Depositary Shares Representing a 1/1000th Ownership Interest in a Share of 6.625% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock OH false 0000035527 0000035527 2024-01-29 2024-01-29 0000035527 us-gaap:CommonStockMember 2024-01-29 2024-01-29 0000035527 fitb:DepositarySharesRepresentingA11000thOwnershipInterestInAShareOf6.625FixedToFloatingRateNotCumulativePerpetualPreferredStockSeriesI2Member 2024-01-29 2024-01-29 0000035527 fitb:DepositarySharesRepresentingA140thOwnershipInterestInAShareOf6.00NotCumulativePerpetualClassBPreferredStockSeriesAMember 2024-01-29 2024-01-29 0000035527 fitb:DepositarySharesRepresentingA11000thOwnershipInterestInAShareOf4.95NotCumulativePerpetualPreferredStockSeriesKMember 2024-01-29 2024-01-29

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): January 29, 2024

 

 

 

LOGO

Fifth Third Bancorp

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

OHIO

(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)

 

001-33653   31-0854434
(Commission
File Number)
  (IRS Employer
Identification No.)

 

Fifth Third Center

38 Fountain Square Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio

  45263
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

(800) 972-3030

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Not Applicable

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

 

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

 

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Trading

Symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange

on which registered

Common Stock, Without Par Value   FITB   The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
Depositary Shares Representing a 1/1000th Ownership Interest in a Share of 6.625% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series I   FITBI   The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
Depositary Shares Representing a 1/40th Ownership Interest in a Share of 6.00% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Class B Preferred Stock, Series A   FITBP   The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
Depositary Shares Representing a 1/1000th Ownership Interest in a Share of 4.95% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series K   FITBO   The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

 

 


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains statements that we believe are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Rule 175 promulgated thereunder, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Rule 3b-6 promulgated thereunder. These statements relate to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance, capital actions or business. They usually can be identified by the use of forward-looking language such as “will likely result,” “may,” “are expected to,” “is anticipated,” “potential,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “projected,” “intends to,” or may include other similar words or phrases such as “believes,” “plans,” “trend,” “objective,” “continue,” “remain,” or similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “might,” “can,” or similar verbs. You should not place undue reliance on these statements, as they are subject to risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to the risk factors set forth in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K as updated by our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). When considering these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind these risks and uncertainties, as well as any cautionary statements we may make. Moreover, you should treat these statements as speaking only as of the date they are made and based only on information then actually known to us. We undertake no obligation to release revisions to these forward-looking statements or reflect events or circumstances after the date of this document.

There are a number of important factors that could cause future results to differ materially from historical performance and these forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: (1) deteriorating credit quality; (2) loan concentration by location or industry of borrowers or collateral; (3) problems encountered by other financial institutions; (4) inadequate sources of funding or liquidity; (5) unfavorable actions of rating agencies; (6) inability to maintain or grow deposits; (7) limitations on the ability to receive dividends from subsidiaries; (8) effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic; (9) cyber-security risks; (10) Fifth Third’s ability to secure confidential information and deliver products and services through the use of computer systems and telecommunications networks; (11) failures by third-party service providers; (12) inability to manage strategic initiatives and/or organizational changes; (13) inability to implement technology system enhancements; (14) failure of internal controls and other risk management systems; (15) losses related to fraud, theft, misappropriation or violence; (16) inability to attract and retain skilled personnel; (17) adverse impacts of government regulation; (18) governmental or regulatory changes or other actions; (19) failures to meet applicable capital requirements; (20) regulatory objections to Fifth Third’s capital plan; (21) regulation of Fifth Third’s derivatives activities; (22) deposit insurance premiums; (23) assessments for the orderly liquidation fund; (24) replacement of LIBOR; (25) weakness in the national or local economies; (26) global political and economic uncertainty or negative actions; (27) changes in interest rates and the effects of inflation; (28) changes and trends in capital markets; (29) fluctuation of Fifth Third’s stock price; (30) volatility in mortgage banking revenue; (31) litigation, investigations, and enforcement proceedings by governmental authorities; (32) breaches of contractual covenants, representations and warranties; (33) competition and changes in the financial services industry; (34) changing retail distribution strategies, customer preferences and behavior; (35) difficulties in identifying, acquiring or integrating suitable strategic partnerships, investments or acquisitions; (36) potential dilution


from future acquisitions; (37) loss of income and/or difficulties encountered in the sale and separation of businesses, investments or other assets; (38) results of investments or acquired entities; (39) changes in accounting standards or interpretation or declines in the value of Fifth Third’s goodwill or other intangible assets; (40) inaccuracies or other failures from the use of models; (41) effects of critical accounting policies and judgments or the use of inaccurate estimates; (42) weather-related events, other natural disasters, or health emergencies (including pandemics); (43) the impact of reputational risk created by these or other developments on such matters as business generation and retention, funding and liquidity; (44) changes in law or requirements imposed by Fifth Third’s regulators impacting our capital actions, including dividend payments and stock repurchases; and (45) Fifth Third’s ability to meet its environmental and/or social targets, goals and commitments.

You should refer to our periodic and current reports filed with the SEC for further information on other factors, which could cause actual results to be significantly different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

Unless otherwise mentioned or unless the context requires otherwise, all references to “Fifth Third,” “we,” “us,” “our” or similar references mean Fifth Third Bancorp and its subsidiaries.

 

Item 8.01

Other Events.

Offering of 5.631% Fixed Rate/Floating Rate Senior Notes Due 2032. On January 29, 2024, Fifth Third issued $1,000,000,000 in principal amount of its 5.631% Fixed Rate/Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2032 (the “Senior Notes Offering”) sold pursuant to an Underwriting Agreement (the “Underwriting Agreement”) with Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Fifth Third Securities, Inc., and RBC Capital Markets, LLC. On January 29, 2024, Fifth Third entered into a Supplemental Indenture with Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee, which modifies the existing Indenture for Senior Debt Securities dated as of April 30, 2008, as amended by Article 4 of the Twelfth Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 25, 2022 between Fifth Third and the Trustee. The Supplemental Indenture and the Indenture define the rights of the 5.631% Fixed Rate/Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2032 (the “Senior Notes”), which Senior Notes are represented by Global Securities dated as of January 29, 2024. The net proceeds from the sale of the Senior Notes after the underwriting discount and estimated expenses to be paid by Fifth Third are approximately $994,016,400.

The Senior Notes Offering is described in Fifth Third’s prospectus supplement dated January 22, 2024, together with the related prospectus dated March 28, 2022, filed with the SEC under Rule 424(b) on January 24, 2024.

The Underwriting Agreement, the Supplemental Indenture and the Global Securities representing the Senior Notes contain various representations, warranties and agreements by Fifth Third, conditions to closing, indemnification rights and obligations of the parties, and termination provisions. The descriptions of the Underwriting Agreement, the Supplemental Indenture and the Global Securities, and other documents relating to this transaction do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of such securities and documents, forms or copies of which are attached hereto as exhibits and incorporated herein by reference.


*****************

The Senior Notes sold in the Senior Notes Offering were registered by Fifth Third pursuant to an automatic shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (SEC File No. 333-263894) filed with the SEC on March 28, 2022.

 

Item 9.01

Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d) Exhibits

Exhibits below relate to Registration Number 333-263894 on Form S-3 of Fifth Third Bancorp and are filed herewith for incorporation by reference in such Registration Statement:

1.1 – Underwriting Agreement dated as of January 22, 2024 among Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Fifth Third Securities, Inc., and RBC Capital Markets, LLC.

4.1 – Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 29, 2024 between Fifth Third Bancorp and Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee, to the Indenture for Senior Debt Securities dated as of April 30, 2008 between Fifth Third Bancorp and the Trustee, as amended by Article 4 of the Twelfth Supplemental Indenture dated April 25, 2022 between Fifth Third Bancorp and the Trustee.

4.2 – Form of 5.631% Fixed Rate/Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2032.

5.1 – Opinion of Bricker Graydon LLP regarding legality of the 5.631% Fixed Rate/Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2032.

23.1 – Consent of Bricker Graydon LLP (included in opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1).


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

  FIFTH THIRD BANCORP
 

(Registrant)

January 29, 2024

 

/s/ Bryan D. Preston

 

Bryan D. Preston

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Exhibit 1.1

Execution Version

FIFTH THIRD BANCORP

Underwriting Agreement

January 22, 2024

 

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

Fifth Third Securities, Inc.

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

As Representatives of the

several Underwriters listed

in Schedule 1 hereto

 

c/o      Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC
     1585 Broadway, 29th Floor
     New York, New York 10036
c/o      Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
     388 Greenwich Street
     New York, New York 10013
c/o      Fifth Third Securities, Inc.
      38 Fountain Square Plaza
      Cincinnati, Ohio 45263
c/o      RBC Capital Markets, LLC
     Brookfield Place
     200 Vesey Street, 8th Floor
     New York, New York 10281

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Fifth Third Bancorp, an Ohio corporation (the “Company”), proposes to issue and sell to the several Underwriters listed in Schedule 1 hereto (the “Underwriters”), for whom you are acting as representatives (the “Representatives”) $1,000,000,000 principal amount of its 5.631% Fixed Rate/Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2032 having the terms set forth in Schedule 2 hereto (the “Securities”). The Securities will be issued pursuant to an indenture dated as of April 30, 2008, as amended to date, and as such indenture may hereafter be amended and supplemented (the “Indenture”), between the Company and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee (the “Trustee”).

The Company agrees to issue and sell the Securities to the several Underwriters as provided in this Agreement, and each Underwriter, on the basis of the representations, warranties and agreements set forth herein and subject to the conditions set forth herein, agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase from the Company the respective principal amount of Securities set forth opposite such Underwriter’s name in Schedule 1 hereto at a price equal to 99.600% of the principal amount of the Securities, plus accrued interest, if any, from January 29, 2024 (the “Purchase Price”). The Company will not be obligated to deliver any of the Securities except upon payment for all the Securities to be purchased as provided herein. To the extent there are no additional Underwriters named in Schedule 1 hereto other than you, the term Representatives as used herein shall mean you, as Underwriters, and the terms Representatives and Underwriters shall mean either the singular or plural as the context requires.


The Company understands that the Underwriters intend to make a public offering of the Securities as soon after the effectiveness of this Agreement as in the judgment of the Representatives is advisable, and initially to offer the Securities on the terms set forth in the Time of Sale Information and the Prospectus. Schedule 3 hereto sets forth the Time of Sale Information made available at the Time of Sale. The Company acknowledges and agrees that the Underwriters may offer and sell Securities to or through any affiliate of an Underwriter and that any such affiliate may offer and sell Securities purchased by it to or through any Underwriter.

The Company further acknowledges that the only information furnished to the Company by the Representatives for purposes of Sections 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 7(a) and 7(b) of the Underwriting Agreement Standard Provisions are set forth in Schedule 5 hereto.

Payment for and delivery of the Securities shall be made at the offices of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, 450 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10017, at 9:00 A.M., New York City time, on January 29, 2024, or at such other time or place on the same or such other date, not later than the fifth business day thereafter, as the Representatives and the Company may agree upon in writing (the “Closing Date”).

Payment for the Securities shall be made by wire transfer in immediately available funds to the account(s) specified by the Company to the Representatives against delivery of one or more global notes representing the Securities (collectively, the “Global Note”) to the nominee of The Depository Trust Company, for the account of the Underwriters, with any transfer taxes payable in connection with the sale of the Securities duly paid by the Company. The Global Note will be made available to the Representatives for inspection not later than 1:00 P.M., New York City time, on the business day prior to the Closing Date.

All provisions contained in the document entitled Underwriting Agreement Standard Provisions attached as Exhibit A hereto are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety and shall be deemed to be a part of this Underwriting Agreement to the same extent as if such provisions had been set forth in full herein, except that if any term defined in such Underwriting Agreement Standard Provisions is otherwise defined herein, the definition set forth herein shall control. With respect to the Securities, the Time of Sale referred to in the Standard Provisions is 3:10 P.M., New York City time, on January 22, 2024.

This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same Agreement. The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” “delivery” and words of like import in or relating to this Agreement or any document to be signed in connection with this Agreement shall be deemed to include electronic signatures complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000 or the New York Electronic Signature and Records Act or deliveries or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature, physical delivery thereof or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, and the parties hereto consent to conduct the transactions contemplated hereunder by electronic means.

[Signature Pages Follow]

 

2


If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding, please indicate your acceptance of this Agreement by signing in the space provided below.

 

Very truly yours,

 

FIFTH THIRD BANCORP

By:

 

/s/ A. Brennen Willingham

  Name: A. Brennen Willingham
  Title: Senior Vice President and Treasurer

[Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement]


Accepted: January 22, 2024

MORGAN STANLEY & CO. LLC

For themselves and on behalf of the

several Underwriters listed

in Schedule 1 hereto.

 

MORGAN STANLEY & CO. LLC
By:  

/s/ Hector Vazquez

  Name: Hector Vazquez
  Title: Executive Director

[Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement]


Accepted: January 22, 2024

 

CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS INC.

 

By:  

/s/ Adam D. Bordner

  Name: Adam D. Bordner
  Title: Managing Director

[Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement]


Accepted: January 22, 2024

 

FIFTH THIRD SECURITIES, INC.

By:  

/s/ Maria Yamat

  Name: Maria Yamat
  Title: Managing Director

[Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement]


Accepted: January 22, 2024

 

RBC CAPITAL MARKETS, LLC

By:  

/s/ Eric Martinez

  Name: Eric Martinez
  Title: Managing Director

[Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement]


Schedule 1

 

Underwriter

   Principal Amount
of the Securities
 

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

   $ 260,000,000  

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

   $ 240,000,000  

Fifth Third Securities, Inc.

   $ 240,000,000  

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

   $ 240,000,000  

Academy Securities, Inc.

   $ 10,000,000  

CastleOak Securities, L.P.

   $ 10,000,000  
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,000,000,000  
  

 

 

 

Schedule 1


Schedule 2

Representatives and Addresses for Notices:

 

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

1585 Broadway, 29th Floor

New York, New York 10036
Attention: Investment Banking Division
Facsimile: (212) 507-8999

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

388 Greenwich Street

New York, New York 10013
Attention: General Counsel
Facsimile: (646) 291-1469

Fifth Third Securities, Inc.

38 Fountain Square Plaza

Cincinnati, Ohio 45263
Attention: Investment Grade Syndicate Desk
Facsimile: (312) 704-7365
RBC Capital Markets, LLC

Brookfield Place

200 Vesey Street, 8th Floor

New York, New York 10281
Attention: DCM Transaction Management/Scott Primrose
Telephone: (212) 618-7706
Email: TMGUS@rbccm.com

Certain Terms of the Securities:

 

Title of Securities:    5.631% Fixed Rate/Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2032
Aggregate Principal Amount of Securities:    $1,000,000,000
Maturity Date:    January 29, 2032
Fixed Rate Period:    From, and including, January 29, 2024 to, but excluding, January 29, 2031
Floating Rate Period:    From, and including, January 29, 2031 to, but excluding, January 29, 2032
Interest Rate:   

Fixed Rate Period: 5.631% per annum

 

Floating Rate Period: Compounded SOFR, determined as set forth under “Description of the Notes—Floating rate period” in the preliminary prospectus supplement dated January 22, 2024, plus 1.840%

Schedule 2-1


Interest Payment Dates:   

Fixed Rate Period: Every January 29 and July 29, commencing on July 29, 2024 and ending on January 29, 2031

 

Floating Rate Period: April 29, 2031, July 29, 2031, October 29, 2031 and January 29, 2032

Schedule 2-2


Schedule 3

Time of Sale Information

Preliminary Prospectus dated January 22, 2024

Pricing Term Sheet dated January 22, 2024 relating to the Securities attached as Schedule 4 hereto

Schedule 3


Schedule 4

 

   Free Writing Prospectus
   Filed Pursuant to Rule 433
   Registration No. 333-263894
   Dated January 22, 2024

 

LOGO

Term Sheet

$1,000,000,000 5.631% Fixed Rate/Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2032

This pricing term sheet supplements the preliminary prospectus supplement of Fifth Third Bancorp dated January 22, 2024 relating to the prospectus of Fifth Third Bancorp dated March 28, 2022.

 

Issuer:

   Fifth Third Bancorp (the “Issuer”)

Securities:

   5.631% Fixed Rate/Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2032 (the “Notes”)

Expected Ratings*:

   Intentionally omitted

Currency:

   USD

Size:

   $1,000,000,000

Securities Type:

   SEC Registered Senior Notes

Trade Date:

   January 22, 2024

Settlement Date**:

   January 29, 2024 (T+5)

Maturity Date:

   January 29, 2032

Fixed Rate Period:

   From, and including, January 29, 2024 to, but excluding, January 29, 2031

Floating Rate Period:

   From, and including, January 29, 2031 to, but excluding, January 29, 2032

Coupon:

  

Fixed Rate Period: 5.631% per annum

 

Floating Rate Period: Compounded SOFR, determined as set forth under “Description of the Notes—Floating rate period” in the preliminary prospectus supplement dated January 22, 2024, plus 1.840%

Schedule 4


Payment Frequency:

  

Fixed Rate Period: Semi-Annually

 

Floating Rate Period: Quarterly

Interest Payment Dates:

  

Fixed Rate Period: Every January 29 and July 29, commencing on July 29, 2024 and ending on January 29, 2031

 

Floating Rate Period: April 29, 2031, July 29, 2031, October 29, 2031 and January 29, 2032

Day Count Convention:

  

Fixed Rate Period: 30/360

 

Floating Rate Period: Actual/360

Optional Redemption:

  

On and after the date that is 180 days after the issue date and prior to January 29, 2031 (one year prior to the Maturity Date), the Issuer may redeem the Notes at its option, in whole or in part at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount and rounded to three decimal places) equal to the greater of:

 

(i) (a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon discounted to the redemption date (assuming the notes to be redeemed matured on January 29, 2031) on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the treasury rate (as defined in the preliminary prospectus supplement dated January 22, 2024) plus 25 basis points less (b) interest accrued to the redemption date; and

 

(ii)  100% of the principal amount on the notes to be redeemed;

 

plus in either case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the redemption date.

 

In addition, the Notes will be redeemable in whole, but not in part, by the Issuer on January 29, 2031, the date that is one year prior to the Maturity Date, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date.

In addition, the Notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part, by the Issuer on or after the 60th day prior to the Maturity Date at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes being redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date.

Benchmark Treasury:

   3.750% U.S. Treasury due December 31, 2030

Benchmark Treasury Spot and Yield:

   98-00+; 4.081%

Schedule 4


Spread to Benchmark Treasury:

   +155 bps

Yield to Maturity:

   5.631%

Price to Public:

   100.000%

Proceeds (before expenses) to Issuer:

   $996,000,000

Denominations:

   $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof

CUSIP/ISIN:

   316773 DL1 / US316773DL15

Joint Book-Running Managers:

   Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC
Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
Fifth Third Securities, Inc.
RBC Capital Markets, LLC

Co-Managers:

   Academy Securities, Inc.
CastleOak Securities, L.P.

* Note: A securities rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time.

** It is expected that delivery of the Notes will be made against payment thereof on or about January 29, 2024, which is the fifth business day following the date hereof (this settlement cycle being referred to as “T+5”). Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in two business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade the Notes prior to the second business day before delivery of the Notes will be required, by virtue of the fact that the Notes initially will settle in T+5, to specify alternative settlement arrangements to prevent a failed settlement.

The Issuer has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus) with the SEC for the offering to which this communication relates. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus in that registration statement and other documents the Issuer has filed with the SEC for more complete information about the issuer and this offering. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, the Issuer, any underwriter or any dealer participating in the offering will arrange to send you the prospectus if you request it by calling Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC toll-free at 1-866-718-1649, Citigroup Global Markets Inc. toll-free at 1-800-831-9146, Fifth Third Securities, Inc. toll-free at 1-866-531-5353 and RBC Capital Markets, LLC toll-free at 1-866-375-6829.

ANY DISCLAIMERS OR OTHER NOTICES THAT MAY APPEAR BELOW ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO THIS COMMUNICATION AND SHOULD BE DISREGARDED. SUCH DISCLAIMERS OR OTHER NOTICES WERE AUTOMATICALLY GENERATED AS A RESULT OF THIS COMMUNICATION BEING SENT VIA BLOOMBERG OR ANOTHER E-MAIL SYSTEM.

 

Schedule 4


Schedule 5

 

  (a)

The name of each Underwriter and its participation in the sale of the Securities;

 

  (b)

The second and third sentences of the fourth paragraph of text under the caption “Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest)” in the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus, concerning the terms of the offering by the Underwriters;

 

  (c)

The second sentence of the sixth paragraph of text under the caption “Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest)” in the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus, concerning market making by the Underwriters; and

 

  (d)

The seventh, eighth and ninth paragraphs of text under the caption “Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest)” in the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus, concerning short sales, stabilizing transactions, purchases to cover positions created by short sales and penalty bids by the Underwriters.

Schedule 5


Annex A

Form of Opinion of Bricker Graydon LLP

Richard G. Schmalzl

Direct: (513) 629-2828

rschmalzl@brickergraydon.com

January 29, 2024

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

1585 Broadway, 29th Floor

New York, New York 10036

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

388 Greenwich Street

New York, New York 10013

Fifth Third Securities, Inc.

38 Fountain Square Plaza

Cincinnati, Ohio 45263

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

Brookfield Place

200 Vesey Street, 8th Floor

New York, New York 10281

As Representatives of the Several Underwriters

 

Re:

Fifth Third Bancorp 5.631% Fixed Rate/Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2032 (the “Notes”)

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This opinion is being rendered to you at the request of Fifth Third Bancorp, an Ohio corporation (the “Company”), pursuant to Section 6(g) of the Standard Provisions (the “Standard Provisions”) forming part of the Underwriting Agreement dated as of January 22, 2024 (the “Underwriting Agreement”), among (i) the Company and (ii) Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Fifth Third Securities, Inc., RBC Capital Markets, LLC and the other Underwriters named in Schedule 1 to the Underwriting Agreement (the “Underwriters”). Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Underwriting Agreement. The Notes are being issued pursuant to an indenture, dated as of April 30, 2008, as amended by a twelfth supplemental indenture, dated as of April 25, 2022 (the “Base Indenture”) between the Company and Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee, as supplemented by a sixteenth supplemental indenture between the Company and Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee, dated as of January 29, 2024 (the “Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture” and together with the Base Indenture, the “Indenture”).


Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

Fifth Third Securities, Inc.

As Representatives of the

Several Underwriters

January 29, 2024

Page 2

As counsel for the Company, we have examined the Company Organizational Documents (as hereinafter defined) and the Underwriting Agreement.

We have assumed that each document and certificate submitted to us for review is accurate and complete, each such document or certificate that is an original is authentic, each such document or certificate that is a copy conforms to an authentic original, and all signatures on each such document or certificate are genuine. We have also assumed that each party to the Underwriting Agreement (other than the Company) has satisfied those legal requirements that are applicable to it to the extent necessary to make such agreement enforceable against it.

We have further assumed that all parties have acted and will act in good faith, without fraud, duress, undue influence, or a lack of conscionability or fair dealing.

With respect to applicable law, we have assumed the constitutionality of all relevant law and the general availability of all relevant decisions, rules and regulations to lawyers practicing in the State of Ohio.

As to certain questions of fact relevant to our opinions herein, we have relied solely upon the accuracy of the representations and warranties set forth in the Underwriting Agreement and on certificates of officers of the Company, without independent investigation or other verification.

We have examined and are familiar with the Articles of Incorporation, as amended, and Code of Regulations, as amended, of the Company; and a Certificate of Good Standing issued by the Ohio Secretary of State on January 29, 2024 (collectively, the “Company Organizational Documents”).

Based on the foregoing as well as such other documents as we have deemed necessary to enable us to render this opinion, we are of the opinion that:

(1) The Company has been duly incorporated, is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Ohio, is duly registered as a bank holding company and qualified as a financial holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. The Company has the corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its property and to conduct its business as described in each of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the Time of Sale Information and is duly qualified to transact business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the conduct of its business or its ownership or leasing of property requires such qualification, except to the extent that the failure to be so qualified or to be in good standing would not have a material adverse effect on the current or future financial position, stockholders’ equity or results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.


 

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

Fifth Third Securities, Inc.

As Representatives of the

Several Underwriters

January 29, 2024

Page 3

(2) The execution and delivery by the Company of, and the performance by the Company of its obligations under, the Underwriting Agreement will not contravene any provision of the articles of incorporation or code of regulations of the Company. To our knowledge, the execution and delivery by the Company of, and the performance by the Company of its obligations under, the Underwriting Agreement will not contravene (a) any applicable law,  (b) any agreement or other instrument binding upon the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries, or (c) any judgment, order or decree of any governmental body, agency or court having jurisdiction over the Company or any Significant Subsidiary, except, in the case of clauses (a), (b) and (c) above, that would not have a material adverse effect on the current or future financial position, stockholders’ equity or results of operation of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and no consent, approval, authorization or order of, or qualification with, any governmental body or agency is required for the performance by the Company of its obligations under the Underwriting Agreement, except such as have been obtained under the Securities Act or may be required by the securities or Blue Sky laws of the various states in connection with the offer and sale of the Notes.

(3) To our knowledge, there are no current or pending legal, governmental or regulatory actions, suits or proceedings that are required under the Securities Act to be described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Information or the Prospectus and that are not so described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Information and the Prospectus.

(4) The Notes conform as to legal matters to the description thereof contained in each of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the Time of Sale Information.

(5) The Indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and, assuming due execution and delivery thereof by the Trustee, constitutes a valid and legally binding agreement of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms.

(6) The Notes have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and, when duly authenticated as provided in the Indenture and paid for as provided in the Underwriting Agreement, will be duly and validly issued and outstanding and will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, and will be entitled to the benefits of the Indenture.

(7) The authorized capital stock of the Company conforms as to legal matters to the description thereof contained in each of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the Time of Sale Information.


Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

Fifth Third Securities, Inc.

As Representatives of the

Several Underwriters

January 29, 2024

Page 4

(8) The Underwriting Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company.

(9) The Company is not, and after giving effect to the offering and sale of the Notes and the application of the proceeds thereof as described in the Time of Sale Information, the Company will not be, required to register as an “investment company” as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

This letter deals only with the specific legal issues it explicitly addresses. Accordingly, an express opinion concerning a particular legal issue does not address any other matters. An express opinion includes an implied opinion only if it is both essential to the legal conclusion reached by the express opinion and, based upon prevailing norms and expectations among experienced lawyers in the State of Ohio, reasonable in the circumstances. Further, we do not opine as to the effect of state securities, antitrust, intellectual property, environmental, tax, criminal or local law (except to the extent of our opinion with respect to statements in the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus under the headings “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” and “Description of the Notes” contained in our disclosure letter delivered to you on the date hereof).

The addressees may not rely on this letter or this firm for any legal or other analysis beyond that set forth in this letter, such as the broader guidance and counsel that we might provide to the Company.

This letter speaks only as of its date. We have no obligation to advise the addressees (or any third party) of changes of law or fact that occur after the date of this letter, regardless of whether the change may affect the legal analysis, a legal conclusion or an informational confirmation in this letter.

Our opinions contained in numbered paragraphs (5) and (6) as to enforceability are subject to the further qualifications that such enforceability may be: (A) limited by bankruptcy, insolvency (including, without limitation, fraudulent conveyances and fraudulent transfers); reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally; (B) subject to the exercise of judicial discretion in accordance with general principles of equity (whether applied by a court of law or equity); (C) limited by general equitable principles, including, without limitation, concepts of materiality, reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered, in a proceeding in equity or at law); (D) subject to the effect of any public policy considerations; or (E) subject to the requirements of good faith, fair dealing, diligence and reasonableness.

Whenever this opinion refers to matters within our “knowledge,” such reference is limited to facts within the actual knowledge of the attorneys of our firm who have given substantive attention to the Company’s offering of the Notes or other material matters for the Company, after due inquiry.


We are licensed to practice in the State of Ohio. We express no opinion about the effect of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the laws of the State of Ohio and the Federal laws of the United States. As you know, certain of the documents provide that they will be governed by the laws of the State of New York. In rendering the opinion set forth herein we have relied with your permission on the legal opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP delivered pursuant to Section 6(h) of the Standard Provisions as to all matters concerning the applicability of New York law.

This letter is solely for the benefit of the addressees and may not be relied upon, nor may copies be delivered to, any other parties or persons without our prior written consent.

 

Very truly yours, Bricker Graydon LLP
By:  

 

  Richard G. Schmalzl, Partner


EXHIBIT A

FIFTH THIRD BANCORP

Underwriting Agreement Standard Provisions

From time to time, Fifth Third Bancorp, an Ohio corporation (the “Company”), may enter into one or more underwriting agreements that incorporate by reference these Standard Provisions (collectively with these Standard Provisions, an “Underwriting Agreement”) that provide for the sale of the securities designated in such Underwriting Agreement (the “Securities”) to the several Underwriters named therein (the “Underwriters”), for whom the Underwriter(s) named therein shall act as representative(s) (the “Representative(s)”). The Underwriting Agreement, including these Standard Provisions, is sometimes referred to herein as this “Agreement.” The Securities will be issued pursuant to an indenture dated as of April 30, 2008, as amended to date, and as such indenture may hereafter be supplemented (the “Indenture”), between the Company and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee (the “Trustee”).

Section 1. Registration Statement. The Company has prepared and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder (collectively, the “Securities Act”), a registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-263894), including a prospectus (the “Basic Prospectus”), relating to certain securities to be issued from time to time by the Company. The Company has also filed, or proposes to file, with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act a prospectus supplement specifically relating to the Securities (the “Prospectus Supplement”). The registration statement, as amended at the time it becomes effective, including the information, if any, deemed pursuant to Rule 430A, 430B or 430C under the Securities Act to be part of the registration statement at the time of its effectiveness (“Rule 430 Information”), is referred to herein as the “Registration Statement”; and as used herein, the term “Prospectus” means the Basic Prospectus as supplemented by the prospectus supplement specifically relating to the Securities in the form first used (or made available upon request of purchasers pursuant to Rule 173 under the Securities Act) in connection with confirmation of sales of the Securities and the term “Preliminary Prospectus” means the preliminary prospectus supplement specifically relating to the Securities together with the Basic Prospectus. If the Company has filed an abbreviated registration statement pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act (the “Rule 462 Registration Statement”), then any reference herein to the term “Registration Statement” shall be deemed to include such Rule 462 Registration Statement. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus. References herein to the Registration Statement, the Basic Prospectus, any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus shall be deemed to refer to and include the documents incorporated by reference therein. The terms “supplement,” “amendment” and “amend” as used herein with respect to the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus shall be deemed to refer to and include any documents filed by the Company under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder (the “Exchange Act”) subsequent to the date of the Underwriting Agreement which are deemed to be incorporated by reference therein. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Effective Time” means the effective date of the Registration Statement with respect to the offering of Securities, as determined for the Company pursuant to Section 11 of the Securities Act and Item 512 of Regulation S-K, as applicable.


At or prior to the time when sales of the Securities will be first made (the “Time of Sale”), the Company will prepare certain information (collectively, the “Time of Sale Information”) which information will be identified in Schedule 3 to the Underwriting Agreement for such offering of Securities as constituting part of the Time of Sale Information.

Section 2. Purchase of the Securities by the Underwriters. (a) The Company agrees to issue and sell the Securities to the several Underwriters named in the Underwriting Agreement, and each Underwriter, on the basis of the representations, warranties and agreements set forth herein and subject to the conditions set forth herein, agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase from the Company the respective principal amount of Securities set forth opposite such Underwriter’s name in Schedule 1 to the Underwriting Agreement at the respective Purchase Price set forth in the Underwriting Agreement.

 

(b)

Payment for and delivery of the Securities will be made at the Closing Date provided for in the Underwriting Agreement.

 

(c)

The Company acknowledges and agrees that the Underwriters named in the Underwriting Agreement are acting solely in the capacity of an arm’s length contractual counterparty to the Company with respect to any offering of Securities contemplated hereby (including in connection with determining the terms of the offering) and not as a financial advisor or a fiduciary to, or an agent of, the Company or any other person. Additionally, no such Underwriter is advising the Company or any other person as to any legal, tax, investment, accounting or regulatory matters in any jurisdiction. The Company shall consult with its own advisors concerning such matters and shall be responsible for making its own independent investigation and appraisal of the transactions contemplated hereby, and such Underwriters shall have no responsibility or liability to the Company with respect thereto. Any review by such Underwriters named in the Underwriting Agreement of the Company, the transactions contemplated thereby or other matters relating to such transactions will be performed solely for the benefit of the Underwriters and shall not be on behalf of the Company.

Section 3. Representations and Warranties of the Company. The Company represents and warrants to each Underwriter that:

 

(a)

Registration Statement and Prospectus. The Registration Statement is an “automatic shelf registration statement” as defined under Rule 405 of the Securities Act that has been filed with the Commission not earlier than three years prior to the date hereof; and no notice of objection of the Commission to the use of such registration statement or any post-effective amendment thereto pursuant to Rule 401(g)(2) under the Securities Act has been received by the Company. No order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued by the Commission and no proceeding for that purpose or pursuant to Section 8A of the Securities Act against the Company or related to the offering has been initiated or threatened by the Commission; as of the Effective Time, the Registration Statement conformed in all material respects with the Securities Act and the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder (collectively, the “Trust Indenture Act”), and did not or will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading; and as of the date of the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto and as of the Closing Date, the Prospectus did not and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that the Company makes no representation and warranty with respect to (i) that part of the Registration Statement that constitutes the Statement of Eligibility and Qualification (Form T-1) of Wilmington Trust Company under the Trust Indenture Act or (ii) any statements or omissions in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto made in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to any Underwriter furnished to the Company in writing by such Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use therein.

Exhibit A-2


(b)

Time of Sale Information. The Time of Sale Information, at the Time of Sale and at the Closing Date did not and will not, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that the Company makes no representation and warranty with respect to any statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to any Underwriter furnished to the Company in writing by such Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use in such Time of Sale Information. No statement of material fact included in the Prospectus has been omitted from the Time of Sale Information and no statement of material fact included in the Time of Sale Information that is required to be included in the Prospectus has been omitted therefrom.

 

(c)

Issuer Free Writing Prospectus. Each “issuer free writing prospectus” as defined in Rule 433 under the Securities Act (an “Issuer Free Writing Prospectus”) that the Company is required to file pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act complied in all material respects with the Securities Act, has been or will be (within the time period specified in Rule 433) filed in accordance with the Securities Act (to the extent required thereby) and, when taken together with the Preliminary Prospectus accompanying, or delivered prior to delivery of, or filed prior to the first use of such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, did not, and at the Closing Date will not, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that the Company makes no representation and warranty with respect to any statements or omissions made in each such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to any Underwriter furnished to the Company in writing by such Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use in any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus.

 

(d)

Incorporated Documents. The documents incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the Time of Sale Information, when filed with the Commission, conformed or will conform, as the case may be, in all material respects with the requirements of the Exchange Act and did not and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

 

(e)

Financial Statements. The financial statements and the related notes thereto included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Information and the Prospectus comply in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, as applicable, and present fairly the financial position of the Company and its subsidiaries as of the dates indicated and the results of their operations and the changes in their cash flows for the periods specified; such financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods covered thereby, and the supporting schedules included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement present fairly the information required to be stated therein; and the other financial information included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Information and the Prospectus has been derived from the accounting records of the Company and its subsidiaries and presents fairly the information shown thereby.

 

Exhibit A-3


(f)

The Indenture. The Indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and has been duly qualified under the Trust Indenture Act and constitutes a valid and legally binding agreement of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally or by equitable principles relating to enforceability (collectively, the “Enforceability Exceptions”). The Indenture conforms in all material respects to the description thereof in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the Time of Sale Information.

 

(g)

The Securities. The Securities have been duly authorized by the Company and, when duly executed, authenticated, issued and delivered as provided in the Indenture and paid for as provided herein, will be duly and validly issued and outstanding and will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions, and will be entitled to the benefits of the Indenture, and will conform as to legal matters in all material respects to the descriptions thereof contained in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the Time of Sale Information.

 

(h)

Underwriting Agreement. The Underwriting Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company.

 

(i)

Organization and Good Standing. The Company has been duly incorporated, is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Ohio, is duly registered as a bank holding company and qualified as a financial holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “Bank Holding Company Act”). The Company has the corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its property and to conduct its business as described in each of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the Time of Sale Information and is duly qualified to transact business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the conduct of its business or its ownership or leasing of property requires such qualification, except to the extent that the failure to be so qualified or to be in good standing would not have a material adverse effect on the current or future financial position, stockholders’ equity or results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

(j)

Organization and Good Standing of Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Fifth Third Bank, National Association (“Fifth Third Bank”) has been duly formed, is validly existing as a bank, in good standing under the laws of the United States, and is validly chartered as a national banking association. Fifth Third Bank has the corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its property and to conduct its business as described in each of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the Time of Sale Information and is duly qualified to transact business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the conduct of its business or its ownership or leasing of property requires such qualification, except to the extent that the failure to be so qualified or be in good standing would not have a material adverse effect on the current or future financial position, stockholders’ equity or results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole. Fifth Third Bank is the only “significant subsidiary” (as such term is defined in Rule 1-02(w) of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act) of the Company.

 

(k)

Bank Regulatory Compliance. Each of the Company and Fifth Third Bank is in compliance in all respects with all applicable laws administered by, and all applicable rules and regulations of, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board”), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”), the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”), the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and any other federal or state bank regulatory authority with jurisdiction over the Company or its Significant Subsidiaries (collectively, “Bank Regulatory Authorities”), other than where the failure to be in compliance would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the current or future financial position, stockholders’ equity or results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

Exhibit A-4


(l)

Capital Stock. The authorized capital stock of the Company conforms as to legal matters to the description thereof contained in each of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the Time of Sale Information, and all of the issued shares of capital stock of the Company have been duly and validly authorized and issued and are fully paid and non-assessable; and all of the issued shares of capital stock of each “Significant Subsidiary” have been duly and validly authorized and issued, are fully paid and non-assessable and (except for directors’ qualifying shares and except as otherwise set forth in the Prospectus) are owned directly or indirectly by the Company, free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, equities or claims.

 

(m)

No Conflicts; No Consents. The issue and sale of the Securities, the execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement, and the performance by the Company of its obligations under this Agreement will not contravene (i) any provision of applicable law, (ii) the Company’s articles of incorporation, as amended, or the code of regulations of the Company, as amended, (iii) any agreement or other instrument binding upon the Company or any of the Company’s subsidiaries that is material to the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (iv) any judgment, order or decree of any governmental body, agency or court having jurisdiction over the Company or any subsidiary, except, in the case of clauses (i), (iii) and (iv) above, that would not have a material adverse effect on the current or future financial position, stockholders’ equity or results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and no consent, approval, authorization or order of, or qualification with, any governmental body or agency is required for the performance by the Company of its obligations under this Agreement, except such as have been obtained under the Securities Act or as may be required by the securities or Blue Sky laws of the various states in connection with the offer and sale of the Securities.

 

(n)

No Material Adverse Change. There has not occurred any material adverse change, or any development involving a prospective material adverse change, in the condition (financial or otherwise) or in the earnings, business, management or operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, from that set forth in the Time of Sale Information.

 

(o)

Legal Proceedings. There are no legal or governmental proceedings pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or to which any of the properties of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is subject (i) other than proceedings accurately described in all material respects in the Time of Sale Information and proceedings that would not have a material adverse effect on the current or future financial position, stockholders’ equity or results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or on the power or ability of the Company to perform its obligations under this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Time of Sale Information or (ii) that are required to be described in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus and are not so described.

 

(p)

Investment Company Act. The Company is not, and after giving effect to the offering and sale of the Securities and the application of the proceeds thereof as described in the Time of Sale Information, the Company will not be, required to register as an “investment company” as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

 

Exhibit A-5


(q)

No Unlawful Payments. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries, nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any director, officer, agent, employee or affiliate of the Company or any of its subsidiaries: (i) has used any funds for any unlawful contribution, gift, property, entertainment or other unlawful expense relating to political activity; (ii) has made, taken or will take any action in furtherance of any direct or indirect unlawful payment, promise to pay, or authorization or approval of the payment or giving of money, property, gifts or anything else of value, directly or indirectly, to any foreign or domestic government official or employee to improperly influence official action or secure an improper advantage for the Company or its subsidiaries; (iii) is aware of or has taken any action, directly or indirectly, that would result in a violation by such persons of any provision of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (collectively, the “FCPA”) or any other applicable anti-bribery or anti-corruption laws; or (iv) has made, offered, agreed, requested or taken an act in furtherance of any unlawful bribe or other unlawful benefit, including, without limitation, any rebate, payoff, influence payment, kickback or other unlawful or improper payment or benefit. The Company and its affiliates have conducted their businesses in compliance with the FCPA and any applicable anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws or regulations and have instituted and maintain policies and procedures designed to ensure, and which are reasonably expected to continue to ensure, continued compliance therewith.

 

(r)

Compliance with Money Laundering Laws. The operations of the Company and its subsidiaries are currently in material compliance with applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements, including without limitation those of the Bank Secrecy Act, as amended by Title III of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (the “USA PATRIOT Act”), the applicable money laundering statutes of all jurisdictions and the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines issued, administered or enforced by any governmental agency having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Anti-Money Laundering Laws”), and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries with respect to the Anti-Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened.

 

(s)

Compliance with OFAC. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries, nor to the knowledge of the Company, any director, officer, agent, employee or affiliate of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is currently the subject of any sanctions administered or imposed by the U.S. Government, including the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department (“OFAC”) or the U.S. Department of State or any similar sanctions imposed by any other governmental body to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is subject (collectively, “Sanctions”), nor located, organized or resident in a country or territory that is currently the subject of Sanctions. The Company will not directly or indirectly use the proceeds of the offering, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other person or entity (i) for the purpose of financing the activities of or business with any person or entity currently the subject of any Sanctions or (ii) in any other manner that will result in a violation by any person (including any person participating in the transaction, whether as an underwriter, advisor, investor or otherwise) of Sanctions.

 

(t)

No Changes. Subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is given in each of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the Time of Sale Information, (i) the Company and its subsidiaries have not incurred any material liability or obligation, direct or contingent, nor entered into any material transaction; (ii) the Company has not purchased any of its outstanding capital stock, nor declared, paid or otherwise made any dividend or distribution of any kind on its capital stock other than ordinary and customary dividends; and (iii) there has not been any material change in the capital stock or long-term debt of the Company and its subsidiaries, except in each case as described in each of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the Time of Sale Information, respectively.

 

Exhibit A-6


(u)

Sarbanes-Oxley Act. There is and has been no material failure on the part of the Company and to the best of its knowledge any of the Company’s directors or officers, in their capacities as such, to comply with any provision of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules and regulations promulgated in connection therewith (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), including Section 402 relating to loans and Sections 302 and 906 relating to certifications.

 

(v)

Accounting Controls. The Company maintains a system of internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that complies with the requirements of the Exchange Act and has been designed by the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, or under their supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective and the Company is not aware of any material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting.

 

(w)

Internal Controls. Since the date of the latest audited financial statements included or incorporated by reference in the Prospectus, there has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

(x)

Disclosure Controls. The Company has established and maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) that comply with the requirements of the Exchange Act; such disclosure controls and procedures have been designed to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer by others within those entities and such disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

Section 4. Further Agreements of the Company. The Company covenants and agrees with each Underwriter that:

 

(a)

Filings with the Commission. The Company will (i) pay the registration fees for this offering within the time period required by Rule 456(b)(1)(i) under the Securities Act (without giving effect to the proviso therein) and in any event prior to the Closing Date and (ii) file the Prospectus in a form approved by the Underwriters with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act not later than the close of business on the second business day following the date of determination of the public offering price of the Securities or, if applicable, such earlier time as may be required by Rule 424(b) and Rule 430A, 430B or 430C under the Securities Act. The Company will file any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus (including the Term Sheet substantially in the form of Schedule 4 to the Underwriting Agreement) to the extent required by Rule 433 under the Securities Act; and the Company will furnish copies of the Prospectus and each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus (to the extent not previously delivered) to the Underwriters in New York City prior to 10:00 A.M., New York City time, on the business day next succeeding the date of this Agreement in such quantities as the Representatives may reasonably request.

 

Exhibit A-7


(b)

Delivery of Copies. The Company will deliver, without charge, to each Underwriter during the Prospectus Delivery Period (as defined below), as many copies of the Prospectus (including all amendments and supplements thereto and documents incorporated by reference therein) and each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus (if applicable) as the Representatives may reasonably request. As used herein, the term “Prospectus Delivery Period” means such period of time after the first date of the public offering of the Securities as in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters a prospectus relating to the Securities is required by law to be delivered (or required to be delivered but for Rule 172 under the Securities Act) in connection with sales of the Securities by any Underwriter or dealer.

 

(c)

Amendments or Supplements; Issuer Free Writing Prospectuses. Before making, preparing, using, authorizing, approving, referring to or filing any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus relating to the Securities, and before filing any amendment to the Registration Statement or supplement to the Basic Prospectus, the Company will furnish to the Representatives and counsel for the Underwriters a copy of the proposed Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, amendment or supplement for review and will not make, prepare, use, authorize, approve, refer to or file any such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or file any such proposed amendment or supplement to which the Representatives reasonably object unless, in the case of a filing, the Company is required by law to make such filing.

 

(d)

Notice to the Representatives. The Company will advise the Representatives promptly, and confirm such advice in writing, (i) when any amendment to the Registration Statement has been filed or becomes effective; (ii) when any supplement to the Prospectus or any amendment to the Prospectus or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus has been filed; (iii) of any request by the Commission for any amendment to the Registration Statement or any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus or the receipt of any comments from the Commission relating to the Registration Statement or any other request by the Commission for any additional information; (iv) of the issuance by the Commission of any order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or preventing or suspending the use of any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for that purpose or pursuant to Section 8A of the Securities Act; (v) of the occurrence of any event within the Prospectus Delivery Period as a result of which the Prospectus, the Time of Sale Information or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus as then amended or supplemented would include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances existing when the Prospectus, the Time of Sale Information or any such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus is delivered to a purchaser, not misleading; (vi) of the receipt by the Company of any notice of objection of the Commission to the use of the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto pursuant to Rule 401(g)(2) under the Securities Act; and (vii) of the receipt by the Company of any notice with respect to any suspension of the qualification of the Securities for offer and sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose; and the Company will use its reasonable best efforts to prevent the issuance of any such order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, preventing or suspending the use of any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus or suspending any such qualification of the Securities and, if any such order is issued, will obtain as soon as possible the withdrawal thereof.

 

(e)

Time of Sale Information. If at any time prior to the Closing Date (i) any event shall occur or condition shall exist as a result of which the Time of Sale Information as then amended or supplemented would include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances, not misleading or (ii) it is necessary to amend or supplement the Time of Sale Information to comply with law, the Company will immediately notify the Underwriters thereof and forthwith prepare and, subject to paragraph (c) above, file with the Commission (to the extent required) and furnish to the Underwriters and to such dealers as the Representatives may designate, such amendments or supplements to the Time of Sale Information as may be necessary so that the statements in the Time of Sale Information as so amended or supplemented will not, in the light of the circumstances, be misleading or so that the Time of Sale Information will comply with law.

 

Exhibit A-8


(f)

Ongoing Compliance. If during the Prospectus Delivery Period (i) any event shall occur or condition shall exist as a result of which the Prospectus as then amended or supplemented would include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances existing when the Prospectus is delivered to a purchaser, not misleading or (ii) it is necessary to amend or supplement the Prospectus to comply with law, the Company will immediately notify the Underwriters thereof and forthwith prepare and, subject to paragraph (c) above, file with the Commission and furnish to the Underwriters and to such dealers as the Representatives may designate, such amendments or supplements to the Prospectus as may be necessary so that the statements in the Prospectus as so amended or supplemented will not, in the light of the circumstances existing when the Prospectus is delivered to a purchaser, be misleading or so that the Prospectus will comply with law.

 

(g)

Blue Sky Compliance. The Company will qualify the Securities for offer and sale under the securities or Blue Sky laws of such jurisdictions as the Representatives shall reasonably request and will continue such qualifications in effect so long as required for distribution of the Securities; provided that the Company shall not be required to (i) qualify as a foreign corporation or other entity or as a dealer in securities in any such jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to so qualify, (ii) file any general consent to service of process in any such jurisdiction or (iii) subject itself to taxation in any such jurisdiction if it is not otherwise so subject.

 

(h)

Earnings Statement. The Company will make generally available to its security holders (including holders of the Securities) and the Representatives as soon as practicable an earnings statement (which need not be audited) of the Company and its subsidiaries, satisfying the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations thereunder (including Rule 158).

 

(i)

Clear Market. During the period commencing on the date hereof through and including the Closing Date or such later date as is specified in the Underwriting Agreement, the Company will not, without the prior written consent of the Representatives, offer, sell, contract to sell or otherwise dispose of any debt securities that are substantially similar to the Securities.

 

(j)

Use of Proceeds. The Company will apply the net proceeds from the sale of the Securities as described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Information and the Prospectus under the heading “Use of Proceeds.”

 

(k)

Filing of Exchange Act Documents. The Company will file promptly all reports and any definitive proxy or information statements required to be filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the Prospectus Delivery Period.

Section 5. Certain Agreements of the Underwriters. Each Underwriter hereby represents and agrees that:

 

Exhibit A-9


(a)

It has not and will not use, authorize use of, refer to, or participate in the planning for use of, any “free writing prospectus,” as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act (which term includes use of any written information furnished to the Commission by the Company and not incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement and any press release issued by the Company) other than (i) a free writing prospectus that, solely a result of use by such underwriter, would not trigger an obligation to file such free writing prospectus with the Commission pursuant to Rule 433 and (other than any communications sent through the Bloomberg Message System or other similar systems) approved by the Company in advance in writing, (ii) any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus listed on Schedule 3 to the Underwriting Agreement or prepared pursuant to Section 3(c) or Section 4(c) above (including any electronic road show), or (iii) any free writing prospectus prepared by such underwriter and approved by the Company in advance in writing (each such free writing prospectus referred to in clauses (i) or (iii), an “Underwriter Free Writing Prospectus”).

 

(b)

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Underwriters may use a term sheet substantially in the form of Schedule 4 to the Underwriting Agreement without the consent of the Company.

 

(c)

It is not subject to any pending proceeding under Section 8A of the Securities Act with respect to the offering (and will promptly notify the Company if any such proceeding against it is initiated during the Prospectus Delivery Period).

Section 6. Conditions of Underwriters’ Obligations. The obligation of each Underwriter to purchase Securities on the Closing Date as provided herein is subject to the performance by the Company of its covenants and other obligations hereunder and to the following additional conditions:

 

(a)

Registration Compliance; No Stop Order. If a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement is required to be filed under the Securities Act, such post-effective amendment shall have become effective, and the Representatives shall have received notice thereof, not later than 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on the date of the Underwriting Agreement; if applicable, the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement shall have become effective by 10:00 a.m. New York City time on the business day following the date of the Underwriting Agreement; no order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall be in effect, and no proceeding for such purpose, pursuant to Rule 401(g)(2) or pursuant to Section 8A under the Securities Act shall be pending before or threatened by the Commission; the Prospectus and each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus shall have been timely filed with the Commission under the Securities Act (in the case of an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, to the extent required by Rule 433 under the Securities Act) and in accordance with Section 4(a) hereof; and all requests by the Commission for additional information shall have been complied with to the reasonable satisfaction of the Representatives.

 

(b)

Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of the Company contained herein shall be true and correct on the date hereof and on and as of the Closing Date; and the statements of the Company and its officers made in any certificates delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall be true and correct on and as of the Closing Date.

 

(c)

No Downgrade. Subsequent to the earlier of (A) the Time of Sale and (B) the execution and delivery of this Agreement, (i) no downgrading shall have occurred in the rating accorded the Securities or any debt securities or preferred stock of or guaranteed by the Company or any of its subsidiaries by any “nationally recognized statistical rating organization,” as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(62) of the Exchange Act and (ii) no such organization (excluding Moody’s Investor Service) shall have publicly announced that it has under surveillance or review, or has changed its outlook with respect to, its rating of the Securities or of any debt securities or preferred stock of or guaranteed by the Company or any of its subsidiaries (other than an announcement with positive implications of a possible upgrading).

 

Exhibit A-10


(d)

No Material Adverse Change. No event or condition of a type described in Section 3(n) hereof shall have occurred or shall exist, which event or condition is not described in the Time of Sale Information (excluding any amendment or supplement thereto) and the Prospectus (excluding any amendment or supplement thereto) and the effect of which in the judgment of the Representatives makes it impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the offering, sale or delivery of the Securities on the terms and in the manner contemplated by this Agreement, the Time of Sale Information and the Prospectus.

 

(e)

Officer’s Certificate. The Representatives shall have received on and as of the Closing Date a certificate of an executive officer of the Company who has specific knowledge of the Company’s financial matters and is satisfactory to the Representatives (i) confirming that such officer has carefully reviewed the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Information and the Prospectus and, to the knowledge of such officer, the representations set forth in Sections 3(a) and 3(b) hereof are true and correct, (ii) confirming that the other representations and warranties of the Company in this Agreement are true and correct and that the Company has complied with all agreements and satisfied all conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied hereunder at or prior to the Closing Date, and (iii) to the effect set forth in paragraphs (a), (c) and (d) above.

 

(f)

Comfort Letters. On the date of this Agreement and on the Closing Date, (i) Deloitte & Touche LLP shall have furnished to the Representatives, at the request of the Company, letters, dated the respective dates of delivery thereof and addressed to the Underwriters, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representatives, containing statements and information of the type customarily included in accountants’ “comfort letters” to underwriters with respect to the financial statements and certain financial information contained or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Information and the Prospectus; provided that the letter delivered on the date of this Agreement shall use a “cut-off” date no more than three business days prior to the date of this Agreement and the letter delivered on the Closing Date shall use a “cut-off” date no more than three business days prior to the Closing Date; and (ii) the Company shall have furnished to the Representatives a certificate of the Chief Financial Officer of the Company dated the respective dates of delivery thereof and addressed to the Underwriters, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representatives, with respect to certain financial statements and certain financial information contained or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Information and the Prospectus.

 

(g)

Opinion and 10b-5 Statement of Counsel for the Company. Bricker Graydon LLP, counsel for the Company, shall have furnished to the Representatives, at the request of the Company, their written opinion and 10b-5 Statement, dated the Closing Date and addressed to the Underwriters, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representatives, to the effect set forth in Annex A to the Underwriting Agreement.

 

(h)

Opinion and 10b-5 Statement of Counsel for the Underwriters. The Representatives shall have received on and as of the Closing Date an opinion and 10b-5 Statement of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, counsel for the Underwriters, with respect to such matters as the Representatives may reasonably request, and such counsel shall have received such documents and information as they may reasonably request to enable them to pass upon such matters.

 

(i)

No Legal Impediment to Issuance. No action shall have been taken and no statute, rule, regulation or order shall have been enacted, adopted or issued by any federal, state or foreign governmental or regulatory authority that would, as of the Closing Date, prevent the issuance or sale of the Securities; and no injunction or order of any federal, state or foreign court shall have been issued that would, as of the Closing Date, prevent the issuance or sale of the Securities.

 

Exhibit A-11


(j)

Good Standing. The Representatives shall have received on and as of the Closing Date satisfactory evidence of the good standing of the Company and Fifth Third Bank in their respective jurisdictions of organization and their good standing in such other jurisdictions as the Representatives may reasonably request, in each case in writing or any standard form of telecommunication from the appropriate governmental authorities of such jurisdictions.

 

(k)

Additional Documents. On or prior to the Closing Date, the Company shall have furnished to the Representatives such further certificates and documents as the Representatives may reasonably request.

All opinions, letters, certificates and evidence mentioned above or elsewhere in this Agreement shall be deemed to be in compliance with the provisions hereof only if they are in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters.

Section 7. Indemnification and Contribution. (a) Indemnification of the Underwriters. The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter, its affiliates, directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls such Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including, without limitation, legal fees and other expenses incurred in connection with any suit, action or proceeding or any claim asserted as such fees and expenses are incurred), joint or several, that arise out of, or are based upon, (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, or caused by any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, not misleading, or (ii) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto), any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or any Time of Sale Information, or caused by any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, in each case except insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities arise out of, or are based upon, any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with any information relating to any Underwriter furnished to the Company in writing by such Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use therein.

 

(b)

Indemnification of the Company. Each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its directors, its officers who signed the Registration Statement and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act to the same extent as the indemnity set forth in paragraph (a) above, but only with respect to any losses, claims, damages or liabilities that arise out of, or are based upon, any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with any information relating to such Underwriter furnished to the Company in writing by such Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto), any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or any Time of Sale Information.

 

Exhibit A-12


(c)

Notice and Procedures. If any suit, action, proceeding (including any governmental or regulatory investigation), claim or demand shall be brought or asserted against any person in respect of which indemnification may be sought pursuant to either paragraph (a) or (b) above, such person (the “Indemnified Person”) shall promptly notify the person against whom such indemnification may be sought (the “Indemnifying Person”) in writing; provided that the failure to notify the Indemnifying Person shall not relieve it from any liability that it may have under this Section 7 except to the extent that it has been materially prejudiced (through the forfeiture of substantive rights or defenses) by such failure; and provided, further, that the failure to notify the Indemnifying Person shall not relieve it from any liability that it may have to an Indemnified Person otherwise than under this Section 7. If any such proceeding shall be brought or asserted against an Indemnified Person and it shall have notified the Indemnifying Person thereof, the Indemnifying Person shall retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Person (who shall not, without the consent of the Indemnified Person, be counsel to the Indemnifying Person) to represent the Indemnified Person and any others entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Section 7 that the Indemnifying Person may designate in such proceeding and shall pay the fees and expenses of such counsel related to such proceeding as incurred. In any such proceeding, any Indemnified Person shall have the right to retain its own counsel, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnified Person unless (i) the Indemnifying Person and the Indemnified Person shall have mutually agreed to the contrary, (ii) the Indemnifying Person has failed within a reasonable time to retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Person; (iii) the Indemnified Person shall have reasonably concluded that there may be legal defenses available to it that are different from or in addition to those available to the Indemnifying Person; or (iv) the named parties in any such proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both the Indemnifying Person and the Indemnified Person and representation of both parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between them. It is understood and agreed that the Indemnifying Person shall not, in connection with any proceeding or related proceeding in the same jurisdiction, be liable for the fees and expenses of more than one separate firm (in addition to any local counsel) for all Indemnified Persons, and that all such fees and expenses shall be reimbursed as they are incurred. Any such separate firm for any Underwriter, its affiliates, directors and officers and any control persons of such Underwriter shall be designated in writing by the Representatives and any such separate firm for the Company, its directors, its officers who signed the Registration Statement and any control persons of the Company shall be designated in writing by the Company. The Indemnifying Person shall not be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent, but if settled with such consent or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff, the Indemnifying Person agrees to indemnify each Indemnified Person from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, if at any time an Indemnified Person shall have requested that an Indemnifying Person reimburse the Indemnified Person for fees and expenses of counsel as contemplated by this paragraph, the Indemnifying Person shall be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent if (A) such settlement is entered into more than 30 days after receipt by the Indemnifying Person of such request and (B) the Indemnifying Person shall not have reimbursed the Indemnified Person in accordance with such request prior to the date of such settlement. No Indemnifying Person shall, without the written consent of the Indemnified Person, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which any Indemnified Person is or could have been a party and indemnification could have been sought hereunder by such Indemnified Person, unless such settlement (x) includes an unconditional release of such Indemnified Person, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Person, from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such proceeding and (y) does not include any statement as to or any admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of any Indemnified Person.

 

Exhibit A-13


(d)

Contribution. If the indemnification provided for in paragraphs (a) and (b) above is unavailable to an Indemnified Person or insufficient in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to therein, then each Indemnifying Person under such paragraph, in lieu of indemnifying such Indemnified Person thereunder, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Person as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other from the offering of the Securities or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) but also the relative fault of the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other in connection with the statements or omissions that resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other shall be deemed to be in the same respective proportions as the net proceeds (before deducting expenses) received by the Company from the sale of the Securities and the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by the Underwriters in connection therewith, in each case as set forth in the table on the cover of the Prospectus, bear to the aggregate offering price of the Securities. The relative fault of the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company or by the Underwriters and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.

 

(e)

Limitation on Liability. The Company and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 7 were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in paragraph (d) above. The amount paid or payable by an Indemnified Person as a result of the losses, claims, damages and liabilities referred to in paragraph (d) above shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any legal or other expenses incurred by such Indemnified Person in connection with any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 7, in no event shall an Underwriter be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by such Underwriter with respect to the offering of the Securities exceeds the amount of any damages that such Underwriter has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Underwriters’ obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 7 are several in proportion to their respective purchase obligations hereunder and not joint.

 

(f)

Non-Exclusive Remedies. The remedies provided for in this Section 7 are not exclusive and shall not limit any rights or remedies which may otherwise be available to any Indemnified Person at law or in equity.

Section 8. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated in the absolute discretion of the Representatives, by notice to the Company, if after the execution and delivery of this Agreement and prior to the Closing Date (i) trading generally shall have been suspended or materially limited on the New York Stock Exchange, the NYSE American, the Nasdaq Stock Market, the Chicago Board Options Exchange, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange or the Chicago Board of Trade, or the over-the-counter market; (ii) trading of any securities issued or guaranteed

 

Exhibit A-14


by the Company shall have been suspended on any exchange or in any over-the-counter market; (iii) a general moratorium on commercial banking activities shall have been declared by federal or New York State authorities; or (iv) there shall have occurred any outbreak or escalation of hostilities or any change in financial markets or any calamity or crisis, either within or outside the United States, that, in the judgment of the Representatives, is material and adverse and makes it impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the offering, sale or delivery of the Securities on the terms and in the manner contemplated by this Agreement, the Time of Sale Information and the Prospectus.

Section 9. Defaulting Underwriter. (a) If, on the Closing Date, any Underwriter defaults on its obligation to purchase the Securities that it has agreed to purchase hereunder, the non-defaulting Underwriters may in their discretion arrange for the purchase of such Securities by other persons satisfactory to the Company on the terms contained in this Agreement. If, within 36 hours after any such default by any Underwriter, the non-defaulting Underwriters do not arrange for the purchase of such Securities, then the Company shall be entitled to a further period of 36 hours within which to procure other persons satisfactory to the non-defaulting Underwriters to purchase such Securities on such terms. If other persons become obligated or agree to purchase the Securities of a defaulting Underwriter, either the non-defaulting Underwriters or the Company may postpone the Closing Date for up to five full business days in order to effect any changes that in the opinion of counsel for the Company or counsel for the Underwriters may be necessary in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus or in any other document or arrangement, and the Company agrees to promptly prepare any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus that effects any such changes. As used in this Agreement, the term “Underwriter” includes, for all purposes of this Agreement unless the context otherwise requires, any person not listed in the Underwriting Agreement that, pursuant to this Section 9, purchases Securities that a defaulting Underwriter agreed but failed to purchase.

 

(b)

If, after giving effect to any arrangements for the purchase of the Securities of a defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters by the non-defaulting Underwriters and the Company as provided in paragraph (a) above, the aggregate principal amount of such Securities that remains unpurchased does not exceed one-ninth of the aggregate principal amount of all the Securities, then the Company shall have the right to require each non-defaulting Underwriter to purchase the principal amount of Securities that such Underwriter agreed to purchase hereunder plus such Underwriter’s pro rata share (based on the principal amount of Securities that such Underwriter agreed to purchase hereunder) of the Securities of such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters for which such arrangements have not been made.

 

(c)

If, after giving effect to any arrangements for the purchase of the Securities of a defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters by the non-defaulting Underwriters and the Company as provided in paragraph (a) above, the aggregate principal amount of such Securities that remains unpurchased exceeds one-ninth of the aggregate principal amount of all the Securities, or if the Company shall not exercise the right described in paragraph (b) above, then this Agreement shall terminate without liability on the part of the non-defaulting Underwriters. Any termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Section 9 shall be without liability on the part of the Company, except that the Company will continue to be liable for the payment of expenses as set forth in Section 10 hereof and except that the provisions of Section 7 hereof shall not terminate and shall remain in effect.

 

(d)

Nothing contained herein shall relieve a defaulting Underwriter of any liability it may have to the Company or any non-defaulting Underwriter for damages caused by its default.

 

Exhibit A-15


Section 10. Payment of Expenses. (a) Whether or not the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are consummated or this Agreement is terminated, the Company will pay or cause to be paid all costs and expenses incident to the performance of its obligations hereunder, including without limitation, (i) the costs incident to the authorization, issuance, sale, preparation and delivery of the Securities and any taxes payable in that connection; (ii) the costs incident to the preparation, printing and filing under the Securities Act of the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, any Time of Sale Information and the Prospectus (including all exhibits, amendments and supplements thereto) and the distribution thereof; (iii) the fees and expenses of the Company’s counsel and independent accountants; (iv) the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the registration or qualification and determination of eligibility for investment of the Securities under the laws of such jurisdictions as the Representatives may designate and the preparation, printing and distribution of a Blue Sky Memorandum (including the related fees and expenses of counsel for the Underwriters); (v) any fees charged by rating agencies for rating the Securities; (vi) the fees and expenses of the Trustee and any paying agent (including related fees and expenses of any counsel to such parties); (vii) all expenses and application fees incurred in connection with any filing with, and clearance of any offering by, FINRA; and (viii) all expenses incurred by the Company in connection with any “road show” presentation to potential investors.

 

(b)

If (i) this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 8, (ii) the Company for any reason fails to tender the Securities for delivery to the Underwriters or (iii) the Underwriters decline to purchase the Securities for any reason permitted under this Agreement, the Company agrees to reimburse the Underwriters for all out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including the fees and expenses of their counsel) reasonably incurred by the Underwriters in connection with this Agreement and the offering contemplated hereby.

Section 11. Persons Entitled to Benefit of Agreement. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and the officers and directors and any controlling persons referred to herein, and the affiliates of each Underwriter referred to in Section 7 hereof. Nothing in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to give any other person any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Agreement or any provision contained herein. No purchaser of Securities from any Underwriter shall be deemed to be a successor merely by reason of such purchase.

Section 12. Survival. The respective indemnities, rights of contribution, representations, warranties and agreements of the Company and the Underwriters contained in this Agreement or made by or on behalf of the Company or the Underwriters pursuant to this Agreement or any certificate delivered pursuant hereto shall remain in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the Company, the Underwriters or any controlling persons of the Company or Underwriter and shall survive the delivery of and payment for the Securities. The provisions of Sections 7 and 10 hereof shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

Section 13. Certain Defined Terms. For purposes of this Agreement, (a) except where otherwise expressly provided, the term “affiliate” has the meaning set forth in Rule 405 under the Securities Act; (b) the term “business day” means any day that is not a Saturday or Sunday, and that is not a day on which banking institutions in the City of New York are authorized or obligated by law, regulation or executive order to close; and (c) the term “subsidiary” has the meaning set forth in Rule 405 under the Securities Act.

 

Exhibit A-16


Section 14. Miscellaneous. (a) Authority of the Representatives. Any action by the Underwriters hereunder may be taken by the Representatives on behalf of the Underwriters, and any such action taken by the Representatives shall be binding upon the Underwriters.

 

(b)

Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if mailed or transmitted and confirmed by any standard form of telecommunication. Notices to the Underwriters shall be given to the Representatives at the address set forth in the Underwriting Agreement. Notices to the Company shall be given to it at Fifth Third Bancorp, 38 Fountain Square Plaza, MD 10AT76, Cincinnati, Ohio 45263, (facsimile: (513) 534-6757); Attention: General Counsel, or if different, to the address set forth in the Underwriting Agreement.

 

(c)

Compliance with USA Patriot Act. In accordance with the requirements of the USA Patriot Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)), the Underwriters are required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies their respective clients, including the Company, which information may include the name and address of their respective clients, as well as other information that will allow the Underwriters to properly identify their respective clients.

 

(d)

Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

 

(e)

Waiver of Jury Trial. The Company and each of the Underwriters hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any and all right to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

(f)

Amendments or Waivers. No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement, nor any consent or approval to any departure therefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the parties hereto.

 

(g)

Headings. The headings herein are included for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be part of, or to affect the meaning or interpretation of, this Agreement.

Section 15. Recognition of the U.S. Special Resolution Regimes. (a) In the event that any Underwriter that is a Covered Entity becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, the transfer from such Underwriter of this Agreement, and any interest and obligation in or under this Agreement, will be effective to the same extent as the transfer would be effective under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement, and any such interest and obligation, were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States.

 

(b)

In the event that any Underwriter that is a Covered Entity or a BHC Act Affiliate of such Underwriter becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, Default Rights under this Agreement that may be exercised against such Underwriter are permitted to be exercised to no greater extent than such Default Rights could be exercised under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States.

For purposes of this Section 15:

BHC Act Affiliate” has the meaning assigned to the term “affiliate” in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. § 1841(k).

 

Exhibit A-17


Covered Entity” means any of the following:

 

(i)

a “covered entity” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 252.82(b);

 

(ii)

a “covered bank” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 47.3(b); or

 

(iii)

a “covered FSI” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 382.2(b).

Default Right” has the meaning assigned to that term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. §§ 252.81, 47.2 or 382.1, as applicable.

U.S. Special Resolution Regime” means each of (i) the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder and (ii) Title II of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

[Remainder of this page intentionally left blank]

 

Exhibit A-18

Exhibit 4.1

FIFTH THIRD BANCORP

TO

WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY,

Trustee

Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture

Dated as of January 29, 2024

SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ARTICLE 1

  

SCOPE OF SIXTEENTH SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE

     2  

Section 1.1 Scope and Effect of this Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture

     2  

ARTICLE 2

  

DEFINITIONS

     2  

Section 2.1 Definitions and Other Provisions of General Application

     2  

Section 2.2 [Reserved.]

     8  

ARTICLE 3

  

FORM AND TERMS OF THE NOTES

     9  

Section 3.1 Form and Dating

     9  

Section 3.2 Terms of the Notes

     9  

ARTICLE 4

  

MISCELLANEOUS

     16  

Section 4.1 Trust Indenture Act of 1939

     16  

Section 4.2 Governing Law

     16  

Section 4.3 Duplicate Originals; Execution

     16  

Section 4.4 Separability

     17  

Section 4.5 Ratification

     17  

Section 4.6 Effectiveness

     17  

Section 4.7 Successors

     17  

Section 4.8 Trustee’s Disclaimer

     17  

EXHIBIT A

  

 

i


SIXTEENTH SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE

SIXTEENTH SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE (this “Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture”), dated as of January 29, 2024 between FIFTH THIRD BANCORP, a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Ohio (the “Company”), having its principal office at Fifth Third Center, 38 Fountain Square Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio and Wilmington Trust Company, a trust company duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, as trustee (the “Trustee”).

RECITALS OF THE COMPANY

WHEREAS, the Company and the Trustee executed and delivered an Indenture, dated as of April 30, 2008 and as amended by Article 4 of the Twelfth Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 25, 2022 (the “Base Indenture” and as supplemented by this Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture and together with the Base Indenture, the “Indenture”), to provide for the issuance by the Company from time to time of its unsecured debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness (the “Securities”);

WHEREAS, Sections 201, 301 and 901 of the Base Indenture provide that the Company, when authorized by a Board Resolution, and the Trustee, at any time and from time to time, may enter into one or more indentures supplemental to the Indenture, without the consent of any Holders, to, among other things, establish the terms of Securities of any series as permitted by the Indenture;

WHEREAS, the issuance and sale of $1,000,000,000 aggregate principal amount of a new series of the Securities of the Company designated as its 5.631% Fixed Rate/Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2032 (the “Notes”) have been authorized by resolutions adopted by the board of directors of the Company;

WHEREAS, the Company desires to issue and sell $1,000,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Notes as of the date hereof;

WHEREAS, the Company desires to establish the terms of the Notes;

WHEREAS, all things necessary to make this Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture a legal and binding supplement to the Base Indenture in accordance with its terms and the terms of the Base Indenture have been done;

WHEREAS, the Company has complied with all conditions precedent provided for in the Base Indenture relating to this Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture; and

WHEREAS, the Company has requested that the Trustee execute and deliver this Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture.

NOW, THEREFORE:


For and in consideration of the premises stated herein and the purchase of the Notes by the Holders thereof, the Company and the Trustee covenant and agree, for the equal and proportionate benefit of the Holders of the Notes, as follows:

ARTICLE 1

Scope of Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture

Section 1.1 Scope and Effect of this Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture. This Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture constitutes a supplement to the Base Indenture and an integral part of the Indenture and shall be read together with the Base Indenture as though all the provisions thereof are contained in one instrument. Except as expressly supplemented by this Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture, the terms and provisions of the Base Indenture shall remain in full force and effect. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture shall apply only to the Notes.

ARTICLE 2

Definitions

Section 2.1 Definitions and Other Provisions of General Application. For all purposes of this Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture unless otherwise specified herein:

 

  (a)

all terms used in this Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture which are not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings they are given in the Base Indenture;

 

  (b)

the provisions of general application stated in Sections 102 through 112 of the Base Indenture shall apply to this Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture, except that the words “herein,” “hereof,” “hereto” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture as a whole and not to the Base Indenture or any particular Article, Section or other subdivision of the Base Indenture or this Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture;

 

  (c)

Section 101 of the Base Indenture is amended and supplemented, solely with respect to the Notes, by inserting the following additional defined term in its appropriate alphabetical position:

Issue Date” means January 29, 2024.

 

  (d)

Section 101 of the Base Indenture is amended and supplemented, solely with respect to the Notes, by supplementing the Base Indenture with, or by replacing the corresponding defined terms in the Base Indenture with, the following defined terms:

Applicable Procedures” means, with respect to any transfer, transaction or other action involving a Global Security or any beneficial interest therein, the rules and procedures of the Depositary for such Security, in each case to the extent applicable to such transfer, transaction or other action as in effect from time to time.

Benchmark” means, initially, Compounded SOFR; provided that if a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to Compounded SOFR (or the published SOFR Index used in the calculation thereof) or the then-current Benchmark, then “Benchmark” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement.

 

2


Benchmark Replacement” means the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the Company or the Company’s designee as of the Benchmark Replacement Date; provided that if the Benchmark Replacement cannot be determined in accordance with clause (1) below as of the Benchmark Replacement Date and the Company or the Company’s designee shall have determined that the ISDA Fallback Rate determined in accordance with clause (2) below is not an industry-accepted rate of interest as a replacement for the then-current Benchmark for U.S. dollar-denominated floating rate notes at such time, then clause (2) below shall be disregarded, and the Benchmark Replacement shall be determined in accordance with clause (3) below:

(1) the sum of: (a) an alternate rate of interest that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body as the replacement for the then-current Benchmark and (b) the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment;

(2) the sum of: (a) the ISDA Fallback Rate and (b) the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment; or

(3) the sum of: (a) the alternate rate of interest that has been selected by the Company or the Company’s designee as the replacement for the then-current Benchmark giving due consideration to any industry-accepted rate of interest as a replacement for the then-current Benchmark for U.S. dollar denominated floating rate notes at such time and (b) the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.

Benchmark Replacement Adjustment” means the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the Company or the Company’s designee as of the Benchmark Replacement Date:

(1) the spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero), or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body for the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement;

(2) if the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement is equivalent to the ISDA Fallback Rate, the ISDA Fallback Adjustment; or

(3) the spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that has been selected by the Company or the Company’s designee giving due consideration to any industry-accepted spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of the then-current Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for U.S. dollar denominated floating rate notes at such time.

 

3


Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes” means, with respect to any Benchmark Replacement, any technical, administrative or operational changes (including changes to the definitions or interpretations of interest period, the timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest, the rounding of amounts or tenors, and other administrative matters) that the Company or the Company’s designee decides may be appropriate to reflect the adoption of such Benchmark Replacement in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if the Company or the Company’s designee decides that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or if the Company or the Company’s designee determines that no market practice for use of the Benchmark Replacement exists, in such other manner as the Company or the Company’s designee determines is reasonably practicable).

Benchmark Replacement Date” means the earliest to occur of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark (including any daily published component used in the calculation thereof):

(1) in the case of clause (1) or (2) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the later of (a) the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein and (b) the date on which the administrator of the Benchmark permanently or indefinitely ceases to provide the Benchmark (or such component); or

(2) in the case of clause (3) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein.

For the avoidance of doubt, if the event giving rise to the Benchmark Replacement Date occurs on the same day as, but earlier than, the Reference Time in respect of any determination, the Benchmark Replacement Date will be deemed to have occurred prior to the Reference Time for such determination.

Benchmark Transition Event” means the occurrence of one or more of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark (including the daily published component used in the calculation thereof):

(1) a public statement or publication of information by or on behalf of the administrator of the Benchmark (or such component) announcing that such administrator has ceased or will cease to provide the Benchmark (or such component), permanently or indefinitely; provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide the Benchmark (or such component);

(2) a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of the Benchmark (or such component), the central bank for the currency of the Benchmark (or such component), an insolvency official with jurisdiction over the administrator for the Benchmark (or such component), a resolution authority with jurisdiction over the administrator for the Benchmark (or such component) or a court or an entity with similar insolvency or resolution

 

4


authority over the administrator for the Benchmark (or such component), which states that the administrator of the Benchmark (or such component) has ceased or will cease to provide the Benchmark (or such component) permanently or indefinitely; provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide the Benchmark (or such component); or

(3) a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of the Benchmark announcing that the Benchmark is no longer representative.

Business Day” means any day that is not a Saturday or Sunday, and that is not a federal holiday or a day on which banking institutions or trust companies are authorized or obligated by law, regulation or executive order to close in the City of New York or in the city in which the Corporate Trust Office (as defined below) is located.

Business Day Convention” means if any interest payment date, redemption date or the maturity date of the Notes falls on a day which is not a Business Day, the related payment of principal of, or interest on, the Notes will be made on the next day which is a Business Day with the same force and effect as if made on the date such payment was due, and no interest shall accrue on the amount payable for the period from and after such interest payment date, redemption date or maturity date, as the case may be.

Calculation Agent” means the firm appointed by the Company prior to the commencement of the floating rate period. The Company or an affiliate of the Company may assume the duties of the Calculation Agent.

Compounded SOFR means with respect to any interest period, “Compounded SOFR” will be determined by the Calculation Agent in accordance with the following formula (and the resulting percentage will be rounded, if necessary, to the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point):

 

LOGO

where:

SOFR IndexStart” = For periods other than the initial interest period, the SOFR Index value on the preceding Interest Payment Determination Date, and, for the initial interest period, the SOFR Index value on the date that is two U.S. Government Securities Business Days before the first day of such initial interest period (such first day expected to be January 29, 2031);

 

5


SOFR IndexEnd” = The SOFR Index value on the Interest Payment Determination Date relating to the applicable interest payment date (or in the final interest period, relating to the maturity date, or, in the case of the redemption of the Notes, relating to the applicable redemption date); and

d” is the number of days in the relevant Observation Period.

Corporate Trust Office” for administration of this Indenture means the corporate trust office of the Trustee located at Rodney Square North, 1100 N. Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19890-0001, Attention: Fifth Third Bancorp Administrator, or such other office, designated by the Trustee by written notice to the Company, at which at any particular time its corporate trust business shall be administered.

Interest Payment Determination Date” means the date two U.S. Government Securities Business Days before each interest payment date (or, in the case of the redemption of the Notes, preceding the applicable redemption date).

ISDA” means the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. or any successor thereto.

ISDA Definitions” means the 2006 ISDA Definitions published by ISDA, or any successor thereto, as amended or supplemented from time to time, or any successor definitional booklet for interest rate derivatives published from time to time.

ISDA Fallback Adjustment” means the spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that would apply for derivatives transactions referencing the ISDA Definitions to be determined upon the occurrence of an index cessation event with respect to the Benchmark for the applicable tenor.

ISDA Fallback Rate” means the rate that would apply for derivatives transactions referencing the ISDA Definitions to be effective upon the occurrence of an index cessation date with respect to the Benchmark for the applicable tenor excluding the applicable ISDA Fallback Adjustment.

Observation Period” means, in respect of each interest period, the period from, and including, the date two U.S. Government Securities Business Days preceding the first date in such interest period to, but excluding, the date two U.S. Government Securities Business Days preceding the interest payment date for such interest period (or in the final interest period, preceding the maturity date or, in the case of the redemption of the Notes, preceding the applicable redemption date).

Reference Time” with respect to any determination of the Benchmark, means (1) if the Benchmark is Compounded SOFR, the SOFR Index Determination Time, as such time is defined above, and (2) if the Benchmark is not Compounded SOFR, the time determined by the Company or the Company’s designee in accordance with the Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes.

Relevant Governmental Body” means the Federal Reserve Board and/or the FRBNY, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Federal Reserve Board and/or the FRBNY or any successor thereto.

 

6


SOFR” means the daily secured overnight financing rate as provided by the SOFR Administrator on the SOFR Administrator’s Website.

SOFR Administrator” means the FRBNY (or a successor administrator of SOFR).

SOFR Administrator’s Website” means the website of the FRBNY, currently at http://www.newyorkfed.org, or any successor source. The information contained on such website is not part of this prospectus supplement and is not incorporated in this prospectus supplement by reference.

SOFR Index” means, with respect to any U.S. Government Securities Business Day:

(1) the SOFR Index value as published by the SOFR Administrator as such index appears on the SOFR Administrator’s Website at 3:00 p.m. (New York time) on such U.S. Government Securities Business Day (the “SOFR Index Determination Time”); or

(2) if a SOFR Index value does not so appear as specified in (1) above at the SOFR Index Determination Time, then: (i) if a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have not occurred with respect to SOFR, Compounded SOFR shall be the rate determined pursuant to the “SOFR Index Unavailable Provisions” set forth below; or (ii) if a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to SOFR, Compounded SOFR shall be the rate determined pursuant to the “Effect of Benchmark Transition Event” provisions set forth below.

Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any redemption date, the yield determined by the Company in accordance with the following two paragraphs.

The Treasury Rate shall be determined by the Company after 4:15 p.m., New York City time (or after such time as yields on U.S. government securities are posted daily by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System), on the third Business Day preceding the redemption date based upon the yield or yields for the most recent day that appear after such time on such day in the most recent statistical release published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System designated as “Selected Interest Rates (Daily) – H.15” (or any successor designation or publication) (“H.15”) under the caption “U.S. government securities - Treasury constant maturities - Nominal” (or any successor caption or heading) (“H.15 TCM”). In determining the Treasury Rate, the Company shall select, as applicable: (1) the yield for the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 exactly equal to the period from the redemption date to January 29, 2031 (the “reset date”) (the

 

7


remaining life”); or (2) if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 exactly equal to the remaining life, the two yields - one yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately shorter than and one yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately longer than the remaining life - and shall interpolate to the reset date on a straight-line basis (using the actual number of days) using such yields and rounding the result to three decimal places; or (3) if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 shorter than or longer than the remaining life, the yield for the single Treasury constant maturity on H.15 closest to the remaining life. For purposes of this paragraph, the applicable Treasury constant maturity or maturities on H.15 shall be deemed to have a maturity date equal to the relevant number of months or years, as applicable, of such Treasury constant maturity from the redemption date.

If on the third Business Day preceding the redemption date H.15 TCM is no longer published, the Company shall calculate the Treasury Rate based on the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the second Business Day preceding such redemption date of the United States Treasury security maturing on, or with a maturity that is closest to, the reset date, as applicable. If there is no United States Treasury security maturing on the reset date but there are two or more United States Treasury securities with a maturity date equally distant from the reset date, one with a maturity date preceding the reset date and one with a maturity date following the reset date, the Company shall select the United States Treasury security with a maturity date preceding the reset date. If there are two or more United States Treasury securities maturing on the reset date or two or more United States Treasury securities meeting the criteria of the preceding sentence, we shall select from among these two or more United States Treasury securities the United States Treasury security that is trading closest to par based upon the average of the bid and asked prices for such United States Treasury securities at 11:00 a.m., New York City time. In determining the treasury rate in accordance with the terms of this paragraph, the semi-annual yield to maturity of the applicable United States Treasury security shall be based upon the average of the bid and asked prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount) at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, of such United States Treasury security, and rounded to three decimal places.

Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement” means the Benchmark Replacement excluding the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.

U.S. Government Securities Business Day” means any day except for a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association or any successor organization recommends that the fixed income departments of its members be closed for the entire day for purposes of trading in U.S. government securities.

Section 2.2 [Reserved.]

 

8


ARTICLE 3

Form and Terms of the Notes

Section 3.1 Form and Dating.

 

  (a)

The Notes shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto. The Notes shall be executed on behalf of the Company by its Chairman of the Board, its Vice Chairman of the Board, its Chief Executive Officer, its President or one of its Vice Presidents, attested by its Secretary or one of its Assistant Secretaries. The Notes may have a legend or legends or endorsements as may be required to comply with any law or with any rules of any securities exchange or usage. The Notes shall be dated the date of their authentication.

 

  (b)

The terms contained in the Notes shall constitute, and are hereby expressly made, a part of the Base Indenture as supplemented by this Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture and the Company and the Trustee, by their execution and delivery of this Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture, expressly agree to such terms and provisions and to be bound thereby.

Section 3.2 Terms of the Notes. The following terms relating to the Notes are hereby established:

 

  (a)

Title. The Notes shall constitute a series of Securities having the title “Fifth Third Bancorp 5.631% Fixed Rate/Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2032,” the CUSIP number 316773DL1 and the ISIN number US316773DL15.

 

  (b)

Principal Amount. The aggregate principal amount of the Notes that may be authenticated and delivered under the Base Indenture, as supplemented by this Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture, shall be $1,000,000,000 on the Issue Date. Provided that no Event of Default or Covenant Breach has occurred and is continuing with respect to the Notes, the Company may, without notice to or the consent of the Holders, create and issue additional Securities having the same terms as (except as described below), and ranking equally and ratably with, the Notes in all respects and so that such additional Securities will be consolidated and form a single series with, and have the same terms as to status, redemption or otherwise as, the Notes initially issued, except for the issue date, the issue price and the initial interest payment date, provided that if such additional Securities are not fungible with the Notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes, such additional Securities will be issued with a separate CUSIP number.

 

  (c)

Person to Whom Interest is Payable. Interest payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any interest payment date will be paid to the Person in whose name the Notes are registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, which shall be 15 days immediately preceding such interest payment date (whether or not a Business Day). Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name the Note is registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such

 

9


  Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Notes of this series not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Notes may be listed and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, as provided for in the Base Indenture.

 

  (d)

Maturity Date. The entire outstanding principal of the Notes shall be payable on January 29, 2032.

 

  (e)

Interest.

 

  (i)

Fixed Rate Period. During the period from, and including, January 29, 2024, to, but excluding, January 29, 2031, the Notes will bear interest at the rate of 5.631% per annum. Such interest will be payable semi-annually in arrears on January 29 and July 29 of each year, beginning on July 29, 2024 and ending on January 29, 2031. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months.

 

  (ii)

Floating Rate Period. During the period from, and including, January 29, 2031, to, but excluding, the Maturity Date, the Notes will bear interest at a floating rate per annum equal to Compounded SOFR plus 1.840%, as determined in arrears by the Calculation Agent in the manner described herein. Such interest will be payable quarterly in arrears on April 29, 2031, July 29, 2031, October 29, 2031 and at the Maturity Date. Compounded SOFR for each interest period will be calculated by the Calculation Agent in accordance with the formula set forth herein with respect to the Observation Period relating to such interest period. Interest will be computed on the basis of the actual number of days in each interest period (or any other relevant period) and a 360-day year. The amount of accrued interest payable on the Notes for each interest period will be computed by multiplying (i) the outstanding principal amount of the Notes by (ii) the product of (a) the interest rate for the relevant interest period multiplied by (b) the quotient of the actual number of days in the applicable Observation Period relating to such interest period (or any other relevant period) divided by 360. The interest rate on the Notes will in no event be lower than zero. The Calculation Agent will determine Compounded SOFR, the interest rate and accrued interest for each interest period in arrears as soon as reasonably practicable on or after the Interest Payment Determination Date for such interest period and prior to the relevant interest payment date and will notify the Company (if not the Calculation Agent) of Compounded SOFR, such interest rate and accrued interest for each interest period as soon as reasonably practicable after such determination, but in any event by the Business Day immediately prior to the interest payment date. At the request of a holder of the Notes, the Company will provide Compounded SOFR, the interest rate and the amount of interest accrued with respect to any interest period, after Compounded SOFR, such interest rate and accrued

 

10


  interest have been determined. The Calculation Agent’s determination of any interest rate, and its calculation of interest payments for any floating rate period, will be maintained on file at the Calculation Agent’s principal offices and will be provided in writing to the Trustee. Under no circumstances will the Trustee be responsible for selecting or determining any Benchmark Replacement if the Benchmark will no longer be available following a Benchmark Transaction Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date. In the case of a Benchmark Transition Event, the Company will select the Benchmark Replacement prior to the Benchmark Replacement Date and in consultation with the Calculation Agent, ensuring that the Calculation Agent will be able to meet its obligations and requirements under the Base Indenture, as supplemented by this Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture, with respect to the Benchmark Replacement. No such replacement (including any conforming changes to the Indenture) shall affect the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under the indenture or otherwise.

 

  (f)

SOFR Index Unavailable Provisions. If a SOFR IndexStart or SOFR IndexEnd is not published on the associated Interest Payment Determination Date and a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have not occurred with respect to SOFR, “Compounded SOFR” means, for the applicable interest period for which such index is not available, the rate of return on a daily compounded interest investment calculated in accordance with the formula for SOFR Averages, and definitions required for such formula, published on the SOFR Administrator’s Website at https://www.newyorkfed.org/markets/reference-rates/additional-information-about-reference-rates, or any successor source. For the purposes of this provision, references in the SOFR Averages compounding formula and related definitions to “calculation period” shall be replaced with “Observation Period” and the words “that is, 30-, 90-, or 180-calendar days” shall be removed. If SOFR (“SOFRi”) does not so appear for any day, “i” in the Observation Period, SOFRi for such day “i” shall be SOFR published in respect of the first preceding U.S. Government Securities Business Day for which SOFR was published on the SOFR Administrator’s Website.

 

  (g)

Effect of Benchmark Transition Event.

 

  (i)

Benchmark Replacement. If the Company or its designee determines that a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred on or prior to the Reference Time in respect of any determination of the Benchmark on any date, the Benchmark Replacement will replace the then-current Benchmark for all purposes relating to the Notes in respect of such determination on such date and all determinations on all subsequent dates.

 

  (ii)

Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes. In connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement, the Company or its designee will have the right to make Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes from time to time.

 

11


  (iii)

Decisions and Determinations. Any determination, decision or election that may be made by the Company or its designee pursuant to the benchmark replacement provisions set forth herein, including any determination with respect to tenor, rate or adjustment, or the occurrence or non-occurrence of an event, circumstance or date and any decision to take or refrain from taking any action or any selection:

 

  a.

will be conclusive and binding on the beneficial owners and Holders and the Trustee absent manifest error;

 

  b.

if made by the Company as Calculation Agent, will be made in the Company’s sole discretion;

 

  c.

if made by a Calculation Agent other than the Company or its designee (which may be the Company’s affiliate), will be made after consultation with the Company, and such Calculation Agent or designee (which may be the Company’s affiliate) will not make any such determination, decision or election to which the Company reasonably objects; and

 

  d.

notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, shall become effective without consent from the Holders of the Notes, the Trustee or any other party.

Any determination, decision or election pursuant to the benchmark replacement provisions shall be made by the Company or its designee (which may be the Company’s affiliate) on the basis as described above, and in no event shall the Calculation Agent be responsible for making any such determination, decision or election.

 

  (h)

Place of Payment of Principal and Interest. Payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the Notes will be made at the office or agency of the Company maintained for that purpose in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts; provided, however, that at the option of the Company payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register. The Company shall make, or cause the Paying Agent to make, all payments of principal and interest on Global Securities in immediately available funds to the Depositary or its nominee, in accordance with Applicable Procedures.

 

12


  (i)

Redemption.

 

  (i)

On and after July 27, 2024 (180 days after the Issue Date) (or, if additional Notes are issued, beginning 180 days after the issue date of such additional Notes) and prior to January 29, 2031 (one year prior to the Maturity Date), the Company may redeem the Notes at the Company’s option, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount and rounded to three decimal places) equal to the greater of:

 

  a.

(1) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon discounted to the redemption date (assuming the Notes to be redeemed matured on January 29, 2031) on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate plus 25 basis points, less (2) interest accrued to the redemption date; and

 

  b.

100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed;

plus, in either case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the redemption date.

 

  (ii)

The Notes will be redeemable, in whole, but not in part, on January 29, 2031 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to but excluding, the redemption date.

 

  (iii)

On and after November 30, 2031, the Notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at the Company’s option at a redemption price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes being redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date.

 

  (iv)

If the Company redeems Notes at its option, then notwithstanding the foregoing, any interest on the Notes being redeemed that is due and payable on any interest payment date falling on or prior to a redemption date for the Notes will be payable on that interest payment date to the registered holders thereof as of the close of business on the relevant record date according to the terms of the Notes and the Indenture.

 

  (v)

If the Company elects to redeem the Notes (in whole or in part), it must (A) notify the Trustee of the intended redemption date and provide a draft notice with respect to the potential redemption at least five Business Days prior to the date on which it intends to provide notice, or if requested, have the Trustee provide notice, of such redemption to Holders (unless a shorter period is satisfactory to the Trustee) and (B) deliver to the Trustee the final notice to be sent to Holders and an Officers’ Certificate with respect to the Company’s election to redeem the Notes (in whole or in part) on the date

 

13


  on which the Company provides notice. If fewer than all of the Notes are being redeemed, the Trustee will select the Notes to be redeemed by lot, pro rata or by any other method the Trustee in its sole discretion deems fair and appropriate, and in the case of any Global Security, in accordance with the Applicable Procedures, in minimum denominations of $2,000 or any integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. The Trustee will notify the Company promptly of the Notes or portions of Notes to be called for redemption. Notice of redemption must be sent by the Company or at the Company’s request, in an officer’s certificate delivered to the Trustee at least five Business Days before the requested date of delivery (or such shorter period of time as is satisfactory to the Trustee) by the Trustee by first class mail or, with respect to any Global Security, in accordance with the Applicable Procedures, in the name and at the expense of the Company, to Holders whose Notes are to be redeemed, at least 10 days, but not more than 60 days, before the redemption date.

 

  (vi)

The notice of redemption will identify the Notes to be redeemed and will include or state the following:

 

  a.

the redemption date;

 

  b.

the redemption price, including the portion thereof representing any accrued interest;

 

  c.

the place or places where Notes are to be surrendered for redemption;

 

  d.

Notes called for redemption must be so surrendered in order to collect the redemption price;

 

  e.

on the redemption date the redemption price will become due and payable on Notes called for redemption, and interest on Notes called for redemption will cease to accrue on and after the redemption date;

 

  f.

if any Note is redeemed in part, on and after the redemption date, upon surrender of such Note, new Notes equal in principal amount to the unredeemed portion will be issued; and

 

  g.

if any Note contains a CUSIP, ISIN, or CINS number, no representation is being made as to the correctness of the CUSIP, ISIN, or CINS number either as printed on the Notes or as contained in the notice of redemption and that the Holder should rely only on the other identification numbers printed on the Notes.

 

  (vii)

Once notice of redemption is sent to the Holders, Notes called for redemption become due and payable at the redemption price on the redemption date, and upon surrender of the Notes called for redemption, the Company shall redeem such Notes at the redemption price. Unless the

 

14


  Company defaults in the payment of the redemption price, commencing on the redemption date Notes redeemed will cease to accrue interest. Upon surrender of any Note redeemed in part, the Holder will receive a new Note equal in principal amount to the unredeemed portion of the surrendered Note. The principal amount after redemption in part shall be in minimum denominations of $2,000 or any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof.

 

  (viii)

The Company’s actions and determinations in determining the redemption price shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes absent manifest error. Calculations and selections in the foregoing will be made by the Company or on the Company’s behalf by a person designated by the Company. The Trustee shall have no obligation to confirm or verify any such calculation.

 

  (j)

Sinking Fund. There shall be no sinking fund for the Notes.

 

  (k)

Denomination. The Notes and any beneficial interest in the Notes shall be in minimum denominations of $2,000 or any integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

 

  (l)

Index. Payment of interest on the Notes will not be determined with reference to any index or formula.

 

  (m)

Currency of the Notes. The Notes shall be denominated, and payment of principal and interest of the Notes shall be payable in, the currency of the United States of America.

 

  (n)

Currency of Payment. The principal of and interest on the Notes shall be payable in the currency of the United States of America.

 

  (o)

Acceleration. 100% of the principal amount of the Notes shall be payable upon acceleration (whether automatic or by declaration) of the maturity thereof.

 

  (p)

[Reserved.]

 

  (q)

Defeasance. Article 13 of the Base Indenture shall apply to the Notes.

 

  (r)

Registered Form. The Notes shall be issuable as registered Global Securities, and the depositary for the Notes shall be the Depository Trust Company, a New York Corporation (“DTC”), or any successor depositary appointed by the Company within 90 days of the termination of services of DTC (or any successor to DTC). Sections 204 and 305 of the Base Indenture shall apply to the Notes.

 

  (s)

Events of Default. The Events of Default provided for in Section 501 of the Base Indenture shall apply to the Notes.

 

  (t)

Covenants. The covenants set forth in Article 10 of the Base Indenture shall apply to the Notes.

 

15


  (u)

Day Count Convention.

 

  (i)

Fixed rate interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months.

 

  (ii)

Floating rate interest will be computed on the basis of the actual number of days in each interest period (or any other relevant period) and a 360-day year.

 

  (v)

Legal Holidays. Section 113 of the Base Indenture shall be deleted and shall be of no effect with respect to the Notes. The Business Day Convention shall apply.

 

  (w)

No Conversion. The Notes are not convertible into, or exchangeable for, equity securities of the Company.

 

  (x)

Conforming Amendments. The following paragraph shall be added to the end of Section 901 of the Base Indenture and shall apply to the Notes:

Notwithstanding the foregoing, without the consent of any Holder of Securities, the Company and the Trustee may amend or supplement the Indenture or the Securities to conform the terms of the Indenture and the Securities to the description of the Securities in the prospectus supplement dated January 22, 2024 relating to the offering of the Securities.

 

  (y)

Additional Terms. Other terms applicable to the Notes are as otherwise provided for in the Base Indenture, as supplemented by this Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture.

ARTICLE 4

Miscellaneous

Section 4.1 Trust Indenture Act of 1939. This Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture shall incorporate and be governed by the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are required to be part of and to govern indentures qualified under the Trust Indenture Act. If any provision of this Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with another provision that is required or deemed to be included in this Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture by the Trust Indenture Act, the required or deemed provision shall control.

Section 4.2 Governing Law. The laws of the State of New York shall govern this Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture and the Notes.

Section 4.3 Duplicate Originals; Execution. The parties may sign any number of copies of this Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture by telecopier, facsimile, email or other electronic transmission (i.e., “pdf” or “tif”) shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart hereof. The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” “delivery,” and words of like import in or relating to this Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture or any document to be signed in connection with this

 

16


Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture shall be deemed to include electronic signatures, deliveries or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature, physical delivery thereof or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for under applicable law, including the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act of 2000 (15 U.S.C. §§ 7001-7006), the Electronic Signatures and Records Act of 1999 (N.Y. State Tech. §§ 301-309), or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act,, and the parties hereto consent to conduct the transactions contemplated hereunder by electronic means.

Section 4.4 Separability. In case any provision in this Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture or the Notes shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

Section 4.5 Ratification. The Base Indenture, as supplemented by this Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture, is in all respects ratified and confirmed. The Base Indenture and this Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture shall be read, taken and construed as one and the same instrument. All provisions included in this Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture supersede any conflicting provisions included in the Base Indenture unless not permitted by law. The Trustee accepts the trusts created by the Base Indenture, as supplemented by this Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture, and agrees to perform the same upon the terms and conditions of the Base Indenture, as supplemented by this Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture.

Section 4.6 Effectiveness. The provisions of this Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture shall become effective as of the date hereof.

Section 4.7 Successors. All agreements of the Company in this Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture shall bind its successors. All agreements of the Trustee in this Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture shall bind its successors.

Section 4.8 Trustees Disclaimer. The recitals contained herein shall be taken as the statements of the Company and the Trustee assumes no responsibility for their correctness. The Trustee shall not be responsible in any manner whatsoever for or in respect of the validity or sufficiency of this Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture, the Notes, or for or in respect of the recitals contained herein, all of which recitals are made solely by the Company.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank.]

 

17


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed as of the date first above written.

 

FIFTH THIRD BANCORP

as the Company

By:  

/s/ Bryan D. Preston

Name:   Bryan D. Preston
Title:   Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

Attest:

 

By:  

/s/ H. Samuel Lind

Name:   H. Samuel Lind
Title:   Senior Vice President,
Associate General Counsel,
and Assistant Secretary

[Signature Page to Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture]

 

18


WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY

as Trustee

By:  

/s/ Michael H.Wass

Name:   Michael H. Wass
Title:   Vice President

[Signature Page to Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture]

 

19


EXHIBIT A

[FORM OF THE NOTE]


CUSIP No. 316773DL1

ISIN: US316773DL15

THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF. THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR A SECURITY REGISTERED, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY IN WHOLE OR IN PART MAY BE REGISTERED, IN THE NAME OF ANY PERSON OTHER THAN SUCH DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF, EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE.

BY ITS ACQUISITION AND HOLDING OF THIS NOTE, THE HOLDER HEREOF (OR ANY INTEREST THEREIN) SHALL BE DEEMED TO HAVE REPRESENTED AND WARRANTED THAT (1) IT IS NOT, AND IS NOT ACTING ON BEHALF OF, AND NO PORTION OF THE ASSETS USED BY SUCH HOLDER TO ACQUIRE OR HOLD THIS NOTE CONSTITUTES THE ASSETS OF AN EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN THAT IS SUBJECT TO TITLE I OF THE U.S. EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED (“ERISA”), OF A PLAN, INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT OR OTHER ARRANGEMENT THAT IS SUBJECT TO SECTION 4975 OF THE U.S. INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED (THE “CODE”) (EACH A “PLAN”) OR PROVISIONS UNDER ANY OTHER FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, NON-U.S. OR OTHER LAWS OR REGULATIONS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO SECTION 406 OF ERISA OR SECTION 4975 OF THE CODE (“SIMILAR LAWS”), OR OF AN ENTITY WHOSE UNDERLYING ASSETS ARE CONSIDERED TO INCLUDE “PLAN ASSETS” OF ANY SUCH PLAN, ACCOUNT OR ARRANGEMENT (ALSO A “PLAN”), OR (2) THE ACQUISITION AND HOLDING OF THIS NOTE WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A NON-EXEMPT PROHIBITED TRANSACTION UNDER SECTION 406 OF ERISA OR SECTION 4975 OF THE CODE OR A SIMILAR VIOLATION UNDER ANY APPLICABLE SIMILAR LAWS.

ADDITIONALLY, BY ITS ACQUISITION OF THIS NOTE IN THE INITIAL OFFERING, A HOLDER HEREOF THAT IS A PLAN (THE “PLAN FIDUCIARY”) SHALL BE DEEMED TO HAVE REPRESENTED AND WARRANTED AT ALL TIMES NEITHER FIFTH THIRD BANCORP, THE UNDERWRITERS, NOR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES HAS PROVIDED OR WILL PROVIDE IMPARTIAL INVESTMENT ADVICE OR GIVE ADVICE IN A FIDUCIARY CAPACITY WITH RESPECT TO THE PURCHASER OR TRANSFEREE’S DECISION TO ACQUIRE, HOLD, SELL, EXCHANGE, VOTE OR PROVIDE ANY CONSENT WITH RESPECT TO THE NOTES BY THE ERISA PLAN’S FIDUCIARY (WITHIN THE MEANING OF ERISA OR THE CODE).

UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (“DTC”), TO FIFTH THIRD BANCORP OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE, OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE, OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.

 

-1-


FIFTH THIRD BANCORP

5.631% Fixed Rate/Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2032

THIS SECURITY IS NOT A DEPOSIT AND IS NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE DEPOSIT INSURANCE FUND OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY, NOR IS IT AN OBLIGATION OF, OR GUARANTEED BY, A BANK.

 

No. 1    $500,000,000

Fifth Third Bancorp, a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of Ohio (herein called the “Company”, which term includes any successor Person under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to CEDE & CO., or registered assigns, the principal sum of Five Hundred Million United States Dollars ($500,000,000) on January 29, 2032 (the “Maturity Date”), and to pay interest thereon (a) from and including January 29, 2024 (the “Original Issue Date”) to, but excluding January 29, 2031 (the “Fixed Rate Period”) at the rate of 5.631% per annum, such interest to be payable semi-annually in arrears during the Fixed Rate Period on January 29 and July 29 of each year, with payment commencing on July 29, 2024 and ending on January 29, 2031 (each, a “Fixed Rate Interest Payment Date”), and (b) from, and including January 29, 2031 to, but excluding the Maturity Date (the “Floating Rate Period”), at a floating rate per annum equal to the Compounded SOFR (determined with respect to each quarterly interest period using the SOFR Index) plus 1.840%, such interest to be payable quarterly in arrears during the Floating Rate Period on April 29, 2031, July 29, 2031, October 29, 2031 and at the Maturity Date (each, a “Floating Rate Interest Payment Date” and, together with the Fixed Rate Interest Payment Dates, each, an “Interest Payment Date”), until the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment, and (in each case, to the extent that the payment of such interest specified in (a) or (b) shall be legally enforceable), at the same rate per annum on any overdue principal and premium and on any overdue installment of interest. Interest shall accrue from, and including, January 29, 2024 to, but excluding, the first Interest Payment Date and then from, and including, the immediately preceding Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for to, but excluding, the next Interest Payment Date or the Maturity Date, as the case may be. Interest payable during the Fixed Rate Period will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. Interest payable during the Floating Rate Period will be computed on the basis of the actual number of days in each interest period (or any other relevant period) and a 360-day year. The amount of accrued interest payable on this Security for each interest period during the Floating Rate Period will be computed by multiplying (x) the outstanding principal amount of this Security by (y) the product of (i) the interest rate for the relevant interest period multiplied by (ii) the quotient of the actual number of days in the applicable Observation Period relating to such interest period (or any other relevant period) divided by 360. The interest rate on this Security during the Floating Rate Period

 

-2-


will in no event be lower than zero. The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date, subject to certain exceptions, will, as provided in the Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the record date for such interest period, which shall be 15 days, whether or not a Business Day, immediately preceding such Interest Payment Date. Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such record date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on a record date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities of this series not less than 10 days prior to such record date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Securities may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in said Indenture.

If a Fixed Rate Interest Payment Date or the Maturity Date falls on a day that is not a Business Day, the Company will postpone the interest payment or the payment of principal and interest at maturity to the next succeeding Business Day, but the payments made on such dates will be treated as being made on the date that the payment was first due and the Holder will not be entitled to any further interest or other payments with respect to such postponements. If a Floating Rate Interest Payment Date falls on a day that is not a Business Day, the Company will postpone the interest payment to the next succeeding Business Day, except that, if the next succeeding Business Day falls in the next calendar month, then such interest payment will be advanced to the immediately preceding day that is a Business Day and, in each case, the related interest periods also will be adjusted for such non-Business Days. Payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on this Security will be made at the office or agency of the Company maintained for that purpose in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts; provided, however, that at the option of the Company payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register. The Company shall make, or cause the Paying Agent to make, all payments of principal and interest on Global Securities in immediately available funds to the Depositary or its nominee, in accordance with Applicable Procedures.

Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Security set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof by manual signature, this Security shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

 

-3-


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly executed.

 

Dated: January 29, 2024   FIFTH THIRD BANCORP
  By:  

 

    Bryan D. Preston
    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

Attest:    
By:  

 

  Name:   H. Samuel Lind
  Title:   Senior Vice President,
Associate General Counsel
and Assistant Secretary

[Signature Page to Note]

 

-4-


CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the Indenture referred to hereinafter.

 

Dated: January 29, 2024   WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY, as Trustee
  By:  

 

    Authorized Officer

[Signature Page to Note]

 

-5-


[Reverse of Security]

This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the Company (herein called the “Securities” or “Notes”), issued and to be issued in one or more series under an Indenture, dated as of April 30, 2008 and as amended by Article 4 of the Twelfth Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 25, 2022 (herein called the “Base Indenture”, which term shall have the meaning assigned to it in such instrument), between the Company and Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee (herein called the “Trustee”, which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture) as supplemented by a Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 29, 2024, between the Company and the Trustee (herein called the “Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture” and together with the Base Indenture, the “Indenture”), and reference is hereby made to the Indenture for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities and of the terms upon which the Securities are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. This Security is one of the series designated on the face hereof. The Company may, without notice to or the consent of any Holder, issue additional Securities having the same ranking, interest rate, maturity and other terms as the Securities of this series except for the issue date, the issue price and the initial Interest Payment Date; provided that if such additional Securities are not fungible with this Security for U.S. federal income tax purposes, such additional Securities will be issued with a separate CUSIP number. Any such additional Securities may be considered to be part of this series of Securities. The Company may, without notice to or the consent of any Holder, issue or incur Senior Indebtedness.

The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance at any time of the entire indebtedness of this Security or certain restrictive covenants and Events of Default or Covenant Breaches with respect to this Security, in each case upon compliance with certain conditions set forth in the Indenture.

If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of this series shall occur and be continuing, the principal of the Securities of this series may be declared due and payable (or will automatically become due and payable, without declaration or any other action on the part of the Trustee or any Holder) in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture.

The Securities are not convertible into, or exchangeable for, equity securities of the Company.

On and after July 27, 2024 (180 days after the Issue Date) (or, if additional Notes are issued, beginning 180 days after the issue date of such additional Notes) and prior to January 29, 2031 (one year prior to the Maturity Date), the Company may redeem the Notes at the Company’s option, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount and rounded to three decimal places) equal to the greater of:

(1) (a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon discounted to the redemption date (assuming the Notes to be redeemed matured on January 29, 2031) on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate (as such term is defined in the Indenture) plus 25 basis points, less (2) interest accrued to the redemption date; and

(2) 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed; plus, in either case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the redemption date.

 

-6-


The Securities will be redeemable at the Company’s option, in whole, but not in part, on January 29, 2031 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the Securities, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to but excluding, the redemption date.

On and after November 30, 2031, the Securities will be redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at the Company’s option at a redemption price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the Securities being redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date.

“Applicable Procedures” means, with respect to any transfer, transaction or other action involving a Global Security or any beneficial interest therein, the rules and procedures of the Depositary for such Security, in each case to the extent applicable to such transfer, transaction or other action as in effect from time to time.

“Benchmark” means, initially, Compounded SOFR; provided that if a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to Compounded SOFR (or the published SOFR Index used in the calculation thereof) or the then-current Benchmark, then “Benchmark” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement.

“Benchmark Replacement” means the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the Company or the Company’s designee as of the Benchmark Replacement Date; provided that if the Benchmark Replacement cannot be determined in accordance with clause (1) below as of the Benchmark Replacement Date and the Company or the Company’s designee shall have determined that the ISDA Fallback Rate determined in accordance with clause (2) below is not an industry-accepted rate of interest as a replacement for the then-current Benchmark for U.S. dollar-denominated floating rate notes at such time, then clause (2) below shall be disregarded, and the Benchmark Replacement shall be determined in accordance with clause (3) below:

(1) the sum of: (a) an alternate rate of interest that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body as the replacement for the then-current Benchmark and (b) the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment;

(2) the sum of: (a) the ISDA Fallback Rate and (b) the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment; or

(3) the sum of: (a) the alternate rate of interest that has been selected by the Company or the Company’s designee as the replacement for the then-current Benchmark giving due consideration to any industry-accepted rate of interest as a replacement for the then-current Benchmark for U.S. dollar denominated floating rate notes at such time and (b) the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.

“Benchmark Replacement Adjustment” means the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the Company or the Company’s designee as of the Benchmark Replacement Date:

(1) the spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero), or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body for the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement;

 

-7-


(2) if the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement is equivalent to the ISDA Fallback Rate, the ISDA Fallback Adjustment; or

(3) the spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that has been selected by the Company or the Company’s designee giving due consideration to any industry-accepted spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of the then-current Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for U.S. dollar denominated floating rate notes at such time.

“Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes” means, with respect to any Benchmark Replacement, any technical, administrative or operational changes (including changes to the definitions or interpretations of interest period, the timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest, the rounding of amounts or tenors, and other administrative matters) that the Company or the Company’s designee decides may be appropriate to reflect the adoption of such Benchmark Replacement in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if the Company or the Company’s designee decides that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or if the Company or the Company’s designee determines that no market practice for use of the Benchmark Replacement exists, in such other manner as the Company or the Company’s designee determines is reasonably practicable).

“Benchmark Replacement Date” means the earliest to occur of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark (including any daily published component used in the calculation thereof):

(1) in the case of clause (1) or (2) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the later of (a) the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein and (b) the date on which the administrator of the Benchmark permanently or indefinitely ceases to provide the Benchmark (or such component); or

(2) in the case of clause (3) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein.

For the avoidance of doubt, if the event giving rise to the Benchmark Replacement Date occurs on the same day as, but earlier than, the Reference Time in respect of any determination, the Benchmark Replacement Date will be deemed to have occurred prior to the Reference Time for such determination.

“Benchmark Transition Event” means the occurrence of one or more of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark (including the daily published component used in the calculation thereof):

(1) a public statement or publication of information by or on behalf of the administrator of the Benchmark (or such component) announcing that such administrator has ceased or will cease to provide the Benchmark (or such component), permanently or indefinitely; provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide the Benchmark (or such component);

 

-8-


(2) a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of the Benchmark (or such component), the central bank for the currency of the Benchmark (or such component), an insolvency official with jurisdiction over the administrator for the Benchmark (or such component), a resolution authority with jurisdiction over the administrator for the Benchmark (or such component) or a court or an entity with similar insolvency or resolution authority over the administrator for the Benchmark (or such component), which states that the administrator of the Benchmark (or such component) has ceased or will cease to provide the Benchmark (or such component) permanently or indefinitely; provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide the Benchmark (or such component); or

(3) a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of the Benchmark announcing that the Benchmark is no longer representative.

“Business Day” means any day that is not a Saturday or Sunday, and that is not a federal holiday or a day on which banking institutions or trust companies are authorized or obligated by law, regulation or executive order to close in the City of New York or in the city in which the Corporate Trust Office (as defined below) is located.

“Business Day Convention” means if any Interest Payment Date, redemption date or the maturity date of the Notes falls on a day which is not a Business Day, the related payment of principal of, or interest on, the Notes will be made on the next day which is a Business Day with the same force and effect as if made on the date such payment was due, and no interest shall accrue on the amount payable for the period from and after such Interest Payment Date, redemption date or maturity date, as the case may be.

“Calculation Agent” means the firm appointed by the Company prior to the commencement of the Floating Rate Period. The Company or an affiliate of the Company may assume the duties of the Calculation Agent.

“Compounded SOFR” means with respect to any interest period, “Compounded SOFR” will be determined by the Calculation Agent in accordance with the following formula (and the resulting percentage will be rounded, if necessary, to the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point):

where:  LOGO

“SOFR IndexStart” = For periods other than the initial interest period, the SOFR Index value on the preceding Interest Payment Determination Date, and, for the initial interest period, the SOFR Index value on the date that is two U.S. Government Securities Business Days before the first day of such initial interest period (such first day expected to be January 29, 2031);

 

-9-


“SOFR IndexEnd” = The SOFR Index value on the Interest Payment Determination Date relating to the applicable Interest Payment Date (or in the final interest period, relating to the maturity date, or, in the case of the redemption of the Notes, relating to the applicable redemption date); and

“d” is the number of days in the relevant Observation Period.

“Corporate Trust Office” for administration of the Indenture means the corporate trust office of the Trustee located at Rodney Square North, 1100 N. Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19890-0001, Attention: Fifth Third Bancorp Administrator, or such other office, designated by the Trustee by written notice to the Company, at which at any particular time its corporate trust business shall be administered.

“Interest Payment Determination Date” means the date two U.S. Government Securities Business Days before each Interest Payment Date (or, in the case of the redemption of the Notes, preceding the applicable redemption date).

“ISDA” means the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. or any successor thereto.

“ISDA Definitions” means the 2006 ISDA Definitions published by ISDA, or any successor thereto, as amended or supplemented from time to time, or any successor definitional booklet for interest rate derivatives published from time to time.

“ISDA Fallback Adjustment” means the spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that would apply for derivatives transactions referencing the ISDA Definitions to be determined upon the occurrence of an index cessation event with respect to the Benchmark for the applicable tenor.

“ISDA Fallback Rate” means the rate that would apply for derivatives transactions referencing the ISDA Definitions to be effective upon the occurrence of an index cessation date with respect to the Benchmark for the applicable tenor excluding the applicable ISDA Fallback Adjustment.

“Observation Period” means, in respect of each interest period, the period from, and including, the date two U.S. Government Securities Business Days preceding the first date in such interest period to, but excluding, the date two U.S. Government Securities Business Days preceding the Interest Payment Date for such interest period (or in the final interest period, preceding the maturity date or, in the case of the redemption of the Notes, preceding the applicable redemption date).

“Reference Time” with respect to any determination of the Benchmark means (1) if the Benchmark is Compounded SOFR, the SOFR Index Determination Time, as such time is defined above, and (2) if the Benchmark is not Compounded SOFR, the time determined by the Company or the Company’s designee in accordance with the Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes.

“Relevant Governmental Body” means the Federal Reserve Board and/or the FRBNY, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Federal Reserve Board and/or the FRBNY or any successor thereto.

 

-10-


“SOFR” means the daily secured overnight financing rate as provided by the SOFR Administrator on the SOFR Administrator’s Website.

“SOFR Administrator” means the FRBNY (or a successor administrator of SOFR).

“SOFR Administrator’s Website” means the website of the FRBNY, currently at http://www.newyorkfed.org, or any successor source. The information contained on such website is not part of this prospectus supplement and is not incorporated in this prospectus supplement by reference.

“SOFR Index” means, with respect to any U.S. Government Securities Business Day:

(1) the SOFR Index value as published by the SOFR Administrator as such index appears on the SOFR Administrator’s Website at 3:00 p.m. (New York time) on such U.S. Government Securities Business Day (the “SOFR Index Determination Time”); or:

(2) if a SOFR Index value does not so appear as specified in (1) above at the SOFR Index Determination Time, then: (i) if a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have not occurred with respect to SOFR, Compounded SOFR shall be the rate determined pursuant to the “SOFR Index Unavailable Provisions” set forth in the Indenture; or (ii) if a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to SOFR, Compounded SOFR shall be the rate determined pursuant to the “Effect of Benchmark Transition Event” provisions set forth in the Indenture.

“Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement” means the Benchmark Replacement excluding the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.

“U.S. Government Securities Business Day” means any day except for a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association or any successor organization recommends that the fixed income departments of its members be closed for the entire day for purposes of trading in U.S. government securities.

Installments of interest whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to the Redemption Date will be payable to the Holder of this Security, or one more Predecessor Securities, of record at the close of business on the relevant Record Date, all as provided in the Indenture.

Notice of redemption will be given by first class mail to Holders of Securities, or with respect to any Global Security, in accordance with the Applicable Procedures, not less than 10 nor more than 60 days prior to the redemption date, all as provided in the Twelfth Supplemental Indenture.

This Security may be redeemed in part only in minimum denominations of $2,000 or any integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. In the event of redemption of this Security in part only, a new Security or Securities for the unredeemed portion hereof shall be issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.

 

-11-


The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the Company and the rights of the Holders of the Securities of each series to be affected under the Indenture at any time by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding of each series to be affected. The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in principal amount of the Securities of each series at the time Outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all Securities of such series, to waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions of the Indenture and certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Security and of any Security issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Security. Notwithstanding the foregoing, without the consent of any Holder of Securities, the Company and the Trustee may amend or supplement the Indenture or the Securities to conform to the terms of the Indenture and the Securities to the description of the Securities in the prospectus supplement dated January 22, 2024 relating to the offering of the Securities.

As provided in and subject to the provisions of the Indenture, the Holder of this Security shall not have the right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee or for any other remedy thereunder, unless such Holder shall have previously given the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default or Covenant Breach with respect to the Securities of this series, the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Securities of this series at the time Outstanding shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default or Covenant Breach as Trustee and offered the Trustee reasonable indemnity, and the Trustee shall not have received from the Holders of a majority in principal amount of Securities of this series at the time Outstanding a direction inconsistent with such request, and shall have failed to institute any such proceeding, for 60 days after receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity. The foregoing shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Holder of this Security for the enforcement of any payment of principal hereof or any premium or interest hereon on or after the respective due dates expressed herein.

No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Security or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed.

As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Security is registrable in the Security Register, upon surrender of this Security for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Company in any place where the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security are payable, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar duly executed by, the Holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new Securities of this series and of like tenor, of authorized denominations and for the same aggregate principal amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.

The Securities of this series are issuable only in registered form without coupons in minimum denominations of $2,000 or any integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, Securities of this series are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of Securities of this series and of like tenor of a different authorized denomination, as requested by the Holder surrendering the same.

 

-12-


No service charge shall be made for any such registration of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.

Prior to due presentment of this Security for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Security is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Security be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

All terms used in this Security which are defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

 

-13-

Exhibit 4.2

CUSIP No. 316773DL1

ISIN: US316773DL15

THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF. THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR A SECURITY REGISTERED, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY IN WHOLE OR IN PART MAY BE REGISTERED, IN THE NAME OF ANY PERSON OTHER THAN SUCH DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF, EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE.

BY ITS ACQUISITION AND HOLDING OF THIS NOTE, THE HOLDER HEREOF (OR ANY INTEREST THEREIN) SHALL BE DEEMED TO HAVE REPRESENTED AND WARRANTED THAT (1) IT IS NOT, AND IS NOT ACTING ON BEHALF OF, AND NO PORTION OF THE ASSETS USED BY SUCH HOLDER TO ACQUIRE OR HOLD THIS NOTE CONSTITUTES THE ASSETS OF AN EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN THAT IS SUBJECT TO TITLE I OF THE U.S. EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED (“ERISA”), OF A PLAN, INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT OR OTHER ARRANGEMENT THAT IS SUBJECT TO SECTION 4975 OF THE U.S. INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED (THE “CODE”) (EACH A “PLAN”) OR PROVISIONS UNDER ANY OTHER FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, NON-U.S. OR OTHER LAWS OR REGULATIONS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO SECTION 406 OF ERISA OR SECTION 4975 OF THE CODE (“SIMILAR LAWS”), OR OF AN ENTITY WHOSE UNDERLYING ASSETS ARE CONSIDERED TO INCLUDE “PLAN ASSETS” OF ANY SUCH PLAN, ACCOUNT OR ARRANGEMENT (ALSO A “PLAN”), OR (2) THE ACQUISITION AND HOLDING OF THIS NOTE WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A NON-EXEMPT PROHIBITED TRANSACTION UNDER SECTION 406 OF ERISA OR SECTION 4975 OF THE CODE OR A SIMILAR VIOLATION UNDER ANY APPLICABLE SIMILAR LAWS.

ADDITIONALLY, BY ITS ACQUISITION OF THIS NOTE IN THE INITIAL OFFERING, A HOLDER HEREOF THAT IS A PLAN (THE “PLAN FIDUCIARY”) SHALL BE DEEMED TO HAVE REPRESENTED AND WARRANTED AT ALL TIMES NEITHER FIFTH THIRD BANCORP, THE UNDERWRITERS, NOR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES HAS PROVIDED OR WILL PROVIDE IMPARTIAL INVESTMENT ADVICE OR GIVE ADVICE IN A FIDUCIARY CAPACITY WITH RESPECT TO THE PURCHASER OR TRANSFEREE’S DECISION TO ACQUIRE, HOLD, SELL, EXCHANGE, VOTE OR PROVIDE ANY CONSENT WITH RESPECT TO THE NOTES BY THE ERISA PLAN’S FIDUCIARY (WITHIN THE MEANING OF ERISA OR THE CODE).

UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (“DTC”), TO FIFTH THIRD BANCORP OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE, OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE, OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.


FIFTH THIRD BANCORP

5.631% Fixed Rate/Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2032

THIS SECURITY IS NOT A DEPOSIT AND IS NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE DEPOSIT INSURANCE FUND OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY, NOR IS IT AN OBLIGATION OF, OR GUARANTEED BY, A BANK.

 

No. 1

   $ 500,000,000  

Fifth Third Bancorp, a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of Ohio (herein called the “Company”, which term includes any successor Person under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to CEDE & CO., or registered assigns, the principal sum of Five Hundred Million United States Dollars ($500,000,000) on January 29, 2032 (the “Maturity Date”), and to pay interest thereon (a) from and including January 29, 2024 (the “Original Issue Date”) to, but excluding January 29, 2031 (the “Fixed Rate Period”) at the rate of 5.631% per annum, such interest to be payable semi-annually in arrears during the Fixed Rate Period on January 29 and July 29 of each year, with payment commencing on July 29, 2024 and ending on January 29, 2031 (each, a “Fixed Rate Interest Payment Date”), and (b) from, and including January 29, 2031 to, but excluding the Maturity Date (the “Floating Rate Period”), at a floating rate per annum equal to the Compounded SOFR (determined with respect to each quarterly interest period using the SOFR Index) plus 1.840%, such interest to be payable quarterly in arrears during the Floating Rate Period on April 29, 2031, July 29, 2031, October 29, 2031 and at the Maturity Date (each, a “Floating Rate Interest Payment Date” and, together with the Fixed Rate Interest Payment Dates, each, an “Interest Payment Date”), until the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment, and (in each case, to the extent that the payment of such interest specified in (a) or (b) shall be legally enforceable), at the same rate per annum on any overdue principal and premium and on any overdue installment of interest. Interest shall accrue from, and including, January 29, 2024 to, but excluding, the first Interest Payment Date and then from, and including, the immediately preceding Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for to, but excluding, the next Interest Payment Date or the Maturity Date, as the case may be. Interest payable during the Fixed Rate Period will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. Interest payable during the Floating Rate Period will be computed on the basis of the actual number of days in each interest period (or any other relevant period) and a 360-day year. The amount of accrued interest payable on this Security for each interest period during the Floating Rate Period will be computed by multiplying (x) the outstanding principal amount of this Security by (y) the product of (i) the interest rate for the relevant interest period multiplied by (ii) the quotient of the actual number of days in the applicable Observation Period relating to such interest period (or any other relevant period) divided by 360. The interest rate on this Security during the Floating Rate Period will in no event be lower than zero. The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided

 

- 2 -


for, on any Interest Payment Date, subject to certain exceptions, will, as provided in the Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the record date for such interest period, which shall be 15 days, whether or not a Business Day, immediately preceding such Interest Payment Date. Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such record date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on a record date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities of this series not less than 10 days prior to such record date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Securities may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in said Indenture.

If a Fixed Rate Interest Payment Date or the Maturity Date falls on a day that is not a Business Day, the Company will postpone the interest payment or the payment of principal and interest at maturity to the next succeeding Business Day, but the payments made on such dates will be treated as being made on the date that the payment was first due and the Holder will not be entitled to any further interest or other payments with respect to such postponements. If a Floating Rate Interest Payment Date falls on a day that is not a Business Day, the Company will postpone the interest payment to the next succeeding Business Day, except that, if the next succeeding Business Day falls in the next calendar month, then such interest payment will be advanced to the immediately preceding day that is a Business Day and, in each case, the related interest periods also will be adjusted for such non-Business Days. Payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on this Security will be made at the office or agency of the Company maintained for that purpose in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts; provided, however, that at the option of the Company payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register. The Company shall make, or cause the Paying Agent to make, all payments of principal and interest on Global Securities in immediately available funds to the Depositary or its nominee, in accordance with Applicable Procedures.

Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Security set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof by manual signature, this Security shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

 

- 3 -


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly executed.

 

Dated: January 29, 2024

 

FIFTH THIRD BANCORP

 

By:

 

 

   

Bryan D. Preston

   

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

Attest:  
By:  

 

Name:   H. Samuel Lind
Title:   Senior Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary

[Signature Page to Note]

 

- 4 -


CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the Indenture referred to hereinafter.

 

Dated: January 29, 2024   WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY, as Trustee
  By:  

 

    Authorized Officer

[Signature Page to Note]

 

- 5 -


[Reverse of Security]

This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the Company (herein called the “Securities” or “Notes”), issued and to be issued in one or more series under an Indenture, dated as of April 30, 2008 and as amended by Article 4 of the Twelfth Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 25, 2022 (herein called the “Base Indenture”, which term shall have the meaning assigned to it in such instrument), between the Company and Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee (herein called the “Trustee”, which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture) as supplemented by a Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 29, 2024, between the Company and the Trustee (herein called the “Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture” and together with the Base Indenture, the “Indenture”), and reference is hereby made to the Indenture for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities and of the terms upon which the Securities are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. This Security is one of the series designated on the face hereof. The Company may, without notice to or the consent of any Holder, issue additional Securities having the same ranking, interest rate, maturity and other terms as the Securities of this series except for the issue date, the issue price and the initial Interest Payment Date; provided that if such additional Securities are not fungible with this Security for U.S. federal income tax purposes, such additional Securities will be issued with a separate CUSIP number. Any such additional Securities may be considered to be part of this series of Securities. The Company may, without notice to or the consent of any Holder, issue or incur Senior Indebtedness.

The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance at any time of the entire indebtedness of this Security or certain restrictive covenants and Events of Default or Covenant Breaches with respect to this Security, in each case upon compliance with certain conditions set forth in the Indenture.

If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of this series shall occur and be continuing, the principal of the Securities of this series may be declared due and payable (or will automatically become due and payable, without declaration or any other action on the part of the Trustee or any Holder) in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture.

The Securities are not convertible into, or exchangeable for, equity securities of the Company.

On and after July 27, 2024 (180 days after the Issue Date) (or, if additional Notes are issued, beginning 180 days after the issue date of such additional Notes) and prior to January 29, 2031 (one year prior to the Maturity Date), the Company may redeem the Notes at the Company’s option, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount and rounded to three decimal places) equal to the greater of:

(1) (a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon discounted to the redemption date (assuming the Notes to be redeemed matured on January 29, 2031) on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate (as such term is defined in the Indenture) plus 25 basis points, less (2) interest accrued to the redemption date; and

(2) 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed; plus, in either case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the redemption date.

 

- 6 -


The Securities will be redeemable at the Company’s option, in whole, but not in part, on January 29, 2031 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the Securities, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to but excluding, the redemption date.

On and after November 30, 2031, the Securities will be redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at the Company’s option at a redemption price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the Securities being redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date.

“Applicable Procedures” means, with respect to any transfer, transaction or other action involving a Global Security or any beneficial interest therein, the rules and procedures of the Depositary for such Security, in each case to the extent applicable to such transfer, transaction or other action as in effect from time to time.

“Benchmark” means, initially, Compounded SOFR; provided that if a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to Compounded SOFR (or the published SOFR Index used in the calculation thereof) or the then-current Benchmark, then “Benchmark” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement.

“Benchmark Replacement” means the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the Company or the Company’s designee as of the Benchmark Replacement Date; provided that if the Benchmark Replacement cannot be determined in accordance with clause (1) below as of the Benchmark Replacement Date and the Company or the Company’s designee shall have determined that the ISDA Fallback Rate determined in accordance with clause (2) below is not an industry-accepted rate of interest as a replacement for the then-current Benchmark for U.S. dollar-denominated floating rate notes at such time, then clause (2) below shall be disregarded, and the Benchmark Replacement shall be determined in accordance with clause (3) below:

(1) the sum of: (a) an alternate rate of interest that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body as the replacement for the then-current Benchmark and (b) the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment;

(2) the sum of: (a) the ISDA Fallback Rate and (b) the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment; or

(3) the sum of: (a) the alternate rate of interest that has been selected by the Company or the Company’s designee as the replacement for the then-current Benchmark giving due consideration to any industry-accepted rate of interest as a replacement for the then-current Benchmark for U.S. dollar denominated floating rate notes at such time and (b) the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.

“Benchmark Replacement Adjustment” means the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the Company or the Company’s designee as of the Benchmark Replacement Date:

(1) the spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero), or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body for the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement;

 

- 7 -


(2) if the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement is equivalent to the ISDA Fallback Rate, the ISDA Fallback Adjustment; or

(3) the spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that has been selected by the Company or the Company’s designee giving due consideration to any industry-accepted spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of the then-current Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for U.S. dollar denominated floating rate notes at such time.

“Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes” means, with respect to any Benchmark Replacement, any technical, administrative or operational changes (including changes to the definitions or interpretations of interest period, the timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest, the rounding of amounts or tenors, and other administrative matters) that the Company or the Company’s designee decides may be appropriate to reflect the adoption of such Benchmark Replacement in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if the Company or the Company’s designee decides that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or if the Company or the Company’s designee determines that no market practice for use of the Benchmark Replacement exists, in such other manner as the Company or the Company’s designee determines is reasonably practicable).

“Benchmark Replacement Date” means the earliest to occur of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark (including any daily published component used in the calculation thereof):

(1) in the case of clause (1) or (2) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the later of (a) the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein and (b) the date on which the administrator of the Benchmark permanently or indefinitely ceases to provide the Benchmark (or such component); or

(2) in the case of clause (3) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein.

For the avoidance of doubt, if the event giving rise to the Benchmark Replacement Date occurs on the same day as, but earlier than, the Reference Time in respect of any determination, the Benchmark Replacement Date will be deemed to have occurred prior to the Reference Time for such determination.

“Benchmark Transition Event” means the occurrence of one or more of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark (including the daily published component used in the calculation thereof):

(1) a public statement or publication of information by or on behalf of the administrator of the Benchmark (or such component) announcing that such administrator has ceased or will cease to provide the Benchmark (or such component), permanently or indefinitely; provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide the Benchmark (or such component);

 

- 8 -


(2) a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of the Benchmark (or such component), the central bank for the currency of the Benchmark (or such component), an insolvency official with jurisdiction over the administrator for the Benchmark (or such component), a resolution authority with jurisdiction over the administrator for the Benchmark (or such component) or a court or an entity with similar insolvency or resolution authority over the administrator for the Benchmark (or such component), which states that the administrator of the Benchmark (or such component) has ceased or will cease to provide the Benchmark (or such component) permanently or indefinitely; provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide the Benchmark (or such component); or

(3) a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of the Benchmark announcing that the Benchmark is no longer representative.

“Business Day” means any day that is not a Saturday or Sunday, and that is not a federal holiday or a day on which banking institutions or trust companies are authorized or obligated by law, regulation or executive order to close in the City of New York or in the city in which the Corporate Trust Office (as defined below) is located.

“Business Day Convention” means if any Interest Payment Date, redemption date or the maturity date of the Notes falls on a day which is not a Business Day, the related payment of principal of, or interest on, the Notes will be made on the next day which is a Business Day with the same force and effect as if made on the date such payment was due, and no interest shall accrue on the amount payable for the period from and after such Interest Payment Date, redemption date or maturity date, as the case may be.

“Calculation Agent” means the firm appointed by the Company prior to the commencement of the Floating Rate Period. The Company or an affiliate of the Company may assume the duties of the Calculation Agent.

“Compounded SOFR” means with respect to any interest period, “Compounded SOFR” will be determined by the Calculation Agent in accordance with the following formula (and the resulting percentage will be rounded, if necessary, to the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point):

where:  LOGO

“SOFR IndexStart” = For periods other than the initial interest period, the SOFR Index value on the preceding Interest Payment Determination Date, and, for the initial interest period, the SOFR Index value on the date that is two U.S. Government Securities Business Days before the first day of such initial interest period (such first day expected to be January 29, 2031);

 

- 9 -


“SOFR IndexEnd” = The SOFR Index value on the Interest Payment Determination Date relating to the applicable Interest Payment Date (or in the final interest period, relating to the maturity date, or, in the case of the redemption of the Notes, relating to the applicable redemption date); and

“d” is the number of days in the relevant Observation Period.

“Corporate Trust Office” for administration of the Indenture means the corporate trust office of the Trustee located at Rodney Square North, 1100 N. Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19890-0001, Attention: Fifth Third Bancorp Administrator, or such other office, designated by the Trustee by written notice to the Company, at which at any particular time its corporate trust business shall be administered.

“Interest Payment Determination Date” means the date two U.S. Government Securities Business Days before each Interest Payment Date (or, in the case of the redemption of the Notes, preceding the applicable redemption date).

“ISDA” means the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. or any successor thereto.

“ISDA Definitions” means the 2006 ISDA Definitions published by ISDA, or any successor thereto, as amended or supplemented from time to time, or any successor definitional booklet for interest rate derivatives published from time to time.

“ISDA Fallback Adjustment” means the spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that would apply for derivatives transactions referencing the ISDA Definitions to be determined upon the occurrence of an index cessation event with respect to the Benchmark for the applicable tenor.

“ISDA Fallback Rate” means the rate that would apply for derivatives transactions referencing the ISDA Definitions to be effective upon the occurrence of an index cessation date with respect to the Benchmark for the applicable tenor excluding the applicable ISDA Fallback Adjustment.

“Observation Period” means, in respect of each interest period, the period from, and including, the date two U.S. Government Securities Business Days preceding the first date in such interest period to, but excluding, the date two U.S. Government Securities Business Days preceding the Interest Payment Date for such interest period (or in the final interest period, preceding the maturity date or, in the case of the redemption of the Notes, preceding the applicable redemption date).

“Reference Time” with respect to any determination of the Benchmark means (1) if the Benchmark is Compounded SOFR, the SOFR Index Determination Time, as such time is defined above, and (2) if the Benchmark is not Compounded SOFR, the time determined by the Company or the Company’s designee in accordance with the Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes.

“Relevant Governmental Body” means the Federal Reserve Board and/or the FRBNY, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Federal Reserve Board and/or the FRBNY or any successor thereto.

 

- 10 -


“SOFR” means the daily secured overnight financing rate as provided by the SOFR Administrator on the SOFR Administrator’s Website.

“SOFR Administrator” means the FRBNY (or a successor administrator of SOFR).

“SOFR Administrator’s Website” means the website of the FRBNY, currently at http://www.newyorkfed.org, or any successor source. The information contained on such website is not part of this prospectus supplement and is not incorporated in this prospectus supplement by reference.

“SOFR Index” means, with respect to any U.S. Government Securities Business Day:

(1) the SOFR Index value as published by the SOFR Administrator as such index appears on the SOFR Administrator’s Website at 3:00 p.m. (New York time) on such U.S. Government Securities Business Day (the “SOFR Index Determination Time”); or:

(2) if a SOFR Index value does not so appear as specified in (1) above at the SOFR Index Determination Time, then: (i) if a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have not occurred with respect to SOFR, Compounded SOFR shall be the rate determined pursuant to the “SOFR Index Unavailable Provisions” set forth in the Indenture; or (ii) if a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to SOFR, Compounded SOFR shall be the rate determined pursuant to the “Effect of Benchmark Transition Event” provisions set forth in the Indenture.

“Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement” means the Benchmark Replacement excluding the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.

“U.S. Government Securities Business Day” means any day except for a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association or any successor organization recommends that the fixed income departments of its members be closed for the entire day for purposes of trading in U.S. government securities.

Installments of interest whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to the Redemption Date will be payable to the Holder of this Security, or one more Predecessor Securities, of record at the close of business on the relevant Record Date, all as provided in the Indenture.

Notice of redemption will be given by first class mail to Holders of Securities, or with respect to any Global Security, in accordance with the Applicable Procedures, not less than 10 nor more than 60 days prior to the redemption date, all as provided in the Twelfth Supplemental Indenture.

This Security may be redeemed in part only in minimum denominations of $2,000 or any integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. In the event of redemption of this Security in part only, a new Security or Securities for the unredeemed portion hereof shall be issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.

 

- 11 -


The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the Company and the rights of the Holders of the Securities of each series to be affected under the Indenture at any time by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding of each series to be affected. The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in principal amount of the Securities of each series at the time Outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all Securities of such series, to waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions of the Indenture and certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Security and of any Security issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Security. Notwithstanding the foregoing, without the consent of any Holder of Securities, the Company and the Trustee may amend or supplement the Indenture or the Securities to conform to the terms of the Indenture and the Securities to the description of the Securities in the prospectus supplement dated January 22, 2024 relating to the offering of the Securities.

As provided in and subject to the provisions of the Indenture, the Holder of this Security shall not have the right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee or for any other remedy thereunder, unless such Holder shall have previously given the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default or Covenant Breach with respect to the Securities of this series, the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Securities of this series at the time Outstanding shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default or Covenant Breach as Trustee and offered the Trustee reasonable indemnity, and the Trustee shall not have received from the Holders of a majority in principal amount of Securities of this series at the time Outstanding a direction inconsistent with such request, and shall have failed to institute any such proceeding, for 60 days after receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity. The foregoing shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Holder of this Security for the enforcement of any payment of principal hereof or any premium or interest hereon on or after the respective due dates expressed herein.

No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Security or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed.

As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Security is registrable in the Security Register, upon surrender of this Security for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Company in any place where the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security are payable, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar duly executed by, the Holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new Securities of this series and of like tenor, of authorized denominations and for the same aggregate principal amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.

The Securities of this series are issuable only in registered form without coupons in minimum denominations of $2,000 or any integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, Securities of this series are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of Securities of this series and of like tenor of a different authorized denomination, as requested by the Holder surrendering the same.

 

- 12 -


No service charge shall be made for any such registration of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.

Prior to due presentment of this Security for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Security is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Security be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

All terms used in this Security which are defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

 

- 13 -

LOGO

 

Bricker Graydon LLP

312 Walnut Street
Suite 1800

Cincinnati, OH 45202

513.621.6464 Office

www.brickergraydon.com

  

Richard G. Schmalzl

Partner

513.629.2828 Direct Phone

rschmalzl@brickergraydon.com

Exhibit 5.1

 

January 29, 2024
Fifth Third Bancorp

Fifth Third Center

38 Fountain Square Plaza

Cincinnati, Ohio 45263

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as counsel to Fifth Third Bancorp, an Ohio corporation (the “Corporation”), in connection with the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the “Registration Statement”) filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), and prospectus filed in connection with the registration of the Corporation’s 5.631% Fixed Rate/Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2032 in the aggregate principal amount of $1,000,000,000 (the “Senior Debt Securities”) being issued by the Corporation pursuant to the Indenture dated as of April 30, 2008, as amended by Article 4 of a Twelfth Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 25, 2022, between the Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee, as such Indenture has been supplemented by a Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 29, 2024 (together, the “Senior Debt Indenture”).

As counsel for the Corporation, we have examined such corporate records, certificates, documents and matters of law as we have deemed necessary or appropriate for the purposes of this opinion. In all such examinations, we have assumed the genuineness of signatures on original documents and the conformity to such original documents of all copies submitted to us as certified, conformed or photographic copies, and, as to statements of the officers of the Corporation and certificates of public officials, we have assumed the same to have been properly given and accurate.

Based upon such examination and the assumptions set forth herein, we are of the opinion that the Senior Debt Securities are valid and legally binding obligations of the Corporation, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles.

The foregoing opinion is limited to the federal laws of the United States, the laws of the State of Ohio and the laws of the State governing the Senior Debt Securities, and we are expressing no opinion as to the effect of the laws of any other jurisdiction. We express no opinion as to whether, or the extent to which, the laws of any particular jurisdiction apply to the subject matter of the agreements and documents referred to herein, including without limitation the enforceability of the governing law provisions contained in such agreements and documents.


Fifth Third Bancorp

January 29, 2024

Page 2

   LOGO

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the references to our firm under the heading “Validity of the Notes” in the Prospectus Supplement forming a part of the Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Act.

 

Very truly yours,
Bricker Graydon LLP
By:  

/s/ Richard G. Schmalzl

  Richard G. Schmalzl, Partner
v3.24.0.1
Document and Entity Information
Jan. 29, 2024
Document And Entity Information [Line Items]  
Entity Incorporation State Country Code OH
Amendment Flag false
Entity Central Index Key 0000035527
Document Type 8-K
Document Period End Date Jan. 29, 2024
Entity Registrant Name Fifth Third Bancorp
Entity File Number 001-33653
Entity Tax Identification Number 31-0854434
Entity Address, Address Line One Fifth Third Center
Entity Address, Address Line Two 38 Fountain Square Plaza
Entity Address, City or Town Cincinnati
Entity Address, State or Province OH
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 45263
City Area Code (800)
Local Phone Number 972-3030
Written Communications false
Soliciting Material false
Pre Commencement Tender Offer false
Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer false
Entity Emerging Growth Company false
Common Stock [Member]  
Document And Entity Information [Line Items]  
Security 12b Title Common Stock, Without Par Value
Trading Symbol FITB
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ
Depositary Shares Representing A 11000th Ownership Interest In A Share Of 6.625 Fixed To Floating Rate Not Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock Series I 2 [Member]  
Document And Entity Information [Line Items]  
Security 12b Title Depositary Shares Representing a 1/1000th Ownership Interest in a Share of 6.625% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock
Trading Symbol FITBI
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ
Depositary Shares Representing A 140th Ownership Interest In A Share Of 6.00 Not Cumulative Perpetual Class B Preferred Stock Series A [Member]  
Document And Entity Information [Line Items]  
Security 12b Title Depositary Shares Representing a 1/40th Ownership Interest in a Share of 6.00% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Class B Preferred Stock, Series A
Trading Symbol FITBP
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ
Depositary Shares Representing A 11000th Ownership Interest In A Share Of 4.95 Not Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock Series K [Member]  
Document And Entity Information [Line Items]  
Security 12b Title Depositary Shares Representing a 1/1000th Ownership Interest in a Share of 4.95% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series K
Trading Symbol FITBO
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ

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