Fifth Third’s Big Bet Is On

Fifth Third Bancorp has completed its merger with Comerica in Q1 2026, becoming a top 10 U.S. bank with $297 billion in assets. Despite Q1 earnings appearing weak at $128 million net income due to $567 million in merger-related costs, underlying metrics are strong with net interest income rising to $1.94 billion and net interest margin expanding 27 basis points. The bank expects $360 million in cost savings this year and $850 million run-rate savings by year-end. Wall Street is supportive with 17 of 21 analysts rating it a Buy, and the stock trades near $50 with a consensus price target of $57.19.