properly brought before the meeting in accordance with the procedures set forth in Article II, Section 11 of the Code of Regulations. Except as otherwise provided by law, our Articles or the Code of Regulations, the determination of whether any business sought to be brought before the Annual Meeting of Shareholders is properly brought before such meeting will be made by the Chair of such meeting. If the Chair determines that any business is not properly brought before the meeting, then any such business will not be conducted or considered.

Discretion of Proxies

.The Board of Directors does not know of any other business to be presented toat the Annual Meeting and does not intend to bring other matters before the Annual Meeting. However, if any other matters properly come before the Annual Meeting, it is intended that the persons named in the Proxy will vote thereon according to their best judgment and interest of the Company.Fifth Third Bancorp. No other shareholder has informed the Companyus of any intention to propose any other matter to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting. Accordingly, the persons named in the accompanying Proxy are allowed to exercise their discretionary authority to vote upon any such proposal without the matter having been discussed in this proxy statement.

HouseholdingHouseholding.

Shareholders of record who have the same address and last name and have not previously requested electronic delivery of proxy materials will receive a single envelope containing the notices or the proxy statement and proxy card for all shareholders having that address. The notice or proxy card for each shareholder will include that shareholder’s unique control number needed to vote his or her shares. This procedure reduces our printing costs and postage fees. If, in the future, you do not wish to participate in householding and prefer to receive your notice or proxy statement in a separate envelope, or if your household currently receives more than one Notice or Proxy Statement and in the future, you would prefer to participate in householding, please call us toll-free at 1-800-821-87801-800-488-8035 in the U.S., or inform us in writing at: Fifth Third Bancorp, c/o D.F. King & Co., Inc., 48 Wall Street – 22nd Floor, New York, NY 10005, or by email at FITB@dfking.com. We will respond promptly to such requests.

For those shareholders who have the same address and last name and who request to receive a printed copy of the proxy materials by mail, we will send only one copy of such materials to each address unless one or more of those shareholders notifies us, in the same manner described above, that they wish to receive a printed copy for each shareholder at that address.

Beneficial shareholders can request information about householding from their banks, brokersbank, broker or other holders of record.nominee.

CopiesCopies.

A copy of the Company’sour Annual Report onForm 10-K for the most recent fiscal year, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, not including exhibits, will be mailed without charge to shareholders upon written request. Requests should be addressed to Investor Relations, 38 Fountain Square Plaza, MD 1090QC, Cincinnati, OH 45263 or by emailing ir@53.com. You can also view information and request documents from the Investor Relations page of Fifth Third’s website at www.53.com. TheForm 10-K includes certain listed exhibits, which will be provided upon payment of a fee covering the Company’sour reasonable expenses.

By Order of the Board of Directors

Heather Russell KoenigJelena McWilliams

Corporate Secretary

ANNEX A

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ANNEX A: REGULATIONS FOR CONDUCT

REGULATIONS FOR CONDUCT AT THE APRIL 19, 201617, 2018 ANNUAL MEETING

OF SHAREHOLDERS OF FIFTH THIRD BANCORP

We welcome you to the 20162018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Fifth Third Bancorp. In order to provide a fair and informative Meeting, we ask you to honor the following regulations for the Meeting.

1.          GENERAL ORDER OF BUSINESS. The business of the Meeting will be taken up as set forth in the Agenda attached to these Regulations. Annual Meetings are business meetings, and they can be effective only if conducted in an orderly, business-like manner. Strict rules of parliamentary procedure will not be followed. The Chairman of the Meeting will controlhas sole authority to preside over the meetingMeeting and make any required procedural rulings. Please followand all determinations with respect to the instructionsconduct of the Chairman. Thank you for your cooperation.

1.ELECTION OF DIRECTORS. Every shareholder havingMeeting. Any action taken by the right to vote shallChairman at the Meeting will be entitled to vote in person or by proxy. Each shareholder of record shall be entitled to one vote for each share of common stock registered in his or her namefinal, conclusive and binding on the booksall persons. The Secretary of the Company. All uncontested elections where cumulative voting is not in effectBancorp shall be determined by a majority voting standard whereby a director will only be elected if he or she receives more votes “for” election than votes “against” election. All other elections shall be determined by a plurality vote.

The Company has, however, adopted provisions of its Corporate Governance Guidelines stating that,act as long as cumulative voting is not in effect, in an uncontested election of Directors (i.e., an election where the only nominees are those recommended by the Board of Directors), any nominee for Director who receives a greater number of votes “against” his or her election than votes “for” his or her election will promptly tender his or her resignation to the Chairmansecretary of the Board following certification of the shareholder vote. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will promptly consider the tendered resignation and will recommend to the Board whether to accept or reject the tendered resignation no later than 60 days following the date of the shareholders’ meeting at which the election occurred. In considering whether to accept or reject the tendered resignation, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider factors deemed relevant by the Committee members including, without limitation, the Director’s length of service, the Director’s particular qualifications and contributions to Fifth Third, the reasons underlying the majority against vote (if known) and whether these reasons can be cured, and compliance with stock exchange listing standards and the Corporate Governance Guidelines. The Board will act on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s recommendation no later than 90 days following the date of the shareholders’ meeting at which the election occurred. In considering the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s recommendation, the Board will consider the factors considered by the Committee and such additional information and factors the Board believes to be relevant.Meeting.

2.VOTING AT THE MEETING. Every shareholder having the right to vote shall be entitled to vote in person or by proxy at the Meeting.If you have already voted by proxy, there is no need to vote by ballot, unless you wish to change your vote.vote. The polls shall be opened immediately after completion of the nominations, and shall remain open until closed by the Chairman. After the closing of the polls, no further voting shall be permitted and no further proxies, ballots or evidence shall be accepted by the Inspectors of Election. Except as otherwise stated in the proxy materials for this Meeting or as required by Ohio law, each matter brought before this Meeting for a vote shall require the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of the Company’s common stock at this Meeting and entitled to vote on such matter.

3.ITEMS OF BUSINESS; SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS – THREE MINUTE LIMIT. The items of business listed on the accompanying Agenda are expected to be properly introduced at the Meeting and taken up in the orderMatters not set forth in the Agenda. Additional mattersAgenda may be proposed by shareholders of record in accordance with the federal securities laws, the Ohio Revised Code and theseour Code of Regulations. The Chairman will not entertain any proposals that are inconsistent with Ohio law or that relate to activities that have been delegated to the Company’s Board of Directors by the authority of Ohio law. Shareholder proposals will be entertained in the following order: first, any proposals of which the CompanyBancorp was informed prior to the commencement of this

Meeting; and then, any other proposals properly made in accordance with these Regulations. Each proposing shareholder will be allotted three minutes in which to present the proposal and any desired remarks in support thereof. Properly introduced motions need not be seconded in order to be considered by the shareholders at this Meeting.

4.QUESTIONS/STATEMENTS BY SHAREHOLDERS – ONE MINUTE LIMIT. To makeask a proposalquestion or to speak at the Meeting you must be either a shareholder of record as of February 26, 201623, 2018 or a person named in a proxy given by such a shareholder. No other persons will be permitted to make a proposal or to speak at the Meeting. There will be one period for questions and statements by shareholders as set forth on the Agenda attached to these Regulations.

In order that we may give as many shareholders as possible the opportunity to speak, remarks Remarks and questions will be limited to one minute per shareholder. You must restrict yourselfshareholder and to one comment or question at a time so that others may have an opportunitytime. Additional turns to be heard. Each shareholder may have only one turn to speak until all shareholders who wish to speak have had the opportunity to do so- additional turns may be allowed as time permits.

If you wish to speak, please raise your hand and wait until you are recognized. Please do not address the Meeting until recognized by the Chairman. When you are recognized, please state your name, place of residence, and whether you are a Fifth Third shareholder or a holder of a shareholder proxy, and, in the latter case, identify the shareholder on whose behalf you are speaking. All questions should be directed to the Chairman, who may call on other persons to respond or further direct questions when appropriate.

If you have a matter of individual concern which is not an appropriate subject for general discussion, please defer discussion until after the Meeting at which time officers of the Company will be available. The Chairman will stop discussions which are repetitive, derogatory, over the time limit, irrelevant to the business of the CompanyBancorp or the items on the Agenda for the Meeting, related to pending or threatened litigation, regulatory proceedings or similar actions or otherwise inappropriate. Derogatory references to personalities, comments that are in bad taste, the airing of personal grievances, the injection of irrelevant controversy, personal attacks, refusal to follow these Regulations or interference with any speaker will not be permitted and will be a basis for silencing or removal from the Meeting.

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ANNEX A: REGULATIONS FOR CONDUCT

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5.MISCELLANEOUS. No recording devices, photographic equipment, or bullhorns will be permitted into the Meeting. No written materials may be distributed by any person at or in physical proximity to the Meeting. The Chairman of the Meeting shall have the power to silence or have removed any person in order to ensure the orderly conduct of the Meeting.

6.ADMINISTRATION AND INTERPRETATION. The Chairman of the Meeting has sole authority to preside over the Meeting and make any and all determinations with respect to the conduct of the Meeting, including, without limitation, the administration and interpretation of these regulations and procedures. The Chairman also has sole authority to create such additional regulations and procedures and to waive full or partial compliance with any regulation or procedure as the reasonably determines. Any action taken by the Chairman at the Meeting will be final, conclusive and binding on all persons. The Secretary of the Company shall act as secretary of the Meeting.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION AND ENJOY THE MEETING.

Fifth Third Bancorp | 2018 Proxy Statement77

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AGENDA

LOGO

Annual Meeting of Shareholders

APRIL 19, 201617, 2018

AGENDA

Call to Order

Introductions

Approval of 20152017 Minutes

Nomination and Election of Directors

Ratification of Auditors

Approval of executive compensationExecutive Compensation

Determination of frequencyFrequency of votesVotes on executive compensationExecutive Compensation

Presentation of 20152017 Results

Question and Answer Session

Announcement of Voting Results on all matters presentedAll Matters Presented

Adjournment


 

 

 

 

 

LOGOLOGO

38 Fountain Square PlazaFOUNTAIN SQUARE PLAZA

Cincinnati, OhioCINCINNATI, OHIO 45263

(800)972-3030


LOGO

LOGO

 

VOTEBY INTERNET

  

 

WWW.CESVOTE.COMWWW.CESVOTE.COM

 

Use the Internet to submit your proxy until 11:00 a.m., Easterneastern daylight saving time, on the morning of the Annual Meeting, April 19, 2016.17, 2018. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the website listed above and follow the instructions provided.

 

 

VOTEBY TELEPHONE

  

 

1-888-693-8683

 

Use any touch-tone telephone to submit your proxy until 11:00 a.m., Easterneastern daylight saving time, on the morning of the Annual Meeting, April 19, 2016.17, 2018. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and follow the instructions provided.

 

 

VOTEBY MAIL

  

 

Please mark, sign, date and promptly mail your proxy card using thepostage-paid envelopeprovided or return your proxy card to: Fifth Third Bancorp, c/o Corporate Election Services, PO Box 3230, Pittsburgh PA 15230 to ensure that your vote is received prior to the Annual Meeting on April 19, 2016.17, 2018.

 

 

 

Vote by Telephone

   

 

Vote by Internet

    

 

Vote by Mail

 

Call Toll-Free using a

   

 

Access the Website and

    

Sign and return your proxy

 

touch-tone telephone:

   

 

submit your proxy:

    

in the postage-paid

 

1-888-693-8683

   

 

www.cesvote.com

 

    

envelope provided.

 

NOTICE OF INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIAL:

The Notice of meeting, proxy statement, and proxy card are available at www.ViewMaterial.com/fitb

 

 

 

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IF YOU HAVE NOT VOTED VIA THE INTERNET OR TELEPHONE, DETACH ALONG THE PERFORATION,

LOGOLOGO     MARK, SIGN, DATE, AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.    LOGOLOGO

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FIFTH THIRD BANCORP  ANNUAL MEETING PROXY CARD

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

The undersigned hereby appoints James P. Hackett, Kevin T. KabatEmerson L. Brumback, Greg D. Carmichael and Marsha C. Williams, and each of them, with full power of substitution and power to act alone, as proxies to vote all shares of stock of FIFTH THIRD BANCORP which the undersigned would be entitled to vote if personally present and acting at the Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of Fifth Third Bancorp, to be held April 19, 201617, 2018 at the Hyatt Regency Cincinnati, Regency Ballroom, 151 West 5thJarson-Kaplan Theater, located at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, Ohio, and at any adjournments or postponements thereof.

In their discretion, the PROXIES are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting. This PROXY when executed will be voted in the manner directed herein by the undersigned SHAREHOLDER(S).If no direction is made, this PROXY will be voted FOR Items 1, 2, and 3, and 1 Year on Item 4.

 

 

 

  

 

                        20162018
  Shareholder Sign Here    Date
  

 

                        20162018
  Shareholder (Joint Owner) Sign Here    Date
  

Please sign exactly as name appears on this proxy card. If shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, corporation, trustee, guardian, or custodian, please give full title as such. If a corporation, please sign in full corporate name by President or other authorized officer. If a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.


LOGOLOGO

 

Annual Meeting of Shareholders of

FIFTH THIRD BANCORP

Hyatt Regency Cincinnati, Regency BallroomJarson-Kaplan Theater, located at the Aronoff Center for the Arts,

151 West 5th650 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, Ohio, at 11:30 a.m., Eastern Time,eastern daylight saving time, April 19, 2016.17, 2018.

Upon arrival, please present this

admission ticket and photo identification

at the registration desk.

Please tear off this Admission Ticket. If you plan to attend the Annual Meeting of shareholders,Shareholders, you will need this ticket to gain entrance to the meeting. This ticket is valid to admit the shareholder to the Annual Meeting.

The Annual Meeting of shareholdersShareholders will be held at the following address:

Hyatt Regency Cincinnati, Regency Ballroom, 151 West 5thThe Aronoff Center for the Arts, Jarson-Kaplan Theater, 650 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, Ohio,

at 11:30 a.m., Eastern Time,eastern daylight saving time, April 19, 2016.17, 2018. You must present  this ticket

to gain admission to the meeting. You should send in your proxy

or vote electronically even if you plan to attend the meeting.

 

 

IF YOU HAVE NOT VOTED VIA THE INTERNET OR TELEPHONE, DETACH ALONG THE PERFORATION,

LOGOLOGO     MARK, SIGN, DATE, AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.    LOGOLOGO

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The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR”For the election of Directors, “FOR”For Items 2 and 3, and “1 YEAR” on Item 4.

 

1.Election of all members of the Board of Directors to serve until the Annual Meeting of Shareholders in 2017:2019:

 

         Nominees: FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN   FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
         (01) Nicholas K. Akins q q  ❑ q  ❑      (07) Gary R. HemingerGreg D. Carmichael q q  ❑ q  ❑
         (02) B. Evan Bayh III q q  ❑ q  ❑      (08) Jewell D. HooverGary R. Heminger q q  ❑ q  ❑
         (03) Jorge L. Benitez q q  ❑ q  ❑      (09) Michael B. McCallisterJewell D. Hoover q q  ❑ q  ❑
         (04) Katherine B. Blackburn q q  ❑ q  ❑      (10) Hendrik G. MeijerEileen A. Mallesch q q  ❑ q  ❑
         (05) Emerson L. Brumback q q  ❑ q  ❑      (11) Marsha C. WilliamsMichael B. McCallister q q  ❑ q  ❑
         (06) Greg D. CarmichaelJerry W. Burris q q  ❑ q  ❑      (12) Marsha C. Williams    ❑   ❑

 

2.Approval of the appointment of the firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP to serve as the independent external audit firm for the Company for the year 2016.2018:
            q   FOR q   AGAINST         q   ABSTAIN 

 

3.An advisory approval of the Company’s executive compensation.compensation:
            q   FOR q   AGAINST         q   ABSTAIN 

 

4.An advisory vote to determine whether the shareholder vote on the compensation of the Company’s executives will occur every 1, 2, or 3 years.years:
            q   1 YEAR q   2 YEARS         q   3 YEARS q   ABSTAIN

(Continued, and please sign on reverse side.)